Import QVD to BDE Automatically
Importing QlikView QVD files into legacy BDE systems can be a challenge - especially without native support. With Advanced ETL Processor, you can automate QVD-to-BDE data transfers without writing a single line of SQL or Delphi code.
What Is a QVD File?
A QVD (QlikView Data) file is a structured, compressed file used by QlikView and Qlik Sense for storing high-volume data efficiently. These files are not compatible with BDE natively, making an ETL solution essential for integration.
What Is BDE?
The Borland Database Engine (BDE) is a legacy database connectivity framework used by Delphi and C++Builder applications. It supports dBASE, Paradox, and SQL-based backends through aliases and configuration files.
Why Import QVD into BDE?
- Make QlikView data accessible in legacy Delphi or C++Builder applications
- Integrate modern analytics data into BDE-based systems
- Automate QVD imports into Paradox or dBASE databases via BDE
How to Import QVD to BDE - Step-by-Step
1. Launch Advanced ETL Processor
Start the Enterprise Edition of Advanced ETL Processor. Go to Tools > Connections and configure both your QVD and BDE connections (select BDE aliases or drivers as needed).
2. Create a New Transformation
Right-click a transformation group and select New to begin a new dataflow design.
3. Update Reader Properties
- Drag the QVD Reader onto the canvas
- Double-click to open the Properties dialog
- Select the correct QVD connection
- Choose the QVD file you want to import
4. Update Writer Properties
- Drag the BDE Writer onto the canvas
- Double-click to open the Properties dialog
- Select the correct BDE alias or physical database path
- Select the destination table for the data
5. Map and Transform Data
Use the AutoMap feature or connect fields manually between the QVD Reader and BDE Writer. You can apply transformations like type conversion, formatting, or calculated fields.
6. Run the Import
Click Execute to transfer data from the QVD file to your BDE-based database. You can save the transformation for reuse or automation.
7. Automate and Monitor
- Use the built-in scheduler to automate imports
- Trigger jobs based on file availability or system events
- Enable logging, error alerts, and rollback on failure
Where this import fits
Import QVD to BDE is useful when QVD data needs to feed BDE, reporting databases, operational systems, migration jobs, or downstream ETL workflows. Use it when the same import needs validation, mapping, transformations, scheduling, and logs instead of another manual load.
Do not automate the import until the source layout, target table, key fields, write mode, and failure behaviour are agreed. Automation repeats rules; it does not rescue unclear ones.
Useful links for this import
Start with the Advanced ETL Processor Enterprise overview, then download the fully functional 30-day trial. The import-data hub lists the other QVD import workflows.
Business usage examples
Qlik reporting archive
Load QVD extracts into BDE so reporting teams can query historical Qlik data outside the dashboard layer.
BI migration staging
Move QVD data into BDE staging tables before validation, reconciliation, and warehouse loading.
Scheduled analytics feed
Import recurring QVD files into BDE with logs and rejected-row handling instead of manual export steps.
Video Tutorial
FAQ
Can Advanced ETL Processor import QVD to BDE?
Yes. Advanced ETL Processor can read QVD, map fields, validate data, write to BDE, and log the import.
Do I need to write scripts for the import?
No scripting is required for the normal import workflow. You can configure the reader, writer, mapping, validation, and schedule visually.
Can the QVD import run on a schedule?
Yes. The package can run on a schedule, process matching QVD files, archive originals, and write rows to BDE with the same validation rules each time.
Can imported data be transformed before loading?
Yes. You can clean values, convert data types, calculate fields, split columns, and apply lookup rules before writing to the target.
Can bad rows be logged or rejected?
Yes. Add validation rules so rejected rows, failed files, row counts, and error details are visible after each run.
What should I check before the first production import?
Check source layout, target table, key fields, data types, date formats, write mode, archive folder, and failure handling.
When should I not automate the import yet?
Do not automate it until the source layout, target table, key fields, and bad-row handling are clear. Automation repeats rules; it does not invent them.
Can I test the import before buying?
Yes. Download the fully functional 30-day trial, build one small import, and test it with a deliberately awkward sample file.
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