Importing a stream (SPSS Modeler)

Importing an SPSS Modeler stream

Last updated: Feb 12, 2025

You can import a stream (.str) that was created in SPSS Modeler Subscription or SPSS Modeler client.

Important: If you import a flow from IBM Cloud Pak for Data software, some nodes might not be supported or work as expected.

From your project's Assets tab, click New asset > Build models as a visual flow.
Select Local file, select the .str file you want to import, and click Create.

If the imported stream contains one or more source (import) or export nodes, you'll be prompted to convert the nodes. Watsonx.ai will walk you through the migration process.

Watch the following video for an example of this easy process:

This video provides a visual method to learn the concepts and tasks in this documentation.

Video disclaimer: Some minor steps and graphical elements in this video might differ from your platform.

https://www.ustream.tv/embed/recorded/127732173

If the stream contains multiple import nodes that use the same data file, then you must first add that file to your project as a data asset before migrating because the conversion can't upload the same file to more than one import node. After adding the data asset to your project, reopen the flow and proceed with the migration using the new data asset. Nodes with the same name will be automatically mapped to project assets.

Configure export nodes to export to your project or to a connection. The following export nodes are supported:

Table 1. Export nodes that can be migrated
Supported SPSS Modeler export nodes
Analytic Server
Database
Flat File
Statistics Export
Data Collection
Excel
IBM Cognos Analytics Export
TM1 Export
SAS
XML Export

Notes: Keep the following information in mind when migrating nodes.

When migrating export nodes, you're converting node types that don't exist in watsonx.ai. The nodes are converted to Data Asset export nodes or a connection. Due to a current limitation for automatically migrating nodes, only existing project assets or connections can be selected as export targets. These assets will be overwritten during export when the flow runs.
To preserve any type or filter information, when an import node is replaced with Data Asset nodes, they're converted to a SuperNode.
After migration, you can go back later and use the Convert button if you want to migrate a node that you skipped previously.
If the stream you imported uses scripting, you may encounter an error when you run the flow even after completing a migration. This could be due to the flow script containing a reference to an unsupported import or export node. To avoid such errors, you must remove the scripting code that references the unsupported node.
If the stream you're importing contains unsupported data file types, you need to convert them to a supported type (CSV, Excel, or SPSS Statistics .sav).
In some cases, some settings from your original stream may not be restored during migration. For example, if the field delimiter in your original stream was tabs, it may be changed to commas after migration. Compare the new migrated flow to your original stream and making adjustments as needed.
If you need to migrate an SQL query when importing a stream, check that the node name in SPSS Modeler Subscription or SPSS Modeler client matches the connection name in watsonx.ai. For example, if the node name in SPSS Modeler client is DB2INST1@DB2, make sure you have a connection in your project with the same name.