Unlocking the Power of Dashboards: How to Build a Reliable Datasource

A strong dashboard starts with a well-structured datasource. Without a reliable foundation, insights can be misleading, performance can lag, and decision-making can suffer.

In this Analytics Advantage animated newsletter, Shaun Davis walks through the essential steps to building a robust, reusable datasource that enhances efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

Let’s break down some of the key takeaways.

Why Datasource Design Matters

Human vs. Machine-Friendly Data – Humans prefer wide formats for readability, but systems work better with tall structures optimized for speed and performance.
The Right Structure Saves Time – Choosing an efficient data format upfront prevents unnecessary rework and improves long-term usability.

Choosing the Right Datasource

File-Based (e.g., spreadsheets) – Quick snapshots, but they require frequent updates.
Databases – Deliver dynamic, high-performance data for better accuracy.
APIs – Enable real-time data streaming, ideal for live dashboards.

Data Modeling for Performance

All-in-One Tables – Simple, but struggle with large datasets.
Multiple Tables with Relationships – More efficient, scalable, and structured, using unique identifiers like salesperson IDs or transaction codes.

Collaboration & Validation

Work with Data Experts – Ensure smooth database connections and proper security.
Validate Your Data – Compare against benchmarks to maintain accuracy.
Granularity Matters – Align different datasources to the same level (e.g., daily sales vs. quarterly quotas) for accurate insights.

Enhancing Your Data for Better Insights

80% of the work is in data preparation, not analysis.

Refine and Enrich – Add calculations, group values, and structure fields to support key business decisions.
Continuous Improvement – Share enhancements with your team to improve efficiency across the organization.

Watch the full video to learn more about these strategies and start optimizing your datasources!

Shaun Davis, your personal data therapist, understands your unique challenges and helps you navigate through the data maze. With keen insight, he discerns the signal from the noise, tenaciously finding the right solutions to guide you through the ever-growing data landscape. Shaun has partnered for 10 years with top data teams to turn their data into profitable and efficiency hunting action. Learn more about Shaun.