Addressing the points below before you start
1. Identify
Have you considered some of the points raised below? Spending a few minutes checking off these tips may save time later on.
Identify your data source
What data do you need and where does it live?
What are Identify your data sources
, i.e., where does your data live? Also consider whether you will be using a database template or starting from scratch with your database design. Before you start, check that your source and check the quality of the data. You'll get better results if your source data is as 'clean' as possible.
2. Think Think about the users
The design of your database affects how your team
is able to can use Phocas. To ensure your database is user-friendly, we recommend you take into account the needs and skills of your users, the required data structure, naming conventions and who you want to
allow 3. Keep Keep it simple
If you're a beginner at designing databases, make your first one simple. Once you have your first successful build, then add more databases.
Phocas offers several simple database templates Depending on your Phocas environment, you may have access to one or more simple database desgins to help get you started.
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Database basics- Streams
A stream is a data series from a database, e.g., 'Sales' or
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, if you want to start from scratch- 'Budget' in a Sales database. In Phocas, users can view a single data stream or compare streams. Change the stream.
- Dimensions
These data sets are the key analysis points in Phocas. They give structure to your data and form the basis of all slicing and dicing. Dimensions appear as buttons down the left of the screen in Phocas. In a sales database, you'll always see 'customer' and 'product' dimensions. Dimensions are often grouped, e.g., underneath 'Product' you might have product or item class, sub class, supplier or vendor. Filter data (use dimensions). - Properties
Additional information about dimensions, e.g., customer address. Change the properties. - Measures
Data values, typically numeric, relating to dimensions, displayed as columns in Phocas. Change the measures. - Date
The moment at which the activity (e.g., a sale, order, etc) occurred. These form the basis of time periods in Phocas. You can choose what period types to make available to users. Typical period types are weeks, months and days. Change the period (in Analytics).
To learn more about how databases are commonly set up, see our information about /wiki/spaces/userdoc/pages/590217 |