How to explore, build pivot tables, and build scenario modeling
Sigma provides an instantly familiar, spreadsheet-like interface combined with enhanced functionality to let users explore data, unconstrained by the scale of their data warehouse or limitations of legacy BI tools.
What kind of spreadsheet features are provided “out of the box”?
Sigma provides all the common features of a spreadsheet and so much more. For example, users can create groups, run aggregates like sum and count, as well as add calculated columns and pivot table data with ease. Going from a flat view of data to a feature-rich pivot table takes just minutes of experience and isn’t limited like Google Sheets or Excel on the number of rows.
How do I start to explore my data?
Click the “Create New” button and create a new Workbook, Dataset, Write SQL — Yes, we also support developers who like to work in SQL — or upload a CSV file from your computer.
Once you have selected your data, you are off to the races.
How hard is it to group data?
It’s not hard, it’s incredibly easy.
In the example below, the user just drags the column name to be grouped to the Grouping section, and the table is immediately grouped, as shown below in the output to the right.
Also notice that even our sample data is large. This table is a mere 4.5+ million rows.
The user can also just click the column itself and select the group option. Sigma lets you choose the workflow that you are most comfortable with.
Learn more about Grouping Tables.
How hard is it to pivot my data?
Pivoting data in Sigma is very straightforward. In example below, the user only had to select their data, drag the Store Region and Product Type and Date columns to the grouping. Sigma did the rest, creating the pivot table shown::
Can I add user-selectable controls to drive scenarios?
Yes, there are three features that customers use to create interactivity and allow for scenario modeling:
1: Filters:
In Sigma, filters allow you to limit your data to show only that which meets certain criteria. Filters are created directly from a single element, typically by a Data Analyst who is preparing data for use. Filters can be converted directly to a Control with a single click. For example, limiting the Store Region to South using a filter:
2: Controls:
Control elements are built and used to manipulate displayed data by end users. For example, a drop-list of possible values that change a dashboard is called a Control:
Adding controls is simple and you can add as many as you like to a Workbook Page.
3: Input Tables:
An Input Table is a data element that accepts manual data input (from the user) at the cell level. Input Tables can be used for basic data entry, integrating data outside your warehouse into your Sigma analysis, allowing you to perform what-if type analysis. Data added to an Input Table can be used to drive changes across other Workbook Elements.
For example, a sales manager may want to reassign Alabama from the South to the Southwest territory. Input Tables allow them to make that change (without changing the source data,) and then see the effect on the Sales by Territory chart.
Learn more about Input Tables.
Can I see where my data is coming from visually?
Yes you can. This is typically used by Data Analysts who want to ensure they understand the data flow being used and what content it is driving. Click on any Element and select “View Lineage”. Sigma will show you the source of data, what is joined to it, and the output in a visual diagram. In the simple example below, the data is coming from a single source into a reusable Sigma Dataset and then being consumed by various dashboard tables, charts, and KPIs:
