Our clients told us they want to dynamically filter their data across charts and tables, and edit content from within a dashboard. We responded with the Smarter Dashboard for Smartsheet.

How Does It Work?

The Smarter Dashboard allows you to view any element of your Smartsheet data in concise, graphical format.

No more scrolling through lines of numbers. With Smarter Dashboard you can easily locate the subset of data you are looking for out of thousands.

It also offers customisable logos, colours and layout types, filtered from an admin sheet. We can do this for you as part of the set-up* but you will also have permissions to make your own changes. For added security, we can also offer multi factor authentication log in to your Smarter Dashboards account.

How is it different from standard Smartsheet Dashboard?

The Smarter Dashboard lets you streamline your data analysis. Use one dynamic dashboard where you might otherwise use twenty. Use a small number of charts per dashboard where you may otherwise have needed dozens. Filter the data based on any parameters. Navigate to any data subset by clicking on the relevant graph or chart. Edit your raw data from within your dashboard.

As well as the standard pie and bar charts, it can also offer multi axis line charts, scatter charts, bubble charts, polar area and combinations among others!

• If you need to analyse your data quickly and easily
• If you need handy, management-ready visual snapshots
• If you need to hone in on your data quickly from one clear source

Then the Smarter Dashboard is for you. Paid for by annual subscription.

Contact us now to discuss how we can meet your needs with this exciting new product.

*Set up cost may vary depending on your requirements.

The post Smarter Dashboards appeared first on SmarterBusinessProcesses.

(By cold data, we mean data that is held offline, ie not in the cloud. Cold storage is generally recommended for data that needs to be stored long term, or sensitive data that needs to be kept offline for security purposes)

The statistics on Big Data are staggering. According to a recent report by Domo, 90% of all data today was created in the last two years. The number of internet users has grown by a billion in the last five years. As digital storage continues to become cheaper and faster, the volume of data in the world is set to continue to rise.

If you or your organisation are relying more and more on data analysis to inform your strategy and enhance performance, now is the time to start thinking about strategies for efficient data management.

Effective data management is important for a number of reasons. Automating your data management can be extremely cost effective, and save time by streamlining your processes and reducing manual labour.

Aside from the financial benefits, proficient data management also helps businesses easily access and analyze their figures to gain valuable insights, which leads to better decisions and improved customer satisfaction.

Companies are recognising the benefits of having a data driven approach their business model. Recent studies show that data driven companies are out performing their competitors by as much as 22%.

Good data management also means improved security. Managing your data effectively can ensure you keep your sensitive information secure and confidential, and improve your protection against data breaches and security threats.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, robust data management can help towards sustainable business. According to Carbon Accounting Platform Greenly, data storage centres are responsible for 2% of global carbon emissions, when you factor in all devices that use data storage. Data storage now accounts for more carbon emissions than the airline industry, and a single data center uses the same amount of electricity that can power up to 50,000 homes.

Here’s our five tips for getting efficient with your data management;- 

1. Find the right storage solution

There are two main types of data storage;-

Direct Attached Storage (DAS) This is storage that is attached directly to a specific computer. This can either be the storage space on a PC hard drive, or it can be a removable portable storage medium, such as an external hard drive, CD or DVD, USB drive, or flash drive.

Network Attached Storage (NAS) Data stored via a central, file server, which allows multiple users to store and share files over a network via Wifi.

Within these two categories there are a range of data storage options, such as cloud storage, hybrid cloud storage, disc drives, SSD and flash storage. Whichever option you choose for your data management depends on several factors, such as your budget, scalability, ease of access. No matter which solution you use, the two golden rules of storage apply.

• Where possible, only store what you need to keep.
• Store crucial data in more than one secure location.

2. Understand your data

As already mentioned, your data management should be appropriate for the amount and type of data you need to store, as well as how often you need to access it. According to a recent article in Forbes, the over retention of data is a growing concern among businesses. Retaining unnecessary data for long periods can cause security risks and compliance issues.

Keeping track of key metrics such as the type of data in storage, it’s age, how often it is being accessed, can help you keep a handle on what you are hoarding and help you assess whether you really need it.

3. Archive and back up

While this may not always seem like a priority, having a comprehensive archiving plan can help you stay ahead of the game. It can also keep you covered in terms of legal and GDPR compliance.

Consider automating your archiving process, to ensure out of date files are reviewed and archived on a regular basis. For backing up your data, we recommend our Backup Manager solution, which allows you to schedule back ups of your Smartsheet assets, retaining all links and formulae. Backup Manager auto replaces the data you are backing up, and may not always be suitable for archiving; for more complex archiving in Smartsheet, we can create you an API solution that will back up and store your data in a separate sheet or sheets and keep it secure.

4. Data cleaning

Data cleaning is the process of fixing incorrect, incomplete or duplicate data. Identifying data errors and then changing, updating or removing them is an important part of effective data management. We find our Smarter Search and Replace tool for Smartsheet users is invaluable for this kind of operation. Smarter Search and Replace allows you to automatically amend errors and submit updates across multiple sheets. Accurate, well organised data is easier to manage and store and gives you a clearer, more complete picture of your business. 

5. Have a robust data retention policy

A data retention policy is a business’ established protocol for maintaining information. Your business may have regulations is it required to follow, for example when dealing with sensitive or financial data, or you may be able to set your own protocol depending on your requirements.

Typically, a data retention policy will define:

• What data your business needs to retain
• How long you need to store it for
• The most appropriate storage format
• Whether it should eventually be archived or deleted
• Who has the authority to dispose of it
• What procedure to follow in the event of a policy violation

This makes it easier when reviewing what to delete and what to keep. Is your data being held in accordance with GDPR? Do your shareholders, investors or clients have their own data strategies you should adhere to? By ensuring you follow any necessary retention requirements, you can always be clear on your legal rights when it comes to ownership.

In Summary

Data management continues to be a hot topic as the volume of data in circulation continues to increase. With cyber attacks on the increase and changes in laws and regulation there has never been a better time for your business to get to grips with it’s data security and retention.

For further reading on how we can help keep your sensitive financial data secure, read about our Smarter Accounts Solutions.

You can watch a demo video of our Smarter Backup Manager Tool below.

Or if you’re looking to review your data strategies and you’re unsure where to start, drop us a line today. We’re here to get you through it!

The post 5 Tips for Efficient Data Management appeared first on SmarterBusinessProcesses.