Business Intelligence vendor Yellowfin makes working with CSVs even easier with Yellowfin 7.1
Global Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics software vendor, Yellowfin, has made it even easier to use CSV files as a data source for reporting with the latest version of its BI platform, Yellowfin 7.1.
The entire process for loading CSV files into Yellowfin has been streamlined and improved – from the creation of a target database to data preview.
Yellowfin 7.1 was released in a series of launch Webinars. The recording can be accessed HERE >
“Seventy percent of 1,100 executives interviewed in a recent global survey by Accenture said that they still used spreadsheets to track and manage financial reporting on a daily basis,” said Yellowfin Chief Operations Officer, Justin Hewitt. “This continued pervasiveness of spreadsheets, even in enterprise reporting environments, means that we needed to make it as effortless as possible to integrate spreadsheet data into Yellowfin reports. Yellowfin 7.1 has simplified that process significantly.”
Loading CSV files: Revamped CSV import process
The new import user interface allows users to simply select a CSV file, drag it onto the canvas, instantly visualize all fields in the spreadsheet, and then load it straight into Yellowfin for reporting.
“Fewer steps deliver a more intuitive process and faster insights,” said Hewitt.
A revamped CSV import process also reduces upload errors.
“The load and append processes have been rewritten to minimize errors, and assist users if inaccuracies do arise, minimizing frustration and creating a better user experience,” said Hewitt.
Each column within a spreadsheet is clearly denoted with an icon and label to help users quickly identify measures and dimensions. Calculations, column formatting and date parsing also make CSV data more flexible to use.
“Users can now simply, quickly and easily define preferred formats or calculations when loading a spreadsheet into Yellowfin,” said Hewitt.
CSV data preview
The new data preview process in Yellowfin 7.1 makes it quick and easy to understand CSV-based datasets and manipulate them appropriately.
“Users can effortlessly add Calculated Fields, format columns and create drill hierarchies on-the-fly,” said Hewitt.
Fields can be added or formatted with ease, from building custom formulas to date, text or geography conversion in a single step. Users can also easily create formulas, add in formula templates and create Derived Fields.
“Best of all, you can use date parsing to convert either text-based dates or timestamps into Yellowfin readable Date Fields,” said Hewitt.
Advanced help features
Advanced help features assist users through each step of the content creation and formatting process. Column color-coding also reminds users of any formatting options that have been applied.
“For example, a Derived Field will be color-coded with an orange bar,” said Hewitt. “It all adds up to a significant improvement in usability for CSV files.”
About Yellowfin
Yellowfin is a global Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics software vendor passionate about making BI easy. Founded in 2003 in response to the complexity and costs associated with implementing and using traditional BI tools, Yellowfin is a highly intuitive 100 percent Web-based reporting and analytics solution. Yellowfin is a leader in mobile, collaborative and embeddable BI as well as Location Intelligence and data visualization. For more information, visit www.yellowfinbi.com
For further media information, interviews, images or product demonstration, please contact:
Lachlan James, Communications Manager on +61 (0)3 8617 4954, +61 (0)431 835 658 or lachlan.james@yellowfin.bi
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