Datasets

💡 Datasets is not available in versions 14.3 and earlier, and will be made available as an add-on with Board Foresight in 14.4.

A Dataset is an Object used to enhance self-service capabilities and improve the user experience across the Board ecosystem. Designed for business-centric and purpose-specific data access, Datasets enable developers to define a semantic layer that allows users to interact with data without needing to construct and understand the underlying Data Model.

This articles covers:

• About Datasets

• The Dataset Catalog

• How to Create a Dataset

  • Using the Dataset Catalog

  • From an Existing Layout

• Using Datasets in Board

About Datasets

The Dataset Object enables the developer to create a semantic layer of data on top of the Layout Editor. The purpose of a Dataset is to enable the sharing of specific data with other Board Functionalities.

Datasets allow developers to:

• Create structured, purpose-built queries

• Empower business users with self-service data exploration

• Reuse existing screen layouts as datasets

Currently, Datasets are bound to the Board engine and rely on internal queries.

Before creating a Dataset, ensure a Data Model with Cubes, Entities, and Data Readers exists.

The Dataset Catalog

In the Data Model area, a tile is available to manage Datasets.

Once inside the Datasets tile, a Data Catalog for the Data Model will be visible. From this panel you can:

1. create a new dataset

2. select and edit or delete an existing dataset

3. search or filter the list of available datasets

4. choose the columns that are displayed in the catalog list

Dataset Properties

Each Dataset includes the following metadata:

• Name: Shown in Foresight.

• Type: Based on the Layout type (Data View or Flex Grid).

• Description: Developer-defined explanation of the dataset.

• Data Model: Identifies the associated Data Model.

• Created By: Developer’s username in Board.

• Creation Date / Last Update: Timestamps.

How to Create a Dataset

There are two ways to create Datasets in Board:

• Using the Dataset Catalog – via a dedicated Datasets tile on the Data Model area.

• From an Existing Layout – using the "Save as Dataset" option in the Layout Editor (available in every Screen in Design Mode).

Only users with a Developer license can create datasets.

Create a Dataset Using the Dataset Catalog

To create a Dataset, follow these steps:

1. Access the Dataset catalog.

2. Click on the plus icon situated on top of the Dataset Catalog.
   

3. Define all the Dataset properties on the "New Dataset" pane.
   

   Configure the Dataset Data by clicking on "CONFIGURE DATASET DATA". A Layout Editor-like popup window will display and can be configured like you would on the Layout Editor.

4. Finally, choose which security profiles can access the Dataset being created on the "Data Model Security profiles associated with this Dataset" field.

5. Click "SAVE".

Once created the Dataset can be edited or deleted from the Catalog window.

Creating a Dataset from an existing Layout

In some cases, it might be useful to save an already existing Layout that is being used by a Screen Object, such as a Data View or a Flex Grid, as a Dataset.

To create a Dataset from an existing Layout:

1. Open the Screen in Design Mode.

2. Select the Object which uses the Layout you wish to save as a Dataset.

3. Open the Layout Editor of that Object.
   

4. Select the option "SAVE AS A DATASET" at the bottom left-hand corner of the Layout Editor.

   This will take you to the Dataset Catalog.

5. Configure your new Dataset.

Using Datasets in Board

Datasets are not visible in Capsules or Screen Objects. All interactions that make use of the Dataset Object happen through other functionalities in Board.

Board Foresight

The purpose of a Dataset in Board Foresight is to enable the sharing of specific data with Foresight to enable the user to create a forecast which will then be returned to Board, automatically stored in a Cube and made available for the Developer to add to Screens.

• Enables secure, structured data sharing with Foresight.

• Forecasts are generated in Foresight, returned to Board, and stored in Cubes.

• Data Models are abstracted from the API interface.