1. Input Tables
Welcome back. In this video, we'll learn how Sigma workbook elements called Input Tables can be used to combine ad hoc user input with our existing data elements.
2. Oakmark Bank headcount
Oakmark leadership wants to understand current headcount of call center employees, but not all new hires have been added to the cloud data warehouse.
Thanks to the functionality of Sigma Input Tables, we don't have to wait to provide this analysis.
3. Input Tables
Input Tables let you add or edit data directly inside your Sigma workbook while still being connected to your warehouse. They act like editable spreadsheets that live inside your workflow that can be referenced in formulas, visuals, and even blended with live data sources.
4. Types of Input Tables
There are three types of input tables you can create: Empty, csv uploads or Linked.
Use empty input tables when you want to start from scratch - perfect for ad hoc data collection.
5. Types of Input Tables
CSV uploads are useful when you already have data in a file format that isn't yet in your cloud data warehouse. They basically act like copy and pasting the CSV data into a blank input table.
6. Types of Input Tables
Linked input tables borrow columns from existing datasets, for building from an existing table and keep the original row count structure in place.
7. Combining with existing elements
Once the data is in Sigma, you can connect it to other elements in your workbook like joining it with warehouse tables, unioning rows, or referencing it in formulas.
But in this lesson, we'll keep things simple and focus on the fundamentals: creating an Input Table, adding columns, and entering data manually.
8. Adding a new agent hire
Oakmark has just hired a new call center agent. It's time to report to leadership what our agent headcount is by team, and we need to reflect all hires as of today's date.
Our new hire is not yet listed in our input table, so the bar chart of headcount by team is not accurate; let's add the new hire to the input table.
Our original Agents and our new hire are now all present in the Agents table, and our bar chart has also updated.
You can see why Input tables in Sigma are so powerful - they allow you to quickly add data on the fly to keep your workbooks fresh and up to date.
9. Let's practice!
In the next exercise, you'll practice configuring columns in an empty Input Table.