1. Creating a workbook
Before we start, remember we are using a sandbox Sigma environment, meaning each lesson will start in an existing workbook that's ready to be edited. You will not need to create a new workbook at any point in this course. To learn more about creating workbooks in Sigma, please see the attached documentation.
Now, let's start working with Oakmark's data and populate this workbook with our first data element.
We'll first tell Sigma where to get our data. In the add an element bar, click Data, then choose Table since we're using a table as the basis of our analysis.
From this Select source window, we can tell Sigma to connect to cloud data warehouses, CSVs, or even curated data models shared by other Sigma users.
The data we need is in our cloud warehouse, so navigate to the Tables and Datasets tab, select Connections, which lists all our warehouse connections, and select Sigma Sample Database.
We are looking for Oakmark Bank's Call Logs, so click the arrow to expand the warehouse connection until you see the Call Logs. Click on the name Call Logs to add this table to our workbook.
This data element table shows a history of calls received at the call center and will help us understand overall call volumes.
Now that we have a table, or data element, on our workbook page, let's understand how to explore it and change its appearance.
First, in the bottom left corner, Sigma tells us how many rows we have in our data. We can use all million-plus rows of data even though we don't see all the records on the screen right now. We can resize and move the element by clicking and dragging to view more records on our screen, but again, any analysis we do will apply to all of the data in our element.
Clicking on a table brings up its Properties menu. We can see the name of the data source we're connected to and select which columns to include with the Show source column button.
By right-clicking or clicking the downward-facing arrow on a column, we can change and interact with this column's data. For example, we can click Column Details to see a profile of the data contained in the column.
We can also rename the column, sort the column's data, create a filter, or change how the data is displayed, like formatting a date column as a long date. Note how we can also do these actions from our table element.
As you alter your workbook, the Undo and Redo buttons are at the top of the page. Maybe we've changed our mind about displaying the call date as a long date; clicking the Undo button reverts back to the original state.
When undoing actions, be careful to use these buttons instead of your browser's Back button.
Now it's your turn to jump into Sigma and start working with Oakmark Bank's data.
Remember, in the upcoming exercise, you'll begin with a blank workbook already created and ready to go. Follow the instructions for adding and customizing the appearance of a data table.
2. Let's practice!