Understanding Data Sources and Connections
Estimated reading: 2 minutes 50 views
Introduction
Keeping your business data organised is key to making smarter decisions. With Zoho Analytics, managing all your data sources from one place is simple. Whether you’re connecting spreadsheets, databases, or third-party apps like Zoho CRM or Google Analytics, Zoho Analytics helps you stay in control.
This guide walks you through how to view, edit, and manage all your data connections efficiently.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Access the Data Sources Page
- Open your Zoho Analytics workspace.
- From the left panel, click Data Sources.
- This shows all the data sources connected to your workspace.
2. What You’ll See on the Data Sources Page
For each data source, you’ll find:
- Name of the data source
- Type of connection (e.g. Zoho CRM, Google Sheets, MySQL, etc.)
- Import details – like frequency and last import time
- Last synced time
- Actions (such as edit, re-authenticate, or delete)
3. Manage Your Data Sources
To edit a data source:
- Click the Edit icon next to it.
- Update connection settings, import schedule, or advanced options.
To re-authenticate:
- Click Re-authenticate if your connection expires or fails
- This is common for OAuth-based connections like Google or Zoho apps.
To delete a data source
- Click the Delete icon.
- Confirm deletion. Note: Deleting a data source removes all associated data tables and reports.
To view associated tables:
- Click the View Tables icon to see which tables are linked to that source.
4. Schedule or Modify Data Imports
- Go to the Import Settings tab under a data source.
- Set the frequency: Hourly, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
- Choose when to start the first import and time zone preferences.
5. Connect New Data Sources
- Click the Create button in your workspace.
- Select Import Your Data.
- Follow the prompts to complete setup.
Tips:
- Check sync status regularly to ensure your reports are based on up-to-date data.
- Name your data sources clearly so they’re easy to identify later.
- Use Scheduled Imports to automate updates and save time.
- For third-party apps, keep your authentication credentials updated to avoid sync issues.
- When deleting sources, make sure no important reports or dashboards rely on them.