Data Sources
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      Add a data source

      Learn how to add and manage data sources in Databox to simplify and enhance your reporting process.

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      Data sources are the locations or repositories from which Databox obtains data for you to visualize, analyze, enhance, and derive insights. They are the building blocks of Databox products.

      While the terms integration and data source can sometimes be used interchangeably, they represent distinct entities in Databox. An integration is the software or system Databox connects to, while a data source is the specific content accessed within it.

      Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

      • Google Analytics 4 (integration) 🡒 Property (data source)
      • HubSpot CRM (integration) 🡒 Account (data source)
      • Shopify (integration) 🡒 Store (data source)
      • GitHub (integration) 🡒 Repository (data source)
      • MySQL (integration) 🡒 Credentials (data source)

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      Add a data source

      You can add a data source to your account from several locations:

      Add a data source you have access to

      The first data source of an integration is added when the connection is first established. If you haven't connected the integration yet, follow the steps outlined in this article.

      If you have already connected the integration and want to add another data source from it, select the relevant connection from the list shown at the beginning. Then, follow the prompts and provide the requested information. Depending on the Integration, you may need to either grant consent for Databox to access your data or provide information to access a specific resource and/or authenticate on your behalf.

      Add a data source you don't have access to

      If you don't have direct access to the data source you want to add, you'll need assistance from someone who does. The steps vary depending on whether that person is already a user in your Databox account.

      If they are already a user:

      • Check if they have already connected the relevant integration to your account.
        • If yes, use that connection to add the desired data source.
        • If not, ask them to add a new connection and data source to the account.

      If they are not yet a user:

      • Add them as a user to the account and ask them to add a new connection and data source.
      • Alternatively, Send your colleague a connect request via email by clicking on the link at the bottom of the new connection dialog.
        connect_request
      pin Note: Connections added via email requests cannot be shared or used to add new data sources to the account.

      Once access to the data source is validated, it will appear both on the Data Manager > Data Sources and Account Management > Data Manager > Data Sources pages. From there, you can manage all your data sources as needed.

      Reconnect a data source

      Access to a data source can sometimes be lost or revoked, resulting in an error when Databox attempts to sync data from that data source. This can happen for various reasons, including but not limited to:

      • Changes in the connection owner's access or permissions
      • Access revocation by the software provider
      • Issues with the software provider
      • Unknown errors

      To reconnect a data source:

      1. Ensure the cause of the error is identified and resolved
      2. Navigate to Data Manager > Data Sources
      3. Locate the data source you want to reconnect
      4. Click on Reconnect
      5. Follow the prompts

      Depending on the authentication type, you may need to grant consent again or confirm and/or input new credentials. Once completed, our system will establish a new connection, replacing the old one. The data source in error will become accessible to Databox again.

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      Note: To avoid issues when reauthenticating existing connections and reconnecting data sources, it is recommended that the process be carried out by the connection owner or someone with equivalent access, role, and permissions in the integration and data source.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Why can't I select a data source?

      If a data source is not visible during the connection process or you encounter an error while making your selection, it may indicate an issue preventing access, either from the software provider's end or from Databox's side. This can be caused by:
      • Invalid user permissions
      • Invalid resource permissions
      • Billing/plan restrictions
      • Incorrect credentials
      • Network or infrastructure problems
      • Unknown errors

      To troubleshoot this issue, check the dedicated article for the relevant integration here or on the Metric Library. It may be a simple configuration or permission error, but if not, feel free to reach out to the Databox support team for assistance.

      Still need help?

      Contact us here or start a chat in Databox.