Chapter 1 recap
Data first
The key takeaways from this chapter’s 2 lessons.
The model is a database
- Every element is a row: a type, a location and properties; every question about the model is a query on that table.
- Consistent values matter more than more values: 'L03', 'Level 3' and '03' break every filter.
- Agree allowed values (lists) for the properties people filter by: level, zone, system, status, classification.
- Export to a spreadsheet early to see the data the way scripts and dashboards will.
Dashboards that answer questions
- One question, one measure, one chart, one owner who acts on it.
- Write down definitions: what counts as overdue, complete, healthy.
- Shape data before charting: one row per thing, consistent values, a date on every extract.
- Automate the refresh, or the dashboard dies when the person updating it gets busy.