09.2 Common questions
Answers to the questions people ask most about data, reports, dashboards and access.
Data
My import says “N dropped”. The database refused those rows, usually text in a number column or an unreadable date. View them, fix in Excel, and import with Append. See 02.3.
A number column can’t be summed (no Aggregate option).
The database stores it as text. In the dataset, add a formula column CAST(column AS DECIMAL(18,2)) with Data type number, and sum that. See 03.6. Better still, ask for the table to store it as a number.
My dataset suddenly has far too many rows. A table isn’t joined (the status bar shows a warning), or a join matches several rows per key. See 03.3.
I can’t stack two tables: the columns don’t line up.
Every part needs the same number of columns, with the same kind of value in each position. Add fixed-value columns (e.g. 0) where one side has nothing. See 03.8.
I can’t find the column options in the dataset builder. Click the column’s name, not its tickbox. The options open on the right.
Reports
My totals in design mode look too small. Design mode uses a 500-row preview. View mode shows the real totals. See 04.10.
I want monthly totals, but I get one row per day. Set the date column’s Format → Pattern to a month pattern such as Jun-2024. See 04.3.
I lost my changes. Reports save only when you click Save, and closing the editor doesn’t ask. Save often. See 04.2.
The report fails with a parameter message. The dataset needs a value nothing supplies. In Filters → Parameters the data accepts, tag a filter with that name, or give the parameter a default in the dataset.
I changed the theme and every report changed. Theme settings are shared by the whole workspace. That’s by design.
Dashboards
A dataset is greyed out in the widget editor. A widget can’t mix a cube with a live database, or two databases, and needs a Link on the Model tab to combine two datasets. See 05.3.
A widget shows ⚠. It ignores the board’s date filter. Fix its date column, or confirm it’s intended. See 05.3.
“configured for columns that no longer exist”. A dataset changed or was taken out of the Model. Open the widget and pick its columns again.
The numbers look out of date.
- Cube boards: check Data as of …, and rebuild the cube (06.3).
- Live boards: click ↻ Refresh.
My filter choices came back the next day. Dashboards remember each person’s filters in their browser. Reset clears them.
Access
A menu item from this guide is missing. Your role doesn’t include it, or you have no seat for the plan that does. Ask your administrator. See 10.1 and 10.2.
A line at the top says I’m on the Free tier. No seat is assigned to you. Your company admin can give you one: 10.2.
I can’t see a colleague’s workspace. Access to companies and workspaces is set up by your Analytics administrator.
Last updated 12 October 2026