Solution:
By design, when datasets are refreshed, dataset settings (hidden measures, set segments, etc.) do not change and remain as they were configured.
However there are some situations where you may change the dataset, in either the source data or in the Admin Portal, that will cause Auto Insights to not recognize the data and reset to default configurations. Maybe its renaming a field or bringing in an new segment into the data. Below are the different change scenarios (split by change method) and the impact that it will have on your saved dataset settings.
Changes in Source Data (Designer and/or Query) | Changes in Admin Portal (under ‘Confirm Fields’ stage of the edit dataset option) |
Changing column order If the source data columns are re-ordered but otherwise the same (no new columns or columns removed), your dataset settings will not be impacted. Changing column name capitalization If the source data columns are updated for capitalization of characters, your dataset settings will not be impacted. Auto Insights will still recognize columns regardless of capitalization Changing column name The column that is renamed will default to a new column and the default settings will take place. Any measure created with the re-named columns automatically goes to the hidden measures in Discover. And all segments will be selected for the measure in ‘Set segments’ Adding a column The column that is added will default to a new column and the default settings will take place. Any measure created with the added columns automatically goes to the hidden measures in Discover. And all segments will be selected for the measure in ‘Set segments’ Removing a column All related settings to the removed column are removed but other settings remain the same. However, if this column is involved in a mission, that mission will break and appear as a blank page. | Changing column name capitalization The column that is renamed will default to a new column and the default settings will take place. Any measure created with the re-named columns automatically go to the hidden measures in Discover. And all segments will be selected for the measure in ‘Set segments’ Changing column name Same as above |
When considering making changes to your dataset, it is best practice to make all of your changes within the source data. It may require additional work upfront to reconfigure your dataset settings, but for future maintenance and consistency, changes in the source data are easier to track and manage vs changing in Admin Portal (a change in admin portal can be forgotten about and lead to more confusion down the line when the source data gets updated eventually). Either way, it is always a good best practice to go back through your dataset settings and ensure that everything is properly configured to your use case.
David Kim
Customer Success Manager
Alteryx