Joining multiple datasets

Sometimes the data you need lives in more than one dataset. Multi-dataset reports let you combine them into a single table so you can compare, contrast, and analyze across sources.

When to use multi-dataset reports

Multi-dataset reports are useful when you want to:

• Compare time periods -- stack Q1 survey results alongside Q2 in one view.
• Merge related sources -- combine feedback from different channels (email surveys and in-app surveys) that share common fields.
• Consolidate regional data -- pull together datasets from different teams or regions that follow the same schema.

If your datasets share similar columns (like "Region," "Score," "Date"), a multi-dataset report is likely the right tool.

Adding datasets to a report

1. Open an existing report or create a new one. Your primary dataset is already selected.

2. In the report builder, open the Datasets section in the left panel.

3. Click Add Dataset and select a second dataset from the dropdown.

4. Repeat to add additional datasets. There is no hard limit, but two or three datasets is typical.

Mapping columns between datasets

Once you have multiple datasets, you need to tell Genuics which columns correspond to each other. This is called column mapping.

1. In the column settings, click on a column to expand its options.

2. Under Mapped Sources, you will see a slot for each additional dataset you have added.

3. For each additional dataset, select the column that matches. For example, map "satisfaction_rating" in Dataset A to "csat_score" in Dataset B.

4. When the report runs, Genuics uses COALESCE across the mapped columns -- whichever dataset a row comes from, the value appears in the same output column.

Columns that exist in one dataset but not another will show empty values for rows from the dataset that lacks that field. This is normal and expected.

Example: comparing Q1 and Q2 feedback

Suppose you have two datasets: "Q1 Customer Feedback" and "Q2 Customer Feedback." Both have columns for Region, Product, NPS Score, and Comment.

1. Create a new report and select "Q1 Customer Feedback" as the primary dataset.

2. Add "Q2 Customer Feedback" as a second dataset.

3. Map the columns: Region to Region, Product to Product, NPS Score to NPS Score, Comment to Comment.

4. Add a grouping by the main date column (aggregated quarterly) so Q1 and Q2 rows appear in separate groups.

5. Run the report. You now see both quarters in a single table, with subtotals for each.

Identifying which dataset a row comes from

When you combine datasets, it can be helpful to know which source each row originated from. Genuics tracks the source dataset internally. If you add a grouping or filter that includes a dataset-specific column (one that only exists in one source), rows from other datasets will show blank values for that field.

For clarity, consider adding a column that identifies the source -- for example, if each dataset has a "Survey Wave" or "Quarter" column, include it in the report so readers can see the origin at a glance.

When to use separate reports instead

Multi-dataset reports work best when datasets share a common structure. If your datasets have very different schemas -- for example, survey data and financial data with no overlapping columns -- you are better off creating separate reports and comparing them side by side.

What's next

To learn the basics of building reports, see Creating a report.