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Data Source Overview

A data source represents a structured set of data that can be visualized using tiles or processed using data processors. On MyBoardToday, data sources are categorized into two types:

  • Internal Data Sources: Stored and managed directly within MyBoardToday. These are editable, meaning you can create, update, or delete data entries.
  • External Data Sources: Fetched from third-party services such as Google Calendar, Dropbox, or Airtable. These are read-only and cannot be modified directly in MyBoardToday.

A single data source can be shared across multiple tiles or data processors. You can manage all data sources (create, edit, delete, or list) via the Configuration Panel.

Internal (Editable) Data Sources​

Internal data sources are stored on MyBoardToday in a hierarchical JSON format. You must define a schema during creation that outlines the structure and field types of the data.

Capabilities of Internal Data Sources​

  • Fully editable (create, update, delete entries)
  • Compatible with data processors
  • Visualizable via tiles

Creating an Internal Data Source​

To create an internal data source:

  1. Navigate to the Configuration Panel.
  2. Click on Data Sources in the left menu.
  3. Click Add Source (top-right corner).
  4. Select Internal as the source type (this cannot be changed later).
  5. Provide a name and define the schema.

Defining the Schema​

A schema defines the fields and structure of the internal data source. For each field, you must specify:

  • Field Name: Unique identifier for the field
  • Field Type (see full list below)
  • Description: A brief explanation of the field's purpose
  • Required: Whether this field must be filled
  • Default Value: A default value if none is provided

Supported Field Types​

  • Text: Single-line text input
  • Long Text: Multi-line text
  • Rich Text: Multi-line text with formatting (italic, bold, bullet points, etc.)
  • Number
  • Composite: A nested group of child fields
  • Single Choice: User can select one option
  • Multiple Choice: User can select one or more options
  • Email Address
  • QR Code
  • Bar Code
  • Percent
  • Quantity with Unit: Numeric value with unit (e.g., 10 CM, 120 Ton)
  • Currency: Amount and currency code (e.g., USD 50.00)
  • Date: Date only (e.g., 2022-08-01)
  • Time: Time only (e.g., 11:20 PM)
  • Datetime: Combined date and time (e.g., 2022-08-01 11:20 PM)
  • File: File upload field
  • Image: Image upload field
  • Checkbox
  • Color
  • Month
  • Week
  • Password
  • Phone Number: Includes country code and number
  • Geo Location: Composite field with Country, State, City, Postcode, and Address. Location options are pre-populated globally.
  • URL
  • Single Choice of Another Internal Source: Select one entry from another internal data source
  • Multiple Choice of Another Internal Source: Select multiple entries from another internal data source
  • Multiple Choice of Another Source with Counter: Same as above, with an associated quantity (e.g., Order includes multiple Products, each with an amount)

Example Schema: Customer​

- Name (Composite, Required)
  - First Name (Text, Required)
  - Middle Name (Text)
  - Last Name (Text, Required)
- Age (Number, Required)
- Address (Text, Required)

Common Use Cases​

Internal data sources can power a wide range of solutions, such as:

  • Surveys
  • Customer databases
  • Inventory tracking
  • Invoicing systems
  • Quizzes

Typically, these are used in combination with:

  • Complex Grid Tile: To display records
  • Input Form of Editable Source: To add new entries

External (Read-Only) Data Sources​

External data sources retrieve data from third-party services and are not stored in MyBoardToday. They require a data connection to be set up first.

Capabilities of External Data Sources​

  • Compatible with data processors
  • Visualizable via tiles

Creating an External Data Source​

To create an external data source:

  1. Set up a data connection.
  2. Navigate to the Configuration Panel.
  3. Click on Data Sources in the left menu.
  4. Click Add Source.
  5. Select External as the source type (this cannot be changed later).
  6. Choose the corresponding data connection.

External data sources currently support the following formats:

  • JSON
  • CSV

Schema definition is not required; the system will automatically infer the structure.

Common Use Cases​

External sources are ideal for integrating and analyzing third-party data. A typical workflow includes:

  1. Fetch data via a data connection.
  2. Process the data into the required format.
  3. Visualize it using data tiles.

Managing Data Sources​

Creating a Data Source​

  1. Go to the Configuration Panel.
  2. Click Data Sources.
  3. Click Add Source.
  4. Choose either Internal or External (this choice is permanent).

Modifying a Data Source​

  1. Go to the Configuration Panel.
  2. Click Data Sources.
  3. Locate the source you want to modify.
  4. Click the gear icon to open the settings.

Deleting a Data Source​

  1. Go to the Configuration Panel.
  2. Click Data Sources.
  3. Locate the source you want to delete.
  4. Click the cross (✕) icon to remove it.

External Data Source Types​

MyBoardToday provides a rich collection of supported external data sources (e.g., Google Calendar, Dropbox, Airtable, etc.). Detailed reference guides are available for each supported type on this page.

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We value your precious feedback. Please contact us when you find a bug or would like to request a new feature. (In the main panel, click on the bob logo on the top left corner, then in the Dropdown menu click on “contact for bugs or new features”). Every month we will select an “opinion leader” and reward him/her with $50 in cash.