Overview
The Saved Queries feature (part of the unified Analytics Module) empowers you to create custom queries using natural language, import external data for analysis, and share insights with team members. Whether you need a quick operational summary or a detailed analysis across multiple datasets, the Saved Queries feature has you covered.Natural Language Queries
Describe what you want to see in plain English
Data Import
Import CSV files for custom dataset analysis
Visualizations
Bar, line, pie, area, and table charts
Sharing
Share reports with team members or via public links
Accessing Saved Queries
Saved Queries are accessible within the unified Analytics module.Navigation
Direct URL: You can access Saved Queries directly at
/auctions/[auctionId]/analytics/reports. Legacy URLs like /reports automatically redirect to this location.Dashboard Tabs
| Tab | Contents |
|---|---|
| My Queries | Queries you’ve created |
| Shared with Me | Queries others have shared with you |
| Datasets | Imported CSV datasets available for analysis |
Quick Stats
The Saved Queries dashboard shows:| Stat | Description |
|---|---|
| Queries | Number of queries you’ve created |
| Shared | Queries you’ve shared with others |
| Datasets | Number of imported datasets |
| Total Rows | Total rows across all datasets |
Importing Data
Import external data via CSV files to create custom reports beyond your standard operational data.When to Import Data
Import CSV data when you need to:- Analyze data from external systems
- Compare historical data not in the platform
- Combine auction data with business metrics
- Create reports from exported data sources
CSV Import Process
Supported File Formats
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CSV | .csv | Comma-separated values (primary format) |
| TSV | .tsv | Tab-separated values |
| TXT | .txt | Text files with delimiters |
Maximum file size is 50MB. For larger datasets, split your file into multiple imports.
Column Mapping
After uploading, map your CSV columns to the appropriate data types:Mapping Steps
Available Data Types
| Data Type | Use For | Example Values |
|---|---|---|
| Text | Names, descriptions, categories | ”John Smith”, “North Lot” |
| Number | Counts, measurements, amounts | 42, 3.14, -10 |
| Date | Dates and timestamps | ”2024-01-15”, “01/15/2024” |
| Boolean | Yes/No, True/False values | true, false, 1, 0 |
| Currency | Monetary values | ”$1,234.56”, “1234.56” |
Data Type Detection
The import system automatically detects data types based on your data:| Detection Rule | Assigned Type |
|---|---|
| Contains only numbers | Number |
| Matches date patterns | Date |
| Contains currency symbols | Currency |
| ”true”/“false”, “yes”/“no”, 1/0 | Boolean |
| Everything else | Text |
Date Format Detection
Common date formats are automatically recognized:| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| ISO 8601 | 2024-01-15, 2024-01-15T10:30:00Z |
| US Format | 01/15/2024, 1/15/24 |
| European Format | 15/01/2024, 15-01-2024 |
| Written | January 15, 2024, Jan 15 2024 |
Batch Processing
For large files, the import processes in batches:| File Size | Behavior |
|---|---|
| < 1,000 rows | Instant import |
| 1,000 - 10,000 rows | Processed in batches with progress indicator |
| > 10,000 rows | Background processing with email notification on completion |
You can navigate away during batch processing. Return to the Datasets tab to check status.
Managing Datasets
After import, manage your datasets from the Datasets tab:| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| View | See dataset preview and metadata |
| Edit | Rename or update dataset description |
| Delete | Remove dataset (does not delete reports using it) |
| Refresh | Re-import from a new CSV file |
Creating Queries
Build custom queries using natural language or visual builders.Query Builder
The Query Builder is your primary tool for creating queries.Access Query Builder
From the Saved Queries tab, click New Query, or navigate directly to the Query Builder tab
Select Data Source
Use the Unified Dataset Selector to choose from operational data, staffing data (including linked datasets), or imported datasets
Natural Language Queries
Describe what you want to see in plain English, and the AI will generate the appropriate query.Example Queries
Submission Analysis
Submission Analysis
Query: “Show me total car count by location for the last 30 days”Result: Bar chart showing aggregate car counts per location
Query: “What’s the average daily submission count this month compared to last month?”Result: Comparison table with percentage change
Query: “What’s the average daily submission count this month compared to last month?”Result: Comparison table with percentage change
User Performance
User Performance
Query: “Who submitted the most inspections last week?”Result: Ranked table of users by inspection count
Query: “Show user activity trends over the past quarter”Result: Line chart showing user submissions over time
Query: “Show user activity trends over the past quarter”Result: Line chart showing user submissions over time
Quality Metrics
Quality Metrics
Query: “What are the top 5 most common defect types?”Result: Pie chart of defect category distribution
Query: “Show defect trends by week for the last 3 months”Result: Line chart with weekly defect counts
Query: “Show defect trends by week for the last 3 months”Result: Line chart with weekly defect counts
Custom Dataset Queries
Custom Dataset Queries
Query: “Compare sales by region from my imported dataset”Result: Bar chart grouped by region column
Query: “Show the monthly trend of revenue from the finance dataset”Result: Line chart with monthly aggregations
Query: “Show the monthly trend of revenue from the finance dataset”Result: Line chart with monthly aggregations
Query Tips
Dataset Selection
Choose which data source to query using the Unified Dataset Selector:| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Linked Datasets | Cross-dataset joins for comprehensive analysis (e.g., Check-In + CR data) |
| Datasets | All imported datasets, identified by their applied metadata template |
Linked Datasets provide the most comprehensive analysis capabilities by joining multiple datasets via configurable join columns, enabling queries like “average time from check-in to CR completion” or “CR completion rates by sale type.”
Linked Dataset Queries
When using linked datasets, you can query across both Check-In and CR data in a single query:Vehicle Journey Analysis
Vehicle Journey Analysis
Query: “What’s the average time from check-in to CR completion?”Result: Summary statistics with trend line showing processing times
Query: “Show the vehicle journey from arrival to CR by sale type”Result: Funnel or flow chart showing processing stages
Query: “Show the vehicle journey from arrival to CR by sale type”Result: Funnel or flow chart showing processing stages
CR Completion Metrics
CR Completion Metrics
Query: “What’s our CR completion rate by day of week?”Result: Bar chart showing completion percentages
Query: “How many days until CR completion by sale type?”Result: Box plot or bar chart with Lease vs Consignment comparison
Query: “How many days until CR completion by sale type?”Result: Box plot or bar chart with Lease vs Consignment comparison
Backlog Analysis
Backlog Analysis
Query: “Show vehicles checked in but not yet CR’d”Result: Table with VINs, check-in dates, and days waiting
Query: “What’s the CR backlog trend over the past month?”Result: Area chart showing pending CRs over time
Query: “What’s the CR backlog trend over the past month?”Result: Area chart showing pending CRs over time
Chart Type Selection
Choose the best visualization for your data:| Chart Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| Bar Chart | Comparing categories, rankings |
| Line Chart | Trends over time |
| Pie Chart | Part-to-whole relationships |
| Area Chart | Cumulative trends over time |
| Stacked Bar | Multiple categories compared over groups |
| Data Table | Detailed records, exports |
Chart Customization Options
After selecting a chart type, customize its appearance:General Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Chart title displayed above visualization |
| Subtitle | Optional descriptive text below title |
| Color Scheme | Choose from preset color palettes |
| Legend Position | Top, bottom, left, right, or hidden |
Axis Configuration
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Label | Custom label for horizontal axis |
| Y-Axis Label | Custom label for vertical axis |
| Axis Scale | Linear or logarithmic |
| Grid Lines | Show or hide background grid |
Data Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Labels | Show values on chart elements |
| Sorting | Sort by value or alphabetically |
| Limit | Show top N results only |
| Zero Baseline | Start Y-axis at zero |
Saving Queries
Using Templates
Start quickly with pre-built query templates designed for common analysis needs.Available Templates
Operations Templates
Operations Templates
Daily Summary Report
- Today’s submission count by location
- Comparison to yesterday and weekly average
- Quick stats for inspections and rocks
- 7-day submission trends
- Location comparison matrix
- User activity summary
- Month-over-month comparison
- Trend analysis charts
- KPI summary dashboard
Analytics Templates
Analytics Templates
Submission Type Analysis
- Distribution by type (pie chart)
- Type trends over time (line chart)
- Type by location breakdown
- Side-by-side location metrics
- Ranking by various KPIs
- Outlier identification
- Activity leaderboard
- Engagement trends
- Consistency scoring
Quality Templates
Quality Templates
Defect Trend Analysis
- Top defect categories
- Trend over selected period
- Location-based comparison
- Inspections per user
- Defect discovery rates
- Time-of-day patterns
Using a Template
Template Customization
Templates are starting points - customize them for your specific needs:| Customization | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Change Date Range | Modify the time period in the query |
| Add Filters | Add location or user filters |
| Change Chart Type | Select a different visualization |
| Modify Query | Edit the natural language query |
| Adjust Layout | Resize or reposition chart elements |
Creating Custom Templates
Custom template creation is available to Owners and Admins. Create templates from your most-used query configurations.
Sharing Queries
Share your queries with team members or create public links for external access.Sharing with Team Members
Permission Levels
| Permission | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| View | See query and export data; cannot modify |
| Edit | Modify query, visualization, and settings |
| Owner | Full control including delete and sharing |
Query creators automatically have Owner permissions. Ownership can be transferred to another user.
Managing Shared Access
View and manage who has access to your queries:Public Links
Create shareable links that don’t require login:Public Link Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| View Only | Public viewers cannot edit or export raw data |
| Branded | Shows your auction branding |
| Auto-Refresh | Data updates automatically when accessed |
| Revocable | Disable the link at any time to revoke access |
Revoking Public Access
To disable a public link:- Open the query’s Share settings
- Toggle Create Public Link to off
- The existing link immediately stops working
- Previous link holders see an “Access Denied” message
Exporting Query Results
Export query data and visualizations for use outside the platform.Export Options
| Format | Contents | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| CSV | Raw data from the query | Spreadsheet analysis, data integration |
| PNG | Chart image at high resolution | Presentations, documents |
| Full query results with title and description | Formal reports, archiving |
Exporting Data (CSV)
Exporting Charts (PNG)
Scheduling Exports
Set up automatic query exports:Scheduled exports are available for Premium plans. Contact support for more information.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Daily | Export sent every morning |
| Weekly | Export sent Monday mornings |
| Monthly | Export sent first of each month |
| Custom | Set specific days and times |
Best Practices
Query Organization
Naming Conventions
Naming Conventions
Use clear, descriptive names:
- Include the metric: “Daily Submission Count”
- Include the scope: “North Lot Weekly Performance”
- Include the period: “Q4 2024 User Activity”
Folder Structure
Folder Structure
Organize queries into categories:
- Operations - Daily/weekly operational queries
- Performance - User and location metrics
- Quality - Inspection and defect analysis
- Custom - Ad-hoc and one-time analyses
Documentation
Documentation
Add descriptions to your queries:
- What question does this query answer?
- Who is the intended audience?
- How often should it be refreshed?
- Any caveats or known limitations?
Query Optimization
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Limit date ranges | Faster query execution |
| Use specific filters | More relevant results |
| Aggregate early | Reduce data processing |
| Test with small datasets | Iterate quickly before scaling |
Sharing Guidelines
Internal Sharing
Internal Sharing
- Share with the minimum necessary audience
- Use View permissions unless editing is required
- Review shared access quarterly
- Remove access when no longer needed
Public Links
Public Links
- Always set an expiration date
- Avoid including personally identifiable information
- Monitor link usage via analytics
- Revoke immediately if compromised
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Query returns no results
Query returns no results
Solutions:
- Check your date range - data may not exist for that period
- Verify filters aren’t too restrictive
- Confirm the dataset has data (check Datasets tab)
- Try a simpler query first, then add complexity
Chart not displaying correctly
Chart not displaying correctly
Solutions:
- Verify data types are correctly mapped
- Try a different chart type for your data
- Check for null or missing values
- Ensure numeric columns are actually numbers
CSV import fails
CSV import fails
Solutions:
- Verify file is valid CSV format
- Check for special characters in headers
- Ensure consistent column counts across rows
- Try saving file with UTF-8 encoding
- Remove or fix any corrupted rows
Query loads slowly
Query loads slowly
Solutions:
- Reduce the date range
- Add filters to limit data
- Use aggregated queries instead of row-level
- Consider creating a smaller dataset for frequent use
Shared user can't access query
Shared user can't access query
Getting Help
If you encounter issues not covered here:- Check the query - Review the generated SQL for obvious errors
- Try a simpler version - Reduce complexity to isolate the issue
- Review data - Ensure source data is clean and complete
- Contact support - Reach out with specific error messages
Related Documentation
Analytics Module
Return to the unified Analytics overview
Staffing Dashboard
Plan CR writer staffing with arrival patterns
User Management
Manage who can access and share queries
Settings
Configure default query preferences