Reporting on raw data wouldn't get you very far. One of the easiest mechanisms to process the data is calculated metrics. Here are some of the metrics already setup in the system.
They are stored in the database and you can easily add new ones. The formula language is the same as for ad-hoc queries.
Whenever you load data from spreadsheets, files, or external databases, it translates into the database fields using mappings. This allows you to load files with different columns than set up originally. Furthermore, when encountering a new column, it is easy to mirror it in the system database for loading. Below is an example of a mapping currently used in the system.
You can also add new columns without loading them from external sources. For example, such columns can be populated via a calculation.
If you require a completely new record type, you can add it too, with the help of the special screen. Typically, new types of data are created "under" some existing ones.
Specify the desired columns, press the "Implement" button, and the system will automatically update the database. Your new fields are now available for processing and reporting.
InContekst has its own scripting language that you can use to create new functions. In fact, most of the system has been written in that language. System menu, non-standard screens, all statistical functions, charting function, pivot explorer and more. When you get your own dedicated instance, you will also get access to the source code which you are free to modify or extend.
With this language, you can:
InContekst uses an industry-standard database, letting you access your data using other tools and software.
What if you need to connect to another data source? Or implement an algorithm? Scripting language is great, but some tasks require a "real" programming language.
The programmatic interface lets you connect your custom programs written in various languages with the data and the rest of the system. Together, they can perform complex task, for example, where part of the calculation is done by the custom program, part - by a standard program, and the results are presented in a dashboard and accompanying pivot tables.