How to Use the Data Reader Preview Function in Board
The Data Reader Preview is a powerful feature in Board that lets you inspect and validate your data files before executing a load. Whether you’re importing hierarchies, cube data, or metadata, previewing your file can help catch issues early saving you time and preventing downstream errors.
🧭 Where to Find the Preview Option
- Navigate to the Data Model section.
- Choose Data Readers from the left-hand menu.
- Open the relevant Data Reader configuration.
- Click the Preview button at the bottom before executing.
🔍 What to Look for in the Preview
- Column Mapping
Verify that each column in your source file is correctly mapped to the Board entity or cube. - Value Formatting
Check for:- Extra spaces or trailing commas
- Missing values in mandatory fields
- Unexpected nulls
- Hierarchy Logic
In parent-child files, confirm that:- Each child has a parent
- No invalid or unknown parent codes exist
- Codes match existing entities if required
✅ Tips for Successful Previews
- Use “Skip rows” to ignore headers or notes at the top of the file. This does not exist.
- If using a CSV file, ensure it’s UTF-8 encoded to prevent character issues.
- Watch for date formatting mismatches (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY vs YYYY-MM-DD).
- Always preview when loading: SM: Always preview when initially configuring the data reader for loading any data.
- Unbalanced hierarchies
- Financial data
- Large datasets
🛠 Example Use Case
You’re importing a P&L structure with parent-child relationships. Before executing the load:
- Use the preview to spot an orphan node with no matching parent.
- Correct it in the file, re-upload, and proceed confidently with your import.
🧩 Related Topics
- Error Handling – Common Hierarchy Loading Errors and Troubleshooting Tips
- Automating Hierarchy Loads with Board Procedures (coming soon)