# Welcome

In Crystal Docs, you will find all the information you need to optimize your experience with Crystal. 

You will find dedicated tutorials and deep-dives to guide you through the use of Crystal.

You will also find articles organized into thematic chapters and divided into sections and subsections, to help you find what you need.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**What's New on Crystal?**</mark>

We regularly update Crystal Docs, in line with the latest product releases.&#x20;

To discover **what's new** on each Crystal version, you can explore the [**Release Notes**](/release-notes/2024) chapter.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Thoughts?**</mark>

Any feedback on Crystal Docs? We'd love to hear from you!

Please share your thoughts at [**docs@igenius.ai**](mailto:docs@igenius.ai)**.**
{% endhint %}

***

## Contacts

Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions!

<details>

<summary>If you have questions, feedback, or problems regarding Crystal...</summary>

You can contact us by sending an email to [<mark style="color:blue;">**support@igenius.ai**</mark>](mailto:support@igenius.ai).

</details>

<details>

<summary>If you are interested in Crystal or iGenius...</summary>

You can contact us via our [**Talk To Us Form**](https://www.igenius.ai/contact) on our website.

</details>

***

## Jump to Section

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[Fundamentals](/fundamentals/crystal)
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[Crystal Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)
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[Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
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[Limitations](/limitations/limitations-on-crystal-advisor)
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[Support](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor)
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[Release Notes](/release-notes/2024)
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# Crystal

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/hMp0kOttjoI?feature=shared>" %}
Meet Crystal
{% endembed %}

**Crystal is a&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Decision Intelligence tool**</mark>**&#x20;that leverages Artificial Intelligence to analyze business data in natural language, just like speaking with a co-worker.**

After connecting your data sources, you and your team members can interact with the "*virtual brain*" of Crystal by asking questions from a single input bar, either via text or voice.

Designed for numbers and analytics, Crystal’s underlying technology delivers reliable and certified information, ensuring the highest level of *privacy and security* for your business data.

Besides serving as a *conversational interface* for exploring your business data, Crystal has all the core functionalities of a *Decision Intelligence suite*.

For instance, Crystal can proactively monitor data to identify events of interest, trends, and anomalies, enabling you to make swift decisions.

It also aids in fostering a *true data-driven culture* within your organization, as it is designed to be simple, intuitive, and accessible to everyone in a company, not just those with technical expertise in data.

Thanks to its “consumerized” user experience, as well as its sharing and collaboration features, Crystal becomes a go-to tool allowing anyone in a company to access, analyze, and understand data.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Deep Dive!**</mark>

* [Legal Privacy and GDPR Notes](https://www.igenius.ai/legal/privacy)
* [iGenius](https://www.igenius.ai/)
  {% endhint %}

***

## Crystal Projects

**When you start using Crystal, you receive a personal&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Crystal Project**</mark>**: a Crystal instance dedicated to a single client.**

Also called tenant, a project is a private, exclusive and customized Crystal environment with its *own infrastructure* in terms of data sources, configurations, and permissions.

Starting from the product activation, creating a Project is *fast.* In less than an hour, your project will be set up and you'll have access Crystal's workspaces.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Your Project name will always have the following form:&#x20;

$$<projectname>.crystal.ai$$
{% endhint %}

***

## Crystal Workspaces

**Crystal has two distinct workspaces, each referring to different stages of the Crystal experience.**

**These workspaces are the&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Advisor**</mark>**&#x20;and the&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Console**</mark>**.**

### The Crystal Advisor

The Advisor is the Crystal Workspace that allows you to:

* Talk to your data&#x20;
* Explore your data&#x20;
* Analyze your data&#x20;
* Report and discuss your data

*Learn more about the Crystal Advisor* [*here*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)*!*

### The Crystal Console

The Console is the Crystal Workspace that allows you to:

* Connect data
* Manage users
* Manage permissions
* Configure use cases

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

At present, Crystal Console is only available in English.
{% endhint %}

*Learn more about the Crystal Console* [*here*](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)*!*

***

## Crystal Roles

**Based on your goals and on the set of actions that you need to perform on Crystal, you will be assigned a specific role within the product.**&#x20;

**As of now, Crystal offers two roles:&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Admin**</mark>**&#x20;and&#x20;**<mark style="color:purple;">**Member**</mark>**.**

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Through the Console, the Admin assigns roles to other members.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Member

As a Member, you can access the **Advisor** Workspace and leverage its comprehensive range of capabilities for **data exploration, analysis, and reporting**.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As a Member User, you are subject to the following **limitations**:

* the scope of your actions in the Advisor is restricted based on the *viewing permissions* granted by the Admin User in the Console
* you *don’t have access to the Console*
  {% endhint %}

*Learn more about what the Member role can do* [*here*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)*!*

### Admin

The Admin role is the **project administrator.**

As an Admin, you will access the **Console** Workspace and have the authority to execute a range of actions linked to **data configuration,** **user management, and permission setting**, including role assignment.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

You will **also** be able to interact with the Advisor, and perform the same actions as a regular Member (whereas a Member user cannot access the Console).
{% endhint %}

*Learn more about what the Admin role can do* [*here*](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)*!*

***

## Crystal Access Points

**There are four Crystal access points:**&#x20;

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Web App**</mark>
* <mark style="color:purple;">**Native Mobile App for iOS iPhones and iPads**</mark>**&#x20;(available from** [**Apple Store**](< https://apps.apple.com/it/app/crystal/id1438741933 >)**)**
* <mark style="color:purple;">**Native Mobile App for Android Phones and Tablets**</mark>**&#x20;(available from** [**Google Play**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ai.igenius.crystalenterprise\&hl=it\&gl=US)**)**
* <mark style="color:purple;">**Microsoft Teams App**</mark>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>&#x20;

You can access the Advisor from all four access points. However, you can *only access the Console in Crystal's web version*.
{% endhint %}

### Supported Browsers & Devices

These are all the web browsers and mobile devices that support Crystal:

<details>

<summary>Web browsers supporting the Advisor</summary>

* Google Chrome: >=87&#x20;
* Safari: >=14&#x20;
* Mozilla Firefox: >=78
* Microsoft Edge: >=88&#x20;
* Opera: 68-91, 92

**NB:** You can also use the same browsers to open Crystal's mobile version.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Web browsers supporting the Console</summary>

* Google Chrome: >=87
* Safari: >=14&#x20;

**NB:** The Console also works on other browsers, but these are the official supported browsers. &#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>iOS Supported Versions on iPhones and iPads</summary>

* iOS 14.5-16.0
* iOS 16.1
* iPadOS 14.5-16.0
* iPadOS 16.1

</details>

<details>

<summary>Android Supported Versions on Android Mobiles and Tablets</summary>

* API Level 21 and 22 (Android Lollipop)
* API Level 23 (Android Marshmallow)
* API 24 and 25 (Android Nougat)
* API 26 and 27 (Android Oreo)
* API 28 (Android Pie)
* API 29 (Android 10)
* API 30 (Android 11)

</details>

***

## Jump to Section

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[Crystal Topics](/fundamentals/crystal-topics)
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[Crystal Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)
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[Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
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[Crystal on Mobile](/crystal-advisor/crystal-on-mobile)
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[Crystal on Microsoft Teams](/crystal-advisor/crystal-on-microsoft-teams)
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# Crystal Topics

This page explores the concept of Topics in Crystal.

<figure><img src="/files/op1GlfocdgV0EBng4rcg" alt=""><figcaption><p>Crystal's Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

Before you start talking with your data, it is crucial for you to familiarize yourself with the concept of what we call "Topic".

**Topics are the foundational units of information that enable meaningful interactions with Crystal.**

In fact, asking Crystal a **question** means asking about a Topic, and at the same time, receiving an **answer** means receiving a Topic.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

In order to be able to ask about and read Topics, you first need to understand what Topics are made of.
{% endhint %}

So, let's get started!

## Understand Topics

**From an analytical perspective, Topics are aggregations of data that form a specific Key Performance Indicator (KPI) or Insight. As such, they represent** **a specific data analysis**.

These are the data types that constitute a Topic:

<table><thead><tr><th width="80">N. </th><th width="328">Data Type</th><th>Mandatory / Optional</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>Objective / Visualization</strong></td><td>Mandatory</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>Topic Chart</strong> </td><td>Mandatory</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>Main Entity / Main Entities</strong></td><td>Mandatory</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Time Range Filter</strong></td><td>Mandatory</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>Dynamic Filters</strong> </td><td>Optional</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>Key Values</strong></td><td>Optional</td></tr></tbody></table>

Let's dive deeper into each of them!

### Objective / Visualization&#x20;

**The Objective is the purpose of the data analysis expressed by the Topic.**

The Objective answers the question: *"What specific insights or outcomes am I seeking with this particular Topic?"*

Each Objective is further illustrated by a specific **Visualization, i.e. a specific visual support to express the Objective**. Each Objective can be expressed by one or more Visualizations.

Discover the Objectives available on Crystal, their purpose, and their Visualizations:

<details>

<summary><strong>Comparison</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show the similarity or difference between different items or facts.&#x20;

**Example** *"Can you provide a comparison of Sales vs. Budget?"*

**Visualizations**&#x20;

* ***Bar Charts (Default)***
  * Single Column
  * Single Column Pos. Neg.
  * Clustered Column - Single Entity
  * Clustered Column - Multi Entity
* ***Scatterplots (Default)***
  * Two-Dimensional
  * Three-Dimensional
* ***Line Charts (Optional)***
  * Single Line
  * Multi Line - Single Entity
  * Multi Line - Multi Entity

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Even though Bar Charts and Scatterplot *are the defaul Visualizations for Comparison Topics*, since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58) you can [change Chart](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) from the Topic Card and choose to visualize a Comparison as a Line Chart too (only in the case of Bar Charts, not for Scatterplots)!&#x20;

You can choose to visualize the data inside the Topic as a Table too.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Composition</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show the breakdown of a total into its individual parts.&#x20;

**Example** "*Give me a breakdown of total shoe sales by item number."* NB: This objective efficiently works with positive values only.

**Visualizations**

* Breakdown (Donut Chart)

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58) you can [change Chart](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) from the Topic Card and choose to visualize the data inside the Topic as a Table too.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Overtime</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show the evolution of data over a specific period.&#x20;

**Example** *"Can you show me sales over the last month?"*

**Visualizations**

* ***Line Charts (Default)***
  * Single Line
  * Multi Line - Single Entity
  * Multi Line - Multi Entity
* ***Bar Charts (Optional)***
  * Single Column
  * Single Column Pos. Neg.
  * Clustered Column - Single Entity
  * Clustered Column - Multi Entity

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Even though Line Charts *are the defaul Visualizations for Overtime Topics*, since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58) you can [change Visualizations](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) from the Topic Card and choose to visualize an Overtime as a Bar Chart too!&#x20;

You can choose to visualize the data inside the Topic as a Table too.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Progress</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show the status of an item or fact in relation to an objective or scale.&#x20;

**Example** *"How long will it take to reach my 2020 sales target?"*

**Visualizations**

* ***Gauges***
  * Progress
  * Donut

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58) you can [change Chart](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) from the Topic Card and choose to visualize the data inside the Topic as a Table too.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Description</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show a card or form with the detailed information of an item or entity.&#x20;

**Example** *"Can you give me the product details of the X3 sneakers."*

**Visualizations**&#x20;

* Light Table

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Highlight</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show a single, highlighted value indicating the state or level of an item or fact.

**Example** *"Show me the total amount of X3 sneakers sold."*

**Visualizations**

* Scaled-up number
* Text

<mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58) you can [change Chart](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) from the Topic Card and choose to visualize the data inside the Topic as a Table too.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>List</strong></summary>

**Purpose** To show a list of items, which by default don't follow any particular order but can be arranged in the preferred column as needed.&#x20;

**Example** "*Show me a list of vendor locations."*

**Visualizations**

* Table

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Ranking</strong></summary>

**Purpose** Show the position of different ordered items (it can be considered as an ordered List).

**Example** *"Who were the top sellers this the past month?"*

**Visualizations**

* Table

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

You can introduce a Topic with:

* an Objective name (e.g. Composition)
* a Visualization name (e.g. Breakdown)
* a specific formulation (e.g. The Total of...)

All these formulations express the purpose of the Topic.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/MDnw6BzvIlTzML5qxf4p" alt=""><figcaption><p>"Breakdown" is the Visualization of the Objective "Composition"</p></figcaption></figure>

You can dive deeper into Objectives and Visualizations [here](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/objectives-and-visualizations).

### **Topic Chart**&#x20;

**The Topic Chart** **is the actual graphical representation of data based on the specific Objective and Visualization expressed by the Topic.**

Each Visualization has its own Charts, for example:

* Comparisons can be represented by *Bar Charts* or *Scatterplots* of different kinds
* Progress can be represented by *Gauges* of different kinds
* Breakdown can be represented by a *Donut Chart*

<figure><img src="/files/QlWV1MIezOeVyWdVJILH" alt=""><figcaption><p>A Donut Chart representing the Breakdown Visualization (Composition Objective)</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Topic Charts are always interactive, allowing you to explore your data in greater depth!

For example, you can engage with the *legend* to filter out some data or you can highlight parts of the Chart to access detailed information via a *tooltip*.
{% endhint %}

### **Main Entity / Main Entities**

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

**Entities are the core elements of the Topics.**

**An Entity denotes a singular unit of data, usually a dimension or a metric.**&#x20;

Examples of Entities are: "Sales", "Cost", "Target", "Country by Product Name", "Average Sales", etc.

Usually, an Entity can be [**custom-created**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/custom-entity) using formulas, facilitating the **aggregation** of data through specific computations (e.g., count, sum, average).
{% endhint %}

**When an Entity assumes the role of primary metric within the Topic, it is called a "Main Entity".**&#x20;

Topics can have a **single main Entity** or **more main Entities**, based on the type of Objective and Visualization. For example:

* a Composition Topic is made up by a Single Main Entity
* a Multi-Line Graph can be made up by Multi Entities

<figure><img src="/files/203GtLIt647dHsnR77w2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Topic with a single custom main Entity ("Country by Product Name")</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/mcz8sI5f3EihMVpI5aNe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Topic with multiple main Entities ("Maintenance Cost", "Earning", and "Profit")</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Time Range Filter**

**A Time Range Filter is a specific time restriction applied to a Topic to limit the scope of the analysis.**

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Each Topic *always* comes with a Time Filter applied *by default*, because it is not possible to have an analysis that is not time restricted.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/CNSLDCpuyfUGY3Dzu94k" alt=""><figcaption><p>Time Range Filter</p></figcaption></figure>

Time Ranges can be:

* **Dynamic**, when they are updated over time based on the actual current date.
  * For example:&#x20;
    * *"today", "yesterday", "tomorrow"*
    * *"this year"* (selects the time range between January 1st of the current year and today)
    * *"last year"* (selects the time range between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year)
    * *“last week”* (selects the time range starting from yesterday and ending 7 days prior)
    * etc.
* **Custom**, when they identify a specific time range with defined starting and ending dates:
  * For example: *"from 01/03/2023 to 29/12/2024".*

### **Dynamic Filters**

**Dynamic Filters are Entities used to narrow down the Topic's analysis scope, by filtering** **the main Entity based on a specific Value.**

**When an Entity takes on the role of a filter, like in the case of Dynamic Filters, it is called a "Filter Entity". Dynamic Filters can hence also be called "Filter Entities".**

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

To sum up, there are two different kinds of Entities possible on Crystal:&#x20;

* Main Entities (the subject of a Topic)
* Filter Entities (the filters applied to a Topic)
  {% endhint %}

Dynamic Filters can be:

* **Numeric**, either positive or negative
  * For example: currencies, item codes, sizes, etc.
* **Non-numeric**
  * For example: countries, towns, areas, item names, customer names, etc.

Each Filter Entity is defined by a **Value** (also called Entity Value): the **elemental data units** that define the specific metric represented by the Filter. While an Entity represents a metric, the Entity Value is the **concrete instance or measurement** within that metric.

For example:

* If the Filter Entity is "Revenue”, the corresponding values could include specific amounts like "$10,000," "$15,000," etc.
* If the Filter Entity is "Country", the corresponding values could include "Argentina", "Italy", "United States", etc.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The presence of Dynamic Filters is *optional*.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/d6ZxmHsIHU6dHvgU5Sox" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dynamic Filters</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Key Values**&#x20;

**Key Values** **are numeric values that summarize data relevant to the Topic.**

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The presence of Key Values is *optional*.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/xZjeO7ygYk7zVPT6GyTS" alt=""><figcaption><p>Key Values</p></figcaption></figure>

## Discover the Topic Card

Remember that each Topic always comes inside of a **Topic Card**, which acts like the Topic’s *control panel*.

Here are the components of a Topic Card:&#x20;

1. **Topic Title** The summary of the Objective and Main Entities
2. **Topic** The actual Topic with all its components (Filters, Chart, Key Values)
3. **Topic Actions** All the actions that can be performed on the Topic or the Topic Card

<figure><img src="/files/YJKn93zlHt1eDTm2Oyjv" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Topic Card</p></figcaption></figure>

### Actions

Here is a list of all the Topic actions you can perform from the Topic Card, based on its access point.

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information about each capability, please refer to the dedicated section of the documentation.
{% endhint %}

#### **Topic Card's Lower Band**

At the bottom of the Topic Card, you'll find a section of useful functions available with just one click. &#x20;

These functions include:

<details>

<summary>Filter</summary>

The first button on the Topic Card's lower band allows you to [**filter the Topic**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters).

You can also filter Topics directly in a [conversation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation)!

</details>

<details>

<summary>Alert</summary>

The second button on the Topic Card's lower band allows you to [**set an alert**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) for the Topic you are viewing, by either:

* Setting an Anomaly Detection
* Scheduling a Topic

You can also set an Anomaly Detection in a [conversation](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts)!

</details>

<details>

<summary>Save</summary>

The third button on the Topic Card's lower band allows you to [**add the Topic**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling) to a Data Story or to several Data Stories available.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Share</summary>

The fourth button on the Topic Card's lower band allows you to [**share any Topic with your colleagues**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic), to facilitate collaboration and let other team members explore the company's most relevant data and insights.&#x20;

</details>

<figure><img src="/files/FidswXm8OZrmZbuN5bvW" alt=""><figcaption><p>Lower band actions</p></figcaption></figure>

#### **Menu**

At the top right of the Topic Card, you'll find a dedicated menu - with three dots - to access useful functions with just one click.&#x20;

These functions include:

<details>

<summary>Export</summary>

These buttons allow you to [**export**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic) the topic in **Excel or PDF format**.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Ask</summary>

This button allows you to [**ask again for a specific Topic**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/ask-topics) without needing to type the request a second time.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Forecast (Beta)</summary>

For Overtime type Topics only, you can request a trend [**forecast**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting) to see how it will evolve in the future.

You can also set a Forecast directly in a [conversation](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting)!

This capability is currently in *Beta Version*.

</details>

<figure><img src="/files/rWnASExY8533BsijdL2N" alt=""><figcaption><p>Menu actions</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Change Chart

Since [Release 2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58), at the top right of the Topic Card, next to the menu, you'll find a new button to [change Chart](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) in just one click.

<figure><img src="/files/U9ykYMh6E0DIXtaRGlRk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Change Chart action</p></figcaption></figure>

### Expanded Mode

You can choose to view a Topic Card in expanded mode. Just click on the *"Expand"* button next to the menu on the top right corner to see a *bigger version* of the Topic Card and explore the Topic Chart more easily.&#x20;

The expanded Topic Card still carries all the *actions* and [*Insights*](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights) available in the Card's normal version.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/KgwGzGslAJ0LA6q58ZpM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Expand Icon</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/xFdoKZ8B1RYcSIuFekwf" alt=""><figcaption><p>Expanded Topic Card</p></figcaption></figure>

## Types of Topics

All the Topics available on Crystal look the same, are made of the same elements, and support the same actions from the Topic Cards.

However, the recently introduced [**Entity-Based Conversation**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) capability has defined **two different types of Topics** to consider:

* **Configured Topics**
* **Auto-generated Topics**

### Configured Topics

Configured Topics are the results of the [**Topic Configuration process**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration)**,** also called **Topic creation**, which has been the primary way to **generate Topics** until now.

Topic configuration / creation can only be implemented by [**Admin Users**](/fundamentals/crystal) in the [**Crystal Console**](/crystal-console/start-your-experience) and basically consists in *manually creating the Topic from scratch* by choosing all the elements described in the sections above (Objective, Entities, Filters, etc.).

These kinds of Topics will be available for Member Users in Advisor *only after the conclusion* of the creation process ([publication step](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish)) and *only if the Admin has granted the* *viewing permissions* for those Topics.

Here are a few simple [**conversational rules**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics) to ask about this kind of topic.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

When interacting with the configured Topics in Crystal Advisor, some of the elements chosen by the Admin will remain set and not editable, whereas others can be changed.

**Non-editable elements:**

* Objective and Visualization
* Topic Chart
* Main Entities
* Key Values

**Editable elements:**

* Time Range Filters
* Dynamic Filters

In particular, Filters in the Advisor can be changed in several different ways: either in a[Conversation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation), through the [Filter Topics](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters) capability, or in the [Topics Section](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard).
{% endhint %}

### Auto-generated Topics

As the name suggests, Topics that are auto-generated are **automatically produced by Crystal**, without the need for the Admin User to create them from scratch.

This is a **new method for Topic generation,** which allows you to **ask questions beyond the scope of Configured Topics**, i.e. you will be able to ask about any Topic, without necessarily relying on Topic Creation.

You can generally ask about auto-generated Topics the same way you ask about configured Topics.

Take a look at the [**"Entity-Based Conversation"**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) article to learn more about how Crystal generates Topics, and how to ask about them.&#x20;

Now you are ready to explore your data!

***


# Access to Crystal

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to start your journey with Crystal.&#x20;

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/gUWmp6p8op7HCtHDAlXd" %}
[Signup](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/n9I2LHJMa2urBUmEq9OB" %}
[Login](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MedVira-tRYltMH5HHR" %}
[Discover the Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Signup

This page describes the process to sign up to Crystal.

## Get Invited by the Admin

To join Crystal as a Member, you need to be [**invited by the Admin**](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal), who manages the process from the Console.

### Invitation Options

The Admin can invite you from the Console in one of two ways:

1. By sending you an [**invitation link via email**](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users)
2. By granting access via [**Google or Microsoft Identity Providers (IDP)**](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers)

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

At this stage, the Admin also needs to add you to one or more *Groups* to give you permission to view data, otherwise you won’t be able to talk to Crystal on the first access.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/dZEQaFU7a9923nWeEv5t" alt=""><figcaption><p>User Invitation Options</p></figcaption></figure>

## Accept the Invitation

&#x20;You can access Crystal in two ways, based on the Admin's choices for your account.

### Invitation by email

If you have been invited by email, check your **inbox**, click on the **invitation link**, set up a **password**, and create a **personal account**.

<details>

<summary>How to create a password</summary>

Both your username (your email address) and password are **case-sensitive**.

The password must be **at least** **8 characters** long.

</details>

<figure><img src="/files/wjH5bbiSWStUf2LHNOlC" alt=""><figcaption><p>Invitation by email</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In case you do not receive any email, check your account's **spam** folder or reach out to your Crystal **Admin**.
{% endhint %}

At this point, a **confirmation** of the password change will appear and you will be able to do your **first** [**login**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1) to Crystal from this point forward.&#x20;

### Invitation by IDP

If you have been invited by an Identity Provider, you can **directly proceed to your first** [**login**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1) with Google or Microsoft, without setting up a personal account.

Your journey with Crystal can now start!&#x20;

***


# Login

This page describes the process to log in to Crystal web app and Crystal mobile app.

## Reach the Login Page

The first step to log in to Crystal is to reach the Login Page.&#x20;

The process differs from the web app to the mobile app.

### Web Login

As a registered Crystal Member, you need to ask the Admin for the **custom Project link**.&#x20;

Once you have it, **type it in your browser** to reach the Login Page of your Crystal Project.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>&#x20;

Your Project *link* will always have the following form:

$$https\://<projectname>.crystal.ai$$
{% endhint %}

### Mobile Login

As a registered Crystal Member, you need to ask the Admin for the **custom Project name** (also called **"domain"**).&#x20;

Once you have it, you can:

1. **Download** the Crystal app from the [Apple Store](< https://apps.apple.com/it/app/crystal/id1438741933 >) or [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ai.igenius.crystalenterprise\&hl=it\&gl=US)
2. Open the app and **insert the Project domain name**

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Your Project *domain* will always have the following form:

$$<projectname>.crystal.ai$$
{% endhint %}

3. Give **consent** to the app to open the Login Page

<figure><img src="/files/49Ua40aCTGxo5vmgINXv" alt="" width="378"><figcaption><p>Download the App</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/SghwuB5Fws3QhNyJOFui" alt="" width="312"><figcaption><p>Insert Project Domain</p></figcaption></figure>

## Choose Login Method

When you reach the Login Page, either on the web or mobile app, you will be able to log in to Crystal in one of two ways, depending on the [invitation process](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in) that your Admin picked for you.

### Standard Login

If you created a personal Crystal account via the invitation link, you can now **insert the credentials** (email and password) that you previously set up.

### IDP Login

If your Admin [granted you access via an Identity Provider](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers), you can log in to Crystal with your **Google or Microsoft email** address.

Now press the "**Login"** button to start your Crystal experience!

## Reset Password

Whether on the web or mobile app, you can also change your password right from the Login Page.

1. Simply click on "**Recover password**" under the Standard Login Section
2. &#x20;In the pop up window, insert your email address in the relative field to send a **reset link** for the recovery of your Crystal account

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In case you do not receive any email, check your account's **spam** folder or reach out to your Crystal **Admin**.
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Web Login Page" %}

<figure><img src="/files/yb9ma0wmdymJ91UksCJZ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Mobile Login Page</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Mobile Login Page" %}

<figure><img src="/files/sMp68weBUEJXntFnqn8b" alt=""><figcaption><p>Mobile Login Page</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Technical Remarks

Here's a list of technical details to keep in mind:&#x20;

### **Multiple Access**

You can log in to Crystal on **multiple devices** with a single account. In other words, you can access your account on a laptop, tablet or mobile, all at the same time.

### **Login Duration**

Crystal will remember your credentials for up to 7 consecutive days. This means that you can access the Project without re-entering your credentials throughout the entire 7-day period.

After that, you will need to re-enter your credentials the next time you use Crystal.&#x20;

***


# Discover the Advisor

This page describes the Advisor Workspace and its capabilities.

## Configure the Advisor

Once logged in, you will be immediately redirected to the Advisor Workspace.

First, you will be asked to configure your environment by choosing a language of your choice and accepting the Terms of Use (if you are a Member) or the Terms & Conditions (if you are an Admin).

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Based on your Crystal Project configuration, you will be able to choose from up to five [**languages**](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Member" %}

<figure><img src="/files/8ntQ3wJRjJbDO6eXSMHo" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Before you start for Members</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Admin" %}

<figure><img src="/files/f7xbp2PgVHh6tYVX0cMv" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Before you start for Admins</p></figcaption></figure>
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## Inside the Advisor

Once inside the Advisor, you are free to explore!&#x20;

The Advisor Workspace is a **homepage** for all the Crystal Capabilities that you can use to:

* Talk to your Data&#x20;
* Explore your Data&#x20;
* Analyze your Data&#x20;
* Report and discuss your Data

In the following page you'll find a quick **overview** of the Advisor's organization and capabilities.

The Advisor is made of **three sections** that contain the access to all of Crystal’s capabilities.

### Advisor Workspace

<figure><img src="/files/6UcVzrYVJxlNTDxz8IF6" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Advisor Workspace</p></figcaption></figure>

This central space is the main access point to <mark style="color:purple;">**talk to your data**</mark>!

The first thing you'll see in the Advisor Workspace is the **gravitonium**, a glowing spherical bubble ready to listen to you.

To star&#x74;**,** just click on the **gravitonium** to open the **Conversational Bar,** where you can ask all your questions.

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation)!

### Left Sidebar

<figure><img src="/files/pOYN2NtwIBb8ivgOT6ku" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Left Sidebar</p></figcaption></figure>

The Left Sidebar is where you can access the following Crystal capabilities:

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Data Stories**</mark>&#x20;

Crystal allows you to collect, manage, and share Topics by grouping them into customizable collections, called **Data Stories**.

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling)!

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Notifications**</mark>

All Crystal **Notifications** are available in a centralized space on the Advisor.&#x20;

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/notifications)!

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Topics**</mark>

All [Topics](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) are organized in an ordered and comprehensive overview.

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)!

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Account**</mark>

This section is the control panel of your Advisor Interface.

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/account)!

### Right Sidebar

<figure><img src="/files/A5t4olqUK1KZfJPVne5y" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Right Sidebar</p></figcaption></figure>

The Right Sidebar is where you can access the following Crystal capabilities:

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Suggestions**</mark>

Up to six **Suggestions** always appear in a side panel to help you explore your data. Just click on any of them to include them in a conversation with Crystal.&#x20;

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)!

* <mark style="color:purple;">**Insights**</mark>

When you ask about a Topic, a side panel appears above the Suggestion section, with textual cards called **Insights**, providing extra information related to your data.

Find out more in the [**Dedicated Section**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights)!

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you are not able to see data on your first access, this might be because you still don't have the correct viewing permissions.

Contact your Admin and ask them to change your permission settings correctly.
{% endhint %}

***


# Notifications

This page describes the Notification Section.

<figure><img src="/files/vZVovFnOePoU4vlCIuDo" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Notification Centre</p></figcaption></figure>

Notifications are signaled with a **small red badge** that pops up on the left sidebar of the Advisor, next to the notification icon. &#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

To receive notifications on the Crystal app, you have to enable the *push notifications* feature on your phone.
{% endhint %}

## Find Your Notifications

When you click on the icon, the **Notification Center** will open up.

In that section, all your notifications are listed in chronological order, from the latest to the earliest.

Clicking on each notification will give you access to the complete notification content.

<figure><img src="/files/yaE9l4tFcUhtPEBGiRxU" alt="" width="188"><figcaption><p>Notifications List</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Remember**</mark>

After clicking on a notification, it will no longer be visible in the Notification center.
{% endhint %}

## Manage Your Notifications

Within the Notification Center, you can also manage your notifications.

### Delete Notifications

If you have too many notifications, you can delete them using the three dots next to each notification.&#x20;

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Remember**</mark>

You cann retrieve notifications after deleting them.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Notification List

These are the types of notifications that Crystal can send you: &#x20;

### Analyzed insight

To inform you when an [**Insight Analysis**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/insight-analysis) is ready.

### **Detected anomaly**&#x20;

To inform you when an [**Anomaly**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts) or a [**Threshold Alert**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-1) has been detected.

### **Scheduled topic**

To inform you when a new [**scheduled Topic**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-2) has arrive&#x64;**.**

### Topic forecast (Beta)

To inform you when a [**Topic forecast**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting) is ready.

### Topic download

To inform you when a big-size file (Excel or PDF) is ready for [**download**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic)\![^1]

### Shared topic

To inform you when someone [**shares a Topic**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic) with you!

### Shared data story

To inform you when someone [**shares a Data Story**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling) with you!

***

[^1]: ready for download&#x20;


# Account

This page describes the Account Section.

<figure><img src="/files/Odt7FXuXYmkM2aiw0y8o" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Advisor's Account</p></figcaption></figure>

You can find your Account Section on the **last** **icon** at the bottom of the Left Sidebar.

Notice the **last** **icon** on the bottom in the Left Sidebar: that's your **Account Section.**

This is the section where you can manage a wide range of options related to your Advisor and your work on Crystal.

<figure><img src="/files/DS49WveZ7EUFIBvC9aoB" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>The Advisor's Account</p></figcaption></figure>

## Go to the console

You can jump to the Console Workspace.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This capability is only available to **Admin** Users.

If you are a Member User, you will not see this option.
{% endhint %}

## Alert Section

## Alert settings

In this section, you can [**check and manage the Alerts**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) that you have set until now.

## Personal settings

### Account

You can see your Account information: name, email, job title, role.

You can also find Terms and Conditions.

<figure><img src="/files/Ve4zXj9FnPmlYjYoHIb5" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Personal settings / Account</p></figcaption></figure>

### Preferences

You can manage your preferences, for example:

* [**choose your Language**](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
* [**choose your Theme** ](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal-1)
* enable or disable the [**Autocomplete**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete) Suggestions

<figure><img src="/files/o8CYc6j7pqsZA83GQXRm" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Personal settings / Preferences</p></figcaption></figure>

## Contact support

You can write to us about anything via a dedicated contact email.

## Resources

You can find a link to Crystal's Resources directly embedded in the Advisor.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Crystal Resources are represented by:

* [**Crystal Docs**](/), i.e. the documentation that supports you on how to use Crystal (*the same documentation you are reading right now!*)
* [**Release Notes**](/release-notes/2024), i.e. the collection of enhancements done to each Crystal version, where you can find what's new on the currently installed one
  {% endhint %}

You can check which version of Crystal you are currently using.

## Log out

You can log out at any time.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Logging out means **losing credential memory** in Crystal.

This means that the next time you log in, you will have to re-enter your credentials manually.

However, if you don't log out, you can stay logged in for **up to seven consecutive days.** This means that you can access the Project without re-entering your credentials, as Crystal will remember them for that specific length of time.&#x20;

If you do not access Crystal for seven consecutive days, you will be automatically logged out.
{% endhint %}

## Crystal version

You can check which version of Crystal you are currently using.

***


# Talk to Your Data

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to talk to you data and have conversations with Crystal.&#x20;

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/J3tWDfuZDiwBVNQANE3r" %}
[Conversation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Conversation

Ask questions to unlock precious insights from your business data!

Crystal's **natural language understanding** capabilities makes it possible to ask questions and interact with it as if you were speaking to members of your team.&#x20;

## Get the Conversation Started

To talk to Crysta&#x6C;**,** just click on the **gravitonium** (the purple floating bubble).&#x20;

The **Conversational Bar** will open up, where you'll be able to type in your questions.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/lC4h8IsiE6J5l3iRf5rm" alt=""><figcaption><p>Open the Input Bar</p></figcaption></figure>

## **Choose an Interaction Modality** <a href="#using-the-advisor-on-desktop-or-mobile" id="using-the-advisor-on-desktop-or-mobile"></a>

Communicating with Crystal is simple.

Just like speaking with a person, you can either:

* **Chat**, by *typing* your questions into the Input Bar
* **Talk**, by pressing the Microphone Button on the page and simply *dictating* your question (make sure your microphone is activated in your browser).

<figure><img src="/files/q6cVtfmalL1cJCynvGAe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Chat or Talk</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You will interact with Crystal in the language selected during your first access but you can always [change languages](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal) in your Account Settings.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Before you can interact with the Advisor, make sure that:

* Topics have been [configured](/crystal-console/topics-configuration)[ and published](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) by the Admin
* The Admin has given you [permission](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions) to view Topics
  {% endhint %}

Discover how to use Crystal's conversational capabilities in the sections below.&#x20;

Don't forget to say *"hi"* first!

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/Rhcc0H3J6XWKTZ3iunL9" %}
[Request Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/LBui6Qt2P1TtJgmWdFD4" %}
[Request a Data Analysis](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-a-data-analysis)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/HAfn8pnEloi1mXK5t4Kq" %}
[Disambiguation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Request Topics

This page explains how to talk with Crystal.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Before you start to talk with your data, make sure that you are familiar with the **concept of Topics**, as they are the foundational units of information that enable meaningful interactions with Crystal.

In particular, you must be comfortable with the following concepts:

* Objectives, Visualizations, Entities, Time Range Filters, Dynamic Filters
* Configured Topics, Auto-generated Topics

To refresh your memory, find all the information you need [**here**](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) before proceeding!
{% endhint %}

## Conversation Basics

**Asking a question to Crystal means asking about a Topic.**&#x20;

To ask a question, you just need to ask for the components of the Topic you have in mind, one after the other. That's all you need to start talking with Crystal!

In particular, your question should:&#x20;

* Include the **Objective (or Visualization)** and the **Entity** **(or Entities)** for that Topic
* Optionally include other details such as **Time Range** and **Dynamic Filters.**

Make sure your questions are straightforward, clear, and concise.

<figure><img src="/files/qNdIpUcV38pKdeqKPebU" alt=""><figcaption><p>A Crystal question</p></figcaption></figure>

Discover the step-by-step process to write a question.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The following conversation rules consider the specific logics of both Configured Topics and Auto-generated Topics.&#x20;

Keep them in mind and Crystal will deliver the best type of Topic related to your needs!
{% endhint %}

### **Introduce Your Question (Optional)**

Start with any natural question formula, such as a request, an order, or even a greeting!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"Hey Crystal!"*
* *"Can I see the …"*
* *"Show me the…"*
  {% endhint %}

### **Specify the Topic (Mandatory)**

Next, specify the Topic you want to ask about.

This means communicating the **Objective** and the **Main** **Entity (or Main Entities)** that constitute that Topic.

The two options to communicate an Objective are:&#x20;

* Naming a corresponding Visualization
* Specifying the purpose of the Topic with a phrase

To specify an Entity, you can communicate:&#x20;

* A single Main Entity
* Multiple Main Entities

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* " … *the Comparison between Sales and Leads … "*
* *"… the Breakdown of Users by Country …"*
* *"Who were the top sellers in the last month?"*
  {% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Dive deeper!</summary>

* In the first example, the Topic is made of the following elements:
  * *Comparison* = Objective
  * *Sales and Leads* = Main Entities
* In the second example, the Topic is made of the following elements:
  * *Breakdown* = Visualization (of Objective Composition)
  * *Users by Country* = Main Entity
* In the third example, the Topic is made of the following elements:
  * *Who were the top* = expression referring to the Ranking Objective
  * *Sellers* = Main Entity

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

With the new [**Entity-Based Conversation**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) capability, you should also consider the following new features:

* In **some specific cases**, Crystal is able to **infer the Objective and Visualization** even though they are not explicit:
  * If you ask for *"Sales by country",* Crystal will directly return a *Breakdown* Visualization for the *Composition* Objective.
  * If you ask for *"Total of sales",* Crystal will directly return a *Scaled-up Number* Visualization for *Highlight* Objective.&#x20;
* When the **Objective is not specified**, Crystal will assume that you are asking for a Composition: therefore, it will return a **default breakdown** (if the underlying data makes it possible).
  {% endhint %}

### **Filter by Time Range (Optional)**

After specifying the Topic you're interested in, you can add a time range to capture a specific moment in time.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* "… *in the past six months …"*
* *"… for the last year …"*
* *"… in 2019 ..."*
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* Time Filters can be dynamic (e.g. *"today", "this year",* etc.) or custom (e.g. *"from 01/03/2023 to 29/12/2024"*).
* Each Topic *always* comes with a Time Filter because it is not possible to have an analysis with no time time restriction. Time Filters are applied *by default* by the Admin during the [Topic Configuration](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter) process.
* If you do not include a specific time interval in your request, your data will be displayed following the default time range set up by your Admin. However, by specifying another time range in your question, you are changing the default settings.
  {% endhint %}

### **Filter by Dynamic Filters (Optional)**

Finally, if you want to further narrow down the scope of your analysis, you can add a [Dynamic Filter](/fundamentals/crystal-topics), i.e. an Entity used as a Filter instead of as the Main Entity.&#x20;

All you'll need to do is introduce the Filter with the correct preposition (e.g.*"for", "in",* etc) and then add the Filter, by either:

* Specifying the name of the Filter and the relative Filter Value, i.e. the specific instance for that Entity
* Only specifying the Filter Value directly, by implying the Filter name.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"… for Country Spain"*
* *"… for Spain"*
  {% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Diver deeper!</summary>

* The first example includes both a Filter and a Filter Value:
  * *"… for Country"* = Filter&#x20;
  * *"Spain"* = Filter Value
* The second example only includes a Filter Value:
  * *"… for Spain" =* Filter Value

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* Dynamic Filters can be numeric (currencies, item codes, or sizes) or non-numeric (countries, towns, areas, item names, customer names)
* You can only choose from the Filters your Admin has configured and made available for the selected Topic
  {% endhint %}

Finally, in the case of numeric Dynamic Filters, you can also specify a condition on the Filter Values such as "greater than", "less than", and "between".

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

*"List of codes for (number of) products sold..."*

* *"...greater than 200"*
* *"...lower than 200"*
* *"...between 200 and 300"*
  {% endhint %}

#### How does it work?

When you request to apply a Filter in a conversation, Crystal can:

* Recognize the filter by **exact match**
  * For example, when the question is: "*Show me the total sales for France*," and the filter is "France".

<details>

<summary>Exact Match </summary>

This is when the text included in the question is the same as in the data source (unless a change is already included in the preprocessing, such as punctuation marks or special characters).

This is the easiest case for Crystal to recognize.

If the filter is "*Italy*" and you write "*Italy*" in the question, the system will recognize it immediately.

</details>

* Recognize the filter by **partial match**
  * For example, when you ask: "*Show me the total sales for "Italy*", but the set Filter is "Northern Italy".

<details>

<summary>Partial Match</summary>

This is when the text in the question is not exactly the same as in the data source, and some parts are missing too.

This is considered a ‘partial match’: the system needs help from the **machine-learning model NER (Named-Entity Recognition)**.

NER is a search engine that can analyze all the words in a sentence and rank the most relevant terms, with the highest-scoring words as possible filter values.

*Example:*&#x20;

If you accidentally type "*nrthern Italy"* instead of "*Northern Italy*", the search engine will find possible filter values and assign a ranking:

* Northern Italy;
* Italy;
* Southern Italy;
* Italy.

Since "*Northern Italy*" has a higher score, it will be the closest to the typed value, and therefore recognized as the right filter value to select. No extra questions needed.&#x20;

On the other hand, if you are looking for the total sales for the Australian market and type: "*Total Sales for Austr*" with Australia and Austria in your data source, the NER will find two values with equivalent scores: Australia and Austria.

Since Crystal cannot be sure which of the two you need, the [Disambiguation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation) capability will come into play, asking you to choose between the two values.

</details>

### In Brief... <a href="#h_75bb64b7fc" id="h_75bb64b7fc"></a>

Here is a quick guide to help you ask your questions on Crystal.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Example**</mark>

*"Can I see the comparison between Sales and Leads in the past six months for Spain and for Italy?"*
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="69">N.</th><th width="229">Step</th><th width="214">Mandatory / Optional</th><th>Example</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>Question Formula</strong></td><td>Optional</td><td><em>Can I see</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>Objective / Visualization</strong></td><td>Mandatory / Highly Recommended <em><strong>(*)</strong></em></td><td><em>the comparison between</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>Main Entity / Entities</strong></td><td>Mandatory</td><td><em>Sales and Leads</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Time Range Filter</strong></td><td>Optional</td><td><em>in the past six months</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>Dynamic Filter #1</strong></td><td>Optional</td><td><em>for Spain</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>Dynamic Filter #2</strong></td><td>Optional</td><td><em>and for Italy?</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Note**</mark>

As shown in the example above, you can ask for more than one Dynamic Filter at the same time, by concatenating them in the same question.&#x20;

Simply use the formula *"and for"* and specify the other Filter(s).
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

When you specify the Time Range and Dynamic Filters, you can then manipulate the Topic as you want.

However, if you just specify the Topic by expressing the Objective and Main Entities (e.g. *"the comparison between Sales and Leads"*), you will see the default Time Range and the Filters set by the Admin.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

***(\*)*** There are only a *few cases* in which Crystal can [infer the Objectives and Visualizations](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation)  (for Composition and Highlight Objectives), if these aren't specifically expressed.&#x20;

Hence, as a general rule, it is **always** **better to specify the Objective**.&#x20;

In the absence of a clear Objective that cannot be deduced, Crystal **will try to return a Composition Objective**, i.e. a **Breakdown** Visualization.
{% endhint %}

### Express Yourself Naturally <a href="#h_75bb64b7fc" id="h_75bb64b7fc"></a>

With Crystal, you can express yourself as if you were speaking to a person.&#x20;

That's because Crystal can:

* Recognize words and sentences, even if spelled wrong or incomplete.

<details>

<summary>Learn More</summary>

For example, whether you spell:

* Month & Day as numbers (“*Total of Sales for 2022 10*”, “*Total of Sales for 2022 10 7*”).
* A month spelled out as a word ("*Total of Sales for 2022 October*” or “*Total of Sales for October 2022*”).
* A month abbreviated (“*Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec*”).
* Numbers with comma or dot (1,000 or 1.000)

Crystal will understand.

</details>

* Recognize words that are not in the selected language but are officially used as part of the company jargon (e.g. anglicisms)

<details>

<summary>Learn More</summary>

For example, this can happen when using time aggregations, as words like "quarter" are frequently used in other languages too.

You can use English words in your queries even if you selected another language to speak in.

Crystal will understand.

</details>

* Recognize synonyms and nuances

<details>

<summary>Learn More</summary>

When talking to Crystal, you can use the terminology that is most appropriate to the analysis context.

With **aliasing**, you can teach Crystal the language of your business by assigning synonyms to the Entities of your Topics.

To know more, consult the following articles:

* [Train the Topic](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)
* [Manage Entities](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/entities)

</details>

## Advanced Capabilities

When requesting a Topic, check out a few tricks that can come in handy on Crystal's advanced conversational capabilities!

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/q7vFCxumxSrahDe2A3Rc" %}
[Entity-Based Conversation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/WW1DUDUtTxHLoPiIqhp3" %}
[Context Memory](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/context-memory)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/G3rYLu2JN3VwgOE45TMm" %}
[Autocomplete](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

Keep talking to your data!


# Entity-Based Conversation

This page describes the new Entity-Based Conversation capability.

## An Enhanced Conversational Experience

Speaking with Crystal is getting easier than ever!

Since [<mark style="color:blue;">**Release 2.57**</mark>](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.57), Crystal offers you **more freedom** when asking questions.

1. **You can ask about Topics that are not pre-configured**

*In the past, you needed to know which Topics were configured in order to ask a question. Now, there are no limits to the Topics that you can ask Crystal about.*

2. **You can ask questions with more flexibility**

*In the past, explicating the Objective was always strictly mandatory when asking about a Topic. Now, there are also scenarios where you don't need to specify it in greater detail.*

## A New Topic Generation Method&#x20;

The described conversation enhancements are possible thanks to the introduction of a new Crystal capability: the **automatic generation of Topics based on Entities**.&#x20;

This is an *additional method for Topic generation* that stands alongside the *pre-existing* [***Configuration process***](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) *method,* carried out by the Admin User in the Crystal Console.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The Topics known as "A*uto-generated Topics*" are automatically generated by Crystal to differentiate them from the *"Configured Topics"*, created by the Admin User.
{% endhint %}

Unlike Configured Topics, Auto-generated Topics don't need to be manually created as they are **generated directly by Crystal**.&#x20;

That's why you can now ask questions beyond the scope of Configured Topics.

However, Topic Configuration is still currently supported, as it remains a fundamental pillar of Crystal conversations. Both methods combined together ensure the most advanced and complete conversational experience ever available on Crystal.

A this time, the automatic Topic generation method is activated *when no specific Configured Topic is available* to address the request.

In other words, when you ask about a Topic, Crystal first tries to match a Configured Topic for which you have viewing permissions. If there aren't any, a new Topic will be generated.&#x20;

*All you need to do is keep asking questions and Crystal will provide the best type of Topic available to meet your request.* &#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Even though this capability revolves more around the *logics beneath Crystal's answer formulation* (i.e. how Crystal generates Topics autonomously), it also impacts *the way you can ask for Topics*.

To talk to Crystal and get answers in the form of Auto-generated Topics, you can still follow the same [**conversational rules**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics) used for Configured Topics, keeping in mind **new logics that make the rules less strict**!
{% endhint %}

## How Does It Work?

The automatic Topic Generation capability and the Conversation enhancements will be analyzed separately.

### Automatic Topic Generation

Crystal can autonomously generate Topics **using the Entities within the dataset**, either individually or in combination.&#x20;

When you ask about a Topic that has not been configured by the Admin, Crystal leverages the **Entity configuration** **pre-existing in other Configured Topics** to **infer possible combinations** of the Entities.&#x20;

Starting from a single Configured Topic, Crystal can create new Topics based on any combination of Entities, regardless of the Objective and Filters included.

For example:&#x20;

* Consider a Configured Topic with the Main Entity *"Licenses"* and three Filters applied: *"country"*, *"region"*, and *"product type"*
* Crystal can create:
  * *"Overtime of Licenses (by day)"*&#x20;
  * *"Comparison of licenses by region and country"*
  * *and other similar results.*&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/TtoQsqc3xiHqmy13eTfk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Auto-generated Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Note**</mark>

Auto-generated Topics will always *look* the same and be made of the same *elements* as the Configured Topics (read more [here](/fundamentals/crystal-topics)).&#x20;

The main difference lies in the *generation method*. Configured Topics  can be considered to be *"real"*, as they are created and managed by the Admin. However, Auto-generated Topics are considered as *"virtual"*, as they exist but cannot be created or managed manually.

Moreover, there are differences in the *functionalities* that they currently support, as explained in the following paragraph.
{% endhint %}

#### Rules

* For Crystal to auto-generate a Topic from your question, the Entities in the question must be **present in at least one Configured Topic.**
* The Entities that Crystal can use for Topic generation can be of any type, **including Custom Entities.**
* Auto-generation **does** **not take viewing permissions of Topics** **into account.** Therefore, Crystal will also be able to generate Topics from Configured Topics that you don't have permissions for.
* If you ask for multiple Entities, they can belong indistinctly to the **same Table** or to **different Tables** (in this case, Crystal will automatically join them for you).
* When **Entities with the same name** are detected, the misunderstanding risk is higher. In this case, Crystal will enter [**Disambiguation**](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation) and ask you to choose the correct Table source for the Entity.
* When you ask for an **Objective "Composition"**, Crystal applies the following logics to generate Topics:
  * When comparing two Entities with *different units of measure*, a *Scaled-up Number* will be the default Visualization, containing all the requested measures.
  * When comparing two Entities with *different units of measure with a Breakdown*, a *Scatterplot* will be the default Visualization.
  * In all other cases, a *Bar Chart* will be the default Visualization.
* If an **aggregation** is recognized in a Topic, it will also be used in the Auto-generated Topic. otherwise an aggregation will be established based on the Configured Topic specifications. In particular:
  * If the Entity has been configured by specifying an aggregation, the *first aggregation* on this Entity will be considered.&#x20;
  * If the Entity is not numeric, and has only been configured as a Filter or Categorical Entity, the *distinct count* is used by default.
  * If the Entity is numeric, and is without explicit aggregation, the *sum* is used by default
* The **default Time Range** applied to the Auto-generated Topics will be handled in different ways, based on whether Crystal is able to perform a **Time Entity inference** or not:
  * Usually, Crystal should infer the Time Entity *from at least one Configured Topic.* In this case, the default Time Range applied on the Auto-generated Topic is the same inferred from the Configured Topics.
    * In the case where Crystal finds ambiguities among several Configured Topics, the applied default Time Range is *the* *one configured in the System Settings.*
  * Should Crystal not be able to infer the Time Entity at all, it will be missing on the Topic and therefore *all* [*start-to-date*](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] *records will be extracted and shown* on the Topic. Moreover, you *won't be able to filter this Topic using Time Filters* (but only with Dynamic Filters).
* In the case where Crystal auto-generates an "**Overtime" Topic**, if no Time-Entity Topics have been configured for the specific requested Entity, Crystal will **guess which Time Entity** to use. If this operation fails, you will see a specific error message.
* The **time aggregation for Topics with an Overtime Objective** can only be requested if at least one other Overtime Topic is previously configured for the same Entity. In that case, you can ask the for a time aggregation. However, if not specified, the time aggregation would be *monthly,* by default.
* Auto-generated Topics **only inherit the permissions from the Configured Topic for Entities and Filter Values.** Unlike Configured Topics, Auto-generated Topics don't need assigned Permissions, as they are "virtual" Topics", and therefore cannot be manually managed by the Admin.
* The following **Crystal capabilities** are also **available for Auto-generated Topics:**
  * All the actions available on the Topic Card ([Filter](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters), Set [Anomaly Detection](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts) or [Schedule Topic ](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-2)Alerts, Save in [Data Stories](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling), [Share](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic), [Download](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic), [Ask again](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/ask-topics), [Forecast](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting), Expand)
  * [Context Memory](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/context-memory)
  * [Automated Insights](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights)

#### Limitations

* If the requested Entities are **not** **present in at least one Configured Topic**, Crystal cannot generate new Topics.
* When you ask for **Entities coming from different Tables**, you can involve up to **40 Tables** from the chosen Data Source, as this is the current limit for Table configuration on Crystal.
* If the requested Entities are spread across **multiple Data Sources**, they cannot be used to generate a new Topic.
* When the Entities used for Topic generation are **Custom Entities**, keep the following limitations in mind:
  * If a Custom Entity is defined by Columns from Table A, you can request Virtual Topics with Entities different from A *only if there are Configured Topics* [*that have the necessary joins*](#user-content-fn-2)[^2]
  * If the Custom Entity is defined by Columns from both Tables A and B, you can request Virtual Topics with Entities from both A and B.
* Topic types such as **Description** or **Comparison - Single column pos. neg.** cannot be auto-generated.
* When asking about a Topic of **List** type, the auto-generated **Table** Visualization will contain *as many Columns as the Entities specified in the question.* This means that if only one Entity is specified, the table will have only one Column, but if you specify all the Entities, you'll get more Columns.&#x20;
  * For example: "*Show me a list of customer IDs"* and "*Show me a list of customer IDs and relative names and ages".*
* When asking for a Topic of **Ranking** type, you need to specify the Entity order in which you want your result.&#x20;
  * For example: *"Show me the ranking of sales agents by closed contracts"*
* Auto-generated Topics **won’t be involved in other Crystal capabilities** related to Topics, which will be *available for Configured Topics only*:
  * [Topics Overview](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)
  * [Topic Suggestions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)
  * [Autocomplete](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete)
  * [Insight Analysis](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/insight-analysis)
  * [Alerts setting via conversation](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts), for both Anomaly Detection and Threshold Monitoring (but you can set an Anomaly Detection via Topic Card instead).

### Enhanced Conversation Rules

Crystal can now infer a Topic Objective, even when the question is not explicitly written out.&#x20;

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* You can simply ask *"Sales by Country"* and Crystal will directly return a **Breakdown** Visualization, inferring a **Composition** Objective.&#x20;
* You can simply ask *"Total of Sales"* and Crystal will directly return a **Scaled-up Number** Visualization, inferring the **Highlight** Objective.&#x20;
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/BVCHOHSYpNv1mNFerikj" alt=""><figcaption><p>Objective Inference</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Rules & Limitations

* At present, this capability is only available for two Objectives: **Composition** and **Highlight.**
* *For all the other cases*, **you still need to** **specify your Objective** to obtain the corresponding Visualization
* *When the Objective is not specified*, Crystal will assume that you are asking for a Composition. Therefore, by default you'll receive a **Breakdown by default** (if the underlying data allows it).

Keep talking to your data!

***

[^1]: what does this mean?

[^2]: what?&#x20;


# Context Memory

This page describes the Context Memory capability.

<figure><img src="/files/FInW6o5GcMym5ZKvNgGo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Context Memory</p></figcaption></figure>

Crystal can **keep memory of your previous questions**, i.e. the **context** of your queries.&#x20;

This capability allows you to **ask follow-up questions** on a Topic *without having to write full sentences again*.

In particular, Crystal can store memory of all information related the **Topic** itself.

## Memory of Topic Elements

Once you ask about a **Topic**, Crystal remembers your question as part of a **conversational context**.

In particular, Crystal is able to store memory of the [**elements forming a Topic**](/fundamentals/crystal-topics), so that you can **ask for  other elements** without re-writing the ones you first asked about.

In other words, the context memory enables you to **ask about Topics by requesting a sort of element "switch" within the Topic in context**.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Even when asking about Topics with this modality, Crystal will only return Topic configured by the Admin in Console.
{% endhint %}

### Objective Memory (Entity Switch)

Crystal can remember the Topic's Objective as the conversational context.

This way, you can ask about a new Topic by just switching the Entities.

How? Simply ask *“And for…?”*, then add the Entities in coherence with the current Objective.&#x20;

Crystal will show you a Topic that has the same Objective but different Entities!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *(Breakdown) "And of Sales by Agent?"*
* *(Comparison) "And of Sales vs Target?"*
* *(Overtime) "And of Country?"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/23GmzKafhssMmW3gSSBy" alt=""><figcaption><p>Same Objective, Different Entities</p></figcaption></figure>

### Entity Memory (Objective Switch)

Crystal can remember the Topic's Entities as the conversational context.

This way, you can ask about a new Topic by just switching the Objective.

How? Simply ask *“And the…?”*, then add an Objective (or Visualization) in coherence with the current Entities.

Crystal will show you a Topic that has the same Entities but different Objective!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"And the Comparison?"*
* *"And the Breakdown?"*
* *"And the Overtime?"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/dE7uC48b7OJAlKus54xc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Same Entities, Different Objective</p></figcaption></figure>

### Topic Memory (Filter Switch)

Crystal can remember both Objective and Entities together (i.e. a Topic) as the conversational context.

This way, you can narrow down the same Topic with Filters, without asking for the Objective and Entity again.

How? Simply ask *“And for…?”*, then add a Dynamic and / or a Time Filter.

Crystal will show you the same Topic filtered with new Filters!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"And for country Italy?"*
* *"And for Italy?"*
* *"And for last quarter?"*
* *"And in 2022?"*
* *"And for Spain in 2021?"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/GeeIpJWyeVHFnLpg81pR" alt=""><figcaption><p>Same Topic, Different Filters</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In this context, if you keep asking Filters with the "and for" formulation, Crystal will *add* the new requested Filter to the Topic, keeping in memory all the Filters applied. This means that Filters already present in the Topic will remain afterwards, and the new Topic will contain both Filters.

For example, asking "and for Spain?" in the example above will give the same Topic filtered for both Italy *and* Spain.
{% endhint %}

### Filter Memory (Topic Switch)

If the previously asked Topic contained Filters, Crystal can remember them too as the conversational context.

This way, you can ask about another Topic (with different Objectives and Entities) that contains the same Filters, instead of asking for the new Topic and specifying Filters again.

How? Simply ask *“And the…?”,* then add your Topic.

Crystal will show you the new Topic filtered with the same Filters!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"And the List of Country Managers?"*
* *"And the Breakdown of total Sales by Country?"*
* *"And the Comparison of Sales vs Target?"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/SGKqM25z3LXLxQT0X73R" alt=""><figcaption><p>Same Filters, Different Topics</p></figcaption></figure>

Keep talking to your data!

***


# Autocomplete

This page describes the Autocomplete capability.

<figure><img src="/files/TYwaWNFwsUOCCm7GuTYM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Autocomplete</p></figcaption></figure>

Crystal is always ready to land you a **helping** hand!

While talking to your data, **proactive suggestions of words and phrases** will appear in the Conversational Bar as you type.

Crystal is able to understand your intent and allows you to **write coherent questions faster** and to **explore your Topics directly in Conversations,** in case you don't specifically know what to ask for.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

On *first access* to Crystal, Autocomplete is always enabled by default.

You can choose to turn it off and on again as you please. Just look at the icon on the left side of the Conversational Bar to check whether the Autocomplete capability is active or not and to configure your settings.

On all *subsequent accesses*, the settings will remain consistent with your choices: e.g. if Autocomplete was active, it will stay active, and vice versa.
{% endhint %}

## Get Customized Suggestions&#x20;

While the Autocomplete capability is on, you will get suggestions *based on questions you have already asked*, Crystal will be able to finish those sentences based on your typing history.&#x20;

You can always choose to either *accept* a suggestion (using the arrow keys, the mouse, or by tapping on it) or *discard* it (by continuing to write).

If you keep on writing, the Suggestions *list will change* to offer more coherent suggestions.

You can continue to use the Autocomplete capability until finding a Suggested Topic to fit your query or sending an autonomously composed question.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

* The Autocomplete suggestions always include Topics for which your Admin granted you *viewing permissions*.  &#x20;
* If your settings have *Databases with custom Row-Level Security policies* applied, the displayed suggestions of Filter Values are restricted to the *values you are authorized to access at Database level.*
  {% endhint %}

Here are all the possible ways Crystal can complete your sentence:

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

A question to Crystal must always contain the name of a *Topic*, therefore an *Objective* and an *Entity* must always be included.&#x20;

Learn more about the Conversation Rules [here](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation).
{% endhint %}

### Full Topic Suggestions

If you are at the beginning of the question and still haven't specified a Topic, you will see a full list of Topics appear.

For example:

1. Write a greeting or a command formula, like *“Show”.*
2. Crystal will display a full list of Topics that match this keywords, e.g. *"the total of profit".*

<figure><img src="/files/CJ8m2itWtWRrySGm6uh4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Full Topics Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

### Objective Suggestions

If you started the question by specifying an Entity, you will see a list of Objectives.

For example:

1. Make a straight Entity request by writing *“Profit”.*
2. Crystal will display a list of Objectives for this Entity, e.g. *"distribution by city".*

<figure><img src="/files/uvKiznXTEnswD8K1cZcR" alt=""><figcaption><p>Objectives Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

### Entities Suggestions

If you started the question by specifying an Objective, you will be shown a list of Entities.

For example:

1. Make a straight Objective request by writing *“Comparison”.*
2. Notice that Crystal starts suggesting a list of Entities for this Objective, e.g. *"earning by city and facility type".*

<figure><img src="/files/A99Rpjcb2maJsWWgOiC7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Entity Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

### Dynamic Filter Suggestions

If your question included both an Objective and an Entity, Crystal will suggest a list of possible Dynamic Filters to apply, selected from those available for that specific Topic.

For example:

1. Write a full sentence containing an entire Topic: *“Find me the breakdown of profit by city”.*
2. Add the word *"for".*
3. Crystal will display (on the right-hand side of the Input Bar) a list of possible Filters to apply to this Topic: e.g. *"sector type, country, city, etc."*
4. Click on the Filter of your choice to apply it to your query.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/GykeIWmt5V9fptzXWU4a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Dynamic Filters Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

### Filter Value Suggestions

Once you have chosen a Filter, you will also see the list of Values available for that Filter.

For example:

1. Suppose you choose the Filter *"country"* from the list.
2. Crystal will display (on the right-hand side of the Input Bar) a list of possible values for that Filter, e.g. *"Albania, Algeria, etc."*
3. Click on a value for the Filter and send the request to Crystal.

<figure><img src="/files/0w2wwcRy2Ylja6lbuh2d" alt=""><figcaption><p>Filter Values Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You can still send a request even if you don't select a value, but the Filter won’t be applied as no values were specified.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Crystal will also suggest Filters and their values **when concatenating Filters**, i.e. when you write *“and for”* in order to add a Filter to an already-filtered Topic.

You can write *"and for"* both:

* After a full Topic request with Filters
* As a stand-alone request (because Crystal can store memory of the conversation context, as described [here](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation)).
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/YGpiAQ4eEVIGZ7MVmG8y" alt=""><figcaption><p>Concatenate filter in a sentence</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/OYfqghh1lspyOkNuoVgc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask for a filter concatenation</p></figcaption></figure>

### Next Word Suggestions

To speed up the process, Crystal will also suggest single words to help you type faster.&#x20;

For example:

1. Let’s start again by writing "*Show".*
2. *Type a space* after the first word.
3. Crystal will suggest the most probable word to come after it: for example, *"Me".*

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

* Crystal can predict *any type of syntactic word*, eventually leading to a full, meaningful question that corresponds to an actual Topic.
* While typing, you can choose to accept or ignore the words as you see fit. You can accept all of Crystal’s suggestions, accept just some of them, or ignore them all.
* Your word suggestion choices will not have *any impact* on the Topic Suggestions.
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/gtNAANtnU40bALMx9oLT" alt=""><figcaption><p>Word Suggestion n.1</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/JTSabPLD8t2f1W1xU2Ao" alt=""><figcaption><p>Word Suggestion n.2</p></figcaption></figure>

## How Does It Work?

The Autocomplete capability combines two different functionalities which, when combined together, allows you to lean on Crystal's full support when writing queries.&#x20;

To fully understand how it works, it is important to know the difference between:

* [**Topic Related Suggestions**](#topic-related-suggestions), which includes the suggestion of Full Topics, Objectives, Entities, Filters, and Filter Values
* [**Next Word Suggestions**](#next-word-suggestions)**.**

### Topic Related Suggestions

To give you customized suggestions related to Topics, Crystal **compares** the sentence you type with the sentences present in the [training set](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train).

#### Rules & Limitations

* **Suggestions Based on Configured Topics:** Autocomplete only considers and suggests Configured Topics, i.e. the ones that have been manually [created by the Admin](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas[ auto-generated Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) are not included.
* **Filter and Topic Suggestions Based on User Permissions:** The system aligns both Filter and Topic suggestions with your viewing permissions set in the Console. This means that you can only see the Filter values and Topic suggestions your Admin has allowed you to see.&#x20;
* **No Data Possibility within Selected Topics:** After applying specific Filters and Values, you could run into a Topic that doesn't contain any data. This could be due to the nature of the data or the specific combination of filters applied. If you land on a Topic with no data, the system. acknowledges it by sending you a message, which will inform you of the situation and invite you to try a different query or Topic.
* **Stable Suggestions on Deleted Words:** Deleting words from a query does not update or change the suggested Topic list.

### Next Word Suggestions

For customized word suggestions, Crystal's **predictions** are based on the sentences present in the [training set](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train).

#### Rules & Limitations

* **Suggestions Based on Configured Topics:** Autocomplete only considers and suggests Configured Topics, i.e. the ones that have been manually [created by the Admin](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas[ auto-generated Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) are not included.
* **Single Word Suggestion:** To make predictions as accurate and relevant as possible, Crystal only suggests one word at a time. This approach allows the system to provide predictions that are contextually appropriate to your current input.
* **Limitation in Recognizing Untrained Sequences:** If you type a sequence of words that is not recognized within Crystal's training set, the system will not offer predictions for the following word.
* **Predictions Beyond User Permissions:** Crystal might suggest words related to Topics even if you don't have viewing permissions for those Topics.

Keep talking to your data!

***


# Request a Data Analysis

This page summarizes all the capabilities that you can activate in a conversation.

Beyond [Topics requests](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics), Crystal lets you **activate** **capabilities** present in the Advisor by simply asking for them.

Right now, you can activate features linked to Crystal's [**data analysis**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data) capabilities.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

These capabilities are *only available for* [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration)*;* [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) do not support them.
{% endhint %}

## Ask for an Anomaly Detection&#x20;

With the **Anomaly Detection** capability, you can monitor a Topic until the system finds an anomaly.&#x20;

To activate this feature, simply ask:&#x20;

1. *"Notify me / advise me / let me know etc"* + *"about"*
2. Specify the Topic of interest
3. Specify Filters (optional)

Crystal will give you a feedback about the result of your request (e.g. request succeeded, failed, etc.) and you will receive a notification when the analysis is available.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"Notify me about sales by week over time"*
* *"Advise me about sales by week over time for Italy"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/RgXtdFWnmgM9rnpOI6fA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask for an Anomaly Detection</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You can activate the same capability *from the Topic Card* of the chosen Topic.
{% endhint %}

Get a complete overview of the **Anomaly Detection** capability [**here**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts)!

## Ask for a Threshold Monitoring

With the **Threshold Monitoring** capability, you can monitor a Topic until the value of the Entity goes above or below a specific threshold.

To activate this feature, simply ask:

1. *"Notify me / advise me / let me know etc"* + *"when"*
2. Specify the Topic of interest
3. Specify Filters (optional)
4. Specify the direction of comparison: *"goes above"* or *"goes below"*
5. Choose the threshold value: it can be an *absolute value* or a *percentage*

<details>

<summary>Recommendations</summary>

Consider the following recommendations to write the *absolute threshold value* correctly:

* The numeric value needs to be specified in full: you cannot include *“,”* or *“.”*&#x20;
  * These symbols should only be used to indicate a decimal number
* You cannot abbreviate the number
* You cannot include a currency symbol

For example, you can not specify a number like "$ 3,4K": instead,  you should write "3400".

</details>

Crystal will give you a feedback about the result of your request (e.g. request succeeded, failed, etc.) and you will receive a notification when the analysis is available.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"Notify me when sales overtime by week goes above 80 million."*
* *"Notify me when sales overtime by week goes above 80 million in Spain."*
* *“Let me know when my total sales growth rate goes under 10%.”*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/fdHYMbSLhG6TJoC7clfR" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask for a Threshold Monitoring</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You can only perform this kind of analysis for the following Objectives:&#x20;

* Overtime Single Line
* Highlight
  {% endhint %}

Get a complete overview of the **Threshold Monitoring** capability [**here**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-1)!

Keep talking to your data!

***


# Disambiguation

This page describes the Disambiguation capability.

Misunderstandings can occur in any conversation, but when they occur in Crystal, rest assured that they don't go unnoticed.&#x20;

## A Proactive Request to Solve Ambiguities

Misunderstandings in conversation can happen because of **ambiguities**, i.e. words or concepts that may take on **different meanings at the same time**.

If your Project's Entities, Filters, Objectives, or even entire Topics are too similar, Crystal will automatically detect those ambiguities when they come up in a question.&#x20;

In these cases, Crystal needs more information to understand which concept to select. In response, it will display a **list of options** to choose from, in order to clarify the question.

By selecting the correct option, you will provide Crystal with the missing information to **disambiguate**, i.e. resolve the ambiguity, as per the example below:

<figure><img src="/files/R4d05pk4QwZvXgsY0JZL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Disambiguation Options</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

During a conversation with Crystal, you need to resolve an ambiguity about a topic for two reasons; either to specify a topic directly or to  [activate some other capability](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-a-data-analysis) on a Topic. E.g. "*give me the breakdown of sales*" or "*notify me about the breakdown of sales*" (breakdown of sales = topic).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Ambiguity Types

Different types of ambiguities can appear, depending on the nature and granularity of the information involved.&#x20;

The possible scenarios include the following:

* [Ambiguous Entities](#ambiguous-entities)
* [Ambiguous Aggregations of Entities](#aggfun-ambiguity)
* [Ambiguous Values of Filters](#ambiguous-filters)
* [Ambiguous Time Aggregators](#timeagg-ambiguity)

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

A question might contain more than one ambiguity and of different types.
{% endhint %}

### **Ambiguous Entities**

This ambiguity happens when the combination of the Entities in the question leads to *multiple Topics possible.*

The Topics in the list can either fully or partially match the Entities.

#### Full Match <a href="#breakdown-ambiguity" id="breakdown-ambiguity"></a>

Topics fully match if they contain all the requested Entities.

This ambiguity arises when you ask for a *very common Entity* that might be present in many Topics.

In this case, Crystal tries to disambiguate based on the granularity of the [Custom Entities](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/custom-entity).

* Question: *"Show me the breakdown of sales”*
* Ambiguity: *“sales”*
* Candidate Topics:&#x20;
  * *"sales by region" (Custom Entity)*
  * *"sales by category" (Custom Entity)*

<figure><img src="/files/BARDcekblF7U83JUMC1q" alt=""><figcaption><p>Full Match Entity Ambiguity</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Partial Match <a href="#breakdown-ambiguity" id="breakdown-ambiguity"></a>

Topics partially match if they contain only some of the requested Entities.

This ambiguity arises when you ask for an Entity that is *not present in any Topic.*

In this case, Crystal tries to disambiguate by retrieving Topics that come close to the requested Entity.

* Question: *"Bring me up the count of sales”*
* Ambiguity: *“count of sales”*
* Candidate Topics (the Topic *"count of sales"* does not exist):&#x20;
  * *"total of net sales volume actual"*
  * *"total of net sales value actual"*

<figure><img src="/files/c2dJ9bkSVtToem592DAJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Partial Match Entity Ambiguity</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Ambiguous Aggregations of Entities** <a href="#aggfun-ambiguity" id="aggfun-ambiguity"></a>

This ambiguity happens when there are multiple Topics containing the same Entity and differing only in the *aggregation function* (sum, count, total, etc.).

In this case, Crystal returns the list of Custom Entities that are actually available.

* Question: *"Show me the cost”*
* Ambiguity: *“cost”*
* Candidate Topics:&#x20;
  * *"total of cost"*
  * *"average cost"*

<figure><img src="/files/O8DZrZYxfn05o8DS4rxp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Aggregation Ambiguity</p></figcaption></figure>

### Ambiguous Values of Filters

This ambiguity happens when the question contains a Filter Value that *does not exist but* [*partially matches* ](/fundamentals/crystal-topics)*other values.*

In this case, Crystal returns the actually available values for that Filter.

* Question: “*Show me the total sales in America*”
* Ambiguity: “*America*”
* Candidate Filter Values:&#x20;
  * *"North America"*
  * *"South America"*

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In this disambiguation scenario, in contrast to all the other ones, it is possible for you to *select more than one* Filter Value at once, if needed.&#x20;

From [Release 2.58 ](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58)you can do this using the *"Select all"* / *"Deselect all"* button!&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/HmaiOqyYqSfTEDfHJhZe" alt=""><figcaption><p>Partially Matching Filter Values Ambiguity</p></figcaption></figure>

<div><figure><img src="/files/QNqOtawJ5x4xvCUEssdq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select All</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/sXl7EXHbcOUA1PA4kBdJ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Deselect All</p></figcaption></figure></div>

### **Ambiguous** Time Aggregators <a href="#timeagg-ambiguity" id="timeagg-ambiguity"></a>

This ambiguity happens when there are multiple O*vertime Topics* differing only in the *time aggregator***.**

* Question: *"What's the tax overtime?”*
* Ambiguity: *“time aggregator”*
* Candidate Topics:
  * *"tax over time (by day)"*
  * *"tax over time (by semester)"*
  * *"tax over time (by quarter)"*

<figure><img src="/files/ynQbB5OSJMREyXQE3tC3" alt=""><figcaption><p>Time Aggregator Ambiguity</p></figcaption></figure>

### Ambiguous Source Tables <a href="#breakdown-ambiguity" id="breakdown-ambiguity"></a>

In the context of [Entity-Based Conversation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation), Entities with the same name might be detected.

In this case, Crystal will ask you to choose the correct source table for the Entity.

Keep talking to your data!

***


# Explore Your Data

Besides Conversation, there are many other ways to explore data on Crystal.

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to explore your data.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTZ5H0Xj5LHx5OPvts" %}
[Suggestions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhT\_d5js-W4vKNG0L\_d" %}
[Topics Overview](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhT\_h8zjTF2ZmLv-yAJ" %}
[Filter Topics](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/SnCvH5LvbtKcM3oX58IH" %}
[Ask Topics](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/ask-topics)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/9Bs0jP1cqzr6mGS5qtJZ" %}
[Past Questions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/past-questions)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Suggestions

This page describes the Suggestions capability.

<figure><img src="/files/mQVYxorZ92JbDv8d7Pf9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Suggestions</p></figcaption></figure>

The **"Suggestions"** Section is located on the Right Sidebar.

Every time a Topic appears in the Advisor Workspace, Crystal proposes a set of **dynamic suggestions**, which include suggestions of Topics **related** to the one you just asked. These suggestions change based on your questions. &#x20;

Suggestions serve as a **guide** for you to continue exploring your data, indicating which questions to ask next to uncover fresh insights.&#x20;

If you are new on Crystal, Suggestions can also inspire you to **formulate** more effective questions for the Advisor, since the Topics inside the cards are expressed in the form of questions.

## Explore Suggestions

Exploring Suggestions is easy: simply click on the suggestion of your interest and you will immediately find it open and ready to explore in the **Advisor**.

Each time you ask a question, the suggestions will be **refreshed** based on the last Topic you asked about.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Whenever possible, the algorithm will suggest **up to six** related Topics. The first four will generally be the more *similar* Topics, while the last two might be the *least* similar. &#x20;

By showing a mix of similar and different Topics, Crystal offers a balance between informed guidance and out-of-the-box tips that may spark curiosity for alternative data exploration paths.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The Topics inside the Suggestion tips are only those who have been configured by the Admin and that you *have viewing permissions* for.
{% endhint %}

## How Does It Work?

The Suggestions capability uses an algorithm called a **Recommender System**, which is powered by the **Business** **Knowledge Graph**, a data model that provides a personalized representation of the data behind your Crystal Project.

<details>

<summary>Deep Dive on the Business Knowledge Graph</summary>

The Business Knowledge Graph (BKG) serves as the foundational knowledge base that Crystal leverages to answer your questions.

It is similar to a network of interconnected information and metadata, built upon the private data linked to Crystal.

For each Crystal Project, the Business Knowledge Graph is unique and isolated, tasked with a very clear objective: to extract all the information AI models need from the metadata, to transform information into conversation.

The construction of the BKG begins with Crystal’s configuration, where data sources are selected and Business Entities are defined, along with their semantic properties.

The BKG interprets both the content of the data connected to Crystal and the decisions made during configuration to establish semantic links between elements of the corporate knowledge base.

Through this process, the BKG learns the corporate lexicon, its taxonomy, and specific expressions, achieving a deep understanding of the business.

Additionally, the BKG adapts and evolves based on the questions asked to Crystal, identifying new correlations among data and learning from users, ensuring that the results produced are always accurate, certified, and contextual.

This is one of the core technologies underlying Crystal.

</details>

Based on your customized Business Knowledge Graph, the Recommender System analyzes the dataset and selects the Topics that are more relevant to the Topic asked based on the **similarity** of their **content**.

In particular, the algorithm compares Topics based on their Entities, Objectives, or Data Sources, like this:

1. **Entities Match**: first, it searches for Topics containing the same Entities as those in the Advisor’s Topic.
2. **Objective Alignment**: in absence of similar Entities, it looks for Topics with matching Objectives.
3. **Source Correlation**: if there aren't any matching Objectives, it extends the search to Topics from the same Table or Data Source.

Whenever possible, the algorithm will suggest **up to six** related Topics. The first four will be the *most similar ones*, while thee last two Topics will be the *least similar*.

#### Rules & Limitations

The rules and limitations to consider when using the Suggestion capability are as follows:

* **Suggestions Based on Configured Topics:** Suggestions *only consider Configured Topics*, i.e. the ones that have been manually [created by the Admin](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas[ auto-generated Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) are not included.
* **Dependency on Focused Topic:** The activation of the algorithm *requires a “Topic in focus”*, i.e. a Topic open in Advisor.
* **A Minimum Number of Topics:** There must be at least *seven Topics configured and published in Console* for the algorithm  to suggest six correlated Topics.
* **Potential for Random Suggestions:** When the configuration isn't optimal, the algorithm defaults to *random* suggestions.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The suggestions will be random if:

* You've never asked Crystal a question, e.g. right after logging into Crystal.
  * In this case, you will see six random Suggestions.
* There aren't enough Topics configured, e.g. on first usage.
* If you have viewing permissions for a limited amount of Topics.
  * In these last two cases, you may see less then six Suggestions and some of them may be random.
    {% endhint %}

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Topics Overview

This page describes the Topic Section and its capabilities.

<figure><img src="/files/3yulqQzA4DpU9hMQJvN4" alt=""><figcaption><p>Topics Section</p></figcaption></figure>

To access the Topic Section, click on the **third** **icon** from the top, in the Left Sidebar of the Advisor.&#x20;

This is an alternative way to **explore** data on Crystal, along with [Suggestions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions) and [Past Questions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/past-questions).

The Topic Section presents a comprehensive **overview** of all the [Topics](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) that you can ask on Crystal, grouped by Topic Collection.&#x20;

This is where you can also **manage** your Topics in various ways.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* This section collects only Configured Topics, i.e. the ones that have been manually [created by the Admin](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas[ auto-generated Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) are not included.
* Both Topics and Filters shown in this section depend on your *viewing permissions* set for your account by the Admin.
  {% endhint %}

## Entity List

All the Topics in this section are divided into collections based on the *Entities they contain*.

Therefore, the Entity List is the first section you will encounter when opening the Topic Section.

Each Entity is listed *alphabetically* and will show you the *number* of Topics inside the collection.

<figure><img src="/files/2lEjua91e5P91wHGVK9b" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Entities List</p></figcaption></figure>

## Topic List

After clicking on an Entity in the list, the *full list* of Topics associated to it will open up.

<figure><img src="/files/EeCJYGakeZF7LEcQ26DL" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Topics List</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Text Topics are *not* displayed in the Topic Section.
{% endhint %}

## Manage Your Topics

You can manage each collection by searching, reordering, and filtering the Topics inside each collection.

### Search Topics

You can search the Topic you need by writing in the Search Bar on the top left of the Section.

Crystal will be able to find the Topics that contain the words you type.

<figure><img src="/files/LitOszD1uRLhTmydEOMi" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Search Topics</p></figcaption></figure>

### Reorder Topics

You can customize the order in which the Topics are displayed within each Entity Section.

Just click on the related icon placed on the top right of each Entity Section to sort your Topics in the order you want.

{% hint style="info" %}
The changes applied will be *permanent* until changed again.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/JsAZbCdExb0ySKw97Yen" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Sort Topics - Step 1</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/OluStSIRmVltMW7UIWNe" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Sort Topics - Step 2</p></figcaption></figure>

### Filter Topics

You can also filter Topics by applying [Filters](/fundamentals/crystal-topics), either Time Ranges or Dynamic Filters.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>&#x20;

The Filters applied will affect the *whole list of Topics* inside the collection.

Changes will also be *permanent* until a new filtet is selected.
{% endhint %}

#### Time Range

At the top right of the Topic section, you will find the Time Range button showing the *start* and the *end* *dates* currently applied to the Topic list.

<figure><img src="/files/w5foavERQ0IoG5tveQWq" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Apply Time Range on Topics List</p></figcaption></figure>

When you click on the button, you will see a list of *time frame presets*, allowing you to select a standard time range for all of the topics within the section.

The time frame presets, which include *the current year*, *the previous year*, *the previous 6 months*, *the previous 3 months*, and *previous month* are calculated from the current day.&#x20;

For example: if the request is done on 08.11.2022, the last year's filter will go back to 08.11.2021.

Additionally, you can also select the *Custom* option, and select a date of your choice.

Finally, you will be able to select dates in the *future***,** when possible.

<figure><img src="/files/E89HS2qoITkCedxGfLyw" alt="" width="323"><figcaption><p>Time Ranges Options</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Dynamic Filters

When available, you can apply *one or more filters* to your Topics.

<figure><img src="/files/oqFkCiycc4ftb5KKcDEr" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Apply Dynamic Filter on Topics List</p></figcaption></figure>

Filters are organized by *filter name:* e.g. Sales Agent, Forecast Month, Account, etc.&#x20;

The *Search Bar* may help you to speed up your Filter research if there are too many Filters.&#x20;

For each Filter, you can select a specific *value*.&#x20;

Just click on the drop-down menu button, on the right side of the filter, choose the ones you want, and click on *"Select"* to confirm.

You can also apply multiple values from multiple Filters.

To finalize the operation, select as many values as you need, then click on the *"Apply"* button down below.

You can also *remove* one or more Filters and / or Filter values in different ways:

* By manually un-selecting each of them inside the Filter space&#x20;
* In bulk, by clicking on the *"Clear"* button or on the *"X"* button.

These last two actions will result in the removal all of the values selected inside that filter.

Otherwise, click on *"Clear all"* to completely remove all the filters applied.

<figure><img src="/files/8yBPw8sHqIe0euDb0ClL" alt="" width="354"><figcaption><p>Filtering Options</p></figcaption></figure>

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Filter Topics

This page describes the Filter Topics capability.

<figure><img src="/files/thYrM1qY4tqnUQbQ2gfU" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In every Topic Card, there is a "**Filter**" button located at the bottom of the Actions Bar.&#x20;

Click on it to to keep **exploring** your Topic in greater depth by applying [Filters](/fundamentals/crystal-topics), both Dynamic Filters and / or Time Ranges.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Note**</mark>

* Applying filters this way is an alternative to directly [*asking Crystal*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation) *in a conversation.*
* You can also filter a *whole list of Topics* from the [Topics Section](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)
* The filters applied to the Topic will also be kept when you save that Topic in a[ Data Story](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling)
  {% endhint %}

## Filter Topics from the Topic Card

After clicking on the *"Filter"* button, you will be to select which Filters you want to edit or add.&#x20;

As usual, you can choose between Time Ranges and Dynamic Filters.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Note**</mark>

You can also edit Filters by clicking on the *"See More"* option on the Topic Card, which signals that some Filters are applied to the Topic. You can also choose the "*Edit*" option from *"View Filters"* page.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/YB3tiIqpIvolHV8O7oCV" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>See more</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/DxF9yWJcsmYSLhx79FcN" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>View and edit filters</p></figcaption></figure>

### Time Range

When you click on the calendar on the top left side of the screen, you will see a list of options, allowing you to pick a time range for the selected Topic.

Time Ranges options include:

* *"This year" preset*: selects the time range between January 1st of the current year and today, dynamically updating "today" over time
* *"Last year" preset*: selects the time range between January 1st and December 31st of the previous year, with a dynamic consideration of the current year
* *"Custom" Time Range:* you can select a time range with the starting and ending dates you prefer (ending dates can also be in the future, if the underlying data allow for it).

<figure><img src="/files/YBkQXymo6wtehb1W2UTe" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Apply Time Range</p></figcaption></figure>

### Dynamic Filters

You can find all the available filters listed by *filter name: e.g.* Sales Agent, Forecast Month, Account, etc.&#x20;

The *Search Bar* may help you speed up your Filter research should there be too many Filters to choose from.&#x20;

Alternatively, you can *sort* the Filter list by choosing an A-Z order, a Z-A order, or choosing to only view selected or unselected Filters.

For each filter, you can select a specific *value*.&#x20;

Just click on the chosen Filter to view and select the values available.

You can also apply multiple values from multiple filters.

To finalize the operation, select as many values as you need, then click on the *"Apply"* button down below.

You can also *remove* one or more filters and / or filter values in one of the following ways:

* by manually de-selecting each of them inside the filter space&#x20;
* in bulk, by clicking on the *"Clear"* button on the right

This last action will result in the removal all of the values selected inside that filter.

Alternatively, click on *"Clear all"* to completely remove all the filters applied.

<figure><img src="/files/uzGwpMpUG5TQCOyTjeTN" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Apply Dynamic Filters</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In the cases of *Databases with custom Row-Level Security policies* applied, the displayed suggestions of Filter Values are restricted to the *values that you have permissions for at Database level* only.
{% endhint %}

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Ask Topics

This page describes the Ask Topics capability.

<figure><img src="/files/gLxVDUYDhiYBcjrYvO20" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

In every Topic Card menu, on the top right, there is an **"Ask"** button.

Click on it to **re-ask for a Topic**, without having to ask for it in the Conversation Bar again. &#x20;

In fact, you can resume the selected Topic back to the conversation in the **Advisor** Workspace, without losing the context.

This capability can be especially useful if you’re navigating the [Topics Section](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard), the [Data stories Section](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling), or the [Past Questions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/past-questions) and want to **explore** a single Topic again.

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Past Questions

This page describes the Past Questions Section.

<figure><img src="/files/SkNGfHOAZAhqmYphtOi6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Past Questions</p></figcaption></figure>

At the top of the Advisor, there is a **"Past Questions"** element.

This Section allows you to **monitor** Topics that have been explored at some point before.

When you open the Section, you will find some of your past questions in *chronological order* and you can keep interacting with them by:

* [asking](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/ask-topics) the questions again, to continue the conversation and get updated data
* exploring the Topics directly with some of the actions from the Topic Card: [Filter](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters), [Alert](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts), [Save](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling), [Share](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic), [Download](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic), [Forecast](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting)

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Change Chart

This page describes the Change Chart capability.

<figure><img src="/files/u2QmV6KR2k1SK08Totbs" alt=""><figcaption><p>Change Chart</p></figcaption></figure>

Since the [**Release 2.58**](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58), every Topic Card shows a new button representing a **Bar** **Chart**, next to the Three-dot Menu and the Expand icon.

By clicking on it, you will be able to **change the Chart Type** for that Topic.

This capability expands the set of possible [**Visualizations available per Objective**](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) and allows you to be in charge of choosing the best Chart type to visualize your data.

This is what you can do.

## Visualize any Topic as a Table

For *any Topic Objective*, you can always change the Chart type to the Table visualization.

This Chart switch helps you better read the data underlying the Topic and can be an alternative to [downloading the dataset](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic).

<div><figure><img src="/files/XbXc4Mgiwm7KDUMvr82N" alt=""><figcaption><p>A Topic "Breakdown" (Donut Chart)...</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/i9WyBir964LLCbBjsiUl" alt=""><figcaption><p>... as a Table</p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Visualize Overtime Topics as Bar Charts

You can now choose to visualize an Overtime Topic as a Bar Chart instead of a Line Chart.

This Chart switch helps you observe the unfolding of data in time, as each bar represents a specific data point.

<div><figure><img src="/files/JxqmFDlGwMzPr1vfL0YB" alt=""><figcaption><p>A Topic "Overtime" as a Line Chart...</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/B5F7Xqkw4Hv0kGBA20PS" alt=""><figcaption><p>... and as a Bar Chart</p></figcaption></figure></div>

## Visualize Comparison Topics as Line Charts

Conversely, you can now choose to visualize a Comparison Topic as a Line Chart instead of a Bar Chart.

This Chart switch helps you observe the categories as separate lines.

<div><figure><img src="/files/wDSLV6imbYkohpcA7cdg" alt=""><figcaption><p>A Topic "Comparison" as a Bar Chart...</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/kMA1qh36zoBXXbNn2BGf" alt=""><figcaption><p>... and as a Line Chart</p></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Comparison Topics represented by a Scatterplot Chart cannot be switched to Line Charts.
{% endhint %}

Keep exploring your data!

***


# Analyze Your Data

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to analyze your data on Crystal.&#x20;

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/iUMZbsVjy8VKcEQ2xLJf" %}
[Automated Insights](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/BnuqgsqiKddJK8UkynnU" %}
[Insight Analysis](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/insight-analysis)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTZACG7JQKrMBgR2YJ" %}
[Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/9NFrHHOE8PB2YBAhnv8k" %}
[Forecasting (Beta)](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/forecasting)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Automated Insights

This page describes the Automated Insights capability.

<figure><img src="/files/VvlASYJ2SUJ7DMbSKwph" alt=""><figcaption><p>Automated Insights</p></figcaption></figure>

Sometimes, a graph alone is not sufficient to convey all the granular **meanings hidden under data,** and digging into it can be very time consuming and require specific technical skills.

For this reason, along with the Topic Chart, each Topic always comes with a set of **additional information**, called **Automated Insights**, which are directly related to it.

This set of information can be extracted from the dataset underlying the Topic but cannot be represented on a graph.

Therefore Crystal doesn't just answer your questions providing punctual graphic information, but also helps you understand them better by providing a complete and accurate description of **what the data is actually revealing below the surface**.

In particular, Automated Insights are based on a Data Analysis technique called **Descriptive Analytics.**

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

Descriptive Analytics are called this way because they **describe the dataset**, with a special focus on **past** and **present** events.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Discover The Hidden Insights

Accessing the Automated Insights of your Topics is straightforward:

1. First, ask your question to Crystal
2. Spot the Right Sidebar of the Advisor Workspace
3. There, you will find the list of all the Insights available for your Topic

At this point, you can scroll through the Insights provided and let them **guide your analysis.** The information provided will help you get a better understanding of the most relevant aspects of the Topic and how to continue your analysis.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

* The number of Insights available for each Topic can range from *a minimum of one Insight to a maximum of 12*, depending on the Topic's underlying data.
* Insights are *dynamic.* Since they are always related to the Topic you just asked about, they will *always change based on your questions*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/UjpZWVNwqoYF1qjTMIwh" alt=""><figcaption><p>Topic Insights</p></figcaption></figure>

## How Do They Work?

As Descriptive Analytics, the Automated Insight can shed light on **an amount of information** related to what happened to your data in the past and what is happening right now.

The number of Insights available for a Topic depends on the type of Objective and Visualization, because each Objective / Visualization has specific information that can be extracted from it.

However, the actual number of Insights *shown* for a requested Topic depends on the specific requirements needed to calculate each Insight.

Therefore, whenever you ask about a specific Topic, Crystal detects the type of Objective / Visualization, and from the list of related Insights available, calculates as many applicable Insights as possible based on the specific data underlying the Topic.&#x20;

The final result of displayed Insights can be *a number between 1 and 12 Insights*.

### **Insights Catalog**

Below is a complete list of Automated Insights that Crystal is able to extract.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

This list reports the general purpose and logics of the analysis for each Insight.

However, in practice, the specific calculations vary slightly to adapt to the Objective / Visualization they are applied to.
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="73">N.</th><th width="236">Insight</th><th>Logic</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>Average and Variability</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>Mean</em> and the <em>Standard Deviation</em> of an Entity.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>Major Mean</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>Entity with the highest average</em> of all entities.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>Minor Mean</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>Entity with the lowest average</em> of all entities.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Highest Sum</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>total sum</em> of the relevant values associated with a specific Entity. It then groups these values according to a category and identifies which category has the highest total sum, thus highlighting the Entity with the highest value within the dataset.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>Lowest Sum</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>total sum</em> of the relevant values associated with a specific Entity. It then groups these values according to a category and identifies which category has the lowest total sum, thus highlighting the entity with the highest value within the dataset.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>Extreme Values</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>Minimum Value(s)</em> and the <em>Maximum Value(s)</em> of an Entity.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>7</strong></td><td><strong>Unique Values</strong></td><td>Calculates the number of distinct values of an Entity.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>8</strong></td><td><strong>Focus on Last Timeframe</strong></td><td><p>Calculates the <em>Entity Value</em> at the <em>beginning</em> and at the <em>end</em> of the last consolidated timeframe, based on the Time Aggregation configured for the Topic (Months, Quarters, Years, ...).</p><p>Calculates the <em>Average</em> of the Entity across the Time Range.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>9</strong></td><td><strong>Global Change</strong></td><td><p>Identifies the <em>Entity Value</em> at the <em>beginning</em> and at the <em>end</em> of a Time Series, based on the Topic’s Time Range.</p><p>Calculates the <em>difference</em> between the <em>starting</em> point and the <em>end</em> point of the Time Series.</p><p>Calculates the <em>percentage difference</em> between the starting point and the end point.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>10</strong></td><td><strong>Highest Difference</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>highest difference</em>, both in absolute value and in percentage, among <em>consecutive</em> values.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>11</strong></td><td><strong>Lowest Difference</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>lowest difference</em>, both in absolute value and in percentage, among <em>consecutive</em> values.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>12</strong></td><td><strong>Interesting Event</strong></td><td><p>Searches for <em>statistical anomalies</em>.</p><p>If multiple anomalies are identified, selects the most “anomalous” anomaly.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>13</strong></td><td><strong>Timeframe Comparison</strong></td><td><em>Compares the values</em> of on Entity in two different time periods, then highlights the <em>variation</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>14</strong></td><td><strong>Top Contributor</strong></td><td><p><em>Ranks</em> all Entity Values from highest to lowest.</p><p>Identifies the one with the <em>highest value</em>.</p><p>Calculates the <em>percentage</em> of this highest value against the Total Sum of the Entity across all Values.</p></td></tr><tr><td><strong>15</strong></td><td><strong>Bottom Contributor</strong></td><td><em>Ranks</em> all values of the Entity from highest to lowest. Identifies the one with the <em>lowest value</em>. Calculates the <em>percentage</em> of this lowest value with respect to the Entity's total sum of all values.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>16</strong></td><td><strong>Best Performer</strong></td><td><em>Groups</em> in one category, then identifies an entity that is <em>first for an entity in another category and at least third for another entity</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>17</strong></td><td><strong>Worst Performer</strong></td><td><em>Groups</em> in one category, then identifies an entity that is <em>last for an entity in another category and at least third last for another entity.</em></td></tr><tr><td><strong>18</strong></td><td><strong>Percentage Difference</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>difference</em> between two percentages.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>19</strong></td><td><strong>Cluster Comparison</strong></td><td>Finds the <em>total average</em>, then the <em>average for the top N</em>, and the <em>average for the bottom N</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>20</strong></td><td><strong>Distribution of Data</strong></td><td>Calculates <em>how many</em> positive and negative values are present.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>21</strong></td><td><strong>Mean of Positive and Negative Values</strong></td><td>Calculates <em>the mean</em> of positive and negative values.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>22</strong></td><td><strong>Total of Positive and Negative Values</strong></td><td><em>Sums up</em> the positive and negative values.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>23</strong></td><td><strong>Correlation</strong></td><td>Calculates the <em>correlation</em> between two variables.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>24</strong></td><td><strong>Highest Similarity</strong></td><td>Calculates how often the <em>time series overlap</em> with each other.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>25</strong></td><td><strong>Value of Progress</strong></td><td>Highlights the <em>value</em> of the progress towards a target.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>26</strong></td><td><strong>Percentage of Progress</strong></td><td>Highlights the <em>percentage</em> of target reached.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>27</strong></td><td><strong>Most Common Value</strong></td><td>Highlights the <em>most common</em> value found.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Insight Analysis

This page describes the Insights Analysis capability.

<figure><img src="/files/zjRllK1DyyJj4KXhFuBY" alt=""><figcaption><p>Insights Analysis</p></figcaption></figure>

The [**Automated Insights**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights) list is located on the Right Sidebar of the Advisor Workspace, and allows you to explore what happened in the data related to a specific Topic.

This information adds valuable insights, making it easier to understand answers to questions.

But this is not all: Crystal is able to dig even deeper!

You can **request an** **Insight Analysis** and get straight to the point of **why** and **how** the events described in the Automated Insight happened.

This in-depth exploration will help you understand your data better and make data-driven decisions **without losing sight of any piece of information**.

In particular, Insights Analysis is based on a Data Analysis technique called **Diagnostic Analytics**.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

Diagnostic Analytics are information that describe the **reasons** **why** an observed pattern or trend happened.

For example, they can describe **what went well**, **what went wrong**, and **what had the most significant influence**.
{% endhint %}

## Understand The Whys

This is how you can request and receive an Insight Analysis:

1. After asking a question, find the list of Automated Insights on the right-hand side.
2. You can see that *some* Insights include an "Analyze" option.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Right now, Insight Analysis can be requested for **all Topics** but it's only available for the **Top Contributor,** **Average and Variability** and **Extreme Value** Insights.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/VTFHooJrkBsypsoeOAAq" alt="" width="359"><figcaption><p>Choose an Insight</p></figcaption></figure>

3. click on the “Analyze” icon for the Insight you're interested in.&#x20;
4. You will see a banner notifying you that the analysis has started, meaning Crystal is processing your analysis to uncover reasons behind the Insights.
5. This process may take several minutes, depending on the amount of data that needs to be processed.
6. You'll receive a notification once your analysis is complete.

<figure><img src="/files/dnqzTxjn6m2vpcstvbmX" alt="" width="329"><figcaption><p>Receive the Analysis</p></figcaption></figure>

7. Once you open the notification, you can access the result of the analysis in the intro message of the Topic.

<figure><img src="/files/pHp8a4mTrCyi91kjblr9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Read the Analysis</p></figcaption></figure>

## How Does It Work?

Once you pick an Insight, Crystal identifies the appropriate **Data Model** for analysis.

A Data Model is a consolidated view of data tailored for specific analytics. It is useful to find relationships between data.&#x20;

In this case, the Data Model is constructed by *linking the various data inputs* that led to the construction of the Topic. Crystal creates an *extended version* made by combining various data inputs used to create the original Topic.

Diagnostic Analytics will then use this extended Model, *excluding the columns not used in all the Topic Configurations within the specific project.*

This approach aims to highlight the **main Factors behind an Insight**, helping you understand the data better.

#### Rules

* Right now, Insight Analysis can be requested for **all Topics** but it's only available for the **Top Contributor,** **Average and Variability** and **Extreme Values** Insights.
* Insight Analysis is **only available on Insights generated from Configured Topics**, i.e. the ones that have been manually [created by the Admin](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas[ auto-generated Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) are not supported.
* To access the Diagnostic Analytics, you first need to access the Automated Insights
* The process of requesting and receiving an Analysis is **asynchronous:** the average waiting time is correlated to the **DB size.**
* For a small or medium-sized DB, you can expect a processing time of **around** **5 minutes.**
* You can request only **one Analysis at a time** for each Card that supports the Diagnostic Analytics.
* If you attempt to request an **analysis** that is already **in progress,** you will be informed that the analysis is still being processed and that you should wait for the dedicated notification.

#### Limitations

* You **can't receive the analysis** if the Topic from which the Insight was generated doesn't have a **real Extended Data Model** associated with it. This means that the original Joined Fact Table doesn’t contain any extra Entities other than the ones that are already available in the Topic.
* A Diagnostic Analysis **can’t be performed** if a Topic **only** has **categorical columns,** as could be the case for Lists and Descriptions. However, applicability may vary depending on the Topic's specific configuration.&#x20;
* A Diagnostic Analysis **can’t be performed** if a Topic has **at least one Custom Column.**
* If you don't have the **permissions** for certain underlying data, you will receive a **partial analysis** with that data hidden. The analysis will reveal information about the **Dynamic Filter Value** that drove the Insight, but inform you that more details aren't available due to **missing permissions.**
* There may be a **constraint** regarding the **number of rows** the Feature can handle, though it is estimated to be around hundreds of thousands, chosen from the most recent rows in the considered Data Model of the analyzed insight.

### Insight Analyses Catalog

The Diagnostic Analytics provide **different possible outcomes**, common to the Insights in focus.

In particular, Crystal can tell you:

<table><thead><tr><th width="73">N.</th><th>Insight Analysis</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td>Which <em>Entity</em> has <em>contributed the most</em> in achieving the result mentioned in the Insight (e.g. "Country").</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td>Within the selected Entity, it can identify the one <em>specific Entity Value</em> that has <em>greatest impact</em> on the result mentioned in the Insight (e.g. "Italy").</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td>H<em>ow</em> and <em>by how much</em> the result mentioned in the Insight would be <em>impacted if the Entity Value with greatest impact were to be excluded.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Alerts

This page gives an overview of the Alerts capability.

<figure><img src="/files/r6vfFMClmCOCiA4TFTPv" alt=""><figcaption><p>Alerts</p></figcaption></figure>

By nature, **data changes over time**.&#x20;

For this reason, in order to have a clear understanding of data, it is crucial to capture all its changes and fluctuations.

Of course, Crystal can do this for you!&#x20;

Crystal is able to **monitor** data fluctuations, in order to **spot relevant events** and to **warn you about them** through an **"Alert"** notification, in the case of an unexpected event.&#x20;

All you have to do is **select a Topic** of interest and activate it by **choosing a specific kind of Alert** from the options available.&#x20;

Alerts are useful to stay **constantly** **updated, informed, and in control** of your data, without the need to worry about searching manually.

Here's an overview of the Alerts available and how to use them.

## Alert Types

There are three types of Alert options on Crystal. Each of them correspond to **specific Data Analysis techniques** that can be applied on the chosen Topic.

### **Anomaly Detection** <a href="#adaptive-alerts" id="adaptive-alerts"></a>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

Anomaly Detection is a Data Analysis technique used to **identify patterns or occurrences that deviate** significantly from the usual or expected behavior of the given dataset.&#x20;

Some types of anomalies can be **errors**, **outliers**, or **unusual patterns**.
{% endhint %}

You can use this type of Alert when you don’t have a specific data change in mind but want to *keep an eye* *on* a specific Topic in general.&#x20;

After setting this type of Alert, Crystal’s expertise will determine which kind of anomaly can be found, among several types of anomalies possible.&#x20;

### **Threshold Monitoring** <a href="#static-threshold-alerts" id="static-threshold-alerts"></a>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

This type of Data Analysis focuses on **catching the exact moment** when a **value goes** **above or below a specific threshold**.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

Using this type of Alert is most appropriate when you *need to monitor how a specific Topic value behaves in comparison to a specific threshold value -* if and when it goes below or above it.

When you set this type of Alert, you can decide the direction of the analysis and the threshold value.

### **Topic Scheduling** <a href="#h_cc81f03935" id="h_cc81f03935"></a>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

This type of Data Analysis is focused on **obtaining instant** **snapshots** of data at **specific** **moments in time**.
{% endhint %}

Using this type of Alert is most appropriate if you need to be notified on a Topic in order to *compare its status at different moments in time*.

When you set this type of Alert, you can decide when and how often you should receive the reports you're programming.&#x20;

## **Set an Alert** <a href="#how-to-set-an-alert" id="how-to-set-an-alert"></a>

In general, there are two alternative methods to set Alerts:

* By asking Crystal in a **Conversation** (textual or vocal)
* By setting it from the **Topic Card** of a selected Topic (clicking on the relative icon)

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

As of now, different kinds of Alerts support different activation methods.

You can find a recap in the following table.
{% endhint %}

| Alert Type               | Conversational Method                 | Topic Card Method                     |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Anomaly Detection**    | <mark style="color:green;">Yes</mark> | <mark style="color:green;">Yes</mark> |
| **Threshold Monitoring** | <mark style="color:green;">Yes</mark> | <mark style="color:red;">No</mark>    |
| **Topic Scheduling**     | <mark style="color:red;">No</mark>    | <mark style="color:green;">Yes</mark> |

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* Currently, the maximum amount of Alerts that you can set is *20:* 10 Anomaly Detections and 10 Topic Scheduling
* Threshold Monitoring counts as an Anomaly Detection
* The Topic Card method applies to both [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) and [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation), whereas the Conversational method applies to Configured Topics only
  {% endhint %}

## **Manage Active Alerts** <a href="#h_4e5127cb92" id="h_4e5127cb92"></a>

After setting your Alerts, you can always check and manage them as you need.

All of your **Active Alerts** can be found in the **Alert Section**, accessible from your **Account,** as follows:&#x20;

1. Open the *Account Section*
2. Open the *Alert Section,* where you'll see the total number of Active Alerts at a glance

<figure><img src="/files/jBLBNeJ2XeRjSz8082yG" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Steps 1, 2</p></figcaption></figure>

3. [**Check** your Alerts. You can find the full list of Active Alerts and all the relative settings and details (e.g. threshold values, frequencies of occurrence, etc.)](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Alerts are divided between Anomaly Detection (which also includes Threshold Monitoring) and Topic Scheduling.
{% endhint %}

4. **Search** for your Alert. If you want to quickly find a specific Alert, you can use the Search Bar
5. Finally, you can **delete** Alerts by clicking on the corresponding icon within the selected Alert Card. A pop-up will appear to confirm that you want this Alert deleted.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/4Ao3Qr9TnfzKNBZH2G6D" alt="" width="239"><figcaption><p>Steps 3, 4, 5</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

At the moment, it is not possible to **edit** Alerts yet.

If you need to modify an existing Alert, please delete it first and create a brand new one.
{% endhint %}

## **Receive an Alert Notification** <a href="#how-to-set-an-alert" id="how-to-set-an-alert"></a>

When an event of interest takes place or if a scheduled time has come, Crystal will send you a notification about it. Just click on it to discover what happened!

This way, you will always be **updated on your data in real time** and you will be able to **quickly** **adapt your decisions to the turns of events**.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you are using the Crystal app, be sure to turn on push notifications, so that you don't miss any Alerts.
{% endhint %}

Now, let's dive deeper, with a concrete example. Choose an Alert of your interest to see the full experience!

***

## Deep-Dive!

{% content-ref url="/pages/oe44rZtFVyiw4UZJa2kZ" %}
[Anomaly Detection](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/CD5ZzNoI5bDXmDmCH5XU" %}
[Threshold Monitoring](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-1)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/WwyEJ6ayjyCfEWNVPwwa" %}
[Topic Scheduling](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-2)
{% endcontent-ref %}

[^1]: suggestion: let's delete this, the part about the details can be added in 2. what do you say?


# Anomaly Detection

This page describes the Anomaly Detection Alert.

Anomaly Detection is one of the possible **Data Analysis techniques** that Crystal can apply to Topics to **monitor changes in time**, and for which you can receive a specific [**Alert**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) notification.

This is how it works.

## What is Anomaly Detection

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

Anomaly Detection is a Data Analysis technique used to **identify patterns or occurrences that deviate** significantly from the usual or expected behavior of the given dataset.&#x20;

Some types of anomalies can be **errors**, **outliers**, or **unusual patterns**.
{% endhint %}

You can use this type of Alert when you don’t have a precise data change in mind but are interested in *keeping an eye* *on* a specific Topic, in general.&#x20;

After setting this type of Alert, Crystal’s expertise will detect the type of Anomaly out of several possible options.&#x20;

## Set an Anomaly Detection

There are two alternative methods to set an Anomaly Detection:

* Asking in a[ Conversation](#ask-in-conversation)
* Setting it from a [Topic Card](#set-from-topic-card)

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As of now, the maximum amount of Anomaly Detection Alerts that you can set is 10.
{% endhint %}

### Ask in Conversation

You can set an Anomaly Detection by directly asking Crystal in a conversation, either via text or voice.

Simply ask:

1. *"Notify me / advise me / let me know etc"* + *"about"*
2. Specify the Topic of interest
3. Specify Filters, if any&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

* Alerts are filter-sensitive, meaning that if the monitored Topic has Dynamic Filters applied, it will be added to the Alert (however, this is not true for Time Ranges!)
* You do not need to ask about the Topic of interest on the Advisor for this request to work, as Crystal will understand the scope of the request based on your question alone.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"Notify me about sales by week over time"*
* *"Advise me about sales by week over time for Italy"*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/Dr9Y6OhXw6W2TWuLgbGk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask for an Anomaly Detection</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This capability is *only available for* [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) don't support it.
{% endhint %}

### Set from Topic Card

You can also set an Anomaly Detection from the Topic Card, like this:

1. Ask for the Topic you want to monitor.
2. Once the requested Topic returns on the Advisor, navigate through the Topic Card and click on the *"Alert"* icon on the bottom.
3. Choose the correct Alert Type - in this case, *"Anomaly detection"* - and click on it to select it.
4. Click on *“Select”* to confirm and start the Anomaly Detection on the chosen Topic.

<figure><img src="/files/YNud9npkobxhBxXUoDla" alt=""><figcaption><p>Set Anomaly Detection from Topic Card</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This capability is *available for both* [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) *and* [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation)*.*
{% endhint %}

## Check for the Activation

In both cases, regardless of the activation method you choose, Crystal will give you a feedback on the result of your request.

<details>

<summary>Feedback on Request</summary>

These are the possible scenarios:

* Alert set correctly
* Alert already active
* Alert limit reached
* Technical errors (not enough data, not applicable, no network, etc...)
* [Disambiguation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation): choose the correct Topic to continue (if asked in a Conversation)

</details>

To make sure that you set the Alert correctly, you can also check for it in the [Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) Section of your Account: you should find it among other active Alerts.

<figure><img src="/files/gWXGuFk0CGlncaS1jSL7" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Check for Alert Activation</p></figcaption></figure>

Once the Anomaly Detection is active, you simply need to wait until Crystal detects an anomaly.

## Receive an Anomaly Detection Notification

When Crystal detects an Anomaly, you'll receive a notification in the Notification Center.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Sometimes you won't receive any Anomaly Detection notification: don't worry, it just means that your data did not undergo relevant changes (which can be good news!)
{% endhint %}

This is what happens in this case:

1. When the notification arrives, open the Notification Center and read it: this notification signals a data variation (of any sort).

<figure><img src="/files/G0Mzx89srvP6pFA7ptdn" alt="" width="381"><figcaption><p>Detected Anomaly</p></figcaption></figure>

2. To delve deeper, simply tap on the notification to be redirected to the Advisor.
3. You will now see the Topic monitored with an intro message that accurately describes *which kind of anomaly has been detected.* Read the text and explore the analysis!

<figure><img src="/files/pmAfjYmLsJLkAPVjNdkb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Anomaly Description</p></figcaption></figure>

From exploring your analysis, you can then make better decisions by **quickly** **adapting to the turns of events**!

## How Does It Work?

This is how Crystal detects anomalies.

Once an Anomaly Detection Alert is set, Crystal immediately captures a first **Data Snapshot**, i.e. a picture of the status of the dataset underlying the Topic.

This first Data Snapshot represents the starting point from which Crystal will **check all historical changes** within all the Entities in the Topic.&#x20;

To check historical changes, Crystal applies a strategy that **modules the frequency of the checks** based on frequency of the changes observed.&#x20;

For example, if frequent data changes are observed, Crystal will continue to check at a certain frequency, whereas if the data don't change much, the frequency will decrease.

#### Rules&#x20;

* Anomaly Detection is available for **all existing Topic Objectives.**
* For each Topic Objective, Crystal is capable of detecting a **wide range of** [**possible anomalies**](#types-of-anomalies)**.**
* If Crystal detects **more than one anomaly in the data**, you will only receive one Alert notification, related to the anomaly with the highest variation in the data.
* For **Lists and Rankings** **Objectives**, Alerts will continue to search for anomalies across the entire dataset, even if there are more than 1000 rows.
* If an Anomaly Detection is requested on a Topic with one or more **Dynamic Filters**, Crystal will only *consider the filtered version* of the Topic over time and not its original, unfiltered form.
* If an Anomaly Detection is requested on a Topic with **Time Filters**, Crystal will consider all historical Topic in its *original, unfiltered form.*

#### Limitations

* There's a limit of **10** Anomaly Detection Alerts running simultaneously.&#x20;
* You can request Anomaly Detections on **one Topic** at a time only.
* **Be careful** when modifying or deleting a Topic with an active Anomaly Detection, as the following exceptional scenarios may happen:
  * If the Topic gets **modified and re-published**, this may either generate an Anomaly, generate an error, or not have an impact at all, depending on the specific modifications applied
  * If the Topic gets **deleted**, the Anomaly Detection may generate an error, without sending any notification.

### Anomaly Catalog

Below is a complete list of the Anomalies that Crystal can detect.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

This list includes the general list of Anomalies along with their description.

However, in practice, the types of Anomalies for each Topic strictly depends on the Topic Objective.
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="70">N.</th><th width="221">Anomaly</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>New Entries on Main Group By</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there was a <em>change in a list</em>, with the number of unique values in a key category <em>increasing</em> by a certain amount.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>New Drops on Main Group By</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there was a <em>change in a list</em>, with the number of unique values in a key category <em>decreasing</em> by a certain amount.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>Main Group By Updates</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a list experienced a <em>shift</em> when a certain number of unique values in a key category was <em>added</em>, while a different number was <em>removed</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Mean Percentage Variation</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a key metric experienced an <em>unprecedented percentage change</em>, marking a notable shift since the start of monitoring.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>New High or Low in the Mean</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a key metric reached a milestone value, a <em>level never observed since the start</em> of monitoring.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>Top 3 Updates</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there were notable shifts in a ranking based on a key metric, which highlighted a particular entity's <em>significant upward movement</em> and the <em>decline of another</em> previously higher-ranked entity.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>7</strong></td><td><strong>Top 3 Positive Updates</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there were notable <em>shifts</em> in a ranking based on a key metric, which highlighted the <em>movement of specific individuals</em> on the list.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>8</strong></td><td><strong>Top 3 Overtime Updates</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there were notable <em>shifts</em> in a ranking based on a key metric, highlighting a particular entity's <em>significant upward movement</em> and the <em>decline of another</em> previously higher-ranked entity.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>9</strong></td><td><strong>Proportion Change</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a key metric for a designated category experienced a <em>notable change</em>, emphasizing both <em>absolute and proportional variations</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10</strong></td><td><strong>Clustered Proportion Change</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a metric for a designated category experienced a <em>significant shift</em>, capturing both <em>absolute and relative changes</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>11</strong></td><td><strong>Ranking Change</strong></td><td>On a specific date, <em>one metric surpassed another in ranking</em>, emphasizing the shift in values and positions of both metrics.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>12</strong></td><td><strong>Breakdown Ranking Change</strong></td><td>On a specific date, within a particular category, one metric that was previously lower in value <em>surpassed another</em>, marking a notable <em>reversal in positions</em>.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>13</strong></td><td><strong>Correlation Change</strong></td><td>On a specific date, there was a notable c<em>hange in the correlation</em> between two topic metrics.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>14</strong></td><td><strong>Interesting Event</strong></td><td>On a specific date, a metric displayed <em>a value outside the anticipated range</em>, exceeding the expected upper limit.</td></tr></tbody></table>

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Threshold Monitoring

This page describes the Threshold Monitoring Alert.

Threshold Monitoring is one of the possible **Data Analysis techniques** that Crystal can apply to Topics to **monitor changes in time**, and for which you can receive a specific [**Alert**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) notification.

This is how it works.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This kind of analysis can only be applied to the following Objectives:&#x20;

* Overtime Single Line
* Highlight
  {% endhint %}

## What is Threshold Monitoring

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

This type of Data Analysis focuses on **catching the exact moment** when a **value goes** **above or below a specific threshold**.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

You can use this type of Alert when you *precisely need to monitor how a specific Topic value behaves in comparison to a specific threshold value,* if and when it goes below or above it.

When you set this type of Alert, you can decide the direction of the analysis and the threshold value.

## Set a Threshold Monitoring

You can set a Threshold Monitoring by asking for it in a Conversation.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

When setting a Threshold Monitoring Alert, it will be counted as an Anomaly Detection.

Currently, you can set up to 10 Anomaly Detection Alerts.
{% endhint %}

### Ask in a Conversation

You can set a Threshold Monitoring by directly asking Crystal in a conversation, either via text or voice.

Simply ask:

1. *"Notify me / advise me / let me know etc"* + *"when"*
2. Specify the Topic of interest
3. Specify Filters, if any
4. Specify the direction of comparison: *"goes above"* or *"goes below"*
5. Choose the threshold value: it can be an *absolute value* or a *percentage.*

<details>

<summary>Recommendations</summary>

Consider the following recommendations for writing the *absolute threshold value* correctly:

* the numeric value needs to be specified in full: you cannot include *“,”* or *“.”*&#x20;
  * these symbols should be used only to indicate a decimal number
* you cannot abbreviate the number
* you cannot include a currency symbol

For example, you can not specify a number like "$ 3,4K": instead, it needs to be "3400".

</details>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

* Alerts are filter-sensitive, meaning that if the monitored Topic includes Dynamic Filters, it will be added to the Alert (however, this is not true for Time Range!)
* You do not need to ask the Topic of interest on the Advisor for this request to work, as Crystal will understand the scope of the request based on your question alone.
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Examples**</mark>

* *"Notify me when sales over time by week go above 80 million"*
* *"Notify me when sales over time by week go above 80 million in Spain"*
* *“Let me know when my total sales growth rate goes under 10%”*
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/n77qgnbtCXnfmKZM8vyC" alt=""><figcaption><p>Ask for a Threshold Monitoring</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This capability is *only available for* [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), whereas [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) don't support it.
{% endhint %}

## Check the Activation

At this point, Crystal will give you feedback about the result of your request.

<details>

<summary>Feedback about the Request</summary>

These are the possible scenarios:

* Alert set correctly
* Alert already active
* Alert limit reached
* Threshold already reached
* Technical errors (not enough data, not applicable, no network, etc...)
* [Disambiguation](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation): choose the correct Topic to continue

</details>

To make sure that the Alert was set correctly, check that it's active in your Account's [Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) Section.

<figure><img src="/files/gWXGuFk0CGlncaS1jSL7" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Check for Alert Activation</p></figcaption></figure>

Once the Threshold Monitoring is active, just wait until the threshold is actually reached.

## Receive a Notification for a Threshold Reached

If the threshold is actually reached, you'll receive a notification in the Notification Center.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Sometimes you won't receive any Threshold Monitoring notifications because your data did not undergo relevant changes (and that can be good news!)
{% endhint %}

Let's see what happens in this case:

1. When the notification arrives, open the Notification Center and read it. This notification signals that a variation in the data linked to the threshold has been detected.

<figure><img src="/files/2ta2JgfVVlqhDoazS0IN" alt="" width="393"><figcaption><p>Threshold Reached</p></figcaption></figure>

2. To delve deeper, simply tap on the notification and you will be redirected to the Advisor.
3. You will now see the Topic monitored with an intro message that accurately describes *when and how the values reached the threshold.* Read the text and explore the analysis!

<figure><img src="/files/ZgcH2ksRvL3rRUM5H5fb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Threshold Reached</p></figcaption></figure>

Explore your analysis to **quickly** **adapting to the turns of events,** and ultimately make better decisions!

## How Does It Work?

Once a Threshold Monitoring Alert is set, Crystal simply keeps in memory the conditions that need to be monitored and is able to catch the exact moment when the values meet the threshold.

#### Rules&#x20;

* Threshold Monitoring is available for the **Overtime Single Line** and **Highlight** Objectives.

#### Limitations

* Limit of **10** Anomaly Detection Alerts running at a time (Threshold Monitoring is counted as an Anomaly Detection).
* Threshold Monitoring can be requested on **one Topic** at a time only.
* At the moment, it is not possible to **edit** Alerts yet. If you need to modify the details of your Threshold Monitoring, please delete the Alert first and create a new one.
* **Be careful** when modifying or deleting a Topic with an active Threshold Monitoring, as this may impact the outcome of Crystal's monitoring.

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Topic Scheduling

This page describes the Topic Scheduling Alert.

Topic Scheduling is one of the possible **Data Analysis techniques** that Crystal can apply to Topics to **monitor changes in time**, and for which you can receive a specific [**Alert**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) notification.

This is how it works.

## What is Topic Scheduling

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

This type of Data Analysis focuses on **obtaining instant** **snapshots** of data at **specific** **moments in time**.
{% endhint %}

You can use this type of Alert when you want to be notified on a Topic in order to *compare its status at different moments in time*.

When you set this type of Alert, you can decide the moments and frequencies of the reports that you are programming.

## Set a Topic Scheduling

You can activate a Topic Scheduling by setting it up from a Topic Card.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As of now, you can set up to 10 Topic Scheduling Alerts at a time.
{% endhint %}

### Set from Topic Card

You can schedule a Topic from the Topic Card, like this:

1. Ask for the Topic you want to monitor.
2. Once the requested Topic is returned on the Advisor, navigate through the Topic Card and click on the *"Alert"* icon on the bottom.
3. Choose the correct Alert Type - *"Schedule Topic"* - and click on *"Select".*
4. At this point, you can choose the moments and frequencies of the reports:
   1. Define a start date (day and hour)
   2. Define whether or not it is recurrent, and if so, choose
      1. The frequency of repetition (daily, weekly, monthly, yearly)
      2. The specific weekdays of repetition, where applicable (e.g. every week on Wednesdays)
5. Check the recap of the next notification
6. Click on *"Schedule"* to confirm and activate the Topic Scheduling on the chosen Topic

<figure><img src="/files/ZeDmIfQ37OjO3L7XKdUF" alt=""><figcaption><p>Schedule a Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This capability is *available for both* [*Configured Topics*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) *and* [*Auto-generated ones*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation)*.*
{% endhint %}

## Check for the Activation

At this point, Crystal will give you feedback about the result of your request.

<details>

<summary>Feedback about the Request</summary>

These are the possible scenarios:

* Alert set correctly
* Alert already active
* Alert limit reached
* Technical errors (not enough data, not applicable, no network, etc...)

</details>

To make sure that the Alert was set correctly, you can also check your Account's [Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) Section, where you'll find it along with other active Alerts. &#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/gWXGuFk0CGlncaS1jSL7" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Check for Alert Activation</p></figcaption></figure>

Once the Topic has been scheduled, just wait until the programmed time comes.

## Receive a Topic Scheduling Notification

When the programmed time comes, you'll receive a notification in the Notification Center.

This is what will then happen:

1. When the notification arrives, open the Notification Center and read it. This notification signals that the time has come to check on a Topic.

<figure><img src="/files/Ux9mHeDlT1pkcJnB4Bqs" alt=""><figcaption><p>Scheduled Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

2. To delve deeper, simply tap on the notification and you'll be redirected to the Advisor.&#x20;
3. You will then see the Topic monitored with an intro message telling you the time has come to *check on your Topic*.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/CRHKbaUmuRsBTMlK0fYG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Scheduled Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

When you receive the scheduled Topic, you can see the Topic *with the* *Dynamic Time Filters* that were applied on it at the time of scheduling, and you will see them *update in time*.
{% endhint %}

This is it: you can now make better decisions, by **quickly** **adapting to the turns of events**!

## How Does It Work?

Once you schedule a Topic, Crystal keeps in memory the time and frequency parameters you set and alerts you when they are are fulfilled. .

At this point, Crystal takes a snapshot of the Topic and sends it to you.

#### Rules&#x20;

* Topic Scheduling is available for **all the existing Topic Objectives**

#### Limitations

* There's a limit of **10** Topic Scheduling Alerts running at a time
* Topic Scheduling can be requested on **one Topic** at a time only
* At the moment, it is not possible to **edit** Alerts yet. If you need to modify the details of your Scheduled Topic, just delete the Alert and create a new one.
* **Be careful** when modifying or deleting a Topic with an active Topic Scheduling Alert, as this may impact the outcome of the Topic update you will end up receiving. &#x20;

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Forecasting (Beta)

This page describes the Automated Forecasting capability.

<figure><img src="/files/00Ye8yq0yPE4KOxYW0X0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Automated Forecasting</p></figcaption></figure>

Thanks to its analytical capabilities, Crystal can explain what happened to your data in the **past** and in the **present** (see [Automated Insights](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights) / [Insights Analysis](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/insight-analysis) and [Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts) respectively).

But what about the **future**?&#x20;

With the **Automated Forecasting** capability, Crystal can also foresee how your Topics evolve in time,  enabling you to make better decisions by **anticipating time**!

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Pills of Data Analysis**</mark>

Automated Forecasting is a Data Analysis technique that is part of the **Predictive Analytics** branch and **uses Machine Learning to** **predict** **how trends might evolve in the future** based on **historical data**.&#x20;

This kind of analysis can only be applied to Topics that track a single Entity progress in time, i.e. the **Single Line Overtime** ones.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

This feature is still in Beta.
{% endhint %}

## Request a Forecast

You can request a Forecast by setting it up from a Topic Card.

### Set up from Topic Card

You can request a Forecast from the Topic Card, like this:

1. Ask for the Topic you want to monitor.
2. Once the requested Topic is returned on the Advisor, navigate through the Topic Card, click on the three-dot menu, and select the *"Forecast"* icon.

<figure><img src="/files/kTcvIspQM0XuUbbjOrNL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Set a Forecast</p></figcaption></figure>

## Check the Activation Status

At this point, Crystal will give you a feedback about the result of your request.

<details>

<summary>Feedback about the Request</summary>

These are the possible scenarios:

* Forecast set correctly
* Forecast already active
* Technical errors (not enough data, not applicable, no network, etc...)

</details>

Once the Forecast has been requested, you simply need to wait until the analysis is available.

## Receive a Forecast Notification

When the forecast is available, you'll receive a notification in the Notification Center.

This is what happens in this case:

1. When the notification arrives, open the Notification Center and read it. This notification signals that the forecast is ready.

<figure><img src="/files/uzkxzaXZh3xlgdkC09Y8" alt="" width="284"><figcaption><p>Forecast Ready</p></figcaption></figure>

3. To know more, simply tap on the notification to be redirected to the Advisor
4. You will then see the Topic of interest with an intro message that tells you that your *Topic Forecast is ready.* Take a look and see how it will change in the future!

Notice that the results of your Forecast include three different lines: **"Forecast"**, **"Upper Bound"**, and **"Lower Bound"**. The actual Forecast is represented by the central line ("Forecast"), while the other lines ("Upper bound" and "Lower bound") serve as *confidence intervals*: i.e. the elements that define the range within which the actual forecast is confidently expected to lie.

<figure><img src="/files/v9iG6vRGyVjaCYpU1yxj" alt=""><figcaption><p>Topic Forecast</p></figcaption></figure>

With the Forecast feature, you can now make better decisions by **anticipating time**!

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As of now, the actions of the Topic Card are not available for Topics containing a Forecast.

For example, you cannot save it to Data Stories, share it, etc.

In particular, not sharing this kind of Topic allows for enhanced data privacy.
{% endhint %}

## How Does It Work?

This is how Crystal can make predictions.

Once a Forecast is requested, Crystal immediately starts to collect the **historical data** behind that Topic to make **statistical calculations** and estimate how it might evolve.

This is why the final result includes both the **actual forecast** and the **confidence intervals**, which define the range within which the actual forecast is confidently expected to lie.

#### Rules

* This feature is only available for **Single-Line Overtime** Topics
* In order to guarantee the maximum accuracy and reliability of the resulting predictions, each Topic must meet the **conditions of minimal data point presence**

<details>

<summary>Conditions</summary>

For each time aggregation supported by the Single-Line Overtime, the data points must be:

* **Daily**: >35&#x20;
* **Weekly**: >9&#x20;
* **Monthly**: >18&#x20;
* **Quarterly**: >9&#x20;
* **Semesterly**: >7&#x20;
* **Yearly**: >6&#x20;

</details>

* The **horizon** of the predictable future data points is **dynamic** and algorithmically declared based on the number of data points available.
* In order to make up for potential data incompleteness, especially in monthly or daily Topics, the statistical model omits the initial and final data points when the metric aggregation function is set to **add up** or **count** (including the points in the analysis, particularly when there's only partial data for the last month, which could lead to misleading predictions).
* If there are **Dynamic Filters** applied to the Topic, the Forecast generated will take them into account.

#### Limitations

* This feature is still in **Beta Version**

Keep analyzing your data!

***


# Report and Discuss Your Data

Data is more powerful when shared!&#x20;

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to report and discuss your data with your co-workers.&#x20;

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/Yti4b6nt3y60KsT6Kvbh" %}
[Export Topic](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/LSNK3KUSM6hllDrMqK5i" %}
[Share Topic](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/oxJwpVQ5twaS0896frl7" %}
[Data Storytelling](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Export Topic

This page describes the Export Topic capability.

<figure><img src="/files/WGpWqQlygYWwXXvwByGD" alt=""><figcaption><p>Download Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

Crystal allows you to **export** your data outside Crystal.

You can **download** your Topics and **share** them with your co-workers by either sending them via mail, adding them in your own presentations, or using them as you need.

In particular, Crystal offers **two options** for downloading Topics.

## Download as Excel

Click on the *"Download Excel"* button, which you can find in the menu on the top right of the Topic Card. You will be be able to download *the datase*t underlying a Topic in *Excel forma*t.&#x20;

In the exported Excel file, you will find:

* Sheet 1, containing the information about the Topic (Topic Title, Applied Filters, Time Range)
* Sheet 2, containing the data inside the Topic Chart.

Once you have it, you can share it or further analyze it autonomously.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The Excel Download option is available for *every* Topic, regardless of their Topic Objective.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

When clicking on the "Download Excel" button for the first time, you’ll have different outcomes based on the dimensions of the Excel file you want to download:

* For *smaller Topics* (e.g. Donut Gauge, Highlight), the download will happen instantly and you will immediately find the downloaded Excel straight from the browser (with a notification from the browser itself, if supported).
* For *larger Topics* (e.g. Table, Multi-Line, Scatterplot), the download will start but will take some time to conclude and you will receive a [notification](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/notifications) when the file is available.
  {% endhint %}

## Download as PDF

Click on the *"Download PDF"* button, in the menu, on the top right of the Topic Card, right under the *"Download Excel"* button. You will be be able to download the *Topic Chart* image in *PDF format*.

In the exported file, you will find a PDF file containing a *static version* of the Topic Card, including Topic Title, Key Values, Filters, and other elements of the graph, if present. In other terms, you will find a copy  of the Topic Card that is not interactive.

Once you have it, you can share it or use it in external documents.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The PDF Download option is available for every Topic, *except* those pertaining to Objectives *List, Ranking, and Description.*
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

When clicking on the "Download Excel" button for the first time, you’ll have different outcomes based on the dimensions of the Excel file you want to download:

* For *smaller Topics* (depending on download latency), the download will happen instantly and you will immediately find the downloaded PDF straight from the browser (with a notification from the browser itself, if supported)
* For *larger Topics* (depending on download latency), the download will start but will take some time to conclude and you will receive a [notification](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/notifications) when the file is available.
  {% endhint %}

Keep sharing data!

***


# Share Topic

This page describes the Share Topic capability.

<figure><img src="/files/6PNyNxoVRGRRAlVZkPQM" alt=""><figcaption><p>Share Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

Have you found something interesting in your data? Tell everyone!

The most immediate way to **collaborate** on your data is to **Share it** directly with a co-worker on Crystal.&#x20;

For example, you can share a **single Topic**, but you can also share a whole [Data Story](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling).

Below are the details about the capability of sharing a single Topic.

## Sharing a Topic

You can easily share a Topic from its Topic Card, like this:

1. Find the *“Share”* button directly on the Topic Card
2. Choose one or more recipients and your Topic will automatically get sent to them!
3. Alternatively, you can also choose to:
   1. Write a customized message that will appear in the Topic introduction&#x20;
   2. And / or send an email that notifies your co-workers that you shared a Topic with them.

By sharing a Topic, you are contributing to data awareness in your company!

<figure><img src="/files/FZQ67icu9j6C49HVQNgB" alt="" width="470"><figcaption><p>Share Topic Options</p></figcaption></figure>

## Receiving a Topic

What if someone sent you a Topic?

This is what would happen:

1. You would receive a [notification](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/notifications) on your Crystal account, and optionally, an email notifying that someone has shared a Topic with you.
2. When you click on the notification, you would be able to see the shared Topic in your Advisor Workspace.
3. Alternatively, you would receive a customized message that will appear in the Topic intro message.

At this point, you can keep the received Topic on your Advisor and ask Crystal for it when you need it.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/Rsl83jnRpptIt9AgkH4s" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Open Share Notification and Read the Email</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/AgFykDILTP7V0ovG9res" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>See the Shared Topic</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you receive a Topic, you will be able to see it *based on your own viewing permissions*.

There are two particular scenarios possible:

* If the **shared Topic has Filters applied to it**, you *will be able to see it only if you have viewing permissions for all Filters*. On the contrary, if you have viewing permissions for just some Filters or none of them, you won't be able to see the Topic. Instead, you'll receive a correlated error message.
  * ***For example***, if the shared Topic has the "Country" Filter applied with values "Italy", "France", and "Spain", but you only have permissions for the "Italy" value, you won't see the Topic at all.
* If the **shared Topic doesn't have Filters applied to it**, you *will be able to see it, but with you own* *viewing permissions applied*.&#x20;
  * ***For example***, if the shared Topic contains information for Countries Italy, France, and Spain, but you only have permissions for the value "Italy" on the Filter "Country", you will see the Topic containing only information for Italy.
    {% endhint %}

Keep sharing data!

***


# Data Storytelling

This page describes the Data Storytelling capability.

<figure><img src="/files/CmNa39sIUELJDXmO3y9N" alt=""><figcaption><p>Save to Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

Your **Data Story Section** is accessible via the **top icon** of the Sidebar on the bottom left corner of the Advisor.&#x20;

Data Storytelling is a key capability to boost data **organization** and **collaboration**.

In fact, Crystal offers the possibility to **collect, manage, and share Topics** by grouping them into customizable collections, called **Data Stories**.

The Data Storytelling capability allows you to:

* Analyze data faster, with a single point of access for your most interesting Topics.
* Communicate your data more efficiently and in an appealing way, through a personalized story.

Now, let's dive deeper into the capability!

## **Create a New Data Story**

Let's start by creating a Data Story.&#x20;

Data Stories are collections of Topics that allow you to organize and get to your Topics from a single point of access.

To access your Data Stories, just click on the *"Plus"* icon, which you can find either:

1. In the Data Story section, on the top right corner
2. In the tab that opens up when you click on the save button located at the bottom of the Topic Card (see next section).

At this point, you can give a name to your new Data Story.

<figure><img src="/files/AfFGWzAALoFECYKW4A4F" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Create a Data Story - Method #1</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/hil5YANyYkOCyFc5f9UN" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Create a Data Story - Method #2</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/IeVR6tTulWDffCV4uYyv" alt="" width="471"><figcaption><p>Name a  Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

## Save a Topic in a Data Story

This is how you save a Data Story:

1. Click on the *“Save”* button in the Topic Card
2. Choose one or more Data Stories from the list of existing ones or create a new Data Story
3. Click on *“Add”* and that will save your Story!

At this point, you can find and access your Topic without having to ask for it again on the Advisor.

<figure><img src="/files/qRf0HGWdKCeDrOKBB6eD" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Save Topic to a Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In the Data Story, you will find the Topics with their customizations saved, e.g. the applied filters will be maintained.

For example, you can see the Topic with *the* *Dynamic Time Filters* that were applied on it at the time of saving, and you will see them *updated in time*.
{% endhint %}

## Manage Your Data Stories

Next, let’s open the Data Stories section; the access point to all your collections of Topics.

This is where you will find:

1. The **list of all your Data Stories**, ordered by the latest changed

All your Data Stories can be renamed, deleted, and shared.

You can also see when the Data Story was last changed and how many Topics each Data Story contains.

2. The list of **all the Topics** inside each Data Story

This is where you can:

* Search for a Topic of interest
* Reorganize Topics based on the order of your choice
* Interact with all Topics, with the actions available from the Topic Cards ([Filter](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters), [Alert](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts), [Share](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic), [export](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/export-topic) and [Re-ask](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/ask-topics)).

Your Topic will be available at the bottom of the Data Story where you saved it.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You can also remove Topics from the Data Stories. Simply re-click on the *“Save”* button, which will remove your Topic (whereas clicking on it on the Advisor will make you save it).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/Cq1RkHP2gm2x6IAZwQTr" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Data Stories Section</p></figcaption></figure>

Now, here's a deep dive into everything you can do with Data Stories.

### **R**ename a Data Story

You can rename Data Stories whenever you want.

Simply click on the menu on the right of the Data Story and select the *"Rename"* button.

A new window will pop up, allowing you to rename the Data Story.

<figure><img src="/files/6n7TjQuZLwhqzRoxMxTw" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Rename Option</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/jhxi2e8XxbhKqslJZfEl" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Rename Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Delete a Data Story**

Simply click on the menu on the right of the Data Story and select the *"Delete"* button.

A confirmation message will pop up, informing you that the removal of your Data Story is permanent.&#x20;

To confirm, click on the *"Yes, delete"* button.

<figure><img src="/files/NbHQIdftEPlW7mQ8ExJZ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Delete Option</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/ATIVBZXVv0MPqthCyqBa" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Delete Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

### Organize Data Stories

You can customize the order in which the Topic Cards are displayed within each Data Story at any time.

Just click on the *"Sort"* icon placed on the top right of each Data Story to sort your Topics in the order you  want. Crystal will remember the order you select until further changes.

What's more, when sorting the Topics, you will see the associated Dynamic Filters and Time Range of each Topic, so you can better distinguish identical Topics from each other.

<figure><img src="/files/duEcaBIZJF1erHcSDCIp" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Sort Option</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/XRnuy8R3zZ0VZEqJigtn" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Sort Topics in a Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

### Remove a Topic from a Data Story

You can also remove a Topic from your Data Story.&#x20;

There are two ways to do this.

1. Straight from the Topic Card o*n the Advisor*, in the "Add to Data Stories" menu, where you can remove a Data Story de-select it.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/AL0uSi7eFsOP99hBeFWl" alt="" width="539"><figcaption><p>Remove Topic Card Method #1</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/pvSLhRgpSJrmu9e3vuV2" alt="" width="533"><figcaption><p>Deselect Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

2. From the Topic Card *in the Data Story* itself, by clicking on the "Save" button.

<figure><img src="/files/lFlDkRQPd76QduBNtOQC" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Remove Topic Card Method #2</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/xOkzs9N9NEJ5D29SiPBZ" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Confirm Deletion</p></figcaption></figure>

### Share a Data Story

Sharing a Data Story is an alternative way to share your data with co-workers directly on Crystal. It allows you to *share a full collection of Topics* instead of just one (as with the [Share Topic](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic) capability).

Here is how to do it:

1. Find one of the two *“Share Data Story”* buttons
   1. The first one is inside the three-dot menu alongside the Data Story title
   2. The second one is on the top right corner of the full Data Story Section
2. Choose one or more recipients, and your Data Story will be sent to them!
3. Alternatively, you can also send an email that notifies your co-workers that you have shared a Data Story with them.

Congratulations: by sharing a Data Story, you are not only sharing data, but you are providing context and building an efficient narrative around it!&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/G1G5etfOGfJSBGciHXdT" alt=""><figcaption><p>Share the Data Story</p></figcaption></figure>

### Receive a Data Story

What if someone sent you a Topic?

This is what would happen:

1. You would receive a notification or an email on your Crystal account, notifying that someone has shared a Data Story with you.
2. By clicking on the notification, you will be able to save the shared Data Story in your account.

At this point, you can find the received Data Story in your Data Stories section and consult it whenever needed.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

What you can do after receiving a Data Story depends on your account's *viewing permissions*.

When you receive a Data Story for which you do not have viewing permissions, you will be able to see it only when opening the "Share" notification, but you won't be able to save it to your Data Stories.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/mNvYGKPPKlKRiyuUlTBC" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Receive Shared Data Story Notifications </p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/nmcKVfCyjMYOkCdsx3mf" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Save the Shared Data Story </p></figcaption></figure>

Keep creating your own data story!

***


# Customize Your Experience

You can customize Crystal based on your needs.

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to customize your Crystal Advisor.&#x20;

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/rynRsZrxLtSGmwCq9vyL" %}
[Choose Language](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/RQARgyDRCYVxya4AjOut" %}
[Choose Theme](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal-1)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Choose Language

This page describes the Choose Language capability.

<figure><img src="/files/RBRGc8lOOCJYwcO7A1zs" alt=""><figcaption><p>Choose Language</p></figcaption></figure>

Crystal lets you choose the language you want.

Currently, there are five languages to choose from:&#x20;

* **English**
* **Italian**
* **Spanish**
* **French**
* **German**

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The actual number of choices you have on your Advisor depends on your Project's specific configuration.

Please contact your Admin for any clarification.
{% endhint %}

To select your language, simply:

1. Find the [***"Account"*** ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/account)icon at the bottom of the Left Sidebar
2. Click on the dedicate&#x64;*"Personal Settings"* section
3. Click on the dedicated *"Preferences"* section
4. Select the language of your choice.

Now Crystal can speak your language!

***


# Choose Theme

This page describes the Choose Theme capability.

<figure><img src="/files/SDnKvj0e17JH9N13fT1O" alt=""><figcaption><p>Choose Theme</p></figcaption></figure>

On Crystal, you can select a visual theme of your choice.

Currently, there are two themes available:

* **Violet**
* **White.**

{% hint style="info" %}
**Please Note**

The Advisor's default theme is the Violet one.
{% endhint %}

To select your theme, simply:

1. Find the [***"Account"*** ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/account)icon at the bottom of the Left Sidebar
2. Click on the dedicated *"Personal Settings"* section
3. Click on the dedicated *"Preferences"* section
4. Select an option of your choice.&#x20;

Now you can enjoy the Advisor in your favorite colors!

***


# Crystal on Mobile

<figure><img src="/files/IlLla0DWhEZzWRnHIyJg" alt=""><figcaption><p>Crystal app</p></figcaption></figure>

Access your data anywhere, with the Crystal app for smartphones and tablets!

## Download Crystal App

Download the Crystal app from your app store and start using Crystal on the go.

* **Download Crystal app from the** [**Apple Store**](< https://apps.apple.com/it/app/crystal/id1438741933 >)**!**
* **Download Crystal app from** [**Google Play**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ai.igenius.crystalenterprise\&hl=it\&gl=US)**!**

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Check [here](/fundamentals/crystal) if the Operative System on your device is compatible with the Crystal app.
{% endhint %}

## Experience the Full Crystal Advisor

The Crystal app supports **all the capabilities** supported by the **Crystal Advisor** web app version.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Crystal Console is available on the web app version only.
{% endhint %}

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MedVira-tRYltMH5HHR" %}
[Discover the Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/AsrWhCEfajR4QrMR89EL" %}
[Talk to Your Data](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0QE4BEW1qiAr8JLGTzLe" %}
[Explore Your Data](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/hPCbyLpCNtpoCQYHUuKe" %}
[Analyze Your Data](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/mgbZnIc0AIExqtONNi5q" %}
[Report and Discuss Your Data](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/XKMqD0djCuUqNrapi55Y" %}
[Customize Your Experience](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## Discover the Advantages of Crystal Mobile

Besides all the capabilities from the web version, the Crystal mobile app also supports **specific capabilities** that are available for smartphones only.

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhT\_mJGbFpMwuWnq-pS" %}
[Siri & Shortcuts](/crystal-advisor/crystal-on-mobile/siri-integration)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Siri & Shortcuts

This page describes the Siri & Shortcuts capabilities.

You can integrate your Crystal app with the **iOS Virtual Advisor "Siri"** and with the **iOS app "Shortcuts"**.

This way, you have two alternative options to customize your mobile experience to get insights from Crystal directly on your device, without needing to even open the app!

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Both capabilities are available on iOS devices only (iPhones and iPads).
{% endhint %}

## **Ask Siri to Ask Crystal**

By integrating the Crystal app with Siri, you will be able to **ask Siri for data from Crystal**.

### Enable the Siri Integration

You can enable the integration between Crystal and Siri directly from the Crystal app, in the following way:

1. Go to the *"Account"* section on the right side of the menu
2. Click on *"Create Shortcut"*&#x20;
3. Click on *"Done"* and then *"Ok".*

From this point on, you'll be able to ask Siri for a Topic.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you uninstall and reinstall the Crystal app, don't forget to re-enable the integration with Siri!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/yw6wgeyC8iAnU96kiLfU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Enable Siri Integration</p></figcaption></figure>

### Ask Siri for Your Topics

You can easily ask Siri to bring up your Topics from Crystal, as follows:

1. Say *"Hey Siri!"* to wake it up
2. Add the question formula *"Ask Crystal..."*&#x20;
3. Wait for Siri to ask you *"What would you like to ask?"*
4. Conclude by specifying the question you need, for example a full Topic or a Filter.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* You can talk to Siri with the same [conversational rules](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation) as those implemented on Crystal, net of Siri-specific limitations. This means that you can directly ask for a Topic or for any other things, e.g. asking Filters with the *"and for"* formula, and so on.
* You will be only able to interact with Siri if the language set on your device (and therefore on Siri) matches the language set on the Crystal app.
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/yd5yFtVYOP8gDMN75bOi" alt="" width="250"><figcaption><p>Ask Siri to Ask Crystal</p></figcaption></figure>

### Get Your Topics from Siri

At this point, Siri will return the *same response as Crystal*: a Topic Card complete with a Topic Graph and an intro message.

By tapping on it, you will be redirected to the Crystal app to access the interactive version of the Topic Card and see all the related Insights.

<figure><img src="/files/2p78Wcl1YqEb4UiwTPh4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Get your Topic from Siri and from Crystal</p></figcaption></figure>

## **Create Shortcuts to Crystal**

By integrating the Crystal app with the app shortcuts, you will be able to **create customized shortcut widgets to your Crystal Topics**.

### Enable Shortcut Integration

You can enable the integration between Crystal and shortcuts directly from the Crystal app, as follows:

1. Go to the *"Account"* section on the right side of the menu
2. Click on *"Create Shortcut"*&#x20;
3. Click on *"Done"* and then *"Ok".*

This is how you create shortcuts to Topics.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you uninstall and reinstall the Crystal app, don't forget to re-enable the integration with Shortcuts!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/yw6wgeyC8iAnU96kiLfU" alt=""><figcaption><p>Enable Shortcuts Integration</p></figcaption></figure>

At this point, you can create Shortcuts in two alternative ways:

* From the [**Crystal app**](#add-shortcuts-to-crystal-topics-from-the-topic-card)
* From the [**Shortcuts app**](#add-shortcuts-to-crystal-topics-from-the-shortcuts-app)

### Add Shortcuts to Crystal Topics from the Topic Card

At this point, you can set Shortcuts to *any Topic* present in your Crystal Project directly from the **Crystal app**.&#x20;

Follow these steps:

1. Ask the Topic of your interest and find it on the Advisor
2. From the Topic Card, you'll receive a response. Click on the menu on the top right of the card and select the option *"Siri Integration"*, then click on *"Done".*

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The "Siri Integration" option will be available on the Topic Card only if asked *via a direct question* or *via Suggestions.* As such, it will not be available when asked via Data Stories, Dashboard, or the Ask featuring.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/IYunNQu5Lc9RLgSKreag" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Set the Shortcut from Crystal app</p></figcaption></figure>

Now, if you go to the Shortcut app Homepage, you will find the newly created Shortcut [ready to use](#h_a0bce9dd17)!

<figure><img src="/files/srVyQtKpI1C96Csk2ojD" alt="" width="318"><figcaption><p>Find your Shortcut</p></figcaption></figure>

### Add Shortcuts to Crystal Topics from the Shortcut App

Since this is an independent app, you can also add Shortcuts *to Crystal or to Topics* from the **Shortcut app** on your iPhone or iPad itself.&#x20;

Follow these steps:

1. Find the Shortcut app and open it

<figure><img src="/files/Iy5JOMolVPGs8jgjapfe" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Open Shortcuts</p></figcaption></figure>

2. Select Crystal as the source app

<figure><img src="/files/iDEwwv1yEUZghNmQ7xLm" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select Crystal app</p></figcaption></figure>

3. You can now create your Shortcut question, with two options. 1) Create a *general Shortcut* without specifying the Topic, or 2) directly *specify the Topic* by writing it in the box, then click on *"Done".*

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

You need to write your questions in the same language set in the Crystal app!
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/LO12coi3UDkgYOr7q6HF" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Write the Question for the Shortcuts</p></figcaption></figure>

Now, if you go to the Shortcuts app Homepage, you will find the newly created Shortcuts [ready to use](#h_a0bce9dd17)!

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You should rename your Shortcuts in order to remember its content.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/OML2nj9ucWxnWEA6Mi2j" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Find Your Shortcuts </p></figcaption></figure>

### **Get Your Topics from Shortcuts** <a href="#h_a0bce9dd17" id="h_a0bce9dd17"></a>

Once you create a Shortcut, you can use it from the Shortcuts app.&#x20;

Simply click on it to get your question running, then you'll be able to see your Topic in the Shortcut app.

You will receive the *same response as on Crystal*: a Topic Card complete with a Topic Graph and intro message.

When you tap on it, you will be redirected to the Crystal app to access the interactive version of the Topic Card and see all the related Insights.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

The answer you will receive depends on the question that you have set.

For example:

* If you have specified a Topic, you will receive it directly
* If you have set up a generic question, you will be asked for more information.
  {% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/1hObtebWqTTY8cpz8vda" alt=""><figcaption><p>Shortcut to Specific Topics</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/9PZgd5ay0VjFTqPsoMuI" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Shortcut to Generic Question</p></figcaption></figure>

### Customize Your Shortcuts

To experience the capability at its best, you can **customize** your Shortcuts according to the specific functionalities of the app. For example, adding a *link to the Homepage* or creating *a routine*.&#x20;

This way, you will be able to access and use your Topics whichever way you want!

<figure><img src="/files/NtjsQmecVfdtsBpJn9FL" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Customize your Shortcuts</p></figcaption></figure>

### **Edit and Delete Shortcuts** <a href="#h_a0bce9dd17" id="h_a0bce9dd17"></a>

You can **edit the trigger phrase** for the the Shortcut and **delete** a Shortcut at any time, in two alternative ways:

* On the Crystal app, by pressing the *"Siri Integration"* button on the Topic Card again
* From the Shortcuts app.

<figure><img src="/files/ewoJQE1crr4nhrUJUIZy" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Edit and Delete Shortcuts</p></figcaption></figure>

Live your best Crystal mobile experience!

***


# Crystal on Microsoft Teams

<figure><img src="/files/k9kUIwvzhoZkOAa39mRK" alt=""><figcaption><p>Crystal on Teams</p></figcaption></figure>

Talk directly with your dsata on the Crystal app for Microsoft Teams!

## Download Crystal App

Download the Crystal app from your MS Teams Apps Store and start using Crystal without leaving your corporate software.

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/sgXMOMCfYYvaVRV62MTi" %}
[Download Crystal on Teams](/crystal-advisor/crystal-on-microsoft-teams/microsoft-teams)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## Experience the Full Crystal Advisor

The Crystal app for Microsoft Teams supports **all the capabilities** that are supported by **Crystal Advisor**'s Web App version.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Crystal Console is only available on the Web App version.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You can access the Crystal app for Microsoft Teams both from the *Desktop application* and the *Web Browser* version of Microsoft Teams.
{% endhint %}

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MedVira-tRYltMH5HHR" %}
[Discover the Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/AsrWhCEfajR4QrMR89EL" %}
[Talk to Your Data](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0QE4BEW1qiAr8JLGTzLe" %}
[Explore Your Data](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/hPCbyLpCNtpoCQYHUuKe" %}
[Analyze Your Data](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/mgbZnIc0AIExqtONNi5q" %}
[Report and Discuss Your Data](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/XKMqD0djCuUqNrapi55Y" %}
[Customize Your Experience](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Download Crystal on Teams

This page describes how to setup the Crystal app for Microsoft Teams.

***Crystal app is available on the MS Teams App Store!***

As a MS Teams User, you can download the Crystal app from the MS Teams Apps Store and use Crystal on your MS Teams account.

## Download the App

Let’s start:

1. Open MS Teams and go on the *"Apps"* Section on the Left Menu.

<figure><img src="/files/razWp8vP1VudDaAYE4WV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 1</p></figcaption></figure>

2. In the list of apps *Built for your organization* find the Crystal app icon and click on it or use the *Search bar* if you can’t find it.

<figure><img src="/files/SD9JivjiZcu4FT6OterB" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 2</p></figcaption></figure>

3. Click on the *"Add" button* and then *"Add"* again in the pop-up.

<figure><img src="/files/GREzedD1tHIeMv5VtEc6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 3</p></figcaption></figure>

4. At this point, you can find Crystal app on the Left Menu! When you open it, you will be asked to enter your *project domain.*

<figure><img src="/files/uxAzEyDBgGM5jldvaSPG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 4</p></figcaption></figure>

5. At this point, you will be redirected to the Crystal *Login Screen*: use your [personal credentials](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in) to continue and log in.

<figure><img src="/files/xpfz62f2eK4rhOUGhbxC" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 5</p></figcaption></figure>

6. Finally, you will land in the ***Advisor Workspace.***

<figure><img src="/files/ucMjoUTHceXqHDqsQFPG" alt=""><figcaption><p>Step 6</p></figcaption></figure>

7. At this point, you are ready to go: ***ask Crystal your first question***!

<figure><img src="/files/pOF7BD8ZshUIuFZrLZcO" alt=""><figcaption><p>Talk to Crystal!</p></figcaption></figure>

***

## Discover Crystal

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MedVira-tRYltMH5HHR" %}
[Discover the Advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/AsrWhCEfajR4QrMR89EL" %}
[Talk to Your Data](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/0QE4BEW1qiAr8JLGTzLe" %}
[Explore Your Data](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/hPCbyLpCNtpoCQYHUuKe" %}
[Analyze Your Data](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/mgbZnIc0AIExqtONNi5q" %}
[Report and Discuss Your Data](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/XKMqD0djCuUqNrapi55Y" %}
[Customize Your Experience](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Configure Crystal

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to configure your Crystal Project.&#x20;

***

## **Jump to Section**

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTaXPJdMIC0a6H5D\_p" %}
[Discover the Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/self-service-console)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/8DnzUNKmkNXxIrYttQ2S" %}
[Choose Project Settings](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/system-settings)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MkvNcY2fiqHBbT6XyWy" %}
[Prepare Your Data](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/data-preparation)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Discover the Console

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

## What is the Console?

Crystal’s Console allows users to set up the advisor autonomously. Via the Console, the project owner and the admins can manage permissions, integrate data sources, and create topics in minutes.&#x20;

The Console is the crystal area where Admins are likely to spend most of their time, because it’s here where topics are created, edited and prepared for the conversation.

Here the Admins can also add and manage a Crystal project’s users.

## Access the Console

To access the Console, an Admin user will click on the label **Console** in the profile menu.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368025993/fe86e33a7ccdeafd2391e0f8/TRpoupUOL_-_7LdpF3zjG2rQZ3cD2F_Kwmvn38kK6x8aXLtmV9kZkY1rbcvzf3Wmn9I7KY7efylEel076-bc5E_xZKEAvIGU0gWHS8yym-hj-NAUi6IAc9Vg_7pnINZUcfVXPEUI)

## Discover the Console

The Console is divided into two areas: the **Topic area** and the **User area.**

The **Topic area** is where the created topics are shown and an Admin can go to add a new topic or to edit an existing one.

From here, admins can also access the management of entities (an entity is a name variation or trigger word that refers to the metrics used when talking to Crystal) and data sources connected to the project.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368026002/02accd4096c6b14142a362c4/jdrDvl2ZXODelI62q8q8VoZxqd1Kinr0eF3_AILq89eud_9wAyN_TN_5QdbWMT9PlS0uA1JciDV7EctcH6o8VGvRU6byi_8XADTSIXv_PLGKvHYbjZYLkPoS72MeRHKyWUHhD4xk)

To add a new topic, Admins will click on the corresponding link and start the process of topic creation, which is made of **four steps**: **connection** of the data source with the data to retrieve, **configuration** of the topic settings, set up of **filters** (which is optional) and **train —** where Crystal is trained to recognize the topic.

At the end of this process, and after deciding who will be able to bring up this topic in the Advisor by **assigning permissions**, the Admin can choose to publish the topic, which will be shown here with the status **published**, or to keep it in the status **ready,** waiting to publish it at a later moment.

When a topic is published, it will be available for the Advisor’s conversations and every member with permission to see it will be able to ask Crystal about it.

The **User** area will allow the admins to add and manage users for a project.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368026016/e57459df577aee1325e1b1fc/2p4-nwPO5cbAOx82syeyAGIKO9led-HuMkUL8fazFf-1ST3uy7AYy9XgHO2WJuPAmNDE86IiHxQxanNo4e0oIWrOOnLc_tS5RyX7oE4aatHvaWeGTLNjmmc9EnvTTtyJY9PQ8CFW)

To know more about this area, check [the dedicated article.](/crystal-console/users/user-area)

***


# Choose Project Settings

This page describes the Console's Account Section.

As a Crystal Admin, you can manage various settings and configurations related to your Project directly from the **Account Section** in the top navigation bar.

<figure><img src="/files/IqFlPYKKL2CRLdScrQoi" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>The Console's Account</p></figcaption></figure>

## Go to the advisor

You can jump to the Advisor Workspace.

## Project settings

You can manage the following settings:

* **Company Logo**. In this area, you can add your company logo.
* **Languages**. In this area you can see the language (or languages) that your Project is in.
* **Time Range.** This is the default time range that will be assign to all the Topics you create for this Project. You can change on the single Topic level here in the Console. When asking the Advisor for a Topic, if you don't specify a time range, this default value will be applied.
* **Dashboard**. In this area, choose whether you want to enable or disable the Dashboard for all of the Members in your Crystal Project. We recommend keeping it enabled, as it’s another way for your Members to gain insights related to your data without requiring them to interact with the Advisor. If the Dashboard is enabled all Topics created will be added by default, but on the Topic level, you can decide to not include one. Learn more about your Dashboard[ in this article.](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)

When you’re finished configuring your system settings, press **Save**.

## Personal settings

You can see your Account information: name, email & password, job title, role.

You can also find Terms and Conditions.

## Contact support

You can write to us about anything via a dedicated contact email.

## Resources

You can find a link to Crystal's Resources directly embedded in the Advisor.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Crystal Resources are represented by:

* [**Crystal Docs**](/), i.e. the documentation that supports you on how to use Crystal (*the same documentation you are reading right now!*)
* [**Release Notes**](/release-notes/2024), i.e. the collection of enhancements done to each Crystal version, where you can find what's new on the currently installed one
  {% endhint %}

## Log out

You can log out at any time.

## Crystal version

You can check which version of Crystal you are currently using.

***


# Prepare Your Data

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Crystal is here to help you process your data and get insights out of it to make successful business decisions.

In order to do so, it needs a data source from which to retrieve the information wanted and, to get the best out of her performance, this data needs to be prepared according to certain guidelines.

{% hint style="info" %}
**The higher the data and structure quality is, the better results and impact crystal can bring.**
{% endhint %}

We recommend you to follow our advice to get the best out of your Crystal experience.

But before we dive into specific details, let’s review some basic concepts as an introduction to the perfect crystal experience.

In this article we will see:

* **Crystal Foundations**&#x20;
* **Data Preparation Outside Crystal**
* **Data Manipulation Inside Crystal**

## **Crystal Foundations** <a href="#h_5b4392f4b2" id="h_5b4392f4b2"></a>

**Crystal's Conversation revolves around Topics: asking a question to Crystal means asking a Topic.**

**Consequently, it is very important to prepare the data to create topics that have a natural way of requesting them.**

You can deep-dive on the concept of Topic [here](#h_5a400c4b86).

You can deep-dive on the rules of Conversation [here](#h_5a400c4b86).

Following, a summary of the main concepts underlying Crystal that you must keep in consideration for preparing data in the best way.

### **Topics** <a href="#h_5a400c4b86" id="h_5a400c4b86"></a>

A topic is an insight on your data that you can get from crystal.&#x20;

It is the combination of **one or multiple main entities** that can be filtered for one or more filter entities that fulfill an objective and that are surfaced to the user through a visual or textual representation.

#### **Objectives** <a href="#h_09607251ad" id="h_09607251ad"></a>

An objective is essentially **the main purpose of the topic**. Each objective can be represented through **one or more visualizations** that will be chosen by the admins during the phase of topic creation. Each objective has a number of consistent visualizations, that can be charts or other formats (such as ranking tables and lists).

For example, the **comparison** objective shows the similarity or dissimilarity between different items or facts, like in the question: “Can you compare items sold versus budget by country?” The over time objective, instead, shows how data changed over a specific time period, as in: “Can you show me the sales over time by month for the last year?"

#### **Entities** <a href="#h_0df215a8b3" id="h_0df215a8b3"></a>

Entities are **the core of crystal’s functioning**: they are essentially the content that you allow the members to explore through the advisor conversation.

There are two types of entities: the **main** entities and the **filter** entities.

A **main entity** is the subject the insight focuses on, according to the objective you set for the analysis. For example, if the question for the advisor would be: “Can you show me total of sales?”, the main focus of this request would be “**sales**”.

A **filter entity** is the dimension that you can associate with the main entity to drill down, filter, or deepen your analysis. For example, for our question “Show me total of sales”, a filter entity would be the value of the "country" entity, like “Show me total of sales for Germany”, or a year, like “Show me total of sales in 2019”.

A filter entity should not be confused with a **filter value**: for example, in our case, a filter entity might be “Country”, which would retrieve the sales for a single country, while a filter value is a specific item in the entity’s data column. In our case, “Germany” would be a specific value for the entity “Country”.

From a configuration point of view, they correspond to the **column selected from the database you’ve connected**.&#x20;

During topic creation, you also need to provide some **name variations**. Essentially, they are synonyms that will be used conversationally to refer to the entity - e.g. if the entity is “items”, we can set “units” or “articles” as a name variation.

#### **Aggregation** <a href="#h_a44b0571d3" id="h_a44b0571d3"></a>

The aggregation in crystal is based on SQL aggregation functions and it represents how the different values of a main entity can be put together in a specific topic, meaning that **the same entity can be aggregated in different ways**.

For example, if we have the entity “Sales”, we can either sum the different values of the entity, count them or calculate the average.

If we want to show the user how much money we made, then we would use **Sum**, if we want to count how many sales transactions we had, we would go for **Count** and if we want to represent the average sale we would use **Average**.

#### **Aliases** <a href="#h_994d310d1c" id="h_994d310d1c"></a>

These synonyms associated with the same entity are called **aliases** and they can be used in the conversation to refer to the same entity.

Value aliases are name variations that you and your team will use as alternatives to name the **non-numeric values** of the defined entities, e.g. every single (non-numerical) value of the related column.

Aliases are very important for crystal, because they enable the flexible conversational experience. The same entity can be in fact associated with multiple words: “sales” can be also called “revenues”, “turnover”, and so on. Another example: if the entity is “items” words like “units” or “articles” might also be used to refer to it.

For example, you may have an entity related to money. Within that entity, it was filled out in the original data source using currency codes, like USD or EUR. By adding value aliases, you can add “American dollars” and “Euros” as variations for these codes, meaning that you can ask questions to crystal using these variations.

Value aliases are very useful when the values of the entities **you use as filters** are hard to spell and pronounce, such as product codes: you can associate a meaningful alias to the code and use it in the conversation with crystal, e.g. “product XG059” can be called “Blue sofa”.

You must give at least one alias to each entity, but remember that the more aliases you provide, the more the advisor will understand your users during the conversation.

### **Data formatting** <a href="#h_2abd77cd7d" id="h_2abd77cd7d"></a>

In order to display your data correctly, crystal will follow these data formatting conventions and rules.

#### **Supported formats** <a href="#h_fd2dfe46fb" id="h_fd2dfe46fb"></a>

The data must be formatted with a certain logic to be properly consumed by crystal.

#### **Strings** <a href="#h_fce1b39afd" id="h_fce1b39afd"></a>

crystal works with Text fields. It supports most of the commonly used categorical types. [Here](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources) you can find the complete list of supported data sources. Depending on the connected data source, you could need to transform some of your dataset columns.

**For example**

| **Scenario** | Query                                   |
| ------------ | --------------------------------------- |
| VARCHAR type | CAST ( column AS varchar \[ ( 120 ) ] ) |

Mind that this is just an example and it needs to be adapted, based on the exact case and technology used.

#### **Special characters** <a href="#h_517570f658" id="h_517570f658"></a>

We often encounter qualitative fields, such as product description, address and others, containing special characters that are not properly encoded as Unicode.

To clean these data types, it is more convenient to use the **regular function** expression.

**How to handle**

| **Scenario** | **Query**                                              |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| publicitÖÖÖÖ | regexp\_replace('publicitÖÖÖÖ','\[Ö�]+\|√†!','à','g'); |

#### &#x20;<a href="#h_6aa70fbe9e" id="h_6aa70fbe9e"></a>

**Empty values**

crystal expects empty values to be represented as [NULL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Null_\(SQL\)).

**How to handle**

| **Scenario** | **Query**              |
| ------------ | ---------------------- |
| ““           | nullif(column, "")     |
| “None”       | nullif(column, "None") |

#### &#x20;<a href="#h_fb0e534934" id="h_fb0e534934"></a>

#### **Numbers (floats)** <a href="#h_fb0e534934" id="h_fb0e534934"></a>

The floating numeric from customer data source should follow the standard format that uses **the comma as thousand separators** (e.g.1,200 for one thousand two hundred) and the dot as decimal separator (e.g. 1.2 for one and two).

* 1.234 = one and two hundred thirty-four thousandths
* 1,234 = one thousand two hundred thirty-four

However it can happen quite often to find numeric data that violates these conventions.

**How to handle**

| **Scenario**                                                                  | **Query**                                                       | **Result**     |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| We just need to read it correctly from text type and save it as numeric type. | to\_number('1,234,567.009678' , '999G999G999G999D999999'::text) | 1234567.009678 |
| Negative sign is at the end of the number.                                    | to\_number('123,456,789.01-', '999999999G999D999S'::text);      | -123456789.01  |

In the following example, you can find some common scenarios and how to fix them.

* If our data already complies with the common standard (dot for decimal and comma for thousands separators):

| **Scenario**                                                                  | **Query**                                                       | **Result**     |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- |
| We just need to read it correctly from text type and save it as numeric type. | to\_number('1,234,567.009678' , '999G999G999G999D999999'::text) | 1234567.009678 |
| Negative sign is at the end of the number.                                    | to\_number('123,456,789.01-', '999999999G999D999S'::text);      | -123456789.01  |

* If our data does NOT comply with the common standard:

| **Scenario**                                                                          | **Query**                                                                                           | **Result** |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| It uses dot for thousands and comma for decimal separators (eg. 1.200 and 1,2).       | NULLIF(replace(replace('5.295,22' , '.'::text, ''::text), ','::text, '.'::text), ''::text)::numeric | 5295.22    |
| It uses comma for decimal separator (1,2) and nothing for thousands separator (1200). | NULLIF(replace('2271,02', ','::text, '.'::text), ''::text)::numeric                                 | 2271.02    |

### **Complex fields types** <a href="#h_fd4ea957df" id="h_fd4ea957df"></a>

At the moment crystal is not supporting complex fields like “Json objects“ for Postgres or “LOB“ for Oracle. If in a table such field types are present, crystal will not be able to use them in the topic configuration process, nor will she be able to preview the related data.

Note that, for Oracle, all the data types described [here](https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/21/sqlrf/Data-Types.html#GUID-A3C0D836-BADB-44E5-A5D4-265BA5968483) are not supported.

### **Product limitations** <a href="#h_545bbdf1e0" id="h_545bbdf1e0"></a>

Before we start to dive into the data preparation details, take a look at [this article](/limitations/limitations-on-crystal-advisor) to know more about crystal’s limitations.

## **Data Preparation Outside Crystal** <a href="#h_088b08e629" id="h_088b08e629"></a>

The topic configuration is a key process for the success of the crystal project, that’s why it is extremely important to provide a clean data structure by following some guidelines.

### **The main entity** <a href="#h_98a4891d66" id="h_98a4891d66"></a>

A data source is mainly composed of tables that are also made of columns.

Main entities can be configured by using a simple rule of thumb:

**One column = one main entity**

This is the suggested and recommended approach for most cases. Each column must contain the values or content of a single entity.

For example, let’s consider that we have to create a topic whose main entity is “Sales” and this is our data:

| **Product** | **City** | **Channel** | **Sales** | **Chargebacks** |
| ----------- | -------- | ----------- | --------- | --------------- |
| Product 1   | Milan    | Online      | $20,56    | $0              |
| Product 2   | London   | Store       | $50,36    | $0              |
| Product 1   | Turin    | Online      | $97,76    | $0              |
| Product 1   | New York | Store       | $190,12   | $0              |

In this case **Sales** will be our main entity. Other main entities, such as the chargebacks in our example, can be configured on the related column.

A crucially important factor to keep in mind is that **entities’ aliases MUST be unique** , therefore we will not be able to name another main entity within crystal “Sales”.

Also note that:

* If, conceptually, there are multiple columns that refer to generic “sales”, they need to be centralized in the same column and in the same table to enable the entity “sales” to be unique in the conversation and allow the system to identify the source field.
* if there are multiple **sales** columns that conceptually have differences (e.g. actual sales & budget sales), they can be different columns and can have different alias names (such as “actual sales“ and “budget sales”).

There is a possible alternative approach that can be used in peculiar cases. Let’s take a table like this as an example:

| **Product** | **Indicators** | **Value** |
| ----------- | -------------- | --------- |
| Product 1   | Revenues       | $0        |
| Product 1   | Costs          | $0        |
| Product 1   | Inventory      | $0        |

In this case, we can use **the “value” column as the main entity** and **the “indicator” column as a filter entity**. Nonetheless, this approach is solid when the values within the column “**Value**” can be logically aggregated with one of the supported functions: otherwise there is the risk of showing inconsistent data to the final user.

Moreover, the conversation structure will be directly affected, as the main entity, and therefore the focus of the topic, will be “value”, rather than the values of the filter dimension (such as, for example, **revenues** or **costs**).

### **The filter entity** <a href="#h_6b35a305ca" id="h_6b35a305ca"></a>

If a conceptual dimension (for example, “product”) is present in multiple tables (like, 3), and therefore in multiple columns (also 3), and it has to be used as a filter for topics configured on the three objects, there are two options:

* We could configure two different entities (for example, “Sales”and “Sales target“) and potentially trigger the disambiguation feature, in the case the request to the advisor is partial or incomplete (for example, by specifying only "sales").
* Or, we could centralize the filter column in a single object to configure the entity in a single column.

Let’s see an example.

If we assume that “product” is the only filter dimension that we want to share between the two tables, we will have to create a master table and two “data” tables as follows, linked by a key that we will use to join the two tables.

**Master table**

| **ID** | **ProductID** | **Price** |
| ------ | ------------- | --------- |
| 34     | 2             | 12        |
| 85     | 6             | 15        |
| 45     | 3             | 23        |

**Table 1: Sales targets**

| **ID** | **ProductID** | **Target** |
| ------ | ------------- | ---------- |
| 23     | 2             | 45,000     |
| 54     | 6             | 125,000    |
| 57     | 3             | 10,000     |

**Table 2: Products**

The **“Name”** column would become the **Product** filter entity.

| **ID** | **Name** |
| ------ | -------- |
| 2      | Apples   |
| 6      | Pears    |
| 3      | Bananas  |

### **Centralize all entities** <a href="#h_0f8b3deba6" id="h_0f8b3deba6"></a>

Assuming that **Product** is the only filter dimension that we want to share between the two tables, we can directly create a single table containing all the filters and main entities.

The driver for this decision would be the granularity of the data and the amount of entities that share the same filters.

For example:

**Master table: sales**

| **ID** | **Product** | **Price** |
| ------ | ----------- | --------- |
| 34     | Apples      | 12        |
| 85     | Pears       | 15        |
| 45     | Bananas     | 23        |

**Table 1: Sales targets**

| **ID** | **Product** | **Target** |
| ------ | ----------- | ---------- |
| 23     | Apples      | 45,000     |
| 54     | Pears       | 125,000    |
| 57     | Bananas     | 10,000     |

**Table 2: Products**

| **ID** | **Product** | **Price** | **Target** |
| ------ | ----------- | --------- | ---------- |
| 1      | Apples      | 12        | 45,000     |
| 2      | Pears       | 15        | 125,000    |
| 3      | Bananas     | 23        | 10,000     |

### **Calculated columns** <a href="#h_ab7b944dbc" id="h_ab7b944dbc"></a>

Calculated columns are customized columns created dynamically through operations. In the below case, for example, we have the **total** column which is generated by the system by multiplying **price** per **quantity**. At the moment crystal **does not support** the creation of calculated columns.

| <p><br><strong>ID</strong></p> | **ProductID** | **Price** | **Quantity** | **Total** |
| ------------------------------ | ------------- | --------- | ------------ | --------- |

| 34 | 34 | 5 | 3 | 15 |
| -- | -- | - | - | -- |

| 85 | 85 | 10 | 5 | 50 |
| -- | -- | -- | - | -- |

| 45 | 45 | 20 | 6 | 120 |
| -- | -- | -- | - | --- |

## **Data Manipulation Inside crystal** <a href="#h_96be079298" id="h_96be079298"></a>

### **Joins** <a href="#h_51052265ae" id="h_51052265ae"></a>

Join can be performed on a single key, meaning that **you cannot use multiple fields to join two tables**. Moreover, join operations can be performed only if the objects reside **in the same data source** (such as, database connection).

The joined tables can be further joined **to a maximum of 5**.

**The performance of crystal’s answers depends on the number of the join operations** and the performance of the underlying data source (for example, indexing and other database optimization techniques can be performed to speed up the data retrieval and enhance crystal answering performance).

The supported joins are:

* Inner
* Left
* Right

### **Sorting** <a href="#h_be901210e7" id="h_be901210e7"></a>

You can sort the final result by any column of the connected data, choosing ascending or descending order.

### **Static filtering** <a href="#h_085d23e4f7" id="h_085d23e4f7"></a>

In crystal, static filters correspond to the [SQL where clause](https://www.w3schools.com/sql/sql_where.asp). It is possible to apply static filtering to the connected data: static filters are applied by default to a topic and they are not to be confused with dynamic filters, applied in the filter step of the topic configuration flow.

You can apply multiple static filters to a topic with a specific operation. For example, you can select “category” as a static filter and say that you want to filter category values that EQUAL “gadget” (meaning that only the “gadget” objects will be taken into account in the conversation), or the “price” as a static filter with operation “greater than” and value 100, and your topic will only retrieve those values which are above 100.

The available options are:

* Equal
* Different
* Empty
* Not Empty
* Greater Than
* Less Than
* Greater Than Or Equal To
* Less Than Or Equal To
* Between

### **Aggregation functions** <a href="#h_2e36c9dcbf" id="h_2e36c9dcbf"></a>

You can choose among the following aggregation functions:

* Count
* Count distinct
* Sum
* Average

***


# Create Topics

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to create Topics in your Crystal Project.&#x20;

***

## **Jump to Section**

{% content-ref url="/pages/M5UYcIgsWKrkVnJATfWb" %}
[Topic Creation: Overview](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/create)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/eoUNYvYEMGz1pmISuXDj" %}
[Topic Creation: Connect](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/W5uyQCufR3VhJzBFnTO6" %}
[Topic Creation: Configure](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/EMkpaioL1G2zfl4cCg2L" %}
[Topic Creation: Filter](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/MYXgHzGV6bFAgIrqmEYA" %}
[Topic Creation: Train](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/ppVUsdXo1V05CFhWqI3z" %}
[Topic Creation: Topic Details](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/topic-details)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Sw30koqlZbNHBL1IcGu1" %}
[Topic Creation: Set Permissions](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/2mDFp3RsHgIvKoEEfBeR" %}
[Topic Creation: Review and Publish](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTW6pWAuUMuBHTLhKT" %}
[Specifc Visualizations Guides](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/tGw1XBwoFr51EU8Qrdvx" %}
[Topic Creation: Custom Topic Titles](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/topic-creation-custom-topic-titles)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/EmG4bJwCYlQvXYdVWhDc" %}
[Topic Statuses](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/statuses)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/joaq8euPreMzsFpGXAb7" %}
[Data Preview](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/V1chwjEIqAhH9bHKpy3E" %}
[Manage Your Entities](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/entities)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Topic Creation: Overview

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

In the Crystal world, a **Topic** is a subject related to your business metrics that you can talk to Crystal about. A topic is **an insight on your data** that you can get from crystal.

You can get an overview of Topics [here](/fundamentals/crystal-topics).

Topics can only be created by the **Admins**. For Admins, in fact, Topics are one of the most crucial parts of the crystal experience: this is the reason why they should spend the majority of their time [in the Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/self-service-console), setting up Topics.

The **Topic Management Area** is where the topic creation and management processes take place. Here you can either find and manage the already existing topics and add new ones, according to your needs.

But how does this process work? Let’s see.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/319119824/d708029e586b6721ee816a16/image.png?expires=1619096400\&signature=9eace6c1c876faeffe97e091d5c52c2a47554f52068adfe2721fbfd040e18381)

## **The Steps of Topic Creation** <a href="#h_95eab618d6" id="h_95eab618d6"></a>

Topics are created through a four-step process.

### **Connect**

**Connect a data source and select the specific tables that hold the desired data for your topic.**

In order to retrieve insights on your business, crystal needs to get data from somewhere! That’s why the first step in the topic creation process is called **connect**. During this phase the Admins **will connect a data source** (i.e., database or data warehouse systems) and build topics around that data.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156234/d19f1439bb5c82bd532cfca2/UIeUWEiXPQeP4zuU1b4VZiaP9JtGjLes5FNgmMwamI2qIS26tNEYZ5kNplS-tFb1U1xFXX4t8vaOG5m-0pGcWSY-jPcNI7WZhP2MvShrdD9deJhpsU6PFFlpF1-RD4lJfAGwenQS)

They will also choose the tables to use for the configuration.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156245/3c53b7a93147b80ace212bb0/a9jEFPCt7mi9geU3b7lbj3Ex6RpLIUfx0Rhr8HbZhxbzknhibN8mkMpgPdHAaDbrTvp4tX8p_fZvXPw2InHr51kH3ZjyMAKqRCQgJiTm7UvmN2LIq8tVgoxdSUE0s294UPWXM4Vb)

### **Configure** <a href="#h_27f4a2432e" id="h_27f4a2432e"></a>

**Configure** **a topic by setting its objective and the related visualization type and selecting specific columns and parameters (e.g. establishing a ranking among values or comparing different values).**

Once you have selected the [**data**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect#h_73b6d56248) to build your topic, you have to select its [**objective**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/objectives-and-visualizations). An objective is essentially the insight you want to get out of this data (such as a comparison, ranking or progress overview of your data).

During this passage, Admins will choose **the topic’s objective** based on their needs and on what they want to achieve with that data: for example, a comparison among different data, a ranking of data or an over time progression. Each objective could be visually represented by one or more **visualizations**, for example a single line chart, a table or a donut chart.

Based on the objective you’ve chosen, you'll be guided through selecting the ideal **visualization** for your topic, in order to shape your data and express valuable insight.

In this phase Admins will have to **select the specific columns** from the data source’s tables to involve in the topic creation and they will decide whether to **group or aggregate data** in a certain way. This phase is crucial because it determines how the topic will be.

{% hint style="info" %}
Note that **every combination of objective and visualization has a different configuration with different fields to be completed.**
{% endhint %}

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156256/c073ecfe1cfb3194eebb1cc4/AsIYQY2dhPlRZ7BjlU8SvwL0CGRhoPZvrDjj8ojKrtPZKnZcR6Bvs5aVSghO3giV8Du_la2Dl-NhS7qkgVD52nfpkYus-FMpIaEHIlnu-BGhldLu-8d3oirlu24l8WIRf7aGHkkl)

### **Filter** <a href="#h_b95b8c5eb4" id="h_b95b8c5eb4"></a>

**Once you’ve created your visualizations, you can optionally add filters to drill down on specific data within the charts, such as zoning in on a specific country or timeframe for your sales data.**

This is the only non-mandatory step of the topic creation process. Admins can decide to add filters (for example, for country) to their topic in order to better detail the questions and to enrich the conversational experience for the members: such filters will, in fact, be available for the queries. It is therefore **highly recommended to use filters**.

For example, if the topic is **Sales over time**, a filter might be “in Italy”, if referred to the column “country”.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156267/0029b490a789a8c7dab8ea49/CUj4cd72ARfJOqrhMQAvC_GvN3r-YIxF4tf-Mr8ivclavk1kAwRRLdtIF4mCV_m3xcOQo_NhP36_gV3LFsiwd4G7CGMecsFOwKuZ10VYqU_JkTbSQXA-RJkLeNjbJDZiAYtLGK2q)

### **Train** <a href="#h_d4beb37077" id="h_d4beb37077"></a>

The train step is the fourth and final step of creating a topic. In this stage, admins will help **train crystal, so that she will be able to understand the users' requests and their language and to learn the business specific words and jargon.**

To do so, they will have to define **entities and aliases**, which are name variations or trigger words that refer to the metrics used when talking to crystal to make sure she provides the right insights. For example, if a topic is named **Sales**, the alias could be **Incomes**: during the conversation, the advisor will understand that both words refer to the same topic.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156317/f8f138d8fc42f613a38619d7/VCmu5ZMeG1i0hn1H4SdbuxwQvGzvTK-eF9Qsap-m_txXU28-Va0IzyymvywxMLLlLKRAD4RMzal0ExHY_LngLcf-3r6USNFvS17d8K0hgvHPwZxyeXsRezjefb-IUxPIt2-7sTQd)

During the train step, the system will suggest some sample questions to ask crystal based on the chosen configuration.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156326/6daef0e02ddebc4ffcd281bb/lvSYo3PgnqzRDgykUh0RkTv9eQabVMBE8gMXxkiO3zW9r9yRs_Qc0drqGlY34vMhoUffRPV7GnBRl1YXjjPJOxcAbI8qcUmdxa4qh2kyxsINpaGVzRVWb16qAS45hLYvlyj6r9Os)

### **Complete** <a href="#h_bf35549938" id="h_bf35549938"></a>

**Finally, you’ll decide who can see the topic by setting permissions and ask crystal about it, review and publish it!**

After the topic creation process is completed, there are still two passages to go through before the topic is ready for the conversation: the first one is to **assign permissions**, or, in other words, to decide which member users will be able to see this topic in the advisor and in the Dashboard and ask questions about it.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156339/6bbfc63eeea77d42ae3ce5c0/aURG9OxYw5YtSBPPqHgoJb8nDo4Rxxr-o0WUa03Ayu_VAxKQtM1ZfuMsrd1IZHin1GVuakRAy6LDc0FVWa1urSOlkHxASJ6ZiOZ54ivS36PXdDrN4UbipnB9Jqgh5lOzngrlGVYZ)

The second one is **publishing**: a topic can be kept in **draft** or **ready** status, but it’s only when it is published that it will be available for members and their questions during the conversation.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/371156354/06d4c3d048918eb4b463c410/K65cqLgSVsIcgyaHx5vZXRIA2N4qaEEKR9x4bH0EmTfEN1_lRs2PqArf_iR09l5FGB3G4qdaYt6Wci9PfgcQFs7kWx3X9nh-NSH81PEwSp8lUHWYM4fx4zzfyGDQF_WIpG2ywVQi)

## Summary

In summary, you’ll need to follow this flow to create topics for asking questions to your advisor:

1. [Adding a data source](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/manage-data-sources#add-a-new-data-source) (you should only have to do this a few times)
2. [Selecting data tables](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect#h_73b6d56248) for your topic
3. [Setting an objective and a visualization](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure#h_e2b45bc679) for topic
4. [Adding filters](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter#h_d34e3524a3) to your objectives
5. [Defining entities](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train#the-train-step) for your data
6. [Setting permissions](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions) for topics
7. [Reviewing & publishing](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish) topics

Check the specific articles to know more about each step!

***


# Topic Creation: Connect

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Crystal provides insights through Topics. Building your Topics is the core of the **Console**.&#x20;

The Topic Creation flow is made of four main steps:

* **Connect**
* [Configure](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)
* [Filter](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)
* [Train](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)

The first step indicates that to create a topic you’ll first have needed to **connect** a data source. To add your data with crystal, access your crystal Self-Service Console, then press the **Topics** tab in the top menu bar. Press the **Add new topic** button in the **Add new topic** card.

When you select a table by pressing the **Select** button, in the panel that slides up, press the **Add new data source** button.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294840821/7b0d76f18c2fdf02e08a40a8/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=2b273cd50df9014defb112eda0443dce18a491741cbc114af90d201a3f254a3e)

You’ll first need to select from where you’ll connect your data: check [**Supported data sources and fields**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources) to know more about the types of data sources available and other specific information.

Once you’ve selected your source (note that you can only select one at a time), press **Next**. You’ll then need to add your host type, database, user, URL, password, port and data source name into the corresponding fields. Note that you’ll need to work alongside someone from your IT department to help you gather this information and ensure that your data is connected properly with crystal. When ready, press **Test and connect.**

If all the parameters are correct and if there are no connection problems, your data source is now connected. If some information provided was not accurate, you will receive an error message and you will have to revise the fields.

## **Select a table** <a href="#h_73b6d56248" id="h_73b6d56248"></a>

Now that you have selected a data source, you will see a list of all tables in the data source and the columns that each table has. You will have to select the first table that will be used to build your topic and then click on **Add table**. Let’s assume that you want to get all the information from the **Clients** table.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294843339/c254c3b99bd47935f4336391/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=8868e75a0623dde12d23f15698e9ead4b60b16e57542acd18893c2f2543e749b)

Great! Now you have a table from which the topic you will create will get the data.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294843550/72d163ec68281e5ce0c52051/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=00b6faf16a8188c7b641e2549b579040b5e0488c835812972b68f32e58222f30)

Now that you have selected at least one table, by clicking on the **Preview** button, you will get an anticipation of your table: data will be shown in the first data table tab, while the other areas are going to be empty for the moment. If you want to know more about the preview function, read [**Data preview: what it is and how it works**.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview)

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294844235/1d1b4ea972e141b4512fe0fd/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=2839b08699d3ce87a30e438a73b7a9f2aa44ff210b97cc851a89c2d34f787215)

If you realize that you don’t need this table anymore, you just have to click on the **bin icon**.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294844379/4db71523a8cba067f2cb3474/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=6432f62df9b6cd58bd460e8eb3c606e42969926ddc6d655f48b3856f03683d34)

You will get a message to confirm your decision and if you will choose **Yes, delete** the table will be canceled.

But what happens if you need more data? For example, you may want to connect your clients database with the sales results, to see who are your best buyers.

It’s not hard at all: you just need to **join tables**!

## **Join tables** <a href="#h_23913d7061" id="h_23913d7061"></a>

Until here, you have **connected a data source** and you have selected a table with the information you want to use for your topic. If you need another table to complete your project, no worries: all you have to do is join tables. Click on **Create join.**

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294844986/004b5a381db7e9d323abd6da/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=e38fad758b807290602b5c87be00948bb49d80ca7e6e4616f2e6069c38e194e0)

You will see this view, where your table **Clients** is already present and you have the chance to add a second table by clicking on **Select table**.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294845130/2358228a953b90aa7be0b06a/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=21431be52c1c54a01a3d16f57f2a09e039174fa21e2604e722cd6bcfaa3de726)

The icon between tables represents the joins, which is the operation you will choose to get together the data of left and right tables.

You will have three possibilities of joining the tables.

The **inner join** selects all rows from both tables, as long as the conditions on key columns are met. This type of join creates a new table that combines all rows from both of the tables where the values of the key columns match.

The **left join** shows all the rows of the table on the left side of the join and the matching rows for the table on the right side of the join. If there are left side rows with no matching rows on the right side, a null value will fill the space for the right side.

The **right join** is similar to the left join. This join returns all of the rows of the table on the right side of the join and the matching rows for the table on the left side of the join. And, for any rows where there are no matching rows on the left side, those values are replaced with null.

The type of join selected by default is the inner join: if you want to change it, click on the icon to open the selection.

Now you will have to choose the second table. In this case, we are choosing the table **Sales** to relate with **Clients**. You will find the already previously selected table indicated at the top of the list.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294845300/b99b5c0f19d82fab2687436b/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=1e00b5bd1ec648efe53c493006629a16b745b14180607ba9de13c2b7890b125f)

Click on **Add table** and you will be sent back to the **select tables** view, but, as you can notice, you will have two tables now.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294845625/4ce73e2dc7ac875d46622f0b/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=e4df45f7bf203b1a5cf695d7af913c9d9eeb48cdaace49987d869ebb54783625)

Select the key column for both tables: key columns will represent the same value, therefore they must be of the same type.

For example, if you have an **id product** column in the product table, you will need to join it with the **product id** from the sales table: the two columns will refer to the same value. This means that, if the first table shows numeric values, you will only be shown numeric columns on the right hand selection.

Note that the columns, in order to be joined, must have **the same data type** (eg. text), otherwise the operation will not go through.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294845777/7d2b9311a9d88fd62fe3c038/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=8f36133cc1593f4293d55b65f5545d1ebd137d0e9c7d82665642c5f423963cfe)

Now click on the **join icon** found in between the tables: you must select if you are heading for an inner, right or left join.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294846027/837374f4e83c2270749e9883/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=303cc421cc80cbe210a48d1977c977d362c99f925c3c4fb8af228ddb599524ea)

You can also change the join type after you choose it: just click on the join icon and you will open again the join type selection.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294846191/8cd922cade0d75fdbf1ea972/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=53b903d19f26d4a0e02dc01ec967d038956b7a788506045a8142a9498e4bae43)

Your tables are now joined and ready to be used to build a topic! If you should need another table, here we go: click again on **Create join** and you will see this view. All you have to do is click again on **Select table** and repeat the steps to add another table: the first join will be joined together with this new table.<br>

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294846351/9fa2b6f7c50d42c6213fc596/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=c8054b9f771b5d4b5073313df8b397972fb023354ef1bd1c0cf035f2a30974c4)

Remember that the more tables you will add, the longer it will take for the process to be completed due to the large amount of data to consider.

And what if you need to remove a join? Very easy: just click on the bin icon next to the table join.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294846508/e63a8159a2ffb11f0ab5ae74/image.png?expires=1620750489\&signature=da9e064bc7fefba3081cd531dcc57ac1f3196a041cc2314e769493609deebdea)

We hope this article helped you in the first step of the topic creation flow. Check out[ **Topic creation: configure**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure) to keep on learning about the topic creation process!

***


# Supported Data Sources

This page lists the Data Sources supported on Crystal.

<figure><img src="/files/eFNi2js3NDVJtQtMAKeT" alt=""><figcaption><p>Crystal Connectors</p></figcaption></figure>

Connecting data is the first step to create Topics!

For this reason, Crystal is equipped with **several types of Connectors** that empower you to import data from **different types of Data Sources**.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The **Data Source** is the Database where data comes from.

The **Connector** is the bridge that enables Crystal to connect with the Database.

Each type of Data Source requires a specific Connector.
{% endhint %}

In this page, you will find the **complete list of Data Sources and Connectors** supported as of today.

To deep-dive into the Data Fields supported by each Data Source, please check [this](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources-1) page.

## Crystal Data Sources & Connectors

<table><thead><tr><th width="76">N.</th><th width="331">Data Source</th><th>Supported Versions</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>1</strong></td><td><strong>MySQL</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>2</strong></td><td><strong>PostgreSQL</strong> </td><td>9 - 15</td></tr><tr><td><strong>3</strong></td><td><strong>Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL)</strong></td><td>2014(v12), 2016(v13), 2017(v14)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>4</strong></td><td><strong>Azure SQL</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>5</strong></td><td><strong>Oracle</strong></td><td>>12</td></tr><tr><td><strong>6</strong></td><td><strong>IBM DB2</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>7</strong></td><td><strong>Amazon Redshift</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>8</strong></td><td><strong>SAP Hana</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>9</strong></td><td><strong>Azure Synapse</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>10</strong></td><td><strong>MongoDB</strong></td><td>2.X, 3.X, 4.X, 5.X</td></tr><tr><td><strong>11</strong></td><td><a href="/pages/LAdbetyxmAiWIbM8CP7s"><strong>Google Sheets</strong></a></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>12</strong></td><td><a href="#h_8b3713e233-3"><strong>Google BigQuery</strong></a></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>13</strong></td><td><strong>Snowflake</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>14</strong></td><td><strong>Databricks</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>15</strong></td><td><strong>Denodo</strong></td><td>>= 7</td></tr><tr><td><strong>16</strong></td><td><strong>Teradata</strong></td><td>>17.20</td></tr><tr><td><strong>17</strong></td><td><a href="/pages/dHWpw5Hl2yy0NH2sxjMc"><strong>Web Connector</strong></a></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>18</strong></td><td><strong>Rest API</strong></td><td>/</td></tr><tr><td><strong>19</strong></td><td><strong>PowerBI (Beta)</strong></td><td>/</td></tr></tbody></table>

***


# Supported Data Fields

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

In this page, you will find the **complete list of Data Fields** supported for each [Data Source](#supported-data-sources).

## crystal Attribute Type List <a href="#h_867f020de2" id="h_867f020de2"></a>

First of all, let's recap the Data Field supported by Crystal.

| Type        | Notes                                                                                                                                 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | Used mainly for filter dimensions. crystal will not perform calculation (e.g. Sum or average) on these formats.                       |
| Numeric     | Used mainly for main entities that need aggregations and numerical filters.                                                           |
| Date & Time | Used for time dimension (filter entity). If not formatted accordingly, crystal will not be able to show data with a time perspective. |
| Boolean     | Used for entities that can assume binary values                                                                                       |

Now, let's deep dive into each Data Source!

## **PostgreSQL** <a href="#h_6140949bb9" id="h_6140949bb9"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                               |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>char </li><li>character varying </li><li>character </li><li>text </li><li>varchar</li></ul>                                                  |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>bigint </li><li>decimal </li><li>double precision </li><li>integer </li><li>money </li><li>numeric </li><li>real </li><li>smallint</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date </li><li>timestamp</li></ul>                                                                                                            |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li></ul>                                                                                                                            |

## **MySQL** <a href="#h_2eb01f139b" id="h_2eb01f139b"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>char </li><li>character </li><li>varchar </li><li>tinytext </li><li>text </li><li>mediumtext </li><li>longtext </li><li>blob </li><li>enum </li><li>set</li></ul>                          |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>tinyint </li><li>smallint </li><li>integer </li><li>int </li><li>bigint </li><li>decimal </li><li>numeric </li><li>float </li><li>real </li><li>double precision </li><li>double</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date </li><li>time </li><li>datetime </li><li>timestamp </li><li>year</li></ul>                                                                                                            |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li></ul>                                                                                                                                                                          |

## **Microsoft SQL Server** <a href="#h_e5288f94c9" id="h_e5288f94c9"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                                                     |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>char </li><li>varchar </li><li>text </li><li>nchar </li><li>nvarchar </li><li>ntext </li><li>uniqueidentifier</li></ul>                                            |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>bigint </li><li>decimal </li><li>int </li><li>money </li><li>numeric </li><li>smallint </li><li>smallmoney </li><li>tinyint </li><li>float </li><li>real</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>datetime </li><li>datetime2 </li><li>datetimeoffset </li><li>smalldatetime </li><li>time</li></ul>                                                    |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>bit</li></ul>                                                                                                                                                      |

## **Oracle** <a href="#h_eed7da9c66" id="h_eed7da9c66"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                       |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>varchar2</li><li>nvarchar2</li><li>char</li><li>nchar</li><li>varchar</li></ul>      |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>number</li><li>float</li><li>long</li><li>int</li><li>decimal</li><li>real</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>timestamp</li></ul>                                                     |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>raw</li></ul>                                                                        |

## **IBM DB2** <a href="#h_a247760f2c" id="h_a247760f2c"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                 |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>CHAR</li><li>VARCHAR</li><li>CLOB</li><li>BINARY</li><li>VARBINARY</li><li>BLOB</li></ul>                      |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>SMALLINT</li><li>INTEGER</li><li>BIGINT</li><li>DECIMAL</li><li>REAL</li><li>DOUBLE</li><li>DECFLOAT</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>DATE</li><li>TIME</li><li>TIMESTAMP</li></ul>                                                                  |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>BOOLEAN</li></ul>                                                                                              |

## **Amazon Redshift** <a href="#h_97ea0c7713" id="h_97ea0c7713"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         |
| ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>char</li><li>nchar</li><li>bpchar</li><li>character</li><li>varchar</li><li>nvarchar</li><li>character varying</li><li>text</li></ul>                                                                                                  |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>int2</li><li>int</li><li>int4</li><li>int8</li><li>numeric</li><li>float4</li><li>float8</li><li>float</li><li>bigint</li><li>decimal</li><li>double precision</li><li>integer</li><li>numeric</li><li>real</li><li>smallint</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>timestamp</li></ul>                                                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li><li>bool</li></ul>                                                                                                                                                                                                         |

## **SAP Hana** <a href="#h_8b3713e233" id="h_8b3713e233"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                                   |
| ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>nvarchar</li><li>varchar</li><li>shorttext</li><li>alphanum</li></ul>                                                                            |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>bigint</li><li>integer</li><li>smallint</li><li>tinyint</li><li>decimal</li><li>smalldecimal</li><li>double</li><li>real</li><li>float</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>time</li><li>timestamp</li><li>seconddate</li></ul>                                                                                 |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li></ul>                                                                                                                                |

## Azure Synapse  <a href="#h_8b3713e233" id="h_8b3713e233"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                                                                                                            |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>char</li><li>varchar</li><li>nchar</li><li>nvarchar</li></ul>                                                                                             |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>bigint</li><li>decimal</li><li>int</li><li>money</li><li>numeric</li><li>smallint</li><li>smallmoney</li><li>tinyint</li><li>float</li><li>real</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>datetime</li><li>datetime2</li><li>datetimeoffset</li><li>smalldatetime</li><li>time</li></ul>                                               |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>bit</li></ul>                                                                                                                                             |

## MongoDB  <a href="#h_8b3713e233" id="h_8b3713e233"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                            |
| ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>string</li></ul>                                          |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>double</li><li>decimal</li><li>int</li><li>long</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>timestamp</li></ul>                          |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li></ul>                                         |

## Google BigQuery  <a href="#h_8b3713e233" id="h_8b3713e233"></a>

| Type        | Format                                                                      |
| ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Categorical | <ul><li>string</li></ul>                                                    |
| Numeric     | <ul><li>integer </li><li>float</li><li>numeric</li><li>bignumeric</li></ul> |
| Date & Time | <ul><li>date</li><li>datetime</li></ul>                                     |
| Boolean     | <ul><li>boolean</li></ul>                                                   |

***


# Manage Data Sources

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Data sources are the foundation of topics. You will need to connect at least one data source to start creating your topics. All the information you need for training the advisor comes from them. Therefore, it is important to manage your data sources correctly, by knowing what to do when you want to add or remove one and when you want to edit something.

Here's all the information you need on data source management.

## **Add a new data source** <a href="#add-a-new-data-source" id="add-a-new-data-source"></a>

To add a data source, from the Self-Service Console click on the **Data sources management** button in the upper-right corner of the page.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/306347248/d95e904e6e7e94e215e04d92/image.png?expires=1618927200\&signature=60899c975c9049150c12190d60e3495a97ee4b3c34fcb83870256563656a4ec4)

If you don’t have any connected data sources, you will be invited to add your first data source to your project.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/306347963/d55d52c6952d2ca75f34de95/image.png?expires=1618927200\&signature=bec06fa91fbd8c4f331bbda0241b3f9b784ac3f47c749f151a5d1f21e912f6a5)

Otherwise, you will see the list of data sources already connected to your project.

Click on [**Connect**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect) if it’s your first time or **Add new data source** if you already have some data sources and start the process to connect a new data source. The first thing you have to do is select the technology you are going to use.

Remember that you might need someone from the IT department to help you connect a data source, because after selecting the the data source type you will need to provide specific information, which are the standard parameters of the data source (Host, Url, port and so on).

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/306349977/1730bb7aa169a0852e41b522/image.png?expires=1618927200\&signature=e5d3c41b9e901f43021700b312b6da5fc4a92eff0eff17019977501c33682e24)

Note that you need to assign a **name** to the data source in order to continue and that there cannot be more data sources with the same name.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/306356786/60da3ad53c22b3aec9d09124/nU4u3SiR8M18ODFjf2fht7hlTDJdry8TM6l4syXTSXluNMSgeWXrnfEwpc8EjIIkMz0KNe9tYw1BjUszjxLUuigGF6_NG-H7wvVap_nc0o0-3WXnlR1R32FFxoWFvk-aYANOdu7j?expires=1618927200\&signature=7f4be2eb1f798e7bcf7751cbb7fd36ce37c318ebf51204bdb17a70054b0204a4)

Once you have filled out the information requested, click on **Test and connect**.

If all the parameters are correct and if there are no connection problems, your data source is now ready to be used for generating topics. If some information provided was not accurate, you will receive an error message and you will have to revise the fields. If you decide to use the Web Connector instead, you will have to indicate different parameters.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/284928890/883032a01de874b840b9ef8d/image.png?expires=1618927200\&signature=7a56afed6fe3f92c6675838b2fe7f90dfa636847cd86dd6312b8cb5a9de002da)

## **Edit data source details** <a href="#edit-data-source-details" id="edit-data-source-details"></a>

You may want to change your data source name or the password you chose, or even to change the place where it’s hosted. In order to change your data source details, select the data source you want to edit. All fields can be updated, but the update will succeed only if the connection test will have a positive outcome.

Click on **Edit** and you will be enabled to edit the details of your data source.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280638894/cb78505d164ca1c71db70240/0VQrqdd9GjG4LhW48_IaOOWsDTVkoEW1lcCupOk377Db3zB67kNZY99cShPuZpd2h8J6XdWHhNPuAb2aJmWg8ibjlO5j9ZO2PBy1fOZRI136JI9MGb4Lo6LrPWx0Gn_-AqX8sag5?expires=1618927200\&signature=5289e52ac7d8093c02c7a05c7e93f7b835e4f9af168b0b16da1e39ad7735ff7e)

If you want to change the data source name, you can do it anytime by clicking on the pencil icon next to the name. When you're done with the change, click on **Save**: that's it!

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280638897/9b571d65854aefdfc13a9ed7/NzytBeBE8K6w9Zs0t7NgM_xS882T7cWc9yI_o6BtyadK8_tuCgEke0yMkDelfZUHQQaZb6kXr83LFHSFC7pL9UF_HU9pYLhvhlY1GpqlSW687XzOJn3O26dG7vCettHrXl_NrBPG?expires=1618927200\&signature=e76218e9656a5f2786f117cbe41c9756ba3143d8f4777e8f143c900009dc3cf0)

Once you have finished editing your data source details, click on **Test and connect** to confirm the changes.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/306356792/74d48f08e662454459a5d944/vDA_bSLT36Zk7dco4WYUnwMVWfEtqy7bHWOJ-mNy0Q5wn_vXJd_0UJOXf_t971hQW35sySWMRVBYzemYlgWnvyuuP3JpFAiF045bg3ZzBgLMUy6IGcG1wXvDHgXHwEQL9aVoYc-l?expires=1618927200\&signature=db7bfcdfdd8e0bb97637c8c63c98350b126715e705a94294b242c198e53d70a9)

If these changes have an impact on topics already published, you will be provided with a list of all the topics that will be deleted and you will be asked to confirm your decision.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280638913/e8eeafdefb412a9b47dae6c2/XrV8v_PG8TFg4v-rf0ccGJmzDJziM3kYME1k-oXyg3z07kUJlGzVmw2SpDiuX_VKeAZv6__Frb1Wu1p5Fh1_Ok7wOHdO_RiPBIwkLdF3e1ahgW21Uyisa3aAf8BtzDWdmhmCICdD?expires=1618927200\&signature=73d7f42aa2b467228d29cdeff7dc415967360469ba285555161544c6a50137b2)

If you confirm, the topics will be deleted and the editing will be complete.

## **Remove a data source** <a href="#remove-a-data-source" id="remove-a-data-source"></a>

To remove a data source, select it and open the details.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/306356800/4c5b943064d88aed8c3ca715/_xAG6KhuRVLP-nZF0KNIOx1rGA0ybSdBWNfXbpNbhFBr1_kJn_Wtapezr8orygivTaWx6TZ6Sy5ynQEbI6YOPdjJ4X9RVw3jU8LODf2-MX5OyuR5dVhmou1XNb87u7trwcArWF6z?expires=1618927200\&signature=ee6509f0cd582a95313e5407417f47bdd45cb7499116b4a111632be3802965ef)

Now click on **Delete.** Since **the cancellation of a data source will lead to the elimination of all the topics that are using it,** you will be asked to confirm your decision. You will see the list of the affected topics that will be deleted.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280638933/1011c59e5eb78cd2c14da559/V0XNk0fAaDNWZ9_5BxjQd5GXDUFYigAtwRHxz1KQN5YynZOJPK7SvvQiCWtB4NVhhmifndI7JMeFjzWJFfBIS4SS5Mn_r2d4gw5lRtQfnNRAdz4cH83nqhniXxE4bbPnd4N0waj7?expires=1618927200\&signature=a37a48ef68422ffc1520a2303b175ad5d684c0a1bbe3b99f422401b49b826627)

If you confirm, the data source will be removed along with all the connected topics.

***


# Tutorials for Specific Data Sources

Here you can find some detailed tutorials on how to connect some specific Data Sources to Crystal.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/LAdbetyxmAiWIbM8CP7s" %}
[Connect Google Sheets](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/tutorials-for-specific-data-sources/google-sheets)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/i1FWm1SMXqUCO3FbfkOP" %}
[Connect Google BigQuery](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/tutorials-for-specific-data-sources/connect-google-bigquery)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/dHWpw5Hl2yy0NH2sxjMc" %}
[Build a Web Connector](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/tutorials-for-specific-data-sources/web-connector)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Connect Google Sheets

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

You can now connect Google Sheets spreadsheets as data source in your crystal project using Google user’s account.

In order to configure Google Sheets as a datasource, you will need to enable the Google Drive and Google Sheets APIs and to create a Service Account on GCP console. All the required configurations steps are explained in details in the following sections of this article.

Let’s get started!

### Google API configuration <a href="#google-api-configuration" id="google-api-configuration"></a>

Sign in the Google Cloud platform and go to the [GCP console](https://console.cloud.google.com/). Select the related GCP Project and then on the left sidebar menu of the GCP Console select **APIs and Services** and then **Library**.

![](/files/CDb2IJS5sEok9h8tlMvi)

In the opened menu search for Google Sheets and select the **Google Sheets API.**

![](/files/jkAtvTfyH9O2OaO0Mh93)

Click on **Enable** button to activate the Google Sheets API for the current project.

![](/files/YwVIPbFvkLZMQOO4J7JL)

Once you activated the Google Sheets API, be back to the search, look for the Google Drive and select the **Google Drive API.**

![](/files/TR4ozGudaLly4qdwhZG8)

Click on **Enable** button to activate the Google Drive API for the current project.

![](/files/Ij9JoxWmQowCq7HnHgvu)

Now, when the required APIs are enabled, it is needed to create a service account and connect it. Let’s see how you can do it on the GCP Console.

### Create service account <a href="#create-service-account" id="create-service-account"></a>

Login into the [GCP Console](https://console.cloud.google.com/) and be sure to select the correct project. From the sidebar menu, select **APIs and services** and then select **Credentials**.

![](/files/srv8t6FBPpjyyqiCWm0i)

From the top menu, select **Create Credentials** and then choose option **Service Account**.

![](/files/TySvqIp2lenZULNmSov8)

In the opened form fill in the **Service account name**, then click on **Create and continue** and continue the setup skipping all the optional steps.

![](/files/CN6PzoKW1CwAtKrSkiPK)

Now find the **Service Account** you just created in the list of service accounts and open its link.

![](/files/PHs5yd12GOFQb3JIMqxH)

Then go to the **Keys** tab.

![](/files/vl3Oerma3rrtIOMva4DZ)

Click on **Add Key** and then select **Create new key.**

![](/files/VWGzS4cQ83YEsXyzxux8)

In the opened menu select the **JSON** format and then click **Create.** This will automatically download the JSON service account file needed for the following setup with crystal.

![](/files/6bJBcorMOm7MnAbmNS57)

### Data source configuration on crystal Self-Service console <a href="#data-source-configuration-on-crystal-self-service-console" id="data-source-configuration-on-crystal-self-service-console"></a>

Once the previous steps on Google Cloud Platform are performed, it is time to connect Google Sheets to your crystal project. To do so, open Self-service console and click on **Data Source Management**.

![](/files/lJns7IyvhkuHF8Qu59gp)

Click on **Connect new data source** at the bottom of the screen and in the opened section choose **Google Sheets.**

![](/files/Ez2mckcLBTzHHmOIINLA)

In order to fill in the fields in the opened menu, you will need the service account file downloaded previously. Open the JSON file and put the information inside of the form, then click **Test and connect**.

![](/files/u92axpkU0lkfMNiiBNRm)

After the datasource has been successfully connected, you will need to manually share your spreadsheets with the service account's email.

To do so, open every Google Sheet you would like to connect to crystal project, click on **Share** and enter the client email which you can find in the JSON file.

{% hint style="info" %}
“Viewer” permissions are enough grant for allowing crystal to access the spreadsheets
{% endhint %}

![](/files/R7AOd11J7Cgsic7KvheJ)

Once it is done, the spreadsheets you shared with client email will be showed up in the collection of tables in the first step of topic creation.

![](/files/3qCKDX8X9p5mxzJE057Y)

### Google Sheets Oauth Authentication <a href="#google-api-configuration" id="google-api-configuration"></a>

You can connect your Google Sheets by simply signing-in with your Google account.

To do that, select Google Sheets in the **Add new data source** menu:

![](/files/r50Gg8NADh2KtDBRIE4N)

A new window will prompt with two options: **Manual Authentication** or **Oauth Authentication**. Select the second one, then click on Next:

![](/files/bp2iX7NVh4YU3saaPpSL)

**Sign-up with your Google account** to connect your Google Sheets. A new window will prompt-up, allowing you to select both **Date** (dd/MM/yyy) and **Locale** (local time zone format).

You can also set your **Data source name.** Therefore, click on **Test and connect** to proceed:

![](/files/n158z18Y8Xclg26402u5)

***


# Connect Google BigQuery

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

You can connect your BigQuery data source by simply signing-in with your Google account.

To do that, select BigQuery in the **Add new data source** menu:

<img src="/files/JPSEXWYbqIVRBKHcj6QP" alt="" width="563">

A new window will prompt with two options: **Manual Authentication** or **Oauth Authentication**. Select the second one, then click on Next:

<img src="/files/ObNaUrC3xYwtqJoab10W" alt="" width="563">

**Sign-up with your Google account** to connect your BigQuery data source.

You'll be able to enter your **Project ID** and **Data source name**. Therefore, click on **Test and connect** to proceed:

<img src="/files/FRXAPyy6yWwOmT2XiRuh" alt="" width="563">

***


# Build a Web Connector

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Crystal supports many data sources, but not all of them! You might need to hook up a [data source that we don’t support yet ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources)— that’s where the **Web Connector** comes in.

We have a permanently evolving connector library: through the Web Connector you will be able to build your own adapter and connect other data source types. In the case of non-common data sources types, our network of partners can help us introduce crystal in enterprise environments.

The Web Connector lets you connect all the data sources to crystal that aren’t currently supported and enable customized logics.

Let’s see in detail how it works!

## **When to use a Web Connector** <a href="#h_c7adfdb0c0" id="h_c7adfdb0c0"></a>

The most common scenario of using a Web Connector is when you need to connect data from unsupported sources. As we already mentioned[ here](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources), there are several data sources supported by crystal until now, and more are yet to come.

But if your data source is not on this list yet, you can still get insight from your data through the advisor, thanks to the Web Connector.

Another possibility is that your data is stored on a web service, such as REST-API, SOAP, GraphQL and you don’t want to move it to another data source.

You might also need a Web Connector if you want to implement custom business logics that are not yet supported by crystal, such as:

1. **Optimizations logics** (Data partitioning or the application of an algorithm to better fetch the data based on the given parameters).
2. **Filtering logics** (External parameters that do not belong to your organization, such as current weather, the current value of bitcoins, etc…).
3. **Complex data joins logics** (live sources like currency or stock exchange).

For example, you may want to connect a specific platform, such as a real-time stock quotes platform, to your advisor. Or, you might need to fetch data from some internal tools, specific to your company. You may also want to fetch data from different sources already aggregated but on different criteria (such as day, week, or month).

In all of these scenarios, the use of a Web Connector will allow you to configure the advisor with your data, without having to move them somewhere else.

But how does the Web Connector work?

## **How to develop and connect the Web Connector** <a href="#h_dd0ddca96f" id="h_dd0ddca96f"></a>

The Web Connector is able to communicate with services that implement the iGenius adapter’s SDK interfaces. To configure it, there are a few steps to be taken.

**STEP ONE:** **Develop a web service** that can fetch your data.

**STEP TWO**: **Use our crystal adapter SDK** to shape your data in a way that crystal can understand.

In order to use the SDK adapter, you will need to:

1. Implement the **connect** endpoint that allows crystal to connect your service with an API token.
2. Implement the **describe** endpoint that returns the information about the tables your service shows.
3. Implement the **execute** endpoint that, given a query, will allow your service to return data.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/291608089/362c24e78b0b556aef2c0284/-LY9BiGO9oTElgvH-GNYehS1VkigBWzOLHXnVlt7TkCTrY-qMWFVFLr0o9DrtuvbpcAz7o9m2KDwgSneFdDYSQEPU0oT_a4IShxxts8atCHDsd9uw_FLYFx5mOdtfUwKTb4qu9MZ?expires=1618668000\&signature=bd94f3761213b20f910231c05df685e430134512d0e22c839470b39623257480)

**STEP 3: Deploy** the service.

**STEP 4:** Connect it in crystal’s Self-Service Console.

Not that hard! And once the Web Connector is configured, you will be able to connect all the data source types you need. Just remember that APIs should be authenticated using an API token.

## Technical Documentation

In order to develop a Web Connector for Crystal use, you may need the support of more technical documentation.

You can deep dive on the following external links:

* [iGenius Web Connectors Documentation](https://webconnectors.crystal.ai/docs/latest/)
* [iGenius Adapter’s SDK](https://webconnectors.crystal.ai/sdk/latest/)

***


# Topic Creation: Configure

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

crystal provides insights through topics. Building your topics is the core of the Self-Service Console. The topic creation flow is made of four main steps:

* [Connect](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)
* **Configure**
* [Filter](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)
* [Train](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)

In the first step, you select the data source and the data tables that are needed to build your topic and prelude to the configuration, which is the phase where you decide the information you want to get out of your data. In this article, we will follow the **Configuration**, step by step: it’s not as hard as it might look!

Let’s begin.

## **Objective & visualization type** <a href="#h_e2b45bc679" id="h_e2b45bc679"></a>

Once you have selected the data to build your topic, you have to choose which objective you want to use.

An objective is essentially the insight you want to get out of this data (such as a comparison, ranking, or progress overview of your data).

Check [**Objectives and visualizations**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/objectives-and-visualizations) to know everything about which objectives to choose for your purposes and which visualizations are related to each objective.

You will choose the objective that is most accurately going to respond to your needs.

![](/files/xQBmzjwhiogB1waq9kPU)

Remember that you can click on [**Preview data**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview) at any time to consult the data available.

Once you have selected an objective and chosen the type of visualization you want to use, it’s time to build the topic!

## **Build your topic** <a href="#h_4321046c82" id="h_4321046c82"></a>

We will use the **single column chart** as an example for showing the topic building process. Keep in mind that the required fields will be different depending on the visualization type selected in order to guide you through the process.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/258717246/4ce2af83ffc308f86d58c2a6/Kvwtg9NYER_F9-_lmOr5r8JhDey8mpcuFmUSGUhQSxNW22QLdYdpMTJxfsEONMebqGHK8YtsFCVX5PjSkbHWQpwePaGkHLdhmEld9ISD3zsw1pGi3lvft0XXr0mpBkxr5jUnpqrB?expires=1620750569\&signature=8176a5db9db9a690c3f5f5cf57ae7a2e2a9c07197c0e2508335d3e93e92e1f78)

In this phase you will indicate which data needs to be considered to transform your insights into a visualization.

In the header, you will see the objective and visualization type previously selected: if you want to modify them you can **click on the edit icon**. Keep in mind that if you change them after having already selected data columns for your topic, those selections will be lost.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/258717249/47706c06fc447377efd115fe/Fxi_3ci8RMgMueUO_2-t9CtJQBlg4BJrYjSa7R5BMxkw-IxmmxZP31L2oUB4en_na-Y1IilgRKvf7K_BUVj9sFcZhEgrDq8qAV7-O0zRZGMPbLxZ5tO154xceGKKD7SP5Yqr-nBT?expires=1620750569\&signature=c3337efa3a0864a81109f4d2295f84c239432e396d49cad3b2a1954a8df51161)

## **Measure (numerical) column** <a href="#h_c3286f737a" id="h_c3286f737a"></a>

The **measure column** contains numeric, quantitative values that you can measure and can be aggregated. For example, in our single column chart, on the y axis **sales** could be measured.

The **function selection** is when the values of multiple rows are grouped together to form a single summary value. **A function can be an operation**, such as sum or count, **or a parameter,** such as average or the minimum and maximum of selected data.

For example, you want to know the total sum of sales for each product. In this case you would select SUM as your function.

Note that, as of now, only sum, average, count and count distinct can configured as operations.

The **column type** selection refers to the data type and its related unit of measure. Depending on the data, it can be numeric, weight, power, distance, currency or percentage. For example, you would select currency if you are measuring monetary sales.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/258717251/64aeadce44b7bb8708988800/IMJyXCyPcqwzb77hD4Oxv0FpxmSdzfo6R_PRQk0tG86mBX1ArDe3_dYbGFd6xGaee1c37vz5_27P6cSTXhLmVL51VSkQ4Il2oRoHdDwPP4GazuIQ2oXozSFKna_BTQV9nNyuWkFB?expires=1620750569\&signature=c3b4c7a1e321c59b2c9ed6e35df479355232b47e333a0d842439a9727bc64973)

You might also want to insert a static filter to better detail the insights you want to get out of your topic: read the article on how to[ modify data tables](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/modify-data-table) to know how to use static filters.

There are more actions you can do to refine the configuration of your topic: check out the article dedicated to [data binning](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/data-binning) and the [**key value**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/key-values) to know more, or [how to create a custom column.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/custom-entity)

&#x20;If you want to go ahead with the topic creation process instead, go to [**Topic creation: filter**.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)

***


# Objectives and Visualizations

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

After having selected the data tables that are needed to build your topic in the [**connect**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect) step you move forward to the [**topic configuration**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure).

This is the phase where you decide the information you want to get out of your data. The first decision to make is, **what will be the objective of the topic**?

## **What is an objective?** <a href="#what-is-an-objective" id="what-is-an-objective"></a>

An objective is essentially **the main purpose of the topic**. It sets the stage and drives the configuration process. Examples of objectives are comparison, ranking and progress overview of your data.

{% hint style="info" %}
When selecting an objective, keep **the end goal** of how all of your users will use this data in mind.
{% endhint %}

For example, if you want to compare two entities to identify similarities, differences and their overall performance, you can use an objective called **comparison**.

If instead you want to see the trend of a particular entity and its fluctuations in time, select the **over time** objective. After selecting an objective, you will then be able to view all the visualization types that satisfy that objective.

The first thing to do in the **configure** step is to select an objective.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/360893817/cff51925cd78213429c4a6a8/01_Select+objectives.png)

## **The right objective for your goal** <a href="#the-right-objective-for-your-goal" id="the-right-objective-for-your-goal"></a>

You will choose the objective that is most accurately going to respond to your needs. In order to do this, you will have to define[ **the results you want to get out of the advisor**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)**.**

Here you can find a list of all the objectives available.

* **Over time**

It shows the evolution of data in a given amount of time, e.g. *Can you show me sales over the last month?*

* **Comparison**

It’s used to show, estimate, measure, or note the similarity or dissimilarity between different items or facts, e.g. *Can you show me a comparison of Sold vs. Budget?*

* **Composition**

It shows the breakdown of a total in its parts, e.g. *Give me a breakdown of total sales of shoes by item number.* Remember that this type of visualization works efficiently with positive values only.

* **Progress**

The status of an item or fact in relation to an objective or scale, e.g. *How long does it take to reach my 2020 sales target?*

* **Ranking**

It shows the position of different ordered items, e.g. *Who have been the top sellers in the last month?*

* **List**

A list of items that doesn’t follow any particular order, e.g. *Show me a list of vendor locations.*

* **Description**

A card or a form with the details of an item or an entity, e.g. *Give me the product details of the X3 sneakers item.*

* **Highlight**

The single, highlighted values that indicate the state or level of an item or fact, e.g. *Give me the total amount of the X3 sneaker sold.*

## **Visualization of the objectives** <a href="#visualization-of-the-objectives" id="visualization-of-the-objectives"></a>

Each objective can be represented with one or more **specific visualizations** that will help users to better interpret the data’s insights.

Visual representations are very useful to summarize results and can be easily shared with clients, colleagues and stakeholders.

In the following table, see the types of visualizations available for each objective we can associate with them (more are coming!).

| **Visualization**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              | **Applicable Objectives** |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| <p>Single line\*</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362912187/1964fa79865c728e850329fb/Single+line.png" alt=""></p><p><em>\*Compatible with</em> <a href="/pages/-MhTZACG7JQKrMBgR2YJ"><em>Alerts</em></a></p>                                                                                                              | Over time                 |
| <p>Multi line</p><p>w/ Single entity:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362912397/c6538059fa3b548570868f89/Multi+line+%28single+entity%29.png" alt=""></p><p>w/ Multiple entities:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362912458/aedbc2d0ab004767b7756bf9/Multi+line+%28multi+entity%29.png" alt=""></p> | Over time                 |
| <p>Single column</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362913862/b595da571524ba8404e53af4/image.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                               | Comparison                |
| <p>Single column pos/neg</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362914040/84b4fe0fe2281f8f0b70e990/Single+column+pos-neg.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                       | Comparison                |
| <p>Cluster column</p><p>w/ Single entity:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362914238/153e532dd481ecf24e5f368a/Cluster+column+%28single+entity%29.png" alt=""></p><p>w/ Multiple entities:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362914771/aceab8d41e5e519850ed03b0/01_Filter1+%2827%29.png" alt=""></p>   | Comparison                |
| <p>Scatterplot</p><p>Two dimensional scatter:<img src="/files/6lJsc0XHX1wLEBPCFzYY" alt="">Three dimensional scatter:<img src="/files/ElGiX4T3QJW5FTFUSTov" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                        | Comparison                |
| <p>Donut</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/363820735/cf702ce7d21b279fa4536fb8/01_Filter1+%2828%29.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                         | Composition               |
| <p>Progress gauge</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362914955/957d60c6590eb7a99393b8bc/Progress+gauge.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                     | Progress                  |
| <p>Donut gauge</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362915151/44dae3c960896ad995bb1ed5/Donut+gauge.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Progress                  |
| <p>Table</p><p>List example:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362915854/109529cd5cf3fbf272d0d753/List.png" alt=""></p><p>Ranking example:</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362916020/3a454ee764a732bff1499f3d/Ranking.png" alt=""></p>                                                               | <p>List</p><p>Ranking</p> |
| <p>Light Table</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362916159/cb4a32bf100fb11e0006d529/Light+table.png" alt=""></p>                                                                                                                                                                                                           | Description               |
| <p>Scaled-up number\*</p><p><img src="https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362916305/db2fe6a7ab7504cb68a2c627/Scaled-up+number.png" alt=""></p><p><em>\*Compatible with</em><a href="/pages/-MhTZACG7JQKrMBgR2YJ"> <em>Alerts</em></a></p>                                                                                                    | Highlight                 |

Once you click on an objective, you need to choose one of the visualizations that is included in that objective. Once you have done this, you can move on to selecting the [**data columns**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure#h_4321046c82) that will build your topic.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/360894113/37d61f262c8d1bef33520066/02_Select+visualization.png)

Was this article helpful? We really hope so! Go ahead with topic creation by finding out [**how to connect data sources**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/manage-data-sources)**.**

***


# Data Binning

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

During the phase of[ topic configuration](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure), you might experience the need of gathering your data in more detailed groups.

Bins are **virtual containers** where you can split data on the basis of customized categories to provide a clearer view. A bin can for example contain groups of users split by age range, like 20-35 or 35-40 and so on.

If the **group by** column data type is numerical, you will find the **Add data bins** button as an option.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304078045/52493783bd7956a01405fe4e/_s5T72miAsAumGA29RTiCeFH9_LGhu4FtIIqUFD8VlZ6wDM7bJTquIZlzUtQ_YxIGwIUj_Zc0ztTyVCsH2UtIjZeGwKLN-CB_SUsJQfU8M_32-Nmxba1zrrvH3o2DXfeCrNx2IY_?expires=1618930800\&signature=73494aae17ee0da8ed087835db4500517018a9531573ed0e7176072f5287f80a)

To create a bin you will simply have to indicate **at least two intervals** (e.g. numbers between 10 and 23). If you are not familiar with the exact values of the numerical data column, you can always access the [**Preview data**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview) button in the upper right corner of the configure step.

Keep in mind that t**he first value of the first bin and the second value of the last bin can be left empty**: in this case, all the values before and all the values after will be considered.

The first number inserted indicates that the bin starts from a number that is greater than or equal to it, while the second number inserted in the bin indicates that it ends with a number less than it. For example, if the numbers inserted in the bins’ inputs are 0 and 11, the bin label will be **0 - 10**. Technically the bin will include floating numbers. So, for example, if the bin label indicates 0 - 10, the number 10.999 will be included.

The numbers in the bins need to be **in ascending order.** For example, if the numbers inserted in the bin are 0 and 11, the first number of the second bin will automatically inherit the number 11. You can change this number to be higher than 11, but cannot change it to be lower. If you insert a number lower than 11, the **Save** button will remain inactive: you will have to change the incorrect value before being able to apply the bins.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304078053/b74d5c217e46dcd337b97cdb/feLyjZ2wCDqxgRQGUolTskbN9n6o7-0l9Af04rqqfKZJ5_tVblDNwABZrZN5jIU5opK0SiC93nWitdVGAwyz-gxIISWMax8x3Rf2hlCXTVGWMmtoaA1B1oBwWKZbElI7OdiXVDga?expires=1618930800\&signature=009b11d7a1ef845687d2fbaacd441024e41255b741c572d38be2fc0bd9e1f9d9)

After you set all the intervals, click on **Save** to add your bins and you will find them in the main view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304078069/f7e27f3fe9c23e425fd41cca/VBEfmlaZdL83vyp_7oCTeJVGQ94mEcQtiZGfL-DszRb2qCSjMMPCRA8bXn71J_5nXM4yo-1XDvAATpUB_6OZrT4QJnBhoQFrYkJJkwxXcnM5ll_CUzVQjzWv0LfkaxqCOLlusbxA?expires=1618930800\&signature=3ed59c7b7b6d35903beb0dac691a67e524a282a606c3bf98b70b24219415b3c9)

If you want to delete or edit your bins, click on the **Bin** button.

The edit bin view will allow you to change the intervals, add new bins, delete single bins or delete them all.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304078077/9bce6dcd2ce2d2dc308cda8e/z40orgbo6UcDIYiA_SXs1nTusNN2cQua7lt3rtZxirQEoZ2m6rMwnz4zYgh-4twmI_3nTM2-vnQ1LgDUWmp1lhDVaR45EIY7cx9S7xi9lQlUdPfAOhgeh8deaOhbXs_Vre1hwY_R?expires=1618930800\&signature=27c1236104d3f33e6204f01b9f929bf9aa2e276390d46d084081e9c95f23b496)

Want to know more on topic configuration? Check out [**Topic configuration: the key value**.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/key-values)

***


# Configure Custom Entities

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

During the[ topic configuration](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure) phase you might need to customize the **main column** (Y-axis).

You can create a custom entity right away. In the **column** drop-down menu, select **create a custom entity**:

![](/files/g9UYPqLc9DCgh6oWes2j)

A new window will open, and you'll be able to create your custom entity **formula**, add **conditions** and, of course, insert your custom entity **name:**

![](/files/CqWQ6YF73pVVCJGPn8XY)

As you can see, we provided you with some **custom entity examples.** If you're in doubt with formulas and conditions, this video might help you out:

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/2e9557fd72764ff9abef55f89209d91a>" %}

You can customize your entity even further by **adding key values** (see also [Topic configuration: the key values](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/key-values)) to your custom entity by clicking on the **Add key value** button just below. A new window will pop-up allowing you to edit your key value:

![](/files/mCtpwqL2dsXzrNfR4RKS)

Moreover, you can also sort the custom entity you created under **Modify data table** (see also [Topic configuration: modify data table](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/modify-data-table)) by clicking on the **Sort button:**

![](/files/8WAWbxlfRr9mjlPLiqa4)

If you want, you can also **edit a previously created custom entity**: keep in mind that it **works only for topics in "ready" status** ([check this article](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/statuses) for more information on topic statuses).

You will be allowed to change the **formulas** and **conditions** but **not** **the custom column name**.&#x20;

Here's a sample of how the **custom entity editing** works:

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/4ef5e5f5ff58473ab1f3e2b58f5d4e84>" %}

NB: when you edit a custom entity, a message will pop-up to warn you about the **topics** that would be **affected** by the **editing**. Keep in mind their **status won't change**:

![](/files/93MpXGEQldalz8uzSsM0)

Eventually, if you want to **edit the aliases** of your custom entity, you will find them in the **Entity management panel.**

Want to know more on how to manage your entities names and aliases? [Check out this article!](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/entities)

***


# Configure Key Values

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

The [topic configuration process](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure) can be very articulated, depending on the insights you want to get out of your topic.

If you want to add a specific insight to your chart, you can click on **Add** **key value** and set the parameters to highlight a summary value of the measure column included in your topic. Each column with numerical data type will provide the option to add a key value, and **you will be allowed to choose the column you want to add the key value** t&#x6F;**.**

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294854397/846058630dde814ea470ffe8/image.png?expires=1618920000\&signature=a8855deffe92120a89bbc300a169dfe734307c4e32f15cc538147f5e5fe8a9a1)

For example, if you are measuring **sales**, you could feature the average sales over the period of time selected as a key value to give an immediate idea of the measure.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/294852522/407e817b60f27cb4d37be026/image.png?expires=1618920000\&signature=87d2dd34ad71a591190ec8113d968d96a3192c56e8f35453dfe6257e9b13934e)

You also have the option to apply **a delta** to the numeric value if there is a time series column present in the topic’s data tables. The delta can be shown as a value or percentage, representing the data change compared to the previous period or the same period of the previous year (**year over year**).

You need to specify if the delta is expressed **in a percentage** or **an integer** and you can also specify if the associated positive and negative growth is based on your data. An increase in costs for your situation might represent a negative impact, therefore it would make sense to have it represented in red. In another scenario, an increase in value could represent a positive event and therefore it would make sense to have it in green.

![](/files/dOtyd1cRFYethgGQQSnL)

Once you save your key value, you will find it represented in the configuration view. You can always remove it or click on it to make changes. You can add as many key values as you need, just remember you can have **only one per column per function,** with the option to choose **the column you want to add the key value** t&#x6F;**.**

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/304079041/c40431117997dd9aebf5919c/image.png?expires=1618920000\&signature=638fc53e6f6ca7165a0b521c59ce7d53b399eb38128a94dcd49c1315c3e95fe8)

Do you want to know how to modify a data table? Check out [**this article**!](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/modify-data-table)

***


# Modify Data Table

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

During the topic configuration phase there is the possibility to modify the data table by **adding static filters** or a **sort**, in order to get more precise insights out of your data.

These are optional functions, but they can be very useful to narrow down your results and analyze your data according to given parameters.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362465177/7179c7ae583ae234c69f12b3/image.png)

**Filters** can help to refine the insights by setting parameters for the retrieved data.

For example, you might like to exclude all data that is below zero. The filters applied to the data table are **static**, meaning that **they will always be applied by default** to the topic. Not to be confused with the [**dynamic filters**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter) that are found in the next step, where you can choose what filters values to apply to your topic in the conversation. Once you select the filter data option, you will have to indicate the **column** and the **operation** you want to execute.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362465530/6021fd9374eb3c86a8aff923/image.png)

The types of operations supported are:

* Equal to
* Different than
* Greater than
* Less than
* Greater than and equal to
* Less than and equal to
* Between
* Empty
* Not empty
* Is
* Is not
* Contains
* Not contains
* Starts with
* Ends with

You can add **multiple filters.** In order to check the effect the filters had on your topics data table, you can always click on the [**Preview data** ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview)button in the top right corner of the view.

The **sort** function gives the user the capability of sorting the dataset along some dimension. For example, given that the column Age is present, a user may want to sort the data according to ascending or descending order.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362465820/309c39362764c66766ee6f24/image.png)

**For some visualizations the sort option is not available.** For instance, for a single line chart where the time series is considered on the x-axis, no sorting should be allowed since the data is presented in chronological order. Thus, timestamps cannot be sorted since they are already in the correct sequence.

Sorting is an option for the following visualizations:

* Single column
* Single column pos neg
* Cluster column
* Stacked column
* Scatter plot
* Gauge chart
* Table.

You will have to choose the column to sort and the type of sorting (e.g. ascending or descending). It is possible to apply a sort to **only one column**.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/362466047/43c9025c91fb20850f296270/image.png)

Remember that for some objectives (list and ranking) the sort function is set by default, but you change the order (for example AZ to ZA).

Do you want to know more about the single visualization types and the many opportunities that you have for getting insights from your data?

Check out [**How to build a ranking table**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/ranking-table) and [**How to build a list table**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/list-table)**!**

***


# Topic Creation: Filter

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

crystal provides insights through topics. Building your topics is the core of the Self-Service Console. The topic creation flow is made of four main steps:

* [Connect](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)
* [Configure](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)
* **Filter**
* [Train](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)

In the first step, you **select the data source and the data tables** that are needed to build your topic and prelude to the **configuration,** which is the phase where you decide the information you want to get out of your data.

Then there is the **filter step,** where you can add dynamic filters to your topic, in order to narrow down the results and cover a variety of user needs. For example, an agent might be interested in filtering **Total sales** by their specific agency, whereas a manager would like to see **Total sales** for all agencies they follow.

Keep in mind the filter step is **not mandatory**: the topic creation can be completed even by skipping this phase, however the opportunity to add dynamic filters to a topic is crucial to better define the insights that will come out of it.

In this view, you will see as a subtitle the details of the data used to build the topic, the[ objective ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/objectives-and-visualizations)chosen and the type of visualization connected.

You can also preview data, as explained [in the related article.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/data-preview)

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304049097/aeddb9d5cfaa3a15fcba6fae/Dx5VdU-S2CCxXcQMzpbaWuhh4pcBlCVZp-j-lfFlHT7A83Xunl3F6kOKruEEOVoC6-1CrXDiqreHDCE0V8rs7RNc79xXn2zE80qx2gbKaVL4F0vqGeBFISZ3iAIkcmhqpF4X7ewZ?expires=1618650000\&signature=9a04e7b09f3cf1399ac041606cf5cd3433fa14b95b9dbdf2f0c91e07cae77bf4)

## **Create your filters** <a href="#h_d34e3524a3" id="h_d34e3524a3"></a>

In this section, you must specify information for each dynamic filter you need to add to the topic. In particular, you need to provide:

* **Column:** the variable on which the filter will be applied (e.g. sales, product…).
* **Filter type**: a type is a classification that is used within crystal to employ the best approach to recognize these values. Depending on the **data type** of the selected column, the filter type can be location, people or other.
* **Mandatory filter**: it allows to specify whether the filter should be mandatory when crystal is asked for the topic: in this case the user is forced to specify a default value. This allows you to ask for the topic in the advisor without necessarily specifying the filter. You can select a maximum of three mandatory filters. For example, let’s assume that you are an insurance company and you created a topic named **Sales** to monitor your business. If you set the list of the agents of your company as a mandatory filter, this means that you can specify the name of an agent when asking crystal for the topic Sales. However, if you don’t specify any value in your question, then crystal will just use the default one.
* **Default value**: this is the value that crystal will apply by default to a filter if you don’t specify another value. It is only needed when you are using a mandatory filter and it is determined by the chosen **Column**.

## **Select time range** <a href="#h_85d90bd8d3" id="h_85d90bd8d3"></a>

If you configured your topic by selecting an over time objective, you already selected a time column to filter by. You can still modify the default time range (for example, from “last month” to “last year”). This will be applied to the topic when it is not specified in the conversation.

However, there might be other charts for which you determined a time column in the configuration step. Adding time filters can help you getting more precise insights by choosing a period of interest for your data.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/304049106/0736b4d478661f31b395ea91/pl9lGh6wmOvs7iH7ElJ5a3o9DXyaTxKl220lOIPHfp5FhIMB7dfHxqW5jiSBA84TpeuMlU27H1RRN7WIO1VI1nFIfa0cEbDsElmhW7HSfhpUILbIfNx2VS1FmTJbCARUJmIujoR4?expires=1618650000\&signature=14a0822054cf8c1506b9d3d20440677e3594bc394fd486500f5b5a38b6065463)

In order to do so, you need to choose the following elements:

* **Column**: the variable on which the filter will be applied, e.g. time, date or year. The type of this column must refer to a given period of time.
* **Time filter:** the default time range that will be shown in relation with the topic. For example, if we have a topic with default value **this year**, it means that when you ask for the topic in the advisor, it will show by default for the current year.

crystal offers a few choices by default to define your time range, but you also have the opportunity to **customize your choice** based on your needs.

![](/files/QE2sRlCteWhgMip0p5Vs)

If you click on **Create custom time range,** you will have the option to set the time range that better suits you. You can choose among different **presets**, **static** or **custom dates:**

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/ddf2c6b655dc46f784cb1cdb8983ed36>" %}

### Inherit filters from existing topics <a href="#scatterplot-introduction-introduzione-di-scatterplot" id="scatterplot-introduction-introduzione-di-scatterplot"></a>

To speed up the filters configuration process, you can also **import  filters from other topics**: depending on the topic configuration, you can check and select the available filters to import by clicking the **browse filter** button on the top screen:

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/fed29e3a845f41d797d1547c0ce5291b>" %}

We hope that this article was helpful! Do you want to know how to complete the topic configuration process by training your topic? Check it [here.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)

***


# Topic Creation: Train

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

crystal provides insights through topics. Building your topics is the core of the [**Self-Service Console**](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/self-service-console)[.](https://resources.crystal.ai/en/articles/4680101-what-is-the-self-service-console) The topic creation flow is made of four main steps:

* [Connect](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)
* [Configure](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)
* [Filter](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)
* **Train**

The train step is the last of four steps in [the topic creation flow](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/create) and it is crucial to helping crystal understand the conversation elements and address the user requests to produce valuable results and answers.

In this stage, if not already done, it is very important to choose the right entity aliases to make sure that all users can solicit the correct topic, even if different words are used. Through the training process, crystal integrates the topic’s objective, data and associated names into a conversation that is understandable and accessible for all users.

**Let’s see how it works.**

### **The train step**

In this step, you can set aliases for specific columns and see the questions that you can ask the advisor during the conversation. The alias represents **the name of a specific column** that you can use in the advisor to ask a question for that specific data.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/308934932/c6b68a3d95f89beb12c8b710/image.png?expires=1618902000\&signature=89909fd66a2d3f170b18d002d5a3b7a328103a265a2cce7a50f19c7114ca2357)

In the **Topic entities** section you will have the opportunity to assign name variations to your topics.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/303518393/3f26620a4fd3a983138285bf/7NzRdVE3hDUWkymrWqKxtRFPHj3BmlApcHewGmhcszY3hjsqo8AHkHziqbHjKMiaAzK4SDrzyewj7gRGEquShTtYrIoH_5s6_fi6UkjTTlJNHTQrpCMy9o1uKIagufGMhdCDr0jL?expires=1618902000\&signature=b6492b23a7efd89acf335555a4e585e93be7ad2f698541e9af8e289fe4f3b01f)

In the **Filter entities** section you can add filters to get more detailed insights out of your topic.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/308935381/3965a8eba58fd94701f58527/image.png?expires=1618902000\&signature=874bafdffb857bf31bc3faed3c79ad24ddfd37c6ade04925069886121234fd68)

When you reach the train step, after connecting, configuring and filtering your topic, you might encounter two scenarios:

1. If the column you are creating the alias for has not already been used in another topic, the system will ask you to enter **at least** **one name variation (the alias)** for each topic and filter entity.

![](/files/83nMo8PpEEkuOL6dVngb)

2\. If it has been used, you will not be able to modify it here. You will have to change it from the[ entity management view](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/entities), which you can reach from the main page of the Self-Service Console.

![](/files/1DgotZi3WbMlR1Yk9wx8)

When you set **at least one name variation**, the entity’s status changes from **to-do** to **ready**. Once all topics and filter entities show the **completed** status, it means that you're ready to proceed with the topic creation.

![](/files/kp3mGq2kdVdVfMCqlIbp)

The first name variation will be automatically marked as **primary**. The primary name variation represents **the main name that crystal will use** to refer to that entity.

If it is a topic entity, it will be used to generate the **topic title** that you will see in the **topic management** view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/303518409/302a3adac738daa58b7d45aa/o-kOfxTaVVQfCPkuzNHbR1YwNXnMVrZxvLEMABX-bUU_c77ZGYfT-6LUIfxfyymALMkkX6u9QG9RpqWwA6y0gxq3tLu2dTFuOvMGnBXM9BYOLdeuKlZVgOCRCnhN8xhuIB6V3bGY?expires=1618902000\&signature=88a62b496a77a72afbbe2087225c35476386368b67694594444734042c7084f2)

You have to set **at least one name variation for each topic** and filter entities selected for the topic you're gonna create.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can use the **preview data** in the top right corner to have a preview of the columns values used for the topic creation to help you to set the right name variation.
{% endhint %}

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/303518414/1bf1b8dc7f6418c0c9f3c7f0/Ws0AOvfdQxX7B7bAqELY4r8QLWzCdarg0C65VlsQpW0bPQ8VwytOxfEPEKuLboEwOwrAE3TvVaFJSA1vuT2Wk9Sgzc97M1DPDfz_mSAkM3cz9yVKeVKqo27RWFsEkerMNpAI23cq?expires=1618902000\&signature=95c1e4641d83b5febddc644e476d30ace4f4f21ddb57a224bac3ca4e332c2c61)

For each name variation you add, you will see in the right area of the page, called **sample questions**, the questions generated based on the names added. These questions are generated **in real time** and represent the questions you, or your colleague, can ask the advisor once the topic is published, to retrieve the information related.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/303518421/d809df92fee9d0540b7516a6/9dYS7-_hDkzhCtAOMNzssRNEK211MFE6gsRgtg8ftyMwSgGf3tJW1XftadiufxQ022r6coC8ldeelWzbSmsQ28Tv9rkIR3PozWFEHKqVdc2zxZgg43kSD6HtARJcLE2SJRSec5i_?expires=1618902000\&signature=eebc96fcc2f8b428dab01b05a77da2ff5f1ae92d5a52c621de6326b53968ef3d)

You can see inside the questions the purple element that represents exactly the name variations you set for the column, and the blue element that shows you the variable part of the question based on the value of the filter used in the topic. When you’ll ask this topic in the advisor you’ll be able to ask for different filter values for this topic. (E.g. What’s my **top sales** in **France**?)

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/303518427/e0ab3b1316ea3373485ca504/KJD_oxn07GxDow7ehezlD5tevhUTWiGrlYAapqbXSoxUqII06pTwVxVqFD98X-RuWvzzCVJPFnUw02UcI1RJ4IMnouyOnV3c8UzNoHXEL0DT7RdmqhLqGivuJlLrixC8IuxtHh3B?expires=1618902000\&signature=66440e834e3fd429bcbfe9ec1f13392570cd9c69483995b4b5f3ecfcce4af55e)

### **What is the value aliasing?** <a href="#h_bac07b1c67" id="h_bac07b1c67"></a>

The value aliasing allows you to associate a specific alias for each value of the column. For example, it could be very helpful to assign aliases to column’s values when you have numerical codes that can be hard to ask in the advisor.

E.g. In the **Agencies** column you could have the code IT0123 that refers to an agency in Milan: in this case you can set **Milano** as the alias for the value IT0123.

Bear in mind that value aliases do not replace the raw data in a column: they just make it easier for you to ask data to the advisor.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/308935774/6b7ae3919a92584cbb6ea7a8/image.png?expires=1618902000\&signature=1cf186df4873132a64994aa92e9233026c9fc3ff78365499454867918ef16364)

### The train step: behind the scenes

Until now, we saw how the training process works from the user’s side.

But what happens in the system to let crystal understand what goes on in the conversation?

The process of retraining through which crystal updates and improves her capability to understand the conversation, is based on the following steps:

* NLP (Natural Language Processing) datasets generation based on NLP classifiers.
* Retrain request management and running.
* Topic status transition management&#x20;

Let’s see in detail.

#### NLP classifiers and how they work

NLP classifiers represent the core of crystal's intelligence capabilities.&#x20;

Each classifier is specialized in detecting and understanding specific aspects of the conversation with the user.&#x20;

crystal relies on multiple AI classification models, to interpret all the different users’ requests or conversational inputs, from chit-chat interactions to specific references to topics and alerts.&#x20;

Classifiers are orchestrated by a coordinator, which is responsible for manipulating their classifications to distinguish the kind of request, the applied filters and the subject asked by the user.&#x20;

To understand the interactions happening during the conversation and address the users’ questions with valuable information, classifiers need to learn about every aspect featured in the topics configured by the user, referring to:

* **possible questions** the user could ask crystal to request a topic, including alerts and contextual expressions;
* **topic-specific data**, such as entities and filters, topic title, etc.

#### Train and retrain crystal through publishing and unpublishing topics

To make crystal understand the content of conversation and all the questions you are asking, you should make sure that all relevant topics are set up and [published](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish).&#x20;

To eliminate entities or topics which you don’t need anymore, you can always unpublish and delete them. Moreover, once you find a way to improve or edit your topics, you can always retrain crystal.&#x20;

Let’s see how.

#### Publish topics

Once you have finished configuring your topic and setting up its related user permissions, you need to **publish** the topic in order to make it available to the advisor.&#x20;

Topic publishing requests trigger a training process which allows crystal to recognize topics within the conversation. This is achieved by training the classifiers to detect the topic details within the text.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Keep in mind that while the topic is in any other status but “published”, it is not visible to crystal and her users.
{% endhint %}

#### Unpublish topics

If you want to edit a topic configuration, or a topic is simply not needed and you don’t want crystal to recognize it anymore, you can **unpublish** the topic.&#x20;

This action marks a specific topic as no longer retrievable, meaning crystal won’t identify that particular topic within the conversation. After you unpublish a topic, you can delete an entity and all the topics using that entity will become obsolete and will return back to the draft status.&#x20;

The unpublishing process is then triggered for all the published topics associated with this entity, to make crystal aware of these changes.

#### Retrain crystal

To retrain crystal you can:

* change the aliases related to that entity’s name;
* add a new alias by typing a new value in the related bar;
* &#x20;change the main alias by clicking on the star icon of another alias;
* &#x20;remove an alias by clicking on the X.

![](/files/N24Pee8JTLhPqETMfr1q)

We hope this article helped you out! Check the[ **Topics**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) section of our **Resources** to know more on topics creation.

***


# Topic Creation: Topic Details

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Once you’ve finished the four steps of the **topic creation process** you will be able to access the **topic detail view** directly from the topic management area if your topic is **ready** or **published** status. If your topic is in **draft** status, you will be directed to finish the topic creation process.

The topic detail view is useful when you may want to double-check how it was created, edit something of an already published topic, or you simply want to have a look at a ready topic before publishing it.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699440/170ea0e4f8c0393ed1229f7c/8ucWgu1_zWYcHD4NIerITtRG4TiGdKx6JmWkolqwFqlQ3s5Zkg7LZvxeTUUuFU0wpiR9SlbuyRXC8OQ84GRxTysSnRf29zdT61-5TaKUUZVhLLdo5xN7B1lcus-RH5WhIxZwESsY?expires=1618923600\&signature=e0637402d531e7b5a6a961afa6dc3d53d1673583f35eb1b8c14ec9ee18d9e6cb)

When you click on the topic tile you will access the topic details view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699447/3b721559f07f21c51c0f318f/Ri_kTHYbPD_BtN--GznA0w3larPVTetCdN_HOd9wn4h43wyrlkjf0YpsIMuzIi-DWLCX6VzmCnbhbyt7fi52DUPgIzMcKKhiN-48qm0A82iFy6pnkzEahmE0kc1nJR9Mz2euBpy2?expires=1618923600\&signature=fbf8c8b9edb002eef87331875a631f0b6c2d135628362c7bc620a8ad5c6bbf95)

Here you see a preview of the topic visualization (in this case a [single line chart](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/single-line#what-is-a-single-line-chart)) and all the topic details to be checked.

If you click on **Edit** topic permissions you will be redirected to the [permission](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions) view, where you can check or change the users or users’ groups that are authorized to see this topic.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699451/d773a82afda9de8f10c3773d/J1imyvH-qt9h2N1PmvqMGW56eYw0fdUDxscq0Jq9oZHlr1bgrY7TyFQxXlzNypx3mXKS8HcKti_pDnMXes9MwKX_KXo2Czaf6G-YvIb5Nt4jlDZl0kaET-L3AUqT63nI8EqLxetq?expires=1618923600\&signature=678b17e19d31484edbf122b06d2579abda3651c8418c4519241e3a7e679cd759)

If your topic has [static filters](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter), you will have the opportunity to check and edit also the permissions for the filter values.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699453/e5df57ca447cbf3ecd579983/oxSKhBY8WEZ1XA1DI8mYMOSyMfWEMZKA-5En81J7S1z0_lG8HxqnhiJdmX-QONYZO0e9dSROnYYaKw0l1ViBpHWWvugJBHsDJlwd1cr8LuWd2LiwbfEWjEJTwDaz5L2ib-sJhLP2?expires=1618923600\&signature=f438356b99d6b57151941cd60f1066e47ea56a2b2c5a4d6f74bed1cd1640fe46)

Back on the topic detail view, you will see a checklist of the four steps included in the topic creation process. If you click on the arrows next to each one, you will open the details related to every step of the process.&#x20;

If your topic is in **ready** status you can access the edit button of each step of the topic creation process.

&#x20;If your topic is in **published** status and you want to change something on the topic, you have to first click on **unpublish** to unpublish the topic.&#x20;

If you click on **Edit**, you will be redirected back to the step to change the topic details.

The [connect ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)details show the data tables that the topic is based on.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699455/0f30ee68f1ba67e94e7c75cc/nDmULn7lEv4yfcVV86Z0EX2sCYcU4t7Oxc4sSWJrGXWBi69WlXvLAo1cF46dZcWxGjr0M1jf8Q7S1VNz3b8Y1-QKvK0XbMN3coiFSwTZcNnYy6DPCAU9Pe8rH3IYB_Lm5KA5Fnv7?expires=1618923600\&signature=328adbfdd7776f80c12324d716078b9a5ef6a614254f063cea16ffc631f94796)

In the [configure ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)details we can see the type of objective and related visualization selected and the data that define the topic.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699465/253ed3e5fa66ea02f0530ce9/DdLVo-0WHltz-hDYdIJrx-Fi_Z8mm-BMIoJ776aNJXeOvqpkSq9PxA40z4aXvX8kVQxCnRuERTZ6RNqgfqGx70Kdtb7s-aXb10GjRbrQCR__GWId0rgxv3UpX3ZFX7agNIgdqB8e?expires=1618923600\&signature=f5ff7e3281e2a55668408aa171f5a51417f3080c549b25cadc2e527427186345)

The [filter ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)step shows the dynamic filters, if present, that the topic is using: in this case **country** and **default time**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699468/fb8187f25b05fac9d360ccae/F_ndRlbQJWpmmt3DSW3Wo8O7aIdysHinGZtvV9-LuaTGDhcGNuQppU2OLYOwaPDLinoqO5VxqNQt5k9EPgCOwBjfClDvg7YhLD3dWTSx8pElRfU1YoxeEOeRGdvobWxweOMTajZG?expires=1618923600\&signature=4eaf036f5e87305d4acf3a6201ef7a4f591b42df016592f263be82327782eb27)

Last but not least, the [train ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)step detail shows the suggested questions for the advisor to retrieve the related insights.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699470/82e95f9c1c7fe4f0a99bfa1d/GGYnNTfoXFcfE6viVJs54Z2vyslpFdiy1LEL8D245yY2hWnqeOMOtAhov2EpfdR3i9Gh0aCBo9vYn9G3RGwviM5KXiWZImvZqmQmlNMTtyAtx10WshQ4KcnWASybOVCMy80pnv5H?expires=1618923600\&signature=91d56f4ac39befbe528730bef1cb2674d82cda0d5bf1511ffc2723adebc32ee0)

Once you have revised all the topic details, if you want to publish this topic, click on **publish**: you will see the topic status changing from **ready** to **publishing**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699480/6c29918de3aec47228be7ccf/SF564soae8X05FR3fbpmO6AHX6yxvZUO6W9mEUZ43vJKOLPNhR-phZ9zOnnHnQMSon1LAPC1bkf_0XMkuQzdZeJsYR3CPXBTrvirlcLsGGTh_d3lpBPrIDKPC3fJHXrQUbK7wZtM?expires=1618923600\&signature=2ecd36bbba2f7db6d0901c4590d16214429af10ca54cc4d1882c9f9576e4547c)

Note that it usually takes a while for publishing a topic: in the meantime, you can click on **close** and go back to the topic area of the Self-Service Console to continue working on other topics.

When the publishing process will be over, you will see your topic status change from **publishing** to **published**. You have to refresh the page to be able to see this change in status.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311699482/9a8ef7d6b8eca353d0dcbbd5/oJBr7V4CCu-USpPhnpKHOMHkadIslEZrzWuhWwtg0hIdMB1BcrXfiNiU2fbb1hbb6CahQafVhtI4gBnZa76MxsRm8y8dVOHx6RziI3joi6MKfX3hDGxMNUcFnQkLtjrDMXwqJF4G?expires=1618923600\&signature=c3bee34022b68411752f7f31e4164209d6670c140d54a9cbc6bc6a5c66724b3d)

Great! Now you know everything about the topic creation process. It is the time to[ interact with your advisor!](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)

***


# Topic Creation: Set Permissions

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

You are eventually at the end of your [topic creation process](/crystal-console/topics-configuration): congratulations! You are almost ready to [interact with the crystal advisor](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal).

There is only one last thing to do.

After validating your configuration, the last step is giving permissions to those that can ask crystal for this particular topic and giving permission to the filters that they can apply to the topic. For example, you may want your sales managers, but not your sales reps, to see your quarterly forecast.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/295320192/c677db34d38bd162a5880979/image.png?expires=1618664400\&signature=ca77aae837ee5ad0bd5aa0e191ef70a1ad3909308cfc077b905abe78d9c06927)

To do so, press the **Set Permissions** button in the **Permissions** section. In the slide-up panel, select the [groups](/crystal-console/users/user-groups) to which you want to grant permissions for this insight. You can also use the search bar to search for specific groups. Note that, if you don't see the group to which you want to give permissions, you need to exit the recap and go to the **Users** section to add them.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/295320361/9dae4bd0de9617a275fe1650/image.png?expires=1618664400\&signature=3cf89b54fd3696857b447386b0f04b630b66cfd642ac1cfebe2bca8e504ccd68)

Your selected groups will appear in the **Groups selected** section at the top of the page. Press the **X** next to a group’s name in this section to deselect them at any time. When you’ve selected the right groups, press **Save** in the top right corner. You’ve now set your permissions, and you’re ready to review and publish the topic.

## **Setting filter value permissions** <a href="#h_63641d7351" id="h_63641d7351"></a>

Once permissions are set to the entire topic, out of those groups, additional permissions can be applied to the filters (if there are filters). For example, if you want a specific group of people to be able to see data for European countries and another to see data for Asian countries, you can control this with these filter permissions.

To do so, click on **Edit** filter values. You will see all of the filters that were applied to your topic. Select a filter, then click on **Add new permission.**

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/295320690/0c7b503f2a26df388d747ec7/image.png?expires=1618664400\&signature=c6625e979a70520fb6da76eac224f63b2c22d38200ccaf08594f2d4c1c64a908)

Once you navigate to that filter, you can select the exact filter values and the exact group that will have permission to apply the filter value. Click on **Add** to apply. You can add more permissions to the different values of the same filter or you can add permissions to other filters.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/295320906/07a27fc320e80ce43c95d4c7/image.png?expires=1618664400\&signature=e90dc4612f449d8431c4fbb6a3131cb2c3123a5b0e0b38203705256d77de70d0)

Done! Now you are ready to **ask questions to crystal!**

***


# Topic Creation: Review and Publish

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

The[ topic creation](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) phase is over: you have[ connected](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect), [configured,](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure) [filtered ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)and[ trained ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train)your topic.

You can now review it and check if everything is alright. You have the possibility to go back and edit all of the steps if necessary.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311701991/b6b9ca5dc15803e2c116a2c5/qisrl2SsJG3GTWGmEjCmkj6Zsv9PMGNTv1L1QAzzkR73CW1b-uuk3DkKB7_zWc3Iz9fuy0wMaayq56KhkWBiuE3elviRAcKPu1F23KOTC8dRS-0zJ7c6gpzWKwmXEnXhFMk869O2?expires=1618923600\&signature=516ada02ca67ae4bb08eadbbf4d510ea59d4a5a632cbb2c2ddf09f1c4f041591)

Remember that if you go back in the creation process by clicking on **Edit** on one of the steps, you will have to re-do all of the steps that come after it.

For example, if you change the data source, you will have to re-do the configure, filter and train steps - nothing will be saved.

You can now decide that you don’t want to publish your topic right away: in this case, you can skip the set permissions phase for the moment and your topic will be in a **draft** state until you don’t assign permissions.

But if your topic is ready and you want to publish it and use it in the advisor conversation, you necessarily need to[ assign permissions](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions): in other words, you will have to decide who can see this topic and use it during the conversation with the advisor.&#x20;

{% hint style="danger" %}
This is a mandatory step: **you cannot publish a topic unless you have set the related permissions.**
{% endhint %}

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311702000/b3b15e486ec009f72a49dcaf/lSQkS2kJTJkh6Iq0-CEI9U9vpPoSjhFwkgccrUqsmyEFsDMUXdyOUx9pYdqjtWQqk_KXg3nVvGnArs_sze8nHytSfjGcmLTy-TDOyh-fv4LlaybAyUfFF3qIFVxacl4Pc-ejRP5N?expires=1618923600\&signature=f0e97aba5c23f745f2bdd384f01b588db36951d9790abb6866557865bc64fd7e)

Once you have assigned permissions, you can optionally assign the **filter value permissions**. For example, if you want a specific group of people to be able to see data for European countries and another to see data for Asian countries, you can control this with these filter permissions. This is not mandatory, but it will help you to be more precise in retrieving insights from the advisor.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311702003/c56a81fca0b37ae0ca31a0ac/fQ8XiTyTZoNGEkZMD0InwddNN2XSNHNtBRfGfFhFrFOSotSjtnblQA-g3YwCpsEZnmp-XKi9SHUBT7A8eX9WzfDgJaIwigPfkab9cZZgDpOUjhK6giepTHc71xerBMHthlHAPIYf?expires=1618923600\&signature=4309b076bf91d822f5b356f550d0fb69a21f36a6b08b8ae51a9c111fbb4370fc)

When you are done with the permissions, the topic can be published and be available for the advisor.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311702006/f6ee0d43d629018ab478f302/jeZOPztlo8nznEpbs4IGNYECgDjvxb4B15EbtWcBy5Y12Y64ZOtJ1cUSMPRMxZ5R6UQxH41loUxvxD5Sn7LOvZdST7EVxJO5IWq5yoHpB6XWG65hnd_jKeAUsoccuxaoziVzhU7W?expires=1618923600\&signature=ba3f9e5c2966fcfa018ef5d1b346201219098a5cc788922d099cd0ef1f712ff0)

Note that it usually takes a few minutes for a topic to be published: in the meantime, you can continue working on other topics in the Self-Service Console.

When the publishing process will be over, by refreshing the page you will see your[ topic status ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/statuses)change from **publishing** to **published**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/311702011/61e9b88e243ff8be59c3692e/NvpXrSRG5hUQDZCaa0lEw-k5hMBArrQgbm4yDKOQ-pKX8AqLrKe2IT3ZRi7g1Fb9tUQOb-X9hh1jwO7ZfqboQhn_ddAvl1YcGtD43H8V9trNVhYoEGE_KeZOtus9kiGo_nurKUkI?expires=1618923600\&signature=1510dbffbb5f5fed48a8e80570ad4635e9a72231a58ad727e5a22ffe49b60217)

Remember that, whenever you will decide to publish it, **you will always need to assign permissions.**

Great! Now you know everything about the topic creation process. It is the time to[ interact with your advisor!](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal)

## How long do I have to wait for a topic to be published?

You created a topic but is it still in a publishing status? No worries. The publishing process should take **between 10 and 20 minutes**, depending on the system and connection feature. Sometimes it might take a bit longer, but we’re working on speeding up the process.

***


# Specifc Visualizations Guides

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Every Objective is related to a series of visualizations, among which you can choose which one to use to represent your topics, based on your business needs.&#x20;

Here you can find all the information needed to build your visualization.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTWL97KOeCGxkc-Y9-" %}
[Build a List Table](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/list-table)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTWkVeNJ5lePmfuugh" %}
[Build a Single Line Chart](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/single-line)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTX27iwodcy2Pvr1-X" %}
[Build a Multi-Line Chart](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/multi-line)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTXjhB8AN1PsLTsepR" %}
[Build a Ranking Table](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/ranking-table)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Build a List Table

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

### **What is a list table** <a href="#what-is-a-list-table" id="what-is-a-list-table"></a>

This type of table provides a list of values, not ranked by any quantitative criteria. For this reason, the numeric measure column is not mandatory.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/258720009/6ed6ec84835d4c5a7f3af9d8/fN9VvLv29zzQ5shAID5gZNgtAtuj2RpivHkYIBiAmtghywsl1j8didwypKdzeuMW3zMLNHyNwZgHebUnfhYALWzkDrrfugqKxBs87yM2ud5tIWRVBBsaMIFWQR1K-IPRVxHy5Ego)

### **When it’s** **used** <a href="#when-its-used" id="when-its-used"></a>

The list table is used when you simply want a record of available data but you don’t necessarily need to measure it. For example, you can use a list if you want to name all articles of a stock or for filling a contact book with names and addresses of all your clients.

### **How to configure a list table** <a href="#how-to-configure-a-list-table" id="how-to-configure-a-list-table"></a>

The list table is one of the simpler topic types to set up.

For the basic configuration, you only need to indicate the **main group by** **column**. For example, if you simply want to have a list of all your clients, Clients will be your column.

You can also add a **sorting criteria** by clicking on the A-Z button on the left.

{% hint style="info" %}
It is **highly recommended** to identify a sorting column and its direction, ascending or descending. Without this the order of the values could vary each time the topic is asked for in the advisor.
{% endhint %}

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368573328/d529f4bda707d568cc9862e0/image.png)

You can decide to add to your table one or more **group by columns,** to aggregate your data on the basis of different criteria and obtain more detailed insights.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368573787/586da91f566dadb9f9acd12c/image.png)

You can choose to group numeric data using [bins](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/data-binning). Bins are virtual containers where you can split data on the basis of customized categories: they help you to have a clearer view of your insights.

Another option available is to add a **numeric measure** column and further aggregate your data.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368576306/0c68f7e9ea0c22eb00d6f7f1/image.png)

You will then have to select its corresponding **aggregation function**, by choosing between Average, Sum, Count or Distinct Count, to group together multiple rows and form a single summary value.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368576999/c7f457a244855e4769eec011/image.png)

We’re done!

If you want to know more about other chart types, read [**How to build a ranking table.**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/ranking-table)

***


# Build a Single Line Chart

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

## **What is a single line chart** <a href="#what-is-a-single-line-chart" id="what-is-a-single-line-chart"></a>

A single line chart is a type of cartesian chart that displays information as a series of data points connected by straight line segments progressing over a period of time.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280634108/4562035683a8855f22505f2e/1KQRilD2MIrNUhmnNRppdcZFexLCh4ca8eFydqmfmCZk9av8v7igaqhhXvlpELnDqxy7EIX2JUsAL7XZyXvq5qqbmg7vRBevJfa9P_fq7OTZQ323ekXJxc1gBt5bGR344PXMeiC8?expires=1618927200\&signature=d762bfe112a64b8c79ee0bd73f4fa3ad967e2de7c8603b6475f0f76c327ec45e)

## **When it’s** **used** <a href="#when-its-used" id="when-its-used"></a>

The single line chart is used to show data changes at equal intervals of time. A single line chart must be used for monitoring any numerical date (e.g. sales, impressions, users, count number of categories…) over a period of time.

This chart is available only when an **over time objective** is selected: this objective shows the evolution of data in a given amount of time, e.g. *Can you show me summer 2020 sales*?

Remember that if you need to show the evolution of a measure within a category change, you must use a column chart.

If you want to know more about objectives and visualizations, check out[ **Objectives and visualizations.**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)

## **How to configure a single line chart** <a href="#how-to-configure-a-single-line-chart" id="how-to-configure-a-single-line-chart"></a>

In order to build a single line chart, you have to select a data table that includes **at least one column with times series data type**, to show how an item evolves over time.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368610169/28b1ba905ce6acbfdd163b6c/image.png)

### **The Y-axis** <a href="#measure" id="measure"></a>

The Y-axis’s **Column selection** indicates **the entity that will be measured over time**. For example, if you want to understand how your Sales are trending over time, you would select the Sales column.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368613457/e80e751322da5c7151a918e7/image.png)

Select an **aggregation function** to decide how to group the rows together in order to form a single summary value. For example, you want to know the total sum of sales for each day. In this case you would select SUM as your function.

**The column formatting** field is about the data type and its related unit of measure during the topic configuration. In the example of the topic **Sales over time**, you would select **Sales** as a column and subsequently the currency, for example Euro, as a column type.

The single line chart offers the opportunity to make a **period comparison** with the same data from a previous period of time (e.g. Sales 2020 vs. Sales 2021).

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/368613874/95d2e7f7ab0c73f44a497879/image.png)

### **The X-axis** <a href="#timeseries" id="timeseries"></a>

The **X-axis** is a time series column, which aims to define the evolution of the measured value over a given time period. In the example of the topic **Sales over time**, the sales are grouped by time. You can choose a range of time, for example by day, month or year.

The single line chart visualization is ideal if you want to check out seasonal or yearly trends or, in general, trace a progression in a given amount of time.

We hope that this article helped you! Do you want to know how to build a list table? Check[ this ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/list-table)out!

***


# Build a Multi-Line Chart

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

## **What is a multi-line chart** <a href="#h_0fdd078aef" id="h_0fdd078aef"></a>

A multi-line chart is a type of cartesian chart that displays information as multiple series of data points connected by straight line segments progressing over a period of time.

There are two types of multi-line chart:

1. **Single entity**: it shows the evolution of multiple values of the same entity over time (for example, by comparing the average price of different products in a given time range).
2. **Multiple entity:** it shows the evolution of more entities over time (for example, by comparing for example revenues and costs of a product).

## **When it’s used** <a href="#h_dfcf5ec172" id="h_dfcf5ec172"></a>

Similar to the [single line chart ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/single-line)because they are both based on time, the multiple line chart adds on top of the time also the comparison between entities or values: it offers a more complex visualization with more insights and it can be, therefore, more complex to read and configure.

It is used to show and compare data changes at equal intervals of time, like for monitoring multiple numerical data (e.g. sales, impressions, users, count number of categories…) over a period of time.

This chart is available only when an **over time objective** is selected: this objective shows the evolution of two or more data sets in a given amount of time. For example if each line of the visualization represents a country, you would have the opportunity to compare sales across different countries over time.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793218/3cd98cb9162388b4eed8041d/m1Wtt5yL5baQenPA7UxqCTKFUizoXTSuPPzm8LAMSvvgy8_sWWe5paTUBEhxRFQzzmalwl2-8uCjKb21iLfxWV4OpbU-cY3Y3mbkSeAUoJhztGd28CBu5q_CAeQbRHKKTLWu7bC9)

Remember that if you need to show the evolution of a measure within a category (strings, text or words instead of numbers, dates or time), you must use a column chart.

If you want to know more about objectives and visualizations, check out [**Objectives and visualizations: what they are and how they work.**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/objectives-and-visualizations)

## **How to configure a single entity multiple line chart** <a href="#h_2b73f4f296" id="h_2b73f4f296"></a>

In order to build a single entity multiple line chart, you have to select a data table that includes at least one column with times series data type, to show how an item evolves over time.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793232/51b62211d5d55359bf5c1a00/ehfY7iQJVJdDxLedHJ-eoPRNsvlIzq_pi1aychvXNUKH_8y82A9v8RqacoHrxtMbuHzshBg7tNbY2luVkiM6-msuu9V2Nc_wiWYUyDZLdA4tAfb1CAK8H3f9E4D8Go_qkxm4O7fL)

The **Y-axis** will indicate the data source column from which you are getting the insight (e.g. sales or product). The **X-axis** will indicate the given period of time you want to monitor (e.g. month or year).

The **category** will indicate the breakdown you want to get (for example, if your Y axis is product, you can select “product categories”).

For some categories, if you have numeric values, you will need to set up a data bin. See [here](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/data-binning) how to do it.

The result of this configuration will be a visualization where the different categories will be shown with different colored lines, that might not be continuous in case there are gaps (for example data related to days or weeks that are missing).

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793236/9655c9287dcd6bc4cb5d64f9/Lkn2KkdaNPitvCcHzr-C5BJWjCVFdVmO2QGz_JfDRvBGFXlePt9BB15avVXuCBMrx9Ta4mwZXGax3jIDb0v-ScwchF-moEbZlaoorNCOsyOFAs4GCHoRNdIzEN2gassy78zoYaLZ)

## **How to configure a multi entity multiple line chart** <a href="#h_ff3cda37f6" id="h_ff3cda37f6"></a>

This chart will allow you to have different columns from the data source on the Y axis.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793241/633bde57d6e46e0a93ee169f/Fxd4PqFtxtoghgOE9wvzSISyl64zFTAyTBgmX26YRGoaxTKpZspBlUH85hBPfD5D9oTTsWrgVSenyN3QdY8jMftTgHOJy3KLZ6q14lhYPpheZHIeQ2UYh_pfYX0ow8f87CUmBwvH)

You will have the opportunity to have a more granular view of your insight: given that your main entity is product, you can see for example a comparison between revenues and costs for the given product.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793244/d41d2bcfcc2f55c7ce2db0ea/h_OGxQeRIA8z8xImMdzO9q_ZOl6qgtO_s1yxlbvCrQW5hZ6n6zXqGa1mC0MQzmTdHRyzaZQhyapnoFnMqpgDik4YZ8P7FmOfS4ELhAD4MKR2wFnppkfXoV4YkdSSq5WEnpNbBzOh)

The result of this configuration will be a visualization where the different categories will be shown with different colored lines.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/362793247/0b0f28e0e7b48faea2344bfa/OOsgl865YFIUo3e-Zq0iQWJXyga5FVDA0iQdDAQxjg9vYaoBQqtE06N5EZ9JnoiH9m262j43pVuKyb0-TLDoJzDholnOoa7GpgGWXLCz_DGbKPmpYNCYqso02hvgr1hIfjec9rPr)

The multiple line chart visualization is helpful if you want to make a comparison between two or more values, for example if you need to compare sales across different countries over time.

We hope that this article helped you! Do you want to know how to build a list table? Check [this](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/list-table) out!

***


# Build a Ranking Table

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

### **What is a ranking table?** <a href="#what-is-a-ranking-table" id="what-is-a-ranking-table"></a>

Ranking table displays columns of data, where there is always one column ordering all the other columns in the table by default.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/258718783/6aa8394960dda55fe3d7971a/Ezmx9DbKGvNrHWT6SuY6cpPIhRwB3KvvLQreePAfaSCTPoWB82XqLcO_TfIxfPddWEv9lC6ptgquOZIDXVe0b8AmgZ3evY-Kn0LMTdBlbYeOD5duhkPQibZsMdeXZ_-hMacFBYY3?expires=1618920000\&signature=8fd3c680f4851bf4eaaffa4cc288422a0f6d89106122cdf4ee48712b77a19404)

### **When is it used?** <a href="#when-is-it-used" id="when-is-it-used"></a>

A ranking table is used to show a relationship between a set of items: for any two items, the first is either 'ranked higher than', 'ranked lower than' or 'ranked equal to' the second. For this reason the ranking table must have at least two columns.

It can be used to sort values from the highest to the lowest or vice versa, for example to establish the best and worst selling performers of the month.

### **How to configure a ranking table** <a href="#how-to-configure-a-ranking-table" id="how-to-configure-a-ranking-table"></a>

The user selects the variables that will be shown as columns in the table. The order in which the columns are selected is the order in which they will appear in the table. The first column selected is the main subject of your table, the data that works as the core of the query (e.g. **Country** by sales). The following fields should be defined for each column:

* **Column**: the variable the user wants to be displayed.
* **Group by:** if selected, the column will be used to group by the data. Rows are grouped that have the same values into summary rows, like "customers grouped by country".
* **Column type**: refers to the data type and its related unit of measure. Depending on the data, it can be numeric, weight, power, distance, currency or percentage. For example, you would select "power" if you are measuring the total energy produced by each energy plant.
* **Create bin**: if the column has been selected for the Group by, and its type is numerical, the user has the possibility to [create bins.](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/data-binning)
* **Aggregation**: if timestamp type is selected, you can decide the level of aggregation, e.g., daily or monthly.
* **Function**: the aggregation function that will be applied to the data that is not selected in the group by. If the column is not a numerical data type the function will be Identity.

Liked this one? Find out also[ how to build a single line chart!](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/visualizations/single-line)

***


# Topic Creation: Custom Topic Titles

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

What the Custom Topic Title feature is

As an admin, did you know that you can customize your topic title?

Yes! Instead of default titles - thanks to the **Custom Topic Title feature** - you can personalize your topic titles and make it easier for your team to look at and understand their topics.

### How to Customize Your Topic Titles

Click on the 3 dots icon on the topic, then follow the steps:

{% embed url="<https://26300839.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26300839/Custom%20Topic%20Title_video.mp4>" %}

*That's it.*&#x20;

Your team can now search for this topic **using the default OR the customized titles.**

### Multilingual Support

Crystal supports multiple languages.

Thanks to custom topic titles, you can assign a unique title for each language your topics are published in.

No matter the language you interact with Crystal, your team will understand and engage with the topics clearly.

### Guidelines

When customizing your topic title, remember to follow our guidelines on the screen.

Watch the video:

Here are some tips:

* Titles should contain letters only;
* Custom Topic Titles should be 35 characters max in length;
* Avoid special characters (such as \*, -, !) and numbers;
* Each Custom Topic Title must be unique and different from any other existing Custom Topic Titles or Default Topic Titles (DTTs) in the same language;
* You can customize Topics in ‘ready’ and published status.

***


# Topic Statuses

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

As mentioned in previous articles, once you’ve finished the four steps of the [**topic creation process** ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration)you will be able to see your topic in the **Topics** page.

Every topic is represented with a card including all the details: the topic name (e.g. **Sales overview**), the last time the topic was modified, and the topic’s status.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165167/dcdb99a0e798c260f6f23c67/ugeroo219v544CaXISnvGBRKGYrltoU_-8pMSI55SVkwXGqohN7vE5F_V5hzk_yY2Rj-iquIwKMnyJUM5NHmoO8S-A8Wt5BUIcZGVpG1UMEBiSip__JXQv9SPD_Js9qAokzfeEJ5?expires=1620837429\&signature=c354b26d77b1622f84447e57e6d540fa993fca9d9c1e6540346e6eb097c76b9e)

## Summary

A topic can have three different statuses: **draft**, **ready** and **published**.&#x20;

* **Draft**: a topic is in the process of creation, but some of the steps are still to be completed and it is not available in the conversation yet.
* **Ready**: the topic creation process is over and the topic is ready to be published. it’s not yet available in the advisor. From this state a topic can be published.
* **Published**: a topic is ready and published. Any user from the advisor can ask questions about it. From this state a topic can be unpublished.

There are also two intermediate statuses: **publishing** and **unpublishing**.

When the publishing (or unpublishing) process is ongoing, the topic can be in the intermediate status of **publishing** (or **unpublishing**) for a few minutes.

Let’s look at each of them in detail.

## **Topic status: draft** <a href="#h_16ebb552a0" id="h_16ebb552a0"></a>

A topic is in a **draft** status when the creation process is not completed yet, meaning that the user left the creation during one of the four steps of connect, configure, filter or train.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165169/513aa3c9c00ca785c325551b/nKEs_gd4gSIFwwkpi0ZyGghfVTgRCO6pya0SQ3bFeXapOAB1cbOKOrNtCjtpYqh5LQ_rwDVMp338PQMZg3w0b5WRUArQQihTJY_7uNswe788rQs3UJ6ETMf5JL4ccdZQbU6xie4b?expires=1620837429\&signature=8ba3861d6e5e2ee8e0e21d5eb35ea71b11f441a5ed0444a570fc1307b5a5362b)

In this case, the information is saved but **the topic is not available in the conversation** **and in the Dashboard** and it won’t be until the publishing process is completed. If you decide to complete this topic, by clicking on it you will be directly brought to the point of the creation process where you left.

Bear in mind that **a draft topic is never available in the conversation nor in the Dashboard**.

{% hint style="info" %}
&#x20;You can use this option when you have partial information about the topic you are going to create. The draft status allows you to save the partially created topic, collect the missing info from other sources or people and continue the creation process in a different session.
{% endhint %}

For example, you might not know which filters to apply or which aliases need to be set: in this case you can create the topic to the point you have the knowledge for and leave the rest for later.

## **Topic status: ready** <a href="#h_46821b4343" id="h_46821b4343"></a>

A topic is **ready** when the topic creation process is completed, but if you decide to leave the process before publishing (either by setting permissions or not), from the[ topic review](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish) section you will be sent **Back to topics**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165178/47b47a8a489601813d3466e4/kHEjFw984QSXz2xY00X3dN44AxmLmL72UJQkuDvi34nu0JhAnNxDinHZjXmvGaE-yHtOiNqz-2Hz6yGSYOoMfdArVbj6K4OQMH2gXJzw9NwNvLj10gd0QjiwHJW5ENMHuqLqlnM6?expires=1620837429\&signature=498b9489b5796af6713a111b667eea1ce1376e456e539b50bd24b7f989b0732c)

Also, if you set permissions but you don’t click on **Publish** and still choose **Back to topics** you will get back to the **Topics** area.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165181/ccc062137d2cb578a1691e40/UqJxaIF5QKwojFaFheBuwBeY_Ad150Sj9hjCUqP7YIeUMYaRXga1YryZo9GPhkD2YpVTK2EM_hsiqUF_L85dJtMr_gZW2aVINFLx41UAHFePKlHR-HrWAtHJjU9NMaydjFZpCq3i?expires=1620837429\&signature=0b50b0ac674f73acd82f1ae3ae70a2bc0046d0c097c09f56fc6bb599e4a3c7ec)

Here you will find your topic with the status **ready**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165187/3f7870cbc8f436b95508dfa9/BzS-G7X2JY6aVmdeIBLFZntxK303F2kF1yLgs3p0g2j7fJ-BGT5Pm08biw73uWSycikTcdmlVRSjzUxTj7shNRE1wVqtbWPTRdtsq6JL4ySxS2ZUvhqV8jLBO4svlwkosPRy__b1?expires=1620837429\&signature=253ca225713e210da76d9549df253c70fb3c1ad69dd5e0cc70c1179c1d2b7553)

**A ready topic will not be available in the conversation and in the Dashboard** until you decide to complete the publishing process by assigning permissions and publishing the topic.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can use this option when you are not sure about who should have the permissions to see and interact with this topic. The ready status allows you to separate the moment of the configuration, focus on the data, and collect information about the needs or roles of the people or groups you want to set permissions for.
{% endhint %}

## **Topic status: published** <a href="#h_15b94af093" id="h_15b94af093"></a>

You are done with the four topic creation steps, you arrive at the topic review section and you set permissions, deciding who can see your topic in the advisor.

Well done: now you can **publish** your topic.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165193/1eee34bfe81570b05c860a7c/a8GIb2kNjtLrZTtQPI5jlgq_6nKRcfl10rlJ6WgROMQAHxJPn6PikwuqsmbqTSJdUI0HVusrD4KR5iNqwDPjeWtJs6UIXZnixEEGK_AFHrk5BMSjtmQ4v9i0UFMvj96qsG6ZPg3F?expires=1620837429\&signature=9e8866d88bc9b686a742fba15a370b2ecf5c1eadd481add39091733ff8c79fae)

You can also have a topic in ready state, like we mentioned before, and publish it from the **Topic details** view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165203/f3ade0fd8188803ad48a1b79/8C7CM4Wyeazh4oBsh3swmvZHSUAlys76ORIYYOGktt49x6oV4KefbjzdVHcxMTRFvCTN-mPxduH5W3n3Hmy2cNKHzHfkTn6Kzgd42Dj-AfgMnEtQUEVywq-3vvEaVa4WflfdBbhf?expires=1620837429\&signature=e899c7066c972d808625f01518d5f751ec08bd60939fb17194d76d488116b2c7)

crystal is taking some time to learn what she needs from your topic, that’s why the publishing process might take a few minutes, during which you will see the **publishing** status.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165208/91e4f4b037dc68e888789534/Y4YMbi4YQbzxZ6qXJM5IJS1kFGIp2fzWCrEMdoy1fArkgWhbzYVX6AGLY97TJjyQtcHi98wcl8xNIipFnJnEFCEetb8PT6xpaljtt26LqXi6-I1iJ_HDqPreSR-KMprFRRtarI0o?expires=1620837429\&signature=2c10d86c027a432eb4e301b4dcec8da9cf22a190869114c1ad1cdfbfa33da0cf)

At the end of the publishing process, you will need to refresh the page to see the topic switched to **published**, meaning that your topic is available in the conversation for all the users that have permissions for it and that it will be available as long as you choose to keep it published.

One a topic is published , member users will see them in the conversation and in the Dashboard.

## **Topic status: unpublishing** <a href="#h_69cbd02e35" id="h_69cbd02e35"></a>

In some cases a published topic has to be temporarily taken out of the conversation: it might be for technical reasons or because it needs to be updated. This is why topics can be unpublished: all you have to do is enter the topic details of a published topic and click on **Unpublish**.

Once again, crystal will need some time to update the topic information, that’s why the **unpublishing process might take a few minutes**, during which you will see the **unpublishing** status in the topic details.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/336165220/15863162cd8b9c0466ead4a3/a72TjhNZx2kvZZUiQWLhMh17EmEBmsb7ZOPc5YfZdPEWQFRKImVUjmhoMiZFZdoSslWsmrNWFWSQHj-I-YAHNiAgCiZ5yWWhZf_rIUkdzixMTlDlPb5QFC6VX_d2VMH_-bds3oSZ?expires=1620837429\&signature=188ea7d1cc74d24cf62cc66c2daef70d21441d4600e45c238b0234e072f0831a)

At the end of the unpublishing process the topic will still be in the Topic management area with the **ready** state: **it won’t be available in the conversation** and will remain unavailable for members until you publish it again.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can permanently delete a topic if you are absolutely sure you are not going to need it anymore, but in any other case choosing the **unpublishing** option will allow you to keep it at hand, if you should need it back in the conversation.
{% endhint %}

## **Bulk publishing/unpublishing/deletion** <a href="#h_69cbd02e35" id="h_69cbd02e35"></a>

When you need to publish (or unpublish) more than one topic, you can speed up the process by **bulk publishing/unpublishing them**.

In the Topics page you will find the **Bulk actions** button at the top right of the screen.

To publish more topics, click on **Publish topics**, then select the topics you want to bulk publish and  **Confirm**:

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/b1197640d7c24118ad8affb59e594a05>" %}

To **bulk unpublish** your topics, follow the same steps, but select **Unpublish topics**:

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/8a8a8066e0354791aafd52d7aafb7e0d>" %}
​
{% endembed %}

As for the bulk publishing/unpublishing, you can also **delete multiple topics** with just two clicks. To delete more topics, select **Delete topics** in the **Bulk actions** menu:

![](/files/OWxZmCahy4VqqnwWw8sL)

Select all the topics you want to delete, then click on **Confirm**:

![](/files/bUxwq05Yyj8tYRzGwWtK)

NB: You can perform the bulk deletion on topics in "ready" or "draft" status only.

Was this helpful? Hope so! Check out the[ Topic section ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration)of our Resources for more insights!

***


# Data Preview

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

While going through the four main steps of [the topic creation process](/crystal-console/topics-configuration), to make sure we are not leaving anything behind, the **Preview** function helps us to keep track of the topic and confirm what we are going to publish in the advisor.

The preview area is made of two main areas: **data** and **visualization**. We will explore each area in detail.

## **Data preview** <a href="#data-preview" id="data-preview"></a>

The first type of preview you can see is the data in a table format. You will find two categories of preview: the **connected data** and the **configured data**. The **connected data** represents the columns in the tables you connected to the topic.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632102/b0ec80a530d290280c0850c2/S-PgKDU3UvDYgDAsoAWdxtaUIqAyPRBxD2sTzeFeWXw0Kzj4pby1Jh08KS1Deixra1ckqpxhrIGAZSjrOr1NpgZUJXglOdh7B9_dNzXmRLJuGa3EBWeIlHJQIJSmSxe-3WDgoW8v?expires=1618642800\&signature=9a20634bd88260ed306b56fe0c1cd95e9abe31abc92f03a7ceaf3b38c4a3712e)

The **configured data** shows only the columns that were selected to build your topic. As you move forward configuring your topic and adding filters, the configured data table will grow.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632106/32340415cfd37292a9236f1c/UPPdQzH8cOkwSEPqZw_keJXuzhVdKIbwFR15jeqedcl9XHUN3soJ-zWqmrIRPBwdh6mCKL1GeuNQ74CMkqDXpYBbEIM64lH53cdD_2N4hqvhOCOjuFQ27nVDXq7M7St2qOXw0Xto?expires=1618642800\&signature=28a2f18319aaf4ef9d8ae2428a7bcc2172f954dc3f8349862881532bb328e52d)

## **Visualization** <a href="#visualization" id="visualization"></a>

In the visualization tab, you will see the visual representation of your topic.

For example a line chart, a donut or a table ranking. The type of visualization you can choose depends on the objective selected: each objective can be represented with one or more visualizations. If you want to know all the visualization types available, see [**Objectives and visualizations.**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632114/f864da0c68a70e7292d4d0bb/nP1Z2O8Uydvcpce29XtebsaTpmgfNYzTlkSfndXXCwq6xyKiQm6-PqxwX8FsAQnKcbesM3pwoKk-E0nCornYVRrMYia0fQI_TskIeA1QjsDyaNpHR_kVQvZNxjVGu4gQdwNak3Fv?expires=1618642800\&signature=45765d6d0e51ecbe52d5dacc4e5a4f0c41552eed82c119d93bf1e64730c14dc2)

Note that you will see the visualization preview **only after you have filled all the mandatory fields** in the configuration step. If you click on **Visualization** before you have completed all the configuration steps, you will get an empty view.

Now, let’s see how and when to use the data preview function during each specific step of the topic creation process.

## **First step: connect** <a href="#first-step-connect" id="first-step-connect"></a>

In the first step of the topic creation project you must start by selecting a connected data source and then one or more of its tables with the necessary data for your topic. **Check out more information on** [**connecting data sources.**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/manage-data-sources)

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632120/4f717995e00450d901c0ce14/j4S1PnANInYI_QTKdTqgJrBthaYmm_V7Fv1JQGyGK9SvT5-PPlibITWqeCLVEa6NPBDTMxBgZpdkzPPhvtwE2zaxuTYGULGhagV3AX_nxiztfhyZeWC0syzFgewPy4JHoCHEb1Cz?expires=1618642800\&signature=bc179f3b9a2a7289a727990d4adb499c79073ba30d0290f97f41fe98f8779ef3)

Click on **Preview**: in the **connected data** view you will see all the total sales columns. The **configured data** and **visualization** views will be empty, because no configuration has taken place yet. Click on **close** to go back to the **connect** view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632129/68dc6a2dda21a63e28fed508/tuPGWIRcEy5H8TepXtKaMtzDQP74wldtdKpFn2JQ7EfvUXNT0Dzt3NEt5eAIbO_YcAs1tKMVu9AEBI88UDRleHHAASkj5niebdVTnQMhOkZRfeIWgYHFjIyHEGsT6v_Vr7wIqsbF?expires=1618642800\&signature=45f4b7d9d2de09323d43b85a0a5bd232fd34381f0cac35619e93d6c872e358dc)

## **Second step: configure** <a href="#second-step-configure" id="second-step-configure"></a>

When you move to **configure** step, you will be asked to select an objective for your topic.

Now we will select the **over time** objective, because we want to know the progression of sales over years. To continue with your topic creation, you will have to complete the configuration step by filling up all the mandatory fields.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632138/bdf477cd7262ea5737d74394/I671VSYZR_vVQhL194448Q9PzfulZJQ9T0zpRhujMaehm38U_THUzZXlpCx24_G-aJT5Rkeh9mqqhIbmicSLCKvRbUUkMyhBhat2IBUzR4HChcLd36W7RW5jHj1CuHwyb5RnyPak?expires=1618642800\&signature=972442e7f139d2ce3c54637661eeafe6c2dfcdf96679d1ea3adfc699893aadf4)

Once you have selected all mandatory fields for your topic configuration, you can see the **visualization** tab populated with the visual representation of your data.

Every change you are going to make will be shown in real time in this tab.

In this case we have selected an over time objective and its visualization corresponds to a single line chart.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632143/73af157c7b35415d3cc31339/nP1Z2O8Uydvcpce29XtebsaTpmgfNYzTlkSfndXXCwq6xyKiQm6-PqxwX8FsAQnKcbesM3pwoKk-E0nCornYVRrMYia0fQI_TskIeA1QjsDyaNpHR_kVQvZNxjVGu4gQdwNak3Fv?expires=1618642800\&signature=42fb4104abee5cef6ca6a52b15fed251f3dbbc3a0bb129393c68b7d5c2c500b2)

## **Third step: filter** <a href="#third-step-filter" id="third-step-filter"></a>

As you proceed with the topic creation flow and you decide to add filters to your topic, you will find them in your preview. For example, we may decide to filter our **sales over time by European countries.**

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632151/45884ec9a598969da801da08/iFnboXqLRPEhRVczp_TRLZSLzcziPHsfPucpExLk2rAdxEMEJjLj_HepF7Osccc_evISu5dfoYl2US2k7GiNwcBD_Ez0xadcfcsC6CfbYEVoXFYT101gu_NbjQ1ojSw5VSDGYx2H?expires=1618642800\&signature=9b6755ad753db931ddd4f884a8a25832eed2a0f1dccdb9b2a1865d824c440e1a)

By adding the country filter, this change will be represented in the preview in two places: above the visualization and as an additional column to the **configured data table**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632156/56e95b1b5ffe7b8cd365c192/XFQIWT56WNX87uj1xHV6DzvtQkaVFyW215Kj7fpOELeTbD-kzwQ79xghrEsSknw9wb0bRGLzgD7Ztpc6zvhuPfMK4B8RwGXKV17DwohiXL0W7q4tWyB1tCTiYMuTrpG9Ns3nMSvp?expires=1618642800\&signature=5892b005cded64f69d03b8c2ab0a1626b4ee1e5837c900954257f9cf075eb666)

## **Fourth step: training** <a href="#fourth-step-training" id="fourth-step-training"></a>

Also in the final train step, if new entities have been used to configure your topic, aliases will need to be assigned. Once saved, these new labels might have an impact on the content of the **visualization** tab. Where as if you are not adding new entities, the preview data view will not be updated in this step.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632158/ccf3fbb71a7fe9a7230d8ce3/Ui0wjGcrvMf1xSPmgIjOhS-9YSMavvCUwfSUwIpP8LVtx_HVFhrV9TuHUhejKrikaS4Tput58Yt7FAWczZt8G8vPUK_T2C04XwDsI2eTgpy6pAJ3IbqoSPri-ruya76F_wGb8q6L?expires=1618642800\&signature=7a69bac20bae1504f29497d76d1d47168e62affc4271ebd5de0e279ea387fd22)

## **Last but not least: topic recap** <a href="#last-but-not-least-topic-recap" id="last-but-not-least-topic-recap"></a>

After the topic creation is completed, you will have the chance to review your data and visualization together with all the other items configured in the steps of the topic creation in the **topic recap** page.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280632174/fe96053e6dbcd0f0c3fade3e/2V4gBaMeKLgjuwiRgyrLBBYOVzEYRtuHUx6Dy-ubrGPujXdxQP8sBfSC1Sbf_z8_pDRy0PhZWqwBtW8bl7tgYg12Kn3fBiU6SkPzY5JUfdXP3_p0RiqVug2hckvUUlY13uROeLT3?expires=1618642800\&signature=d8084c14cfbdf02f8eaf499d4b429cfbc2f2b6cc23cb25d732258094bd15215a)

From this view you can also preview once again your topic’s virtual table and visualization before publishing it.

Was this article helpful? We really hope so! Check out other useful articles in our [Topics](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) section.&#x20;

***


# Manage Your Entities

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

You are able to gain insights from your data through topics. Topics are created with **entities**, which represent the data that builds them. It is important to define what each entity is called because you and your team will refer to them when talking to crystal to make sure she gives you the right insights.

Entities can be used across many topics: this is why there is a dedicated area to manage them all.

Let’s see how to deal with entity management.

## **The entity management panel** <a href="#the-entity-management-panel" id="the-entity-management-panel"></a>

To open the entity management panel from the Self-Service Console click on the **Entity management** button in the upper-right corner of the page.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636251/bdcf8cdc78a5af0066886187/6sAqGfFH584hqraqhPBrAn_ulo4RyLPWaS9Lxa9go2y3tuujL4YUmLI3ta2S3LSiH4fayii8g1Xve8Frd0zO7r24j0iRFUSvb8x_aWuBhuOTw9fHUykaA_EOkiiY1gSjhH5jfhlw?expires=1621266501\&signature=50c72e5fe41b63a41b08b79274dd3952d30f77f171a444778d788b1e5347bbf6)

Entities are necessary to generate topics: if you have no topics yet this area will be empty.

If you already have created topics, you will see a list of all the entities related to your topics. In the list, each entity will be referred to by the name of the primary alias and on the occasion of a multi-language project, also by the project's default language.

Under the entity name, there are specific details: the original column name, the table name, and the data source name from where it comes. When searching for a specific entity, to help narrow it down, you can search by any of these details.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636253/eec6a05475710acef64cb1b3/H5TrfhQAii3ghTGWzcychKIxOc0KP1_iXN-9ZyRVXp1pP6HzJOnq3ENvhem0oEKmjGsKc8A6WLGBffgsdbSCTIqxDmLFSoZ-ouN-aXPPwwgTHZn2vEwS0cNYOresUFjCKeZ_mUTr?expires=1621266501\&signature=2edf7fc2428817fe7df1e933bbcbee8a1215ac0e82a30c9e4eefddfe47e53bd2)

If an entity belongs to a **custom column**, an icon will be displayed. You will be able to edit it as well:

![](/files/VBcMsAsxfLPT4tkjZvNI)

Click on one of the entities to see its details. A new window will pop-up:

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636257/bb9bda7458eb9f47b4f07a5e/TqF_VUgCnEt3fVEcpjz3bsGduKSmWfRZ0hrNromC8H3IxufIm_wXBH3xiRqSrB_Yw9YReLyc3Swzd6CO4hiyuKzkTzxs21Exjzc4mJL26fk5--WA_E3oP62ktj1owwedy3VX-PjC?expires=1621266502\&signature=d8e31f2002b1a5e11445a090c0cbad1c39905a1a042c0737f20c29fd6d4dc77f)

If you click on **Topics using this entity**, you will see the list of all the topics that use that entity as main entities or as a filters.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636260/1f1162073d4c9ceb105abf6f/FLVmCg4PxVUo9Rdvwg_mRg-QEQbX4P0nccTVjDA-rHAPY6vNlJfO_Kc2Gg4tv5hN_SGDy1KLFgHyhEh7ZGMHXBsxfv6xj76k12jnHML3DFjQmH0M90__gKOjxrbUg5UI2FqTNPNs?expires=1621266502\&signature=6e68303e27b6de54989030adffebbac8c8bfa3c216794cc90dbe39ac6bb2b3a1)

Entities can be used as the core of the topic to build it, or they can be used as filters to narrow down the core data. If your entity is used in a topic as a[ dynamic filter](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter), and only, in this case, you will see the related row in the entity detail view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636264/b151c3f459d0f7c813bda9c2/bitynSQ7iHRd1VkmeNEX0Hvn4TKyOXK7_XLqlyE-NWYV9oEVtCUeJ-fiswa7L0pbEHBoAwCipvtw-KbSdBpG2GtWPccIwEbrPpDJYmapJjGMHZrWrSlGsuYhr9QUYmCRItZ1Ph44?expires=1621266502\&signature=045830bc12f7a2546010c9e841030a89b556b1c9febcfed3e15d45d50469a09e)

The **filter type** will show you what kind of filter this entity is used for and helps the advisor to put your data in relationship with your requests for more accurate answers.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636269/48c79d9b1952d4c0198e1bab/7OcxSfvod212O5UuHf53QQiDG9A5ws-X347RRxbqd4a6SuEXZ5jxwiLJFgl17pHB4imhB4h6m_VhWM-1xJFIvQu0plo-WPeWhaRqutNV-nlNdL2M8akY8JAn406xSEiC4QekR_kf?expires=1621266502\&signature=8dce9739e55414bdee0e935fae57be687e35bee5aec3d9c713f492120867aa72)

Back on the single entity detail view, you can see the language or languages your project is in and the status of the entity in those languages (complete, ready or to do).

For each language, you will see its **aliases** (or alternative names). The starred one is the **default alias** that the advisor will primarily use to refer to and, if this alias is a topic’s main entity, it would construct the topic’s name.

For example, if the default alias is “**Sales**” crystal will talk to you about “sales”, but if “**earning**” is also set as an alternative value, she will know what you are referring to if you ask her to show you **2019 earnings**.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636280/d281ad38401c3cb782238a03/jeEXCaL9C7eGV9iZShyxP35HfgeUJ_NkQP6zKe3GRJNfLvTMpZMZg3knf5GyZ-A7to0fnCVcxHSq9JMrpQhKlSMnk6tObeSUaVQm-d1YhPLNrwtMl8wmPvStt5UcR7LXtHDvdvyQ?expires=1621266502\&signature=38d66dfcb7354025e0139181f2dae7d507128418aec2e7d523f10131bc305bea)

You can add or remove aliases and choose a different default alias. Let’s see how.

## **Add a new alias** <a href="#add-a-new-alias" id="add-a-new-alias"></a>

To add a new alias, click on the button **Edit** in the single entity view.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636286/49cd1d674ef06526f3386f6f/Si6-DeveOeMgDuu5lVuoQ2K7zJFQa62CZ1H4wQz-0UyGrFFI4bLzVJNZk70yyqspqr3VjkkjhyTNVffzB3tpKb5jRJBmhczIDFnhXyuKJtbuqBI-ZXUxvi4S66vkZdaDO8qknbv_?expires=1621266502\&signature=103157808ff5a9a9257dee46ff9f6f3d61b4f39c3df14afad5de5216f94cca39)

You will enable the aliases editor: you can either add new aliases, by inserting them in the white field and cancel the already existing ones, by clicking on the X.

You can also decide to assign a different default alias to the entity by clicking on the star: the yellow star indicates the default word to be used by the advisor.

{% hint style="info" %}
Remember that **the more aliases you create for each entity, the easier will be for the advisor to understand the conversation.**
{% endhint %}

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636293/f4908b5d803c52f077c26f9d/AlTSwUZyzuJ5oTvRiunF1BSZI64n4a9z_JOeqMsaY9SwdiIppk-Cq5P2w42DDxLp3-X3f_qlxN-eo2mtVql3ylGsQGsNIAnlQS2SqBO_ekVqKAq1xZxO6HasFlAeocEeQAgPrRC6?expires=1621266502\&signature=3d0fbeab22947f3ac5406fd4f9a0da8ebeb4881f4ce67ab43a7704b1cccbfe5c)

Below the aliases, you will see **Value aliasing,** which allows you to also give aliases to every single value of the column. For example, if you have a column of countries and there are acronyms in the column, you may want to also insert the full name of the country, or vice versa, like **the United States** and **US.**&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
Please note that you can’t apply value aliases to numerical data.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

If you click on the value aliasing row, you will see the following view:

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636301/fd8ef576af5846379f5090d0/slWHRrKzAuhHVdiM00CrhXFW75oowzsyytJuQEsRd_N-_6d-eWeCGnYzYl10-Xso8ijKlvcNXIuYkQcFMgBvBvx9-n08e6GSxjvCcsmV_fGFakfKx1KvdL2BwAckCcW5utJcvigp?expires=1621266502\&signature=e3caf3a040b83d2d0590f8a77b524695aac80f344eb07eee1f5880d26633c6dd)

Here you can see all the column values that are related to the entity and you can insert more aliases or cancel those already created. Click on **Done** to confirm the changes and get back to the main detail view where you can save all the changes you have made.

Then click on **Save** to enable your changes. Since editing an entity will impact all the related topics, you will get a confirmation message to remind you that such topics will be **temporarily unavailable** if you complete the changes.

In fact, the topics affected must be re-trained before they can be used again.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636308/f6af5f9b6c5606bba711b90d/crz25nqsxOVZbKl9tLyik8mECZo0E9vpnMOBIGZ-GURsNNApIngYh9NEtZy4ChVQ88Kvb7yzQpT7ErQoIjncHBYwWXN2gxv2k57bJejGlzzyc3jatu4sofeVtUpczgo6nbvjGIzv?expires=1621266502\&signature=04def4eee096cbe4c3aeab0a30806efb94cb8e5ed09bda00193c40e481fea7c2)

## **Remove an entity** <a href="#remove-an-entity" id="remove-an-entity"></a>

Removing an entity is very simple. Just click on **Delete** in the lower part of the panel.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/280636318/694118639d856faa5e4ce3ec/YCyIDTRzGH_nGobbTkoxzOyhjlzG863MPdKxpi_CTHaETjeV9_uhCaOTQjkDvzuHWQ6uuyZhxdgcZb_RLAZqYreVZdySjPJuxuMfbqGMjTx2JWXCbB1a8fDSdNMThWOtRfTBu1Az?expires=1621266502\&signature=3ce5f62f271c864c640b1d950b422b2d8acd515bcc0016f9c780e569efe7b084)

Since deleting an entity will impact all related topics, you will be asked to confirm before completing the cancellation, which will result in the **temporary unavailability** of the involved topics.

## How can I modify entities that have already been trained?

You can modify existing entities from the entity management panel at any time. Remember that all the topics that use an entity will be retrained in the event it is modified, so they might be unavailable for a moment.

We hope this article helped you to know more about entities. Find some more useful information in the [Topics](/crystal-console/topics-configuration) section of our Resources!

***


# Manage Users

Here's where you'll find all the information you need to manage Users in your Crystal Project.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTab9WVJwsmacRFEuZ" %}
[Discover the Users Area](/crystal-console/users/user-area)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/FaxgnNnWMbup42LiLFiC" %}
[Invite Users to Crystal](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTYGmOLpN\_TX6wW3\_M" %}
[Create and Manage Groups](/crystal-console/users/user-groups)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/I88rtxaautaRNbMC9K5J" %}
[Manage Permissions](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Discover the Users Area

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

The console is the area where Crystal Admins go to create and set up the topics that will be asked by members to the Advisor in the conversation. They also access the Console to manage the project’s users and related settings.

The Console is divided into two main sections: **Topics**, where the creation, set up and editing of a topic takes place, and **Users**, dedicated to all the people who are part of a project.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368024142/57215a85118ed14e50249a97/HAFX_bzg5ztM2weRh3FQ9I62mpAJkK0nrvrt6v8-w7GxyUdw1wiR2LLdr-JiG9hocowFnKnINe83QiJKWMcwix92Dsw9sH587HhptKVUaxlSEqW1d0tr3wITRnqnlWw4utbnLGr2)

Here an Admin can see the name of the person or group of people invited. In case of individual users, you can see their email address In case of a group, you can see the number of people inside it, the role (Member or Admin) of contacts added, the source where they came from (added manually or from Google Workspace IDP) and their status (if they’re active or if they haven’t accepted the invitation yet).

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368024146/a6318a999a59b42d5e77a4b4/nAyHGO3ZOZzem0YGJR-ftXQOZcl_JbVZnMCTglsM6RevbzqwhD06JZpkTlFnVcZYz5G3dmxr-zPTAzVBJiCAa0D6xU6pjxDlJcJwkMYjUGr-IAGtGcmMzer_WC0k43_Q-ORv6BL0)

The Admins can choose to add single users or groups of users to the project manually, like in this case:

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368024148/87aa8fba5c5f31fb1906c5d7/YvSHBr9MPEom78noJEZmbLi9R759pZqAyq9nydjXyxfKnge4a5zc2zknCpJ1PDN9yb0hbAGcTNWnU0hMCVwhUYfgmXdcDEMn-TELlAVaSWEohubAnskHnBWTic7OMSHIjBQFfadV)

Or they can import single contacts or groups by IDP (currently Google Workspace).

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368024157/2f7ab46f4776602a0580523c/FfKiwYnaGr0RWer7ec8NVyBEL6x8dzuNmqSGoHdbCmoLzVyUN_o9z1PO312V0k7oIjRFGURobBJl4GSrqmJG0ergADSiVNLPOGXQyLMYsv0Ur5aEn1-BmrM-Cv_fA797ULaTv0Uc)

In all cases, admins must decide, while adding new users to the project, whether they will be invited as admins or members. In the case of a group, roles cannot be assigned to single members, but to the whole group, so all people in that group must be either members or admins.

Users will get an email notification to tell them they are invited to join a crystal project.

Their status will remain pending until they accept the invitation and log in to crystal.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/368024166/fc0a3d6214f4dfbfd52f906a/Iem7itDeqfM4qC_Lqu2erqP0nk6KctMMzQ8UMeVBHPCj8Rbq1JLDDgWNkD5tQz4Tckc1yOxkA_tDwTWgBYs_H-CJOMWgpPt_WFq6Zp8iHLB7l6cYlX93LeIljHGfuSpn30X7uiz-)

We hope you enjoyed this article: check out more in the tutorials section of our Resources.

***


# Invite Users to Crystal

This page describes how to invite Users to Crystal.

To join Crystal as Members, all Users must be invited by the Admin.

If you are an **Admin** **User**, you can manage the **invitation process** from the **Crystal Console**.

Let's see how to do this!

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As viewing [permissions](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions) are inherited from Groups, after the invitation process don't forget to *also* *add the invited Users to one or more* *Groups* in order to grant them viewing permissions to data - otherwise they won’t be able to talk to Crystal on the first access.
{% endhint %}

## Invite People

First of all, access the Invitation Section:

1. go to the *"Users"* Tab
2. choose the option *"People"*
3. click on *"Invite People"*

<figure><img src="/files/UktxcwQfxtQ46U4Wb0Wp" alt=""><figcaption><p>Invite People</p></figcaption></figure>

## Choose Invitation Method

At this point, you can choose between **two invitation options**:&#x20;

1. add Users **manually**, sending them an *invitation link* and asking to *create a Crystal account*
2. granting Users access **via Identity Provider (IDP)**, allowing them to access Crystal with an *enterprise email* without creating a Crystal account

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Users will need to follow different [Signup](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in) and [Login](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1) processes based on the method you choose.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/CtKxht5jFUR6kbRdyeXR" alt=""><figcaption><p>Invitation Options</p></figcaption></figure>

Deep-dive on the invitation methods!

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MhTYBsaS0m0qvrbICb2" %}
[Invite Users Manually](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/z8PrWQmSGVycRtgiHQMA" %}
[Invite Users via Identity Providers](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Invite Users Manually

This page describes how to manually invite Users to Crystal.

As an Admin Member, there are [**two invitation methods**](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal) that you can use to invite Users to Crystal: manual or via Identity Provider.

This guide focuses on the **manual invitation** method (you can read about the alternative method [here](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers)).

Let's see how to do it.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As viewing [permissions](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions) are inherited from Groups, after the invitation process don't forget to *also* *add the invited Users to one or more* *Groups* in order to grant them viewing permissions to data - otherwise they won’t be able to talk to Crystal on the first access.
{% endhint %}

## Choose Method

Choosing the invitation method is easy:

1. go to the *"Users"* Tab
2. choose the option *"People"*
3. click on *"Invite People"*

<figure><img src="/files/h9hUrHLfIdIIx0n1JLOj" alt=""><figcaption><p>Invite People</p></figcaption></figure>

4. now you can choose the *"Add manually"* invitation option

<figure><img src="/files/ldZzBXt1lvLLc0uymZGF" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Add manually</p></figcaption></figure>

## Enter User Info

Now you need to insert all the details of the Users you want to invite.

*Mandatory Fields*:

* First name
* Last name
* Email
* Role&#x20;

<details>

<summary>Crystal Roles</summary>

Remember that **Member Users** are the ones who can access the *Crystal Advisor only*, whereas **Admin Users** can access *both the Advisor and the Console*.

To know more about Crystal Users' roles, check [this article](/fundamentals/crystal).

</details>

*Optional Fields:*

* Job title
* Country

<figure><img src="/files/dbUK1ULHhslZ2Gyp1C1z" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>User information</p></figcaption></figure>

When you click on *"Add manually",* an email will be sent to the new User with an *invitation link* to enter the Crystal Project.

The User just added will be collected within the *"Pending Invitations"* sub-tab, it means that this User has not logged in to the Project yet: once the invited User will complete the first Login in Crystal, it will be moved to the People sub-tab.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Depending on your subscription plan, **Users seats are limited to a specific number**.&#x20;

You can check this number in the upper part of the screen.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/LYgqVn79PjcbcW52hRi6" alt=""><figcaption><p>Total Seats Available</p></figcaption></figure>

## Invite More Users

If you need to add more than one user at the same time, you can select the *"Invite another"* option that is located in the User Info element.

In this case, when clicking on the button, the User is added and the Users tab will be refreshed to allow you to insert the new User’s details.

## Send a Reminder

You can easily send a reminder to join Crystal to each User who has not yet logged in for the first time: just check the dedicated area related to the *"Pending Invitations"* in Users within the Console to send all the reminders you need.

<figure><img src="/files/eHz68JYxKqknDaQoiZTl" alt=""><figcaption><p>Send a Reminder</p></figcaption></figure>

***


# Invite Users via Identity Providers

This page describes how to invite Users to Crystal via Identity Providers.

As an Admin Member, there are [**two invitation methods**](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal) that you can use to invite Users to Crystal: manual or via Identity Provider.

This guide focuses on the **invitation via IDP** method (you can read about the alternative method [here](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users)).

Let's see how to do it.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

As viewing [permissions](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions) are inherited from Groups, after the invitation process don't forget to *also* *add the invited Users to one or more* *Groups* in order to grant them viewing permissions to data - otherwise they won’t be able to talk to Crystal on the first access.
{% endhint %}

## Choose Identity Provider

You have two possible Identity Providers (IDPs) to choose from:

* **Microsoft IDP**: this option will enable Users to log in with their company's Microsoft credentials
* **Google IDP**: this option will enable Users to log in with their company's Google credentials

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Both Identity Providers can be enabled at the same time if needed.
{% endhint %}

## Set Up Identity Provider

To be able to invite Users via Identity Provider, *the Identity Provider must be enabled on Crystal first*!

Let's see how to do it in the dedicated tutorials!

***

### Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/OZGH6AfTl1m8OdR6lVdg" %}
[Enable the Microsoft Identity Provider](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers/microsoft-azure)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/ojtnw3u2IjRNTOGTPwRg" %}
[Enable the Google Identity Provider](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers/enable-the-google-identity-provider)
{% endcontent-ref %}

***

## Invite Users via Identity Provider

Once the Identity Provider has been successfully enabled on Crystal, you’ll be capable to invite *Users* via the Google or Azure Workspace, like this:

1. go to the Section *"People"* and click on *"Invite People"*

<figure><img src="/files/gWDbaw58HBlv688GROhH" alt=""><figcaption><p>Invite People</p></figcaption></figure>

2. choose the option *"Import from Google Workspace"* or *"Import from Azure"* - based on which ones you have enabled

<figure><img src="/files/u4OM978llx3DmBG9oNdv" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Import from IDP</p></figcaption></figure>

3. select the Users from the list that opens up

<figure><img src="/files/kn9lTRdka4mKuOb3fAoV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select Users</p></figcaption></figure>

4. choose the role for the User

<details>

<summary>Crystal Roles</summary>

Remember that **Member Users** are the ones who can access the *Crystal Advisor only*, whereas **Admin Users** can access *both the Advisor and the Console*.

To know more about Crystal Users' roles, check [this article](/fundamentals/crystal).

</details>

<figure><img src="/files/eWbtqzCBuSApcBmM0T1C" alt="" width="432"><figcaption><p>Assign Role</p></figcaption></figure>

At this point, everything is set!

The Users you invited will be capable to perform the [Login](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1) without creating a Crystal Account, but using their existing Google or Microsoft emails instead.

<figure><img src="/files/tODzfmcH5N3b4EO9fE2B" alt=""><figcaption><p>Login via Identity Provider</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Identity Providers can also be used to [*create new Groups*](/crystal-console/users/user-groups).
{% endhint %}

***


# Enable the Microsoft Identity Provider

This page describes how to enable the Microsoft IDP for the Login.

<figure><img src="/files/WwMERyFqpCP5jKehNrSE" alt=""><figcaption><p>Login with Microsoft IDP</p></figcaption></figure>

To let Member Users log in to Crystal with their Microsoft credentials, the Admin User must first setup Microsoft Azure as an Identity Provider.&#x20;

To do so, as an Admin, you must follow a process that involves both **Azure** and **Crystal**.

Please follow through this tutorial.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Identity Providers can also be used to [*create new Groups*](/crystal-console/users/user-groups).
{% endhint %}

## Step 1 - **Add an app registration on the Microsoft Azure Portal**

* First, you need to log in to [Microsoft Azure.](http://portal.azure.com/)
* Then search for **App registrations** in the upper search bar.

![](/files/NuUQtfbHtqMUYZv2Lqw6)

* Now click on **+ New registration**

![](/files/FhYVsllULlNyWBVzbB4H)

* You will now need to fill in the App registration form through the following passages:

1. choose a name for registering the crystal app on Azure (for example, you might use[ crystal.ai](http://crystal.ai/));
2. select the correct account types that you want to support. If you choose **Accounts** on this organizational directory only, only the accounts registered in the current Azure AD will be able to login to crystal;
3. provide a redirect URI for OAuth2 (you can configure it later, but the structure should be: https\://{your-crystal-tenant-name}.crystal.ai/login-manager/login/azure/complete).

![](/files/2pSXf0GoXQZy7n89RARI)

## Step 2 - **Create a client secret for the App**

After following the Step 1 instructions, you will be able to see your new App registration among the App registrations. You will now need to create a client secret, by following these steps:

* On the left menu, click on **Certificates & secrets.**

![](/files/PDDlmRZa9mWvQK6eC414)

* On the **Client secrets tab**, click on **+ New client secret**, then choose a meaningful name and an expiration time that suits your needs. &#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
Remember that when the secret expires, you will have to reconfigure crystal, so we recommend to choose a **Custom duration** and keep it long enough not to be affected by expirations.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/sX2hPxeuVN8w4V7iLPrW)

* Copy the secret value and **keep it somewhere safe**: you will need it later, when you will configure crystal in **Step 4** (it’s the Secret Code in the IDP form).

![](/files/yF150VIUqGZQ07YSJhDs)

## Step 3 - Give the proper API permissions to the App

* On the left menu, click on **API permissions**. You should see the **User.Read permission** already configured. Click on **+Add a permission**.

![](/files/7Qrcyg2uEAyhJ5DVrwS7)

* Now click on the **Microsoft Graph** banner.

![](/files/Da0D1z9ZjGUdmuQWmYvj)

* Click on **Application permissions** and search for **Group**, then flag the option **Group.Read.All permission.**

![](/files/iLgmKBlOaUY8xPd8szyu)

* If you’re not the directory administrator, you should see an orange sign on the status (instead of a green circle). In this case you should ask your admin to consent to the newly added permissions. If, instead, you’re the admin, you can grant them **by clicking on Grant admin consent for.**

![](/files/aWil1sbQbdSUX8vF84ZJ)

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In total, you have to add 4 permissions:

* **User.Read** - already configured
* **User.Read.All** - to add manually
* **Group.Read.All** - to add manually
* **GroupMember.Read.All** - to add manually
  {% endhint %}

## **Step 4 - Configure the Microsoft Azure IDP in the crystal Console**

* Log in to the crystal Self-Service Console and go to the Users tab. Click on the Identity Provider label, then click on **Add new IDP.**

<figure><img src="/files/qVISQSEYdWQSe0ad7wHL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/camEGXlju7iJ5nZG4dFI" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Select **Azure Active Directory.**

![](/files/EQTQy9qYifAgSTqoUtxl)

* Now you need to fill in the form with the App registration credentials you configured in the previous steps of this guide.

**Here is where you can find the credentials you need:**

1. You will find **Client ID** and **Tenant ID** by clicking on **Overview** from the left menu of your crystal app registration on the Azure portal.

![](/files/9mjUlqbcjKhW2upztQsb)

2\. You can find the **Redirect URI** by clicking on **Authentication** from the left menu of your crystal app registration on the Azure portal. It must be the same and the structure must be  https\://{your-crystal-tenant-name}.crystal.ai/login-manager/login/azure/complete.

![](/files/i8wNryvFbCU35I08BTkM)

3\. The **Secret Code** can be found by clicking on **Certificates & Secrets** from the left menu of your crystal app registration on the Azure portal. Mind that, if you didn’t save it before, you will have to create a new one.

![](/files/K9030gFpsIVuWjYUkKQR)

* Once the form is filled with the above mentioned credentials, click on **Test and Connect.**

![](/files/eEoFPnz3zKKGJQx0tYIo)

If the connection succeeds, you’ll be capable to [invite Users](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers) from Azure and *enable the Login via Microsoft credentials for them* (and to easily create [new groups](/crystal-console/users/user-groups)).

***


# Enable the Google Identity Provider

This page describes how to enable the Google IDP for the Login.

<figure><img src="/files/NJXb8ZpWRA6GPwpUJX4A" alt=""><figcaption><p>Login with Google IDP</p></figcaption></figure>

To let Member Users log in to Crystal with their Google credentials, the Admin User must first setup Google as an Identity Provider.&#x20;

To do so, as an Admin, you must follow a process that involves both **Google Cloud Platform** and **Crystal**.

Please follow through this tutorial.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

Identity Providers can also be used to [*create new Groups*](/crystal-console/users/user-groups).
{% endhint %}

## Step 1 - Create and configure a service account

First of all, you need to create a Google Service account with the correct privileges and domain-wide delegation.

#### 1a) Create service account

1. login into your [Google Cloud Platform](https://console.cloud.google.com/welcome/new). Be sure to select the correct project or create a dedicated one for Crystal
2. Select *"APIs & Services"*, then [*"Credentials"*](https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentials)

<figure><img src="/files/4KHzd1zCfehHStb27Mtc" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. from the top menu, select *"Create Credentials"* → *"Service Account"*

<figure><img src="/files/PCewForTe4QwHgrPbaOR" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. choose a name for your service account and skip all the optional steps

<figure><img src="/files/xWFKut6JcDpu3KD4EP2j" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Once you’ve done, you should see your new Service Account details.

#### 1b) Configure the service account

In order to make the proper API calls, you need to enable *workspace delegation* and add a *key* to the Service Account:

1. go to *"API and Services*" → [*"Credentials"*](https://console.cloud.google.com/apis/credentials)
2. select the Service Account you just created from the list under the “Service Accounts” section

<figure><img src="/files/0oqzwFG4yU6Ot75CoHTX" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. under the details, check the *“Enable Google workspace domain wide delegation”* checkbox

<figure><img src="/files/ZzVy0brmE5pYG7j6H1xf" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. in the *“keys”* tab, select *"Add key"* → *"Create a new key"*

<figure><img src="/files/CaxfQZCbLe24zIrBB5FG" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. save the downloaded file to a known location: you’ll be required to upload it later while configuring Crystal

#### 1c) Enable Admin SDK API

In order to be capable of performing API calls to the Google Workspace Admin APIs and retrieve details about Users and Groups, you must:

1. browse APIs from *"APIs & Services"* → "*Dashboard"* on the main menu

<figure><img src="/files/pTz5hDi0eYmJF1lL4ZXs" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. click on *"Enable APIs and services"*
3. search for *“Admin SDK”*

<figure><img src="/files/kD54uv3C7QDT47RsXWm4" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. select Admin SDK API

<figure><img src="/files/pEdhdI5bPXRAqeOelmRs" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Enable the API (if it’s not yet enabled)

<figure><img src="/files/r5UR3piyZpY2PweWpKmk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 1d) Enable domain wide delegation

To authorise your Service Account to perform the specific tasks that we need, you must:

1. login into <https://admin.google.com>
2. go to *"Security"* → *"API controls"* (if you don’t see Security click before on *“Other”*)

<figure><img src="/files/kTT2pqdf8510M4U7tlHg" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. scroll down until the domain wide delegation section and select *“Manage domain wide delegation”*

<figure><img src="/files/Jis085Qui84YiG3AZQE9" alt="" width="558"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. select “Add new” and fill-in the details. Client ID is your service account client id. You also need to add the following two OAuth scopes:

$$
<https://www.googleapis.com/auth/admin.directory.group.readonly>
$$

$$
<https://www.googleapis.com/auth/admin.directory.user.readonly>
$$

<figure><img src="/files/sjevTiu41JtxVF1CB4r4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 2 - Create and configure the OAuth client ID

To enable the Login with Google feature, you need to create a web application

1. go again to *"APIs & Services"* → *"Credentials"*
2. click on *"+ Create credentials"*
3. select *“OAuth client ID”*

<figure><img src="/files/HVtXls3Ve8EgakSrnHAH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you haven’t already, GCP will ask you to configure the consent screen

1. click on *“configure consent screen"*
2. select user type: Internal
3. click on *"Create"*
4. return to *"APIs & Services"* → *"Credentials"* and click on *"+ Create credentials"*

<figure><img src="/files/1SrffQlqu48c9URr6WBV" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. You can now proceed with the OAuth Client ID configuration. Fill the form with descriptive names. The most important thing is to add as Authorized redirect URI the crystal oauth2 redirect url

$$
https\://{tenant-name}.crystal.{ai}/login-manager/login/google/complete
$$

{% hint style="info" %}
Replace *{tenant-name}* with the name of the domain you’ve chosen for your Crystal Project
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/cyRiAwiy8Vcv9IX6M7qz" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. once you’ve created it, save the **client id** and **client secret**. You’ll need them to complete the IDP configuration on the crystal console in step3. You can either copy and paste them into a location of your choosing, or download the JSON file.

<figure><img src="/files/Y1W78dpw2XsZqwXFt7Fk" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Step 3 - Configure the new IDP in the Crystal Console

The last step will be performed inside the Crystal Console:

1. from the Users Tab, under *"Identity Provider"*, select *"Add new IDP"*

<figure><img src="/files/5h8YhQ4VjYMxXzcXFGMZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/QiS4XzkApL42QXPPIe7U" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. select Google Workspace as connection type

<figure><img src="/files/5Tdz1jNzfzjg066gAqok" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Fill-in the required fields with the correct values and upload the secret account key you downloaded in **Step 1b**

The inboxes refers to the OAuth2 Client (**Step 2**), the Secret Account key refers to the Service Account (**Step 1**).

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

* **Admin user**: the email address of the admin user of your organization
* **Domain**: the Google Workspace main domain of you organization
* **Client ID**: the client id you copied in Step 2 (OAuth2 client ID)
* **Redirect URI**: the redirect uri configured in Step 2 (OAuth2 client ID)
* **Secret value**: the client secret you copied in Step 2 (OAuth2 client ID)
  {% endhint %}

Here’s an example of correct fields:

<figure><img src="/files/nYwy8n2F2TB63EVkvr7v" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the connection succeeds, you’ll be capable to [invite Users](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/invite-users-via-identity-providers) from Google Workspace and *enable the Login via Google credentials for them* (and to easily create [new groups](/crystal-console/users/user-groups)).

***


# Create and Manage Groups

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

By connecting your team to Crystal, you can share and leverage insights throughout your company, elevating the decision-making process with the help of data on-the-go.

To start, access your Console at yourdomain.crystal.io/console (for example: myteam.crystal.io/console). Then, press the Users button in the top navigation bar.

From here, you can connect your company’s identity providers, allowing Crystal to access user data, and have your team quickly on board. You can also add users manually into Crystal to create groups (such as teams, branches, offices or departments that may all need to see similar data and insights).

You can move between the Tabs with the aim to see only Groups or only single Users and manage them.

<figure><img src="/files/WmLt8PsEJ2R3JvPwxqdP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## **Connecting your identity providers** <a href="#h_fdf6cdbfc1" id="h_fdf6cdbfc1"></a>

As of now, crystal supports Google Workspace and Azure as the only identity providers supported. To connect it to Crystal, press the identity providers button on the the top right of the page, then press the IDP item that appears below (Azure Active Directory or Google Workspace).

{% hint style="info" %}
You’ll need to ensure that you’ve already allowed your IDP to connect to Crystal. To learn about setting this up on the Google side and retrieving the necessary data points, [refer to this Google help article](https://support.google.com/a/answer/6349809?hl=en).
{% endhint %}

From here, insert your Client ID, Secret Code, Redirect URI, Domain, and your Admin user. You’ll then need to upload your service account key file using the corresponding button. Once you’ve uploaded the file and checked that you inserted all of your IDP data points correctly, press Connect.

Your identity provider is now connected to Crystal, so you can add groups and people into crystal using your IDP profiles.

You can delete the integration between your IDP and Crystal at any time by pressing the identity providers item on Users page again, then pressing the name of your IDP when it appears below.

In the pop up box, press Delete, then confirm that you want to delete the connection.

## **Groups** <a href="#h_574d7a70f5" id="h_574d7a70f5"></a>

The purpose of groups is to gather together users that have a common categorization. They could be, for example, all the people that belong to the same team (eg. International sales), all the people that work from a certain location (eg. People from the New York office) and so on.&#x20;

You can create groups [manually](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users) or by [inviting synced groups from your IDP.](/crystal-console/users/user-groups)

## **Add groups of users manually** <a href="#h_574d7a70f5" id="h_574d7a70f5"></a>

To add groups manually, press the Add groups button near the top of the page. In the pop up box, then select the Create manually option and press Next.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/333087469/95fa86f1ccf4a7781225a6d1/ZruTSnMAs4bOPybmZt0woHlxEZt4UQLCEAp-iuPqRL9ykMBzizPXex8AEbLw_l46ATZ61gLKcobI6IWBpItf3Ze2BBJv1MzhzLI4IWaLXB1BuRPL0VX6gZK4SH0eqApa4w-LvDLF)

You will have to choose a unique name for your group: if you pick up a name that’s already taken from another group, you will get an error message.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/333087476/12c25fcd321fbe502b042c41/mTCDfDhvdvQHPVIysbxN4EC-R69ncjY1_tKrEHfyioPMU88BvzJepSXNv3l-E6Xg3_JW8KD91uLW_wJA6cNhLSWFroZmrknbZPdsEgjwOSp-OfHxWgNqR4vJHA5R-0I2J3QVE2xR)

Click on Save to proceed.

You will now see the list of all the project’s users, among which you will be able to select the people you want to add to your group.

Select the people you want to include in this group and click on Save. You will find the group in the main Users page.

## **Add groups of users from your IDP** <a href="#h_ad98af0344" id="h_ad98af0344"></a>

To add groups from your identity provider, first make sure you’ve connected it to crystal and then press the Add groups button near the top of the page. In the pop up box, select the Choose from IDP option and press Next. Give your group a name, then press Add.

![](https://crystal-1aa63e8abb35.intercom-attachments-7.com/i/o/333087507/27ebc4c1f7111e3ffbe7ccce/cny-nKHLuZVh0-6pgUb8UeyIRsGsDBZBSNTHo_CIenJWG9K-iP5dDhT9mQ7x6Po0VYr4tVYtrGGWPCOnavKiDzQPQhImPiGmiAwKpsgvC6IcYCR7vSQFp4LrB0uBjmQ1Bn8AKpXJ)

From here, flag the groups in the list that you would like to import. Note that you can select multiple groups. You can also use the search bar to look for specific groups. You will import all of the users—including those belonging to subgroups, if present—from this IDP.

Your selected groups will appear in the Groups selected section at the top of the page. Press the X next to a group’s name in this section to deselect them at any time.

Once you’ve selected all of your groups, press the purple Invite button, then choose which role all users in these groups will have and press Assign:

* Members: all users will be able to see the topics for which they have authorization, and interact with the advisor, but will not have access to the Console.
* Admins: all users will interact with the advisor and use the Console to add and edit topics and manage users and project settings.

To know more about crystal users roles, check [this](/fundamentals/crystal) out.

Once finished, you’ll see the new group in the main Users list.

## **Editing or deleting groups** <a href="#h_b014d5b779" id="h_b014d5b779"></a>

You can modify a group and add or delete members only if it is manually imported: you can do it at any time by pressing the pen icon in the user’s row on the Users page. You will see the group details page from which you will be able to add or remove users from the group.

If a group is imported from your identity provider you can only edit its members’ roles and choose whether they all are going to be admins or members.

You can also choose to Delete a group: the users will still be part of the project but will no longer belong to this group.

***


# Manage Permissions

This page is currently under review. Stay tuned!

Crystal Projects often carry highly sensitive and confidential data that needs to be handled with care.

For this reason, Crystal Console offers a **Permissions Management System** that enables you, as an Admin User, to manage and customize Member Users' Permissions in order to **control which data they can see and ask for on the Crystal Advisor**.

<details>

<summary>Impacts of Permissions on the Advisor's Capabilities</summary>

Permission settings affect all the Advisor's capabilities where there is a Topic (with Filters) to visualize.

Whenever permissions are not granted, the User’s experience will be limited.

Viewing permissions are crucial for the Member Users to be able to fully experience the following capabilities:

* [Request Topics](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics) in Conversations (including Filtering Topics in Conversation)
* [Autocomplete](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete)
* [Topics Overview](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)
* [Suggestions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)
* [Share Topic](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic)
* [Share Data Story](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling)
* [Alerts](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts)

</details>

The current version of the capability has been developed to help Admins ensure the highest level of privacy and security of your Crystal Project with an **easier, faster, and more granular system**.

Let's see how to tailor permissions to your needs!

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

Permissions can also be set during the **Topic Configuration** process, in the ["**Set Permissions"**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions) phase.
{% endhint %}

## Underlying Rules

The Permission Management System is designed to support a range of **automatic rules** that **quick-start** the permissions' settings and act as a **baseline framework** for you to start from.

Therefore, before diving into action, it is important for you to keep in mind the main principles for the Permission Management System.

### Permission Levels

Permissions apply to **Topics** and **Filters**.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

You need to set permissions on your Crystal Project independently of the permissions set in the Data Sources underlying Topics.

In other words, Crystal doesn't inherit the permissions set at the Database level.
{% endhint %}

### **Permission Targets**

Permissions target **Users** and / or **Groups** of Users (added either *manually* or through an *Identity Provider*).

### **Default Permissions**

Some permissions are set by default:

* &#x20;**By default, Users have no permissions (*****"Revoke All"*****)**

As soon as you [invite new Users](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal) to a Crystal Project, they have no permissions for Topics and Filters.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If you don't grant permission to a User soon after inviting them to your Crystal Project, they won't be able to see and ask for a Topics when accessing the Advisor for the first time!
{% endhint %}

* &#x20;**By default, Groups have permissions to everything (*****"Allow All"*****)**

As soon as you [create a Group](/crystal-console/users/user-groups), it automatically assigns it permissions for all available Topics and Filters.

### **Inherited Permissions**&#x20;

Some permissions are inherited automatically:

* **Users inherit permissions from Groups**

As soon as you [assign Users to a Group](/crystal-console/users/user-groups), they can visualize all the Topics and Filters enabled for that Group.

* **Filters inherit permissions from Topics**

As soon as you grant a User permissions to a Topic, they can also visualize all the Filters for that Topic.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

You can leverage the Inheritance Rules in your favor to quickly enable Users to visualize Topics and Filters.

Based on the first rule, *Creating Groups strategically* with a *careful selection of its members* could be a good way to manage Users' permissions in a few clicks.

Moreover, *adding a new User to a Group right after an invitation* is the quickest way to enable them to talk to Crystal!

You can find out more about creating and managing a Group [**here**](/crystal-console/users/user-groups).
{% endhint %}

## **Manage Permissions Selectively**

Along with the [Default Permissions ](#default-permissions)and [Inherited Permissions](#permissions-inheritance), the Permission Management capability grants you, as an Admin User, the **full power to operate granular customizations** to the permission settings and therefore bypass - or surpass - the baseline settings that automatically come from the main rules.

Go to the *"Users"* Tab of the Crystal Console and find the *"Manage permissions"* Section:

<figure><img src="/files/VUjO85jZRXQbP8qbi1bz" alt=""><figcaption><p>"Users" Tab</p></figcaption></figure>

From there, you can manually **allow or revoke** permissions, choosing to operate **selectively**:

* On the desired **target** (Users and / or Groups) *- see the dedicated area on the Left*
* At the desired **level** (Topics and / or Filters) *- see the dedicated area on the Right.*

<figure><img src="/files/4YlY9pHWsBVjvYOtgAdD" alt=""><figcaption><p>"Manage Permissions" Section</p></figcaption></figure>

#### Remarks on Targets

You can choose to operate by selecting *different kinds of targets*:

* just one User (**"Single User"**)
* just one Group of Users (**"Single Group"**)
* more than one User at a time (**"Multiple Users"**)
* more than one Group at a time (**"Multiple Group"**)
* Users and Groups, both at the same time (**"Mixed Targets"**)

#### Remarks on Topics

Permission Management is available only for Topics that are in the *status "Ready" for at least one Language.*

If a Topic is *"Ready"* in any language, permissions can be assigned to it and will affect all the languages available for that Topic.

#### General Remarks

All the actions that you make on the permission settings always have *immediate effect*.

Now you are ready to deep-dive into the possible scenarios:

1. [Allow or Revoke Permissions to a Single User](#allow-or-revoke-permissions-to-a-single-user)
2. [Allow or Revoke Permissions to a Single Group](#allow-or-revoke-permissions-to-a-single-group)
3. [Allow or Revoke Permissions to Multiple or Mixed Targets](#allow-or-revoke-permissions-to-multiple-or-mixed-targets)

### Allow or Revoke Permissions to a Single User

**Select your target**

1. from the *"Users"* Tab, navigate to the "*Manage Permissions"* Section
2. in the dedicated *"Target"* area on the Left, select the option "*People" -* here are listed all the active Users along with the following details:
   * name and surname
   * email
   * number of Groups affiliations
3. select a unique User **-** there are several ways to achieve this goal:
   * scroll normally
   * order (A-Z, Z-A, selected first, unselected first)
   * use Search Bar

**Check permissions**

Once you select the target, the *"Permissions"* area opens up on the Right - here are listed all the Topics and Filters with the respective permissions settings.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In this case, you may see that the User has:

* some, or most, Topics/Filters set to *"Revoke"* - as this is the default setting for Users
* some Topics/Filters set to *"Allow"* - as this reflects permissions manually given in time
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

Topics inherited from a Group are not visible as *"Allowed"* from here, but can be seen in the Group section only.

Therefore, it is possible that some of the Topics / Filters set as *"Revoked"* are actually allowed as inherited from a Group.
{% endhint %}

**Manage permissions**

Manage the User's permissions by allowing and / or revoking Topics and / or Filters permissions in the respective Tabs (*"Topics"* and *"Filters"*).

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

For the second Inheritance Rule, Filters permissions will follow the actions done on Topics.

However, you can manage Filters' permissions separately in the correspondent Tab.
{% endhint %}

1. to search for a Topic / Filter, the following methods are possible:
   * order (A-Z, Z-A, Allowed first, Revoked first) - for Topics
   * order (A-Z, Z-A) - for Filters
   * use Search Bar
   * bulk or single select
2. to allow or revoke permissions, simply click on the desired checkboxes, then click on "S*ave"*

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

In the *"Topics"* Tab, two different columns are present: one for the *"Allow"* action and one for the *"Revoke"* action.

In the *"Filters"* Tab, instead, just the *"Allow"* column is present: therefore, in this case, you need to deselect the checkbox to revoke permissions.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

For Filters and Values, keep in mind that:

* when selecting a Filter, it automatically *selects all the Values* inside it
* when opening a Filter, it’s possible to find the complete *list of Values* inside and it is possible to *choose them one by one*
* however, the opposite is not possible: you can't *remove just one Filter* when all of them have been enabled together
  {% endhint %}

***See full video!***

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/f5590d24a4f04cd1849f657c8de28f3d?sid=8043e5f3-96a3-4d74-96cd-7c1a037ed322>" %}
Manage permissions for Single Users
{% endembed %}

### Allow or Revoke Permissions to a Single Group

**Select your target**

1. from the *"Users"* Tab, navigate to the "*Manage Permissions"* Section
2. in the dedicated *"Target"* area on the Left, select the option "*Group" -* here are listed all the existing Groups along with the following details:
   * Group name
   * number of included Users
   * list of included Users
3. select a unique Group **-** there are several ways to achieve this goal:
   * scroll normally
   * order (A-Z, Z-A, Selected first, Unselected first)
   * use Search Bar

**Check permissions**

Once you select the target, the *"Permissions"* area opens up on the Right - here are listed all the Topics and Filters with the respective permissions settings.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

In this case, you will see that the Group has:

* some Topics/Filters set to *"Allow"* - as this is the default setting for Groups
* some Topics/Filters set to *"Revoke"* - as this reflects permissions manually given in time
  {% endhint %}

**Manage permissions**

Manage the Group's permissions by allowing and / or revoking Topics and Filters permissions in the respective Tabs (*"Topics"* and *"Filters"*).

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

For the second Inheritance Rule, Filters permissions will follow the actions done on Topics.

However, you can manage Filters' permissions separately in the correspondent Tab.
{% endhint %}

1. to search for a Topic / Filter, the following methods are possible:
   * order (A-Z, Z-A, Allowed first, Revoked first) - for Topics
   * order (A-Z, Z-A) - for Filters
   * use Search Bar
   * bulk or single select
2. to allow or revoke permissions, simply click on the desired checkboxes, then click on "S*ave"*

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

In the *"Topics"* Tab, two different columns are present: one for the *"Allow"* action and one for the *"Revoke"* action.

In the *"Filters"* Tab, instead, just the *"Allow"* column is present: therefore, in this case, you need to deselect the checkbox to revoke permissions.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

For Filters and Values, keep in mind that:

* when selecting a Filter, it automatically *selects all the Values* inside it
* when opening a Filter, it’s possible to find the complete *list of Values* inside and it is possible to *choose them one by one*
* however, the opposite is not possible: you can't *remove just one Filter* when all of them have been enabled together
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

All the changes saved for a Group will be reflected on *all Users* inside the Group.
{% endhint %}

***See full video!***

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/8e530ea8bccc4bf48b4a1ef068d3a126?sid=f48055ef-247c-4017-8083-c55ab1946e9b>" %}
Manage permissions for Single Groups
{% endembed %}

### Allow or Revoke Permissions to Multiple or Mixed Targets

In these scenarios, you will be able to make changes to multiple sets of permissions in one go!

**Select your target**

1. from the *"Users"* Tab, navigate to the "*Manage Permissions"* Section
2. in the *"Target"* section on the Left, select one of these options:
   * **"Multiple Users"**: more than one User from Tab *"People"*&#x20;
   * **"Multiple Groups"**: more than one Group from Tab *"Groups"*
   * **"Mixed Targets"**: both Users and Groups from both Tabs (e.g. one User and one Group, two Users and one Group, etc.)

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

In all these three cases, it’s *not possible to check* the permissions given to Topics / Filters for all the selected targets, as are permissions different for each sub-target selected.

By the way, it is known already that:

* Users have *"Revoke All"* default settings
* Groups have *"Allow All"* default settings
  {% endhint %}

**Choose a modality**

Once you select the target, the *"Permissions"* area opens up on the Right - here are listed all the Topics and Filters with the respective permissions settings.

In these cases, it is also possible to **choose between two modalities** to operate with:

* **"Append Permissions"**

This option entails that the chosen changes - i.e. the allowed or revoked Topics/Filters - will be just *added* to the permissions already in place, *without modifying* them.&#x20;

This means that other Topics/Filters - i.e. the ones not selected - will *maintain the current permissions*.

* **"Unlink Target's Permissions"**

This option entails that the applied changes will be causing an *overwrite* on the permissions already in place, *modifying* them.&#x20;

The overwriting will happen on the other Topics/Filters - i.e. the ones not selected - which will change by being *all revoked*.

<details>

<summary>In summary...</summary>

This is what will happen when saving a change to permissions using the two different modalities.

**"Append Permissions":**

* Topic/Filters checked as *"Allow"* will be allowed
* Topic/Filters checked as *"Revoke"* will be revoked
* not selected Topics/Filters *will remain unchanged*

**"Unlink Target's Permissions":**

* Topic/Filters checked as *"Allow"* will be allowed
* Topic/Filters checked as *"Revoke"* will be revoked
* not selected Topics/Filters *will be revoked*

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

The first modality is the safest one to use!
{% endhint %}

**Manage permissions**

Regardless of the modality chosen, you can allow and / or revoke Topics and Filters permissions in the respective Tabs (*"Topics"* and *"Filters"*).

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

For the second Inheritance Rule, Filters permissions will follow the actions done on Topics.

However, you can manage Filters' permissions separately in the correspondent Tab.
{% endhint %}

1. to search for a Topic / Filter, the following methods are possible:
   * order (A-Z, Z-A, Allowed first, Revoked first) - for Topics
   * order (A-Z, Z-A) - for Filters
   * use Search Bar
   * bulk or single select
2. to allow or revoke permissions, simply click on the desired checkboxes, then click on "S*ave"*

{% hint style="danger" %} <mark style="color:red;">**Attention**</mark>

In the *"Topics"* Tab, two different columns are present: one for the *"Allow"* action and one for the *"Revoke"* action.

In the *"Filters"* Tab, instead, just the *"Allow"* column is present: therefore, in this case, you need to deselect the checkbox to revoke permissions.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

For Filters and Values, keep in mind that:

* when selecting a Filter, it automatically *selects all the Values* inside it
* when opening a Filter, it’s possible to find the complete *list of Values* inside and it is possible to *choose them one by one*
* however, the opposite is not possible: you can't *remove just one Filter* when all of them have been enabled together
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>&#x20;

Changes will be applied to *all the selected Targets*.
{% endhint %}

***See full video!***

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/a9e505cbd07842edb6e098109ebdbcb7?sid=2d5dc69b-881e-463a-9079-343a4e5456e0>" %}
Manage permissions for Multiple or Mixed Targets
{% endembed %}

### Limitations Recap

Here is a recap of the main limitations seen in the ***"Allow or Revoke Permissions"*** scenarios.

<details>

<summary>Limit on Filters Allowed per User</summary>

While all the existent Filters are present in the list, a *maximum of 1000* *Filters* can be allowed per User.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Different logics for <em>"Allow"</em> and <em>"Revoke"</em> actions in Topics and Filters Tab</summary>

In the *"Topics"* Tab, two different columns are present: one for the *"Allow"* action and one for the *"Revoke"* action.

In the *"Filters"* Tab, instead, just the *"Allow"* column is present: therefore, in this case, you need to deselect the checkbox to revoke permissions.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Missing visibility of permissions for inherited Topics / Filters</summary>

In the dedicated *"Permissions"* area on the Right, the list of Topics' and Filters' permissions that is visualized mainly reflects the *default* and *manual* permissions, whereas *inherited permissions* *are not reflected there* (e.g. Topics inherited from Groups, Filters inherited from Topics).

***The best way to know about the inherited Topics and Filters is to check the specific Groups' sections.***

</details>

<details>

<summary>Missing visibility of permissions in Multiple or Mixed Targets selection</summary>

In the dedicated *"Permissions"* area on the Right, when **"Multiple or Mixed Targets"** are selected (Multiple Users, Multiple Groups, Mixed Targets), *it* *is not possible to visualise the current permission settings for the specific sub-targets selected*.

***To visualise the permissions of each sub-target, you need to come back to the single User visualizations or to visualize the Groups section.***

</details>

<details>

<summary>Missing <em>"Revoke"</em> option for Filters in Multiple or Mixed Targets selection</summary>

As of now, when **"Multiple or Mixed Targets"** are selected (Multiple Users, Multiple Groups, Mixed Targets), it is *not possible to revoke Filters permissions, but only allow them*.&#x20;

***To revoke them, you need to manage targets one by one.***

</details>

## **Edge Cases**

Please consider the following edge cases that require a careful permissions management.

### Users That Outgrow Group's Permissions Settings

With time, you will need to accomodate for specific permissions needs that arise case by case.&#x20;

Therefore, based on the choices that you make, there will be different types of permission scenarios for Member Users:

* Users that *only have* G*roup-inherited permissions*&#x20;
  * if you have assigned them to Groups but never customised permissions further
* Users that *only have* *manually granted permissions*
  * if you have not assigned them to any Group but have exclusively customised permissions manually
* Users that *have a* *mix of Group-inherited and manually granted permissions*
  * if you have done both actions

In these cases, it is highly probable that some Users end up with *less permissions or more permissions compared to the ones granted to the Groups they are in*, if you have respectively revoked or allowed many permissions to them after adding them to Groups.

***Don't worry: this is actually the most probable scenario, as well as the one where you have actually created totally custom and tailored permissions settings!***

### Permissions on New Topics

When a new Topic is added to the Console, its permission settings are the ones previously decided during the **Configure Topic** process, during the ["**Set Permissions"**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/permissions) phase, on a Group level.

Two scenarios are possible:

* you have *already granted* permissions to some Groups
* you have decided to *skip permission setting* for later: in this case, no Group has permissions to that Topic

At a Users' level, this implies that only the Users who were already in the enabled Groups inherit the Topic immediately, whereas all other Users need to be enabled manually later, either individually or by enabling their Groups as well.

***When a new Topic is created, remember to double check which Groups or Users need to be enabled to it!***

### **Permissions on New Filters**

When a new Filter is added in Console, it is automatically *allowed on all Groups*: therefore, to all Users in those Groups (because Groups have all permissions by default).

***When a new Filter is created, you should double check if the correct Groups/Users have been enabled and manually revoke the permission of some Groups/Users, if needed!***

***


# Limitations on Crystal Advisor

This page is constantly updated. Stay tuned!

As a **Member User**, you need to be aware of the many possibilities that Crystal offers as well as of some limitations that you might encounter.

A deep knowledge of Crystal allows you to make the most of the experience!

Let's see an overview of the limitations in the Advisor's capabilities for **Crystal Web, Mobile, and Teams**, broken down by Area and Feature, and summarized.

*You will also be redirected to the specific Feature page to find out more details!*

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Stay Tuned!**</mark>

We are constantly working to *improve* our product: check out the [**Release Notes**](/release-notes/2024) section of this documentation to learn about most recent *fixes and enhancements*!&#x20;
{% endhint %}

***

## Talk to Your Data

### Request Topics

* If a Filter has single alphanumeric characters as values, the detection in conversation of such values is not guaranteed; however these values are supported if filtering the Topic via the [Filter Topics](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters) capability in the Topic Card instead

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*!*

### Entity-Based Conversation

* If the requested Entities are **not** **present in at least one Configured Topic**, Crystal cannot generate new Topics
* When you ask for **Entities coming from different Tables**, you can involve up to of a maximum of **40 Tables** from the chosen Data Source - as this is the current limit for Tables configuration in Crystal
* If the requested Entities are spread across **multiple Data Sources**, they cannot be used to generate a new Topic
* When the Entities used for Topic generation are **Custom Entities**, bear the following limitations in mind:
  * if a Custom Entity is defined by Columns from Table A, you can request Virtual Topics with Entities different from A only if there are Configured Topics that have the necessary joins
  * if the Custom Entity is defined by Columns from both tables A and B, you can request Virtual Topics with Entities from both A and B
* Topics of type **Description** or **Comparison - Single column pos. neg.** cannot be auto-generated
* When asking for a Topic of type **List**, the auto-generated **Table** Visualization will contain *as many Columns as the Entities specified in the question*: this means that, if only one Entity is specified, the table will have only one Column and, if you need more Columns, you must specify all the Entities
  * for example: "*Show me a list of customer IDs"* and "*Show me a list of customer IDs and relative names and ages"*
* When asking for a Topic of type **Ranking**, you need to specify the Entity by which you want to order by
  * for example: *"Show me the ranking of sales agents by closed contracts"*
* Auto-generated Topics **won’t be involved in other Crystal capabilities** related to Topics, which will be *available for Configured Topics only*:
  * [Topics Overview](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)
  * [Topic Suggestions](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)
  * [Autocomplete](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete)
  * [Insight Analysis](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/insight-analysis)
  * [Alerts setting via conversation](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts), for both Anomaly Detection and Threshold Monitoring (but you can still set an Anomaly Detection via Topic Card)
* At the moment, the **Objective Inference** capability is only available for two Objectives: **Composition** and **Highlight**
  * *For all the other cases*, **you still need to** **specify the desired Objective** in order to obtain the corresponding Visualization
  * *When the Objective is not specified*, Crystal will assume that you are asking for a Composition: therefore, a **breakdown will be returned by default** (if the underlying data allow it)

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation)*!*

### Autocomplete / Topic Related Suggestions

* Filter and Topic Suggestions are based on User permissions&#x20;
* Sometimes it is possibile that the selected Topics contain no data
* Suggestions don't change if you delete a word
* For Crystal Mobile, the suggestion of Filter Values is limited to a maximum number of values to be shown, regardless of the total number of Filter Values
* Autocomplete only considers Configured Topics

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Autocomplete / Next Word Suggestions

* Suggestion is limited to a single word at a time
* Crystal cannot recognize untrained word sequences
* Predictions don't consider User permissions
* Autocomplete only considers Configured Topics

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

## Explore Your Data

### Suggestions

* The display of Suggestions depends on the presence of a Topic open in Advisor
* The display of Suggestions needs a minimum number of Configured Topics
* If the minimum needed conditions are not met, it is possibile that Suggestions are random
* Suggestions are based only on Configured Topics

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Topics Overview

* This section collects only Configured Topics

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/dashboard)*!*

## Analyze Your Data

### Insights Analysis

* Right now, only available for the Top Contributor, Average and Variability and Extreme Values Insights
* Dependency on a extended Data Model&#x20;
* Can’t be performed if a Topic only has categorical columns
* Can’t be performed if a Topic has at least one Custom Column
* If you don't have the permissions for certain underlying data, you will receive a partial analysis with that data hidden
* There may be a constraint regarding the number of rows the Feature can handle, though it is estimated to be around hundreds of thousands, chosen from the most recent rows in the considered Data Model of the analyzed insight
* Insight Analysis is only available on Configured Topics

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Alerts

* Maximum 20 Alerts can be set in total, across Alert type
* At the moment, it's not possible to edit Alerts once set
* For Auto-generated Topics, Alerts can be set via the Topic Card only, not in conversation&#x20;

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*!*

### Anomaly Detection

* Maximum 10 Anomaly Detection Alerts can be set in total
* Anomaly Detections can be requested on one Topic at a time only
* Be careful on modifying or deleting a Topic where an Anomaly Detection is active
* Auto-generated Topic don't support the capability of setting an Anomaly Detection via conversation (use the Topic Card instead)

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Threshold Monitoring

* Can be activated by Conversation and not via Topic Card
* Threshold Monitoring Alert is counted as an Anomaly Detection
* Threshold Monitoring can be requested on one Topic at a time only
* Be careful on modifying or deleting a Topic where an Threshold Monitoring is active
* Auto-generated Topic don't support the capability of setting a Threshold Monitoring via conversation (use the Topic Card instead)

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Topic Scheduling

* Can be activated via Topic Card and not by Conversation
* Maximum 10 Topic Scheduling Alerts can be set in total
* Topic Scheduling can be requested on one Topic at a time only
* Be careful on modifying or deleting a Topic where an Topic Scheduling is active

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

### Forecasting (Beta)

* Available only for Overtime Single Line Topics
* Each Topic must meet some conditions of minimal data points presence
* In monthly or daily Topics, the statistical model omits the initial and final data points

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*, in the "How Does It Work?" paragraph!*

## Report and Discuss Your Data

### Data Storytelling

* You can create up to 20 Data Stories
* You can save up to 20 Topics in a Data Story
* Dynamic Time Filters with the following patterns don't update properly when saved in a Data Story:
  * **Fixed Start Date + Open End Date:**
    * *"From \[month] to today"*
    * *"From \[month] to yesterday"*
  * **Specific Open Date Ranges:**
    * *"From yesterday to today"*
    * *"Until today"*
    * *"From yesterday"*

*See more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*!*

## Customize Your Experience

### Choose Language

* The actual number of language choices you have (up until 5) depends on your Project's specific configuration

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#request-topics)*!*

***


# Limitations on Crystal Console

This page is constantly updated. Stay tuned!

As an **Admin User**, you need to be aware of the many possibilities that Crystal offers as well as of some limitations that you might encounter.

A deep knowledge of Crystal allows you to make the most of the experience!

Let's see an overview of the limitations in the Console's capabilities, broken down by Area and Feature and summarized.

*You will also be redirected to the specific Feature page to find out more details!*

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Stay Tuned!**</mark>

We are constantly working to *improve* our product: check out the [**Release Notes**](/release-notes/2024) section of this documentation to learn about most recent *fixes and enhancements*!&#x20;
{% endhint %}

***

## **Impacts on Conversation**

### **Minimum Number of Configured Topics**

* In order to guarantee an optimal conversational experience for the Member User, a **minimum of 5/6 Topics** must be configured in Console. With less Topics, Crystal might encounter training problems and not be able to recognize Entities.

## **Integration** <a href="#h_52d23f305c" id="h_52d23f305c"></a>

### **Security** <a href="#h_3b1064842d" id="h_3b1064842d"></a>

* Crystal supports the connection to Data Sources with TLS >= 1.2

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources)*!*

### **Complex Fields Types** <a href="#h_8fb3bef55c" id="h_8fb3bef55c"></a>

* At the moment Crystal is not supporting complex fields like:
  * “Json objects“ for Postgres
  * “LOB“ for Oracle&#x20;
    * for Oracle, all the data types described [here](https://docs.oracle.com/en/database/oracle/oracle-database/21/sqlrf/Data-Types.html#GUID-A3C0D836-BADB-44E5-A5D4-265BA5968483) are not supported either
* If such field types are present in a table, Crystal will not be able to use them in the Topic Configuration process, nor to preview the related data

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect/supported-data-sources-1)*!*

### **Complex Fields Names** <a href="#h_644590c0bc" id="h_644590c0bc"></a>

* There are some restrictions on the use of special characters and punctuation signs in some fields, and in particular:
  * Crystal doesn’t support column names that contain special characters like .(),%$…&#x20;
    * The presence of a special symbol inside a column name is causing the failure of the Topic retrieval
  * Crystal doesn’t support periods inside the schema name
  * Crystal doesn’t support column names that include "/" for dynamic filters

## **IAM** <a href="#h_0a0d281278" id="h_0a0d281278"></a>

### **Groups** <a href="#h_685de379f4" id="h_685de379f4"></a>

* As of now, Crystal is not supporting Groups hierarchy (Groups belonging to other Groups)

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/users/user-groups)*!*

## **Console** <a href="#h_e729d67160" id="h_e729d67160"></a>

### **Language** <a href="#h_5ac5956341" id="h_5ac5956341"></a>

* Currently, Crystal Console is only available in the English language: the 5 languages supported (English, Italian, Spanish, French, German) refer to the languages available for [training](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/train) and [conversation](/crystal-advisor/customize-your-experience/how-to-interact-with-crystal)

### **Topic Publishing** <a href="#h_02ef8308c4" id="h_02ef8308c4"></a>

* It is not possible to edit a Topic without unpublishing it first
* It is not possible to delete a Topic that is in the statuses of "publishing", "unpublishing" or "published"

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish)*!*

### **Topic Configuration** <a href="#h_e5e3ea6141" id="h_e5e3ea6141"></a>

* It is not possible to select a “number” column in the "group by" field for a table without binning, even if the number is an integer
* For Multi-Entity visualizations, it is not possible to use different aggregations or column types on Entities

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#h_e5e3ea6141)*!*

### **Maximum Configurable Values**&#x20;

These are the maximum values available as you configure Topics:

* Maximum number of Filters per Topic: **7**
* Maximum number of Filter Values ​​for a single Filter: **50.000**&#x20;
* Maximum number of total Tables in the target DB: **40**&#x20;
* Maximum number of Columns for a single Table: **24**&#x20;
* Maximum number of Joins for a single Topic: **5**&#x20;
* Maximum number of Topics: **100**

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](#h_e5e3ea6141)*!*

### **Dynamic Filters** <a href="#h_485e26276d" id="h_485e26276d"></a>

* You can’t set a required Filter without a default value
* You cannot have more than three mandatory filters (excluding the time filter)
* At the moment, the Filter Values are updated only during the publication or depublication of a Topic: there’s no automated way to update the Filter Values without a training action

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/filter)*!*

### **Join Tables** <a href="#h_a664208166" id="h_a664208166"></a>

* It’s currently not possible to join objects from different data sources

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)*!*

### **Fields Composition** <a href="#h_e5ffed6fe0" id="h_e5ffed6fe0"></a>

* It’s not possible to perform operations between different fields (es: column A + column B): you can create Custom Entities with aggregations instead

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure/custom-entity)*!*

### Permissions

* A maximum of **1000** Filters can be allowed per User
* Different logics for *"Allow"* and *"Revoke"* actions in Topics and Filters Tab
* Missing visibility of permissions for inherited Topics / Filters
* Missing visibility of permissions in Multiple or Mixed Targets selection
* Missing *"Revoke"* option for Filters in Multiple or Mixed Targets selection

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions)*!*

***


# Support on Crystal Advisor

This page is constantly updated. Stay tuned!

Crystal is designed to be easy and intuitive but it's normal for things not to go always as smooth as possible.

Here you can find the appropriate support to solve the most common doubts or frequent problems that you may have using the Crystal Advisor as a **Member User**, valid for **Crystal Web, Mobile, and Teams**.

*You can also find complete tutorials and explanations on the specific Feature pages in the*[ *"Crystal Advisor" Chapter*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)*!*

*Alternatively, you can check the* [*"Limitations on Crystal Advisor" Page* ](/limitations/limitations-on-crystal-advisor)*to see if your problem might be related to a temporary Crystal limitation.*

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If none of the current support resources helped, you can always contact us by sending an email to [<mark style="color:blue;">**support@igenius.ai**</mark>](mailto:support@igenius.ai).
{% endhint %}

***

## General

### Checking Crystal's Version

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you want to know which Crystal version you are using, you simply need to open up your **Account Section** of the Advisor and look for the **Version section**.

There you can find out the number of Crystal version that you are currently using.

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/account)*!*

</details>

### Crystal Stopped Working

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you land on the *Crystal Maintenance Page*, it means that Crystal has *temporarily* *stopped* working.&#x20;

This is totally normal as Crystal may sometimes encounter some scenarios such as:&#x20;

* a version upgrade is occurring
* an internal maintenance activity is taking place
* a critical malfunction is being resolved

**If this happens, please be patient and try to come back to Crystal later.**

We are always aware of these problems and, if they happen, we are committed to solve them as soon as possible.

</details>

## Access to Crystal

### Problems with Crystal Signup

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not being able to signup to Crystal, it might be due to different possible causes.

Please double check on the following:

* make sure that you have been **invited** by the Admin User and understand which **method** was chosen for your invitation: manual or Identity Provider
* if you have been invited **manually**:
  * check out the **Spam Folder** of your inbox if you can't find the email with your invitation link
  * ask your Admin for a **new invitation link** in case the link has expired (the duration of the invitation is 24h)
  * create a **password** that is at least 8 characters long
* if you have been invited via **Identity Provider**:
  * you just need to be provided with the web **link to your Crystal Project** and the **Project domain name** to use on the app
  * you just need to use the **link** or to **download Crystal app** to land on the respective Login pages

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in)*!*

</details>

### Problems with Crystal Login

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not being able to login to Crystal, it might be due to different possible causes.

Please double check on the following:

* make sure that you have been provided with the **web link to your Crystal Project** and the **Project domain name** to use on the app
* if you have been invited **manually**:
  * simply enter the **credentials** that you have set up during Signup
  * notice that **both fields are case sensitive**: you should type them in exactly the same way as they were when you created them
  * if you don't remember them, you can **Recover** your password
* if you have been invited via **Identity Provider**:
  * you just need to use the **link** or to **download Crystal app** to land on the respective Login pages
  * you just need to check out for the correct Identity Provider button configured for you based on your company email: **"Login with Google"** or **"Login with Microsoft"**

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1)*!*

</details>

### No Topics Available in Advisor at First Access

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not being able to see any data (Topics) in the Advisor when you do your first login, it might be due to the **absence of viewing permissions**.

Most likely, the Admin forgot to grant you viewing permissions to Topics when inviting you to join Crystal.

Please **contact your Admin** and ask them to **manage your permissions correctly**.

</details>

## Talk to Your Data

### Crystal Asks to Choose among Topics

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

Sometimes, Crystal may ask you to choose a Topic among several selected for your request: this is called **Disambiguation**.

If Crystal enters Disambiguation, this is mainly caused by an **ambiguous question**, i.e. a question that contains words that may have more meanings at the same time.&#x20;

In this case, you just need to **choose the correct option** to continue the conversation.

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation)*!*

</details>

### Crystal is Unable to Display Data for a Topic

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If Crystal is unable to display data for a Topic, this might be caused by a **temporary** **technical issue**, due to a Crystal update, a network problem, or something similar.

Please just **wait a few minutes** and then **try again** to retrieve the information needed.&#x20;

If the problem persists, you should **contact your Admin User** to check on the **Topic Configuration**: something might be off about that specific Topic!

</details>

### Crystal Doesn't Understand the Question

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If Crystal doesn't understand your question at all, this is mainly caused by a **malformed question**.

Please try to **correctly specify the Objective and the Entities**, which are needed for Crystal to understand your question.&#x20;

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics)*!*

</details>

### Something Went Wrong

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

Sometimes, if the data cannot be loaded after some time (30 seconds), Crystal will show a warning message "Something went wrong".

This can be caused by a **temporary** **technical issue**, due to a Crystal update, a network problem, or something similar.

Please just **try again** or [**contact us**](mailto:support@igenius.ai).

</details>

## Explore Your Data

### Suggestions Are Not Showing &#x20;

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not seeing any Topic Suggestion, this might be due to a **temporary technical error** (accompanied by a warning) or to the presence of **insufficient Configured Topics**.

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/suggestions)*!*

</details>

## Analyze Your Data

### Automated Insights Are Not Showing

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not seeing any Automated Insight, this might be due to a **temporary technical error** (accompanied by a warning) or to the presence of **insufficient underlying data**.

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights)*!*

</details>

### Insight Analysis Is Not Showing

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you are not seeing any Insight Analysis option on your Insights, this might be due to a **temporary technical error** (accompanied by a warning) or to the **absence of eligible Insights**.

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/automated-insights)*!*

</details>

***


# Support on Crystal Console

This page is constantly updated. Stay tuned!

Crystal is designed to be easy and intuitive but it's normal for things not to go always as smooth as possible.

Here you can find the appropriate support to solve the most common doubts or frequent problems that you may have using the Crystal Console as an **Admin User**.

*You can also find complete tutorials and explanations on the specific Feature pages in the* [*"Crystal Console" Chapter*](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)*!*

*Alternatively, you can check the* [*"Limitations on Crystal Console" Page*](/limitations/limitations-on-crystal-console) *to see if your problem might be related to a temporary Crystal limitation.*

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

If none of the current support resources helped, you can always contact us by sending an email to [<mark style="color:blue;">**support@igenius.ai**</mark>](mailto:support@igenius.ai).
{% endhint %}

***

## General

### Checking Crystal's Version

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If you want to know which Crystal version you are using, you simply need to open up your **Account Section** of the Console and look for the **Version section**.

There you can find out the number of Crystal version that you are currently using.

</details>

## User Invitation Process

### **The Invitation Link Has Expired** <a href="#h_844380cae1" id="h_844380cae1"></a>

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

When you invite Users to a Crystal Project, they receive an email with an invitation link that expires in 24h.&#x20;

If this links expires, you just need to send a **new invitation** to the User.

This time, don't forget to send Users a **reminder** of the invitation!

*Please find out more details in the* [*related Feature page*](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users)*!*

</details>

## Topic Configuration Process

### Crystal is Unable to Display Data for a Topic

<details>

<summary>Discover the Solution!</summary>

If a Member User is reporting about this problem and *it is not due to a technical issue*, it is possible that something about that specific Topic Configuration is off, especially about **Filter Configuration**.

In particular, a common misconfiguration issue is on the **Time Filter**.

Issues with the Time Filters generally occur when:

1. **The data source is static**, meaning that data isn’t updated periodically, such as daily, weekly, etc: in this case you need to [**connect a new Data Source** ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/connect)and **re-create your Topic**
2. **A new year has begun**, and therefore the data does not include any information for the new year: in this case you also need **a new Data Source** which is updated in real time with new year information
3. **The Time Filter applied restricts the Topic** from seeing data for the previous years: in this case you need to **change the question and/or change the default time filter**, if you realize the error is related to it

One of these points might be contributing to the issue (a combination of two or three of them is less likely but still possible).

Go to the **Console** and temporarily [unpublish](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/publish) the Topic affected by this problem. The unpublishing process can take 5 to 10 minutes to complete, so do not be alarmed if the topic remains in the [unpublishing status](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/statuses) for a short while.

Then go to the[ filter configuration step ](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/configure)and update the Time Filter for this Topic, so that its range includes data from within the database Crystal is connected to.

Once you have updated the Time Filter to something different (e.g. last year), you will need to publish the topic again and, once it has been published again, the Member User can return to the Advisor and ask the same question.&#x20;

If the issue was actually related to the Time Filter restricting the data, they will now be able to view your Topic.

However, if despite these changes the User is still unable to see the data for this Topic, please [**contact us**](mailto:support@igenius.ai).

</details>

***


# 2024

Here's where you'll find all Release Notes for 2024, divided into Web and Mobile.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/JSzSbo6fiGae2w3zv3lS" %}
[Crystal Web](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/X0wOEZQiOvb16U6DSShG" %}
[Crystal Mobile](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Crystal Web

Here's where you'll find all the Release Notes of 2024 for Crystal Web.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/JiaLY61agfeAH80X6Apb" %}
[Crystal Web v2.59](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.59)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Rg9CUK2F4ou5eKhrs0d8" %}
[Crystal Web v2.58](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.58)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/RytwPKVv2OenYslFlJel" %}
[Crystal Web v2.57](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.57)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/cJrvXqqxNjSUmowJ9hBW" %}
[Crystal Web v2.56](/release-notes/2024/crystal-web/crystal-web-v2.56)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Crystal Web v2.59

Below are the new features and fixed bugs available in the latest version of Crystal for Web, divided into Members and Admins.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Members**</mark>

### 🆕 New Time Filters in Conversations

In Conversations, Crystal is now able to understand the following *additional Time Filters*, for all the available languages (English, Italian, French, Spanish, German):

* *"For 2023/2024"*
* *"From January to February 2023"*
* *"From Q2 to Q3 of 2023"*
* *"From the beginning of the year".*

Additionally, in the Italian version only, Crystal can understand:

* *"Per il primo bimestre",* *"Primo bimestre dell’anno in corso".*

### 🆕 Persistence & Update of Dynamic Time Filters

When a Topic has [**Dynamic Time Filters**](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) applied to it, these filters *remain applied* to the Topic regardless of the actions performed on the Topic Card.&#x20;

Moreover, as these filters are dynamic, they get *updated over time* based on the actual current date. For example:

* *"today", "yesterday", "tomorrow"*
* *"this year",* *"last year", “last week”*
* etc.

#### On Scheduled Topics

In the [**Topic Scheduling**](/crystal-advisor/analyze-your-data/alerts/alerts-2) feature, when you receive a scheduled Topic via notification, you can see the Topic *with the* *Dynamic Time Filters* that were applied on it at the time of scheduling, and you will see them *updated in time*.

#### On Topics Saved in Data Stories

In the [**Data Storytelling**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling) feature, when you save a Topic in a Data Story, you will see the Topic *with the* *Dynamic Time Filters* that were applied on it at the time of saving, and you will see them *updated in time*.

<details>

<summary><strong>Limitations</strong></summary>

Dynamic Time Filters with the following patterns don't update properly when saved in a Data Story:

* **Fixed Start Date + Open End Date:**
  * *"From \[month] to today"*
  * *"From \[month] to yesterday"*
* **Specific Open Date Ranges:**
  * *"From yesterday to today"*
  * *"Until today"*
  * *"From yesterday"*

</details>

### **✔️** Table View in Expanded "List" Topic Card

**Before** - When you expanded a Topic Card List, the *columns* of the table were *compressed*.

**Now** - The columns of the table are *decompressed* so that you can see the *whole table at a glance*.

### **✔️ Line Chart Visualization**

**Before** - In some cases, when requesting the visualization of a Topic with a Line Chart, the Topic was correctly returned but the *line appeared broken* instead of continuous.

**Now** - The issue has been resolved.

### **✔️** Speech Recognition of Italian Conjunction "e"

**Before** - When vocally asking for a *question starting by the Italian conjunction "e"* (to keep the context of the previous Topic), Crystal could *not understand* the question.

**Now** - The issue has been resolved.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Admins**</mark>

### **✔️** Alias Values Formatting

**Before** - In the Console's[ **"Entity management"**](/crystal-console/topics-configuration/entities) Section, when typing the Alias values, *characters were automatically changed to lower-case* after being inserted, even if typed in upper-case characters.

**Now** - You can write Aliases *whichever way you want* and the same formatting will be *reflected in the Advisor* as well.

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but you here's how you can access further support if you need it:</em></summary>

* Explore our **Crystal Docs** for more information on how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubts or questions.

</details>

***


# Crystal Web v2.58

Here is the latest version of Crystal for Web, with new features and bug fixes available for Members or Admins.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Members**</mark>

### 🆕 "Change Chart" Feature

There's a new feature available on Crystal!

As a Member, you can now *change the Topic's Chart* directly from the Topic Card.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/u2QmV6KR2k1SK08Totbs" alt=""><figcaption><p>Change Topic Chart from Topic Card</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Discover More!**</mark>

You can read more about this new feature in the [**"Change Chart"**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) article!
{% endhint %}

### 🆕 Account Section Revamp&#x20;

We have optimized and enhanced the Account Section for a seamless Crystal experience.

Not only have we *renovated the graphic layout* for all Account sections, we have also introduced *two brand new sections*: **Personal Settings** and **Contact Support**.

<figure><img src="/files/TpgGQm0OehcTRaoZLBNA" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>The New Account Section on the Advisor</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Discover More!**</mark>

You can read more about these improvements in the [**"Account"**](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/how-to-interact-with-crystal/account) article!
{% endhint %}

### 🆕 "Select All" Option for Filter Values Disambiguation

We have improved the [disambiguation of Filter Values](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation) scenario.

You can now *select (and deselect) all options available in a single click,* with the "Select all" / "Deselect all" button.&#x20;

This option is very useful, especially when there's a long list of options to check.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/qzecN1nhDIxRhZjVyZH5" alt=""><figcaption><p>Select All</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/BuhTWGfvQXnAJtcSs5bW" alt=""><figcaption><p>Deselect All</p></figcaption></figure>

### **✔️** Share Topic with Row-Level Security

**Before** - In the [**"Share Topic"**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/share-topic) Feature, Users receiving a shared Topic would see it with the *sender's viewing permissions* applied, not their own.&#x20;

This behavior would raise privacy concerns as the receiving Users ended up seeing the same exact Topic shared, including all applied Filters (if any), *even if they didn't have permission to access that information*. &#x20;

**Now** - Users receiving a shared Topic see the Topic with *their own viewing permissions* applied, not the senders'.&#x20;

In particular,  two scenarios are possible:

* If the **shared Topic has Filters applied on it**, receiving Users *can only see it if they have viewing permissions for all Filters*. However, if they have viewing permissions for just a few Filters or none at all, they won't be able to see the Topic and they'll receive a correlated error message instead.
  * ***For example***, if the shared Topic has the "Country" Filter applied with values "Italy", "France", and "Spain", but the receiving User only has permissions for the "Italy" value, they won't see the Topic at all.
* If the **shared Topic doesn't have Filters applied on it**, receiving Users *will be able to see it, but with their own* *viewing permissions applied*.&#x20;
  * ***For example***, if the shared Topic contains information for Countries "Italy", "France", and "Spain", but the receiving User only has permissions for value "Italy" on the Filter "Country", they will only see the Topic containing information for Italy.

{% hint style="warning" %} <mark style="color:orange;">**Remember**</mark>

To address similar privacy issues, we have de-activated the possibility of sharing **Topics with a Forecast** applied. From now on, if a Member User tries to share a Topic with a Forecast, they will receive an error message.
{% endhint %}

### **✔️** Value Order in Tooltip for Multi-Line Overtime Graphs&#x20;

**Before** - In Multi-Line Overtime Graphs, the order of values in the tooltip was always *alphabetical*, regardless of the coordinates on the X-axis.

**Now** - The values in the tooltip are always *listed by order of magnitude* following the order of the lines, and so they are rearranged *based on the X-axis coordinates* currently selected.

<details>

<summary>See Example!</summary>

<img src="/files/uVICN9rh1b7oL0WlTnXD" alt="" data-size="original"><img src="/files/9s3uQ5MipB8Ysis1BgGK" alt="" data-size="original">

*These images show how the order of values in the tooltip changes when visualizing different data points on different X-axis coordinates and follows the different order of the lines*.

</details>

### **✔️** Custom Time Filter Not Working

**Before** - On some Crystal Projects, the Custom Time Filter didn't work correctly, and a *blank page* appeared as well as *issues with the scrolling function* when editing the range from the Filter Tab.

**Now** - The issue has been resolved.

### **✔️** Filter Value Alias Not Used in Topic Card

**Before** - Even when applying an alias to the Filter Value, the Topic *showed the original value* instead of the chosen alias.

**Now** - The issue has been resolved.

### **✔️** Question Misunderstanding with Italian Language

**Before** - With the Italian language settings, conversations with Crystal resulted in misunderstandings for a couple of specific *questions*, such as those containing *"per anno XXXX*".

**Now** - All the misunderstandings have been resolved.&#x20;

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Admins**</mark>

### 🆕 Account Section Revamp&#x20;

We have optimized and enhanced the Account Section for a seamless Crystal experience!

Not only have we *renovated the graphic layout* for all Account sections, but we also have introduced *three brand new sections*: **Personal Settings**, **Contact Support**, and **Resources**.

<figure><img src="/files/5bMpfpHzscutIdbFwbA1" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>The New Account Section on the Console</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Discover More!**</mark>

You can read more about these improvements in the [**"Choose Project Settings"**](/crystal-console/start-your-experience/system-settings) article!
{% endhint %}

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team. If you need extra support, here are a few options for you to explore:</em> </summary>

* Take a deep dive into our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience).
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues.
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> if you have doubts or questions.

</details>

***


# Crystal Web v2.57

Below are the new features and bugs fixed in the latest version of Crystal for Web, divided into Members and Admins.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Members**</mark>

### 🆕 **Entity-Based Conversation**

Big news!

Crystal now offers a new capability: the **automatic generation of Topics**.

This makes conversational capabilities more powerful than ever before, allowing you to:

1. **ask Topics that are not pre-configured by the Admin User in the Console**

When you ask a question, Crystal is now able to *autonomously generate Topics in real-time*, *based on Entities* within the dataset.

2. **ask questions with more flexibility**

For the *Composition* and *Highlight* Objectives, Crystal is able to *infer the Topic Objective and Visualization* without the need for you to specify them in your question.

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Discover More!**</mark>

You can find a complete and detailed overview of these capabilities in the [<mark style="color:blue;">**"Entity-Based Conversation"**</mark>](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/entity-based-conversation) article!
{% endhint %}

### **✔️ Autocomplete & Filter Features with Customized Row-Level Security (RLS)**

**Before** - *Only in the cases of Databases with custom Row-Level Security policies applied*, the display of Filter Values in the ["Autocomplete"](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/request-topics/autocomplete) and in the ["Filter from Topic Card"](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/how-to-use-filters) features did not take into consideration the permissions applied to the Database, resulting in erroneous display of all possible Filter Values.

**Now** - Both features do strictly adhere to Databases' custom permissions, *displaying only the Filter Values that you actually have permissions for and excluding all the restricted ones*.

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:blue;">**Please Note**</mark>

This issue only pertains to the cases of Row-Level Security policies (RLS) applied *directly to the Databases in the Data Source*.

The visibility settings for *Filter Values managed internally by the Admin via the Console*'s [Permissions Management System](/crystal-console/users/manage-permissions) have not been involved in this intervention and are continuously guaranteed.
{% endhint %}

### **✔️ Include Capital Letters in Email at Login and Password Reset**

**Before** - During the processes of [Login and Password Reset](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal/log-in-1), it was not possible to include capital letters in the email.

**Now** - You can use an *email that contains capital letters* when logging in to Crystal and when resetting your password.

### **✔️ Updated Maintenance Page**

**Before** - In the event of a temporary malfunctioning, no error message was being displayed.

**Now** - In the event of a temporary malfunctioning, a *Maintenance Page* is shown to inform you that *Crystal is not usable and the service will be restored shortly*.&#x20;

For example, this may occur when a version upgrade is occurring, an internal maintenance activity is taking place, or a critical malfunction is being resolved.

The Maintenance Page appears automatically in one of the said scenarios, and then it deactivates once the problem has being solved.

### **✔️ New Error Message for Insufficient Viewing Permissions on Topics**

**Before** - When insufficient permissions are present to view a Topic, a generic error message was shown.

**Now** - A *specific error message is shown* to clearly communicate that the issue is related to permissions and that the best solution is to reach out to the Admin of your Crystal Project.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Admins**</mark>

### 🆕 **Extended Default Time Range for Topics with Objective "Overtime" in** **Console Analytics**

**Before** - The default time range for Topics Overtime was *1 month*, which meant you could gather data within the *last 30 days*.

**Now** - We have extended the time range to *3 months*, so that you can gather data *up to the last* 90 *days*.

### **✔️ Topics with Objective "Description" Available in "Topics" Section**

**Before** - Despite enabling the flag to include the Topics Description in the "Topics" Section of the Advisor, these Topics remained inaccessible for Member Users, not being actually displayed.

**Now** - Activating the flag for all Topics Description *you can ensure their availability on the "Topics" Section for Members Users.*

### **✔️ Missing Star Symbol on the Top Alias**

**Before** - The star symbol that indicates the most important alias was no longer visible, both during the Topic Configuration process and in the "Entity Management" Section.

**Now** - *Star symbol is available again in all the required spaces.*

### **✔️ Include Capital Letters in User Email at User Invitation**

**Before** - During the process of [manual User invitation](/crystal-console/users/invite-users-to-crystal/how-to-invite-users), it was not possible to include capital letters in the User email.

**Now** - You can use an *email that contains capital letters* when manually inviting Users.

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but there are several ways you can access to more support if you need it!</em></summary>

* Deep-dive in our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubt or question

</details>

***


# Crystal Web v2.56

Below are the new features and bugs fixed in the latest version of Crystal for Web, divided into Members and Admins.

## <mark style="color:purple;">**For Members**</mark>

### 🆕 **Collapsible Sidebar**

You can now **hide or expand the sidebar** based on your needs, allowing for a more fluid and clean experience.

This way, the Advisor workspace becomes more manageable: you can hide the sidebar by clicking on the arrow icon to make room for a **deeper focus on your analysis**, and when you are ready to access insights and suggestions, you can expand the panel back into view.

{% embed url="<https://www.loom.com/share/f1f4ad8c32bb4899bac18726e210495f>" %}
*Collapsible Sidebar*
{% endembed %}

### ✔️ **Numeric entity value now visible for Comparison (single column) topics**

**Before** - when hoovering the columns within the chart, you couldn’t see the corresponding numeric value.

**Now** - when you hoover the columns within the chart, you can see the corresponding numeric value.

<figure><img src="/files/6tg9jMq0gA2OqBe0drIX" alt="Numeric entity value now visible for Comparison (single column) topics"><figcaption><p><em>Numeric entity value now visible for Comparison (single column) topics</em></p></figcaption></figure>

### ✔️ **Consistent custom time range when logging out or refreshing the Advisor**

**Before** - when you opened the Topics section and set a custom time range and then either logged out and logged back in or refreshed the page, the custom time range was not saved. It used to revert to the default time range.

**Now** - when you log back in or refresh the page, you see the custom time range you previously set in the Topics section.

<figure><img src="/files/JcLz9UTZn4qERCnkyEeE" alt="Consistent custom time range when logging out or refreshing the Advisor"><figcaption><p><em>Consistent custom time range when logging out or refreshing the Advisor</em></p></figcaption></figure>

### ✔️ **Contextual Answers in Disambiguation for Topics having the same entity**

**Before** - if you had two similar topics configured, e.g. “Breakdown of sales by industry” and “Breakdown of sales by region”, and asked for the first topic and then specified an additional filter such as “and for region EU North”, Crystal would struggle to understand that the additional filter should be applied to the first topic, and would mistakenly switch to the second topic.

**Now** - when you make this request, Crystal recognizes that the additional filter relates to the topic initially requested. Which is to say, instead of changing the topic, Crystal keeps the focus on the original topic and applies the new filter (“Breakdown of sales by industry for region EU North”).

<figure><img src="/files/rQzMTLYcN4iIWC9UxDRu" alt="Contextual Answers in Disambiguation for Topics having the same entity"><figcaption><p><em>Contextual Answers in Disambiguation for Topics having the same entity</em></p></figcaption></figure>

## <mark style="color:purple;">For Admins</mark>

### 🆕 **Double Time Filter**

There’s a new enhancement to our **time filter configuration**!

When selecting the time filter in the Console, in addition to the start date, you can now **add an end date** column and apply one of the **3 following operators**:

* **Between**: it allows you to get records where both the start date and the end date fall within the date range you specified. **Example**: you want to analyze sales data from December 1st to December 31st. If you use the “between” filter, Crystal will pull up sales records where the start date is on or after December 1st and the end date is on or before December 31st. For instance, if a holiday sale event starts on December 5th and ends on December 15th, Crystal will show it as it is included in the “between” filter.
* **Includes**: it allows you to get records where the start date and the end date strictly include the date range you specified. **Example**: you want to get an overview of all company events for the month of September. Using the “includes” filter and filtering by September, Crystal will show you records of all events with start date before September 1st and end date after September 30th, which is to say all events in which the whole month of September is included. For example, if an event starts on August 1st and ends on October 5th, it will be captured as it includes the whole month of September.
* **Overlaps**: it allows you to get records where either the start date or the end date, or both, fall within the date range you specified, or the start and end dates include that date range. **Example**: you want to have an overview of all events that overlap in the month of September. If you use the “overlap” filter, Crystal will show you all the events where either the start date, end date, or both are in September. For instance, if an event starts on September 15th and ends on October 1st, Crystal will show it as the start date is included in the range you specified.

Please note that the way you ask questions and apply time filters **remains unchanged** in the Advisor.

<figure><img src="/files/qKYWISxIHGFBCN8zaH0Q" alt="Double Time Filter"><figcaption><p><em>Double Time Filter</em></p></figcaption></figure>

### 🆕 **“Show more” available for big tables in the “Connect Table” step**

When connecting tables in the Console, you can now enjoy a more **clear and easy-to-use table display**: when a table reaches a certain threshold of rows, it automatically adopts a **more streamlined presentation**. Only one single row remains visible, while the others are hidden.

If you want to see all elements, you only need to click on the "**Show more**" button.

Once you click on it, you’ll see a **dialog box** that lays out all the columns in a clean way and a search bar at the top, allowing you to quickly pinpoint specific data without the need to manually jump through every column.

<figure><img src="/files/kjdWxvP6jG6CCU0p9zjy" alt="“Show more” available for big tables in the “Connect Table” step 1"><figcaption><p><em>“Show more” available for big tables in the “Connect Table” step</em></p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/x3yEnezyzcn8kCNhcZxv" alt="“Show more” available for big tables in the “Connect Table” step 2"><figcaption><p><em>“Show more” available for big tables in the “Connect Table” step</em></p></figcaption></figure>

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but there are several ways you can access to more support if you need it!</em></summary>

* Deep-dive in our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubt or question

</details>

***


# Crystal Mobile

Here's where you'll find all the Release Notes of 2024 for Crystal Mobile.

***

## Jump to Section

{% content-ref url="/pages/9ICUyRw4j2CVrBkQGzRH" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.7](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.7)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/6Ai2zkxkRF2Gloz6ezjc" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.6](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.6)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/v0JhnlL7O3hvcZGGyAW5" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.5](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.5)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/M9CV7QfQksXDL24Y5pVi" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.4](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.4)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/eH0WKi0PENcYmG9Js7HX" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.3](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.3)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/QrXULhx3YjTxwp32ibpK" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.2](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.2)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/hzaP8iMcm9AZJ6FrKsfM" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.1](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.1)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/vxhA55MjhyugdrZOvVUn" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.1.0](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.1.0)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/7FRWnEmPzypvatLitCow" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.0.39](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.0.39)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/Gcl2MClWKPAz28PbNauW" %}
[Crystal Mobile v3.0.38](/release-notes/2024/crystal-mobile/crystal-mobile-v3.0.38)
{% endcontent-ref %}


# Crystal Mobile v3.1.7

Below are the new features and bugs fixed in the latest version of Crystal for Mobile.

## <mark style="color:purple;">For Members</mark>

### 🆕 Persistence & Update of Dynamic Time Filters

When a Topic has [**Dynamic Time Filters**](/fundamentals/crystal-topics) applied to it, these filters *remain applied* to the Topic regardless of the actions performed on the Topic Card.

Moreover, as these filters are dynamic, they get *updated over time* based on the actual current date. For example:

* *"today", "yesterday", "tomorrow"*
* *"this year", "last year", “last week”*
* etc.

**On Topics Saved in Data Stories**

In the [**Data Storytelling**](/crystal-advisor/report-and-discuss-your-data/data-storytelling) feature, when you save a Topic in a Data Story, you will see the Topic *with the* *Dynamic Time Filters* that were applied on it at the time of saving, and you will see them *updated in time*.

<details>

<summary>Limitations</summary>

Dynamic Time Filters with the following patterns don't update properly when saved in a Data Story:

* **Fixed Start Date + Open End Date:**
  * *"From \[month] to today"*
  * *"From \[month] to yesterday"*
* **Specific Open Date Ranges:**
  * *"From yesterday to today"*
  * *"Until today"*
  * *"From yesterday"*

</details>

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but there are several ways you can access to more support if you need it!</em></summary>

* Deep-dive in our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubt or question

</details>

***


# Crystal Mobile v3.1.6

Below are the new features and bugs fixed in the latest version of Crystal for Mobile.

In this Release, we worked on small bugs and fixes to ensure an optimal Crystal app experience.

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but there are several ways you can access to more support if you need it!</em></summary>

* Deep-dive in our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubt or question

</details>

***


# Crystal Mobile v3.1.5

Below are the new features and bugs fixed in the latest version of Crystal for Mobile.

## <mark style="color:purple;">For Members</mark>

### 🆕 "Change Chart" Feature

Watch out for a new Crystal feature!

As a Member User, you can now *change the Topic's Chart* directly from the Topic Card.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/73xhoFd1Q2JgYdjAxAbS" alt=""><figcaption><p>Change Topic Chart from Topic Card</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %} <mark style="color:green;">**Discover More!**</mark>

You can read more about this new feature in the [**"Change Chart"**](/crystal-advisor/explore-your-data/change-chart) article!
{% endhint %}

### 🆕 "Select All" Option for Filter Values Disambiguation

We have improved the [disambiguation of Filter Values](/crystal-advisor/talk-to-your-data/conversation/disambiguation) scenario.

You can now *select (and deselect) all available options in a single click* via the "Select all" / "Deselect all" button.&#x20;

This option is very useful especially when the list of options you need to select is very long.

<figure><img src="/files/0c6scaOCQVJwxpcUJ6kI" alt="" width="563"><figcaption><p>Select / Deselect All</p></figcaption></figure>

***

<details>

<summary><em>Enhancing Crystal and fixing bugs are regular activities for the iGenius Team, but there are several ways you can access to more support if you need it!</em></summary>

* Deep-dive in our **Crystal Docs** to know more about how to use the [Crystal Advisor ](/crystal-advisor/access-to-crystal)or the [Crystal Console](/crystal-console/start-your-experience)
* Jump straight into our **Support Sections** to find [Support on Crystal Advisor](/support/support-on-crystal-advisor) or [Support on Crystal Console](/support/support-on-crystal-console) and understand how to solve frequent issues
* Contact us by **sending an email** to <support@igenius.ai> for any other doubt or question

</details>

***




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