Tags:
• Project Owner
• Creator

A data source is the starting point for all you do in Harmoni. A source is a collection of data that is either in an imported file or a connected data store.

Harmoni can use sources in any language, including languages requiring multi-byte storage (e.g., traditional Chinese).

Harmoni automatically maps source variables into Harmoni types when data sources contain an inherent dictionary. A dictionary contains meta-data to guide interpretation. Variables in sources without an inherent dictionary need to be defined. 

In this article

1. Source types
   • Imported data sources
   • Direct Connections (APIs)
2. Supported source structures
   • Record Level
   • Summary Level/Aggregate Level Data

1. Source Types

a. Imported into Harmoni (Upload)

Imported or uploaded files capture data for a moment in time. 

b. Direct Connections to Harmoni (Connect)

Direct connections allow updated data to flow into Harmoni in real-time.

• Achieved using APIs (Application Programming Interface).
• If an API is available in a data collection system, we can potentially develop a direct connection to Harmoni.

Harmoni currently supports direct connections to:

• Tables and Views in SQL Server.
• Projects in Decipher.
• Projects in Voxco.
• Projects in Qualtrics.

2. Source Structures

Harmoni supports both record level data and summary or aggregate level data.

a. Record Level Data

• Each record represents a respondent, a log entry, a sales transaction, etc.
• Analyzing the count of records is relevant - i.e., How many respondents?

b. Summary Level/Aggregate Level Data

• Summed and/or categorized data that can answer research questions about populations or groups of organizations.
• The data has been compiled from record-level data. 
• Analyzing the count of records is irrelevant.
• The analysis only has meaning when a measure is applied, e.g., scores, GRPs, Spend, etc.

Where to from here?

• Learn more about adding data to your project.
• Best practice - preparing your data before importing or connecting to Harmoni.