A data source is the starting point for all you do in Infotools Harmoni. A source is a collection of data that is either in an imported file or a connected data store.
A project contains one or more data sources.
Infotools Harmoni can use sources in any language, including languages requiring multi-byte storage (e.g., traditional Chinese).
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1. Source Types
a. Imported into Infotools Harmoni
Imported or uploaded files capture data for a moment in time. Files that can be imported into Infotools Harmoni include:
SPSS Data
- SPSS.sav format
- Can be generated from a variety of data collection applications.
- Typically contain record level data with a record representing a respondent.
Excel Files
- XLSX – Excel files.
- Primarily created from Excel in Office 2007+.
- Files must be XLXS.
Comma Delimited
- CSV files.
- Can be generated from a variety of systems.
- Do not have market research specific structures.
Tab Delimited
- TXT files.
- Can be generated from a variety of systems.
- Do not have market research specific structures.
Infotools X-files
- Xbf, Xdf, Xef, Xlk files.
- Infotools proprietary files read by our legacy Desktop applications.
- When using x-files source Xbf, Xdf and Xef must be uploaded (Xlk is optional).
Dimensions Data (Currently available as a service)
- Dimensions .mdd and .ddf format.
- Typically created by Dimensions.
- Typically contain record level data with a record representing a respondent.
b. Direct Connections to Infotools Harmoni
Direct connections allow updated data to flow into Infotools 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 Infotools Harmoni.
We currently support direct connections to:
- Tables and Views in SQL Server.
- Projects in Decipher.
- Projects in Voxco.
- Projects in Qualtrics.
2. Source Structures
Infotools 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.
Each record in a source corresponds to a count in Infotools Harmoni.
3. Source Dictionaries
A dictionary contains meta-data to guide interpretation.
a. Loading sources with a dictionary
Infotools Harmoni automatically maps source variables into Infotools Harmoni types. There are six variable types in Infotools Harmoni: Headings, Axes, Grids, Measures, Weights and Verbatims.
Sources with inherent dictionaries are:
- Dimensions Data - Dimensions .mdd and .ddf format.
- SPSS Data - SPSS.sav format
- Projects in Decipher.
b. Loading sources that don't contain a dictionary
As a user, you have the option to override the automated mapping When data is loaded into Infotools Harmoni, the Data Type Option wizard will open. Learn more. of source variables into Infotools Harmoni types.
Alternatively, key identifiers can be used to pre-determine the type. These key identifiers are:
- $ any field starting with $ becomes a measure in IH
- $weight any field starting with $weight becomes a weight in IH
- & any field starting with & becomes a text item in IH
Where to from here?
- Learn more about adding data to your project.
- Best practice - preparing your data before importing or connecting to Infotools Harmoni.