FAQs
Have Questions?
Do we need a data warehouse to do this?
Most SMB analytics work does not require a data warehouse. The data lives in the source systems and is pulled into the reporting tool on a schedule. A warehouse becomes useful when there are many sources, high data volumes, or compliance requirements that demand a separate audit trail. CinchOps recommends the simplest pattern that fits the business.
What tools does CinchOps use?
Most analytics builds use Microsoft Power BI, which keeps the data inside the client's Microsoft 365 tenant and works with existing user accounts. Other patterns include direct database reports and lightweight web dashboards when Power BI is overkill. The tool fits the use case, not the other way around.
How is this different from the reports my accounting system already provides?
Built-in reports show the data inside that one system. Analytics work combines data from multiple systems, defines metrics that the systems do not calculate by default, and presents the result in a format that supports a specific decision. Job profitability that combines AR aging, project hours, and material costs is a typical example. No single system gives that view by default.
What does ongoing support look like?
Data sources change. New systems come online. Definitions of metrics evolve as the business changes. CinchOps stays involved on a small monthly retainer to keep the dashboards accurate and to add the next report when the leadership team has the next question. Without ongoing support, dashboards drift out of accuracy within a year.
How do we know our data is staying private?
The pattern CinchOps uses keeps data inside your Microsoft tenant. Power BI runs there. The connections to your other systems use service accounts you control. CinchOps documents who has access, what is logged, and how the connections are secured. The data does not leave your environment for an AI service or a third-party processor.