Since Sigma burst onto the data scene, it has consistently challenged traditional data platform expectations (and limitations). The Fall 2024 Product Launch is no exception, showing a commitment to building tools that solve real problems for its users. What sets Sigma apart is that these features aren't just about adding functionality—they reflect an understanding of real-world use cases, making everyday work more accessible and more efficient.
I've picked some of my highlights from this launch, but if you want the full rundown, check out the complete announcement here.
Data Models: Datasets 2.0
This iteration of Data Models continues to embrace Sigma's ethos of making data accessible to non-data people. We've already seen how this interface is far more intuitive and user-friendly than previous versions of Datasets, but adding Metrics finally makes Data Models a fully realized replacement, which I am ecstatic about.
Metrics make Data Models way more useful. Now, business users can pull key metrics—like churn or revenue—without asking for help or writing any code. It's all about giving people the tools to explore data how they need to, quickly and confidently, without sacrificing data modeling best practices. By adding Metrics, Sigma turns Data Models into a more flexible and powerful tool, allowing users to get accurate insights faster and with less hassle.
In short, Data Models are like a smarter, more scalable Datasets 2.0.
Explain Visualization & Formula Assistant: AI That Helps You Be Better
When AI is done right, it's a tool you actually want to use because it adds real value. And that's why I'm excited about several new AI-powered options in Sigma: Explain a Viz & Formula Assistant.
Sigma's Explain Visualization feature is a prime example of how AI can empower end users. The feature not only provides a high-level summary of the visualization scenario but also includes key insights to help you uncover the "so what" faster.
Next, a personal favorite of this launch is the Formula Assistant. This feature helps create, explain, and correct formulas in an approachable manner. What I particularly appreciate is that it doesn't just throw solutions at you—it shows you multiple examples and explains what's wrong with the formula before offering a "fix this for me" button. It's a subtle but important detail, but as someone with experience in several very similar (but slightly different) languages, I'm learning what I did wrong while also getting the immediate benefit of having it fixed automatically.
I'm always a fan of features that help me work more efficiently.
Overlays: Adding Depth Without Clutter
Creating a dashboard or presentation requires a delicate balance of providing enough information to be helpful without overwhelming the audience with unnecessary details. Overlays are like pop-up models or windows that allow users to access additional information and explore both new and existing data. Here are some ways you can add overlays to your workbooks:
- Advanced Filters: Instead of cluttering dashboards with filter options, overlays can offer additional filters (e.g., product categories or time frames) in a pop-up, letting users refine data on demand.
- Pop-up Forms: Create overlays for users to edit input tables. With a click, a form appears to update data and keep the dashboard clean.
- Detailed Exploration: Allow users to click metrics (like revenue) and bring up detailed breakdowns in an overlay, enabling deeper analysis without disrupting the main view.
- Instructions: Overlays can serve as tips or mini-guides, offering context or instructions for using and understanding the workbook
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Embedded Analytics: New Levels of Simplicity and Security
Sigma has always been strong in embedded analytics, but the Fall 2024 updates have made it even more seamless and secure. The key improvement is the introduction of JWT-based embedding, which allows you to embed dashboards into applications without needing custom SDKs or complicated authentication setups. This makes it easier and faster to embed analytics into your product, while also ensuring that permissions are securely applied through JSON Web Tokens. A second important addition is more robust role-based access controls have also been enhanced, giving organizations more granular control over who can see what without needing to adjust permissions constantly.
Curious about Embedding with Sigma?
Sigma's Fall 2024 Product Launch Recapped
Sigma's Fall 2024 Product Launch once again pushes the boundaries of what's possible in data analytics. With a focus on solving real problems, this launch brings intuitive features that make everyday tasks easier and more efficient, no matter your role—whether you're a business user, part of a data team, or a developer.
From improving existing features like Datasets 2.0 with Metrics, which make it easier for users to explore data and get answers quickly, to offering a smoother, more secure way to embed dashboards into other platforms and adding new tools like Explain Visualization and Formula Assistant, which help users find insights and fix errors effortlessly, and Overlays, which allow users to dive deeper into data without cluttering dashboards — Sigma is all about making data simpler to work with for everyone.
These updates are designed with real use cases in mind, making Sigma not just a powerful spreadsheet, but a platform that feels genuinely intuitive and accessible.
For the complete list of new features, check out Sigma's full launch announcement here: Sigma Fall 2024 Product Launch. If you're ready to see how these features can help your organization, contact us to learn more about our Sigma services.
