Data Explorer

Data Explorer allows you to map data points across multiple devices and make smart decisions. Use it to get aggregated data over a lifespan or debug raw data as devices send it.

Introduction

After you've Connected your devices, Collected data through the Edge Server, and Stored it in the database, the next step is to Analyze your data. Data Explorer provides a powerful interface for querying, filtering, and visualizing data from multiple devices simultaneously.

Data Explorer is essential for:

• Comparing data points across multiple devices
• Debugging device data in real-time
• Analyzing aggregated data over time periods
• Troubleshooting specific points in time
• Exporting data for external analysis

Video Tutorial

Get started quickly with this Data Explorer tutorial:

Follow along with the video walkthrough above, or continue reading for detailed instructions.

Getting Started

To access Data Explorer:

Step 1: Navigate to Explorer

From the ControlCom Connect platform, navigate to Data > Explorer in the main menu.

Step 2: Understand the Interface

The Explorer interface consists of several key areas:

• Top bar: Time range and bucket selection
• Right panel: Variable selection and watch list
• Center: Interactive graph visualization
• Bottom panel: Variable list and data details

Time Range Selection

At the top of the Explorer, you can select the time range for the data you want to analyze.

Selecting a Date Range

Click on the time period selector to choose:

• Start date and time
• End date and time

Click "Update" to refresh the graph with your selected time range.

Bucket Size

Select the bucket size for data aggregation. Common options include:

• 1 minute
• 5 minutes
• 10 minutes
• 1 hour
• 1 day

Smaller buckets provide more granular data but may result in more data points to process.

Data Mode

Switch between two modes using the toggle in the top right:

• Aggregated mode: Shows summarized data (min, max, average) for each time bucket
• Raw mode: Shows individual data points as the device sends them

Use aggregated mode for trend analysis and raw mode for debugging specific device behavior.

Adding Variables

To visualize data, you need to add variables to your watch list.

Adding a Variable

Step 1: Open the Variable Selector

In the right panel, click to add a variable to your watch list.

Step 2: Select the Device

Navigate through the device tree to find the device containing your variable.

Step 3: Select the Variable

Click on the variable you want to monitor.

Step 4: Choose Aggregation Types

When adding a variable, select which aggregation types you want to display:

• Minimum: Lowest value in each time bucket
• Maximum: Highest value in each time bucket
• Average: Mean value in each time bucket

You can select multiple aggregation types to compare them on the same graph.

Step 5: Add to Graph

Click "Add" to add the selected aggregations to your graph. The data will render immediately.

Managing Multiple Variables

You can add multiple variables from different devices to compare data points:

• Each variable appears as a separate line on the graph
• Use the variable list in the bottom panel to manage visibility
• Click on a variable in the right panel to highlight it on the graph

Graph Controls

The graph provides several interactive controls for analyzing your data.

Time Navigation

Slider Control: Drag the slider at the bottom of the graph to zoom in and out of time periods.

Quick Navigation: Use the buttons at the bottom right of the graph to jump through time:

• 10 minutes back/forward
• 1 hour back/forward
• 6 hours back/forward

This is useful when troubleshooting specific events or debugging issues.

Panel Customization

All panels in the Explorer are draggable and resizable:

• Expand panels to see more detail
• Collapse panels to focus on the graph
• Arrange the layout to suit your workflow

Variable Highlighting

Click on any variable in the right panel to:

• Highlight it visually on the graph
• View its current live value
• See key data points and statistics in the bottom right panel

Data Export

Export your analyzed data for external use or reporting.

Exporting to CSV

Step 1: Configure Your View

Set up the time range, variables, and aggregations you want to export.

Step 2: Click Download

Click the "Download" button in the bottom panel.

Step 3: Select Format

Choose CSV format for the export.

The exported file will contain all variables currently displayed on the graph with their corresponding timestamps and values.

Use Cases for Exported Data

• Import into spreadsheet applications for further analysis
• Generate custom reports
• Share data with stakeholders
• Archive historical data for compliance
• Feed into external analysis tools