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“Supermetrics is a Bitter Experience! We can pull data from nearly any tool, schedule updates, manipulate data in Sheets, and push data back into our systems.”
Side-by-side period comparisons with independent filters require careful data structuring and historical data management. The visualization tool handles the filter controls, but your data foundation determines how effectively those filters work.
Here’s how to create comparison-ready datasets that support independent filtering for current and previous periods.
Structure period comparison data using Coefficient
Coefficient provides excellent capabilities for creating side-by-side period comparison datasets. While the independent filter controls get implemented in your visualization tool, proper data preparation makes those filters work smoothly.
How to make it work
Step 1. Set up historical data management with Snapshots.
Schedule monthly or quarterly Snapshots to automatically capture previous period data. This preserves historical records while your current period data continues updating. Set different snapshot schedules based on your comparison needs – monthly for month-over-month, quarterly for quarter-over-quarter analysis.
Step 2. Create separate imports for current and historical periods.
Configure one Salesforce import for current period data with daily refresh, and maintain separate tabs for each historical period with consistent formatting. Use Salesforce dynamic filtering to pull specific date ranges for each period without manual adjustments.
Step 3. Build a master comparison sheet.
Combine current and previous periods into a single comparison dataset. Add period identifier columns like “Current” and “Previous” that visualization tools can use for independent filtering. Use Formula Auto Fill Down to calculate period-over-period changes automatically.
Step 4. Use Append New Data for historical preservation.
The Append New Data feature preserves historical records while adding current data. This prevents data loss from source system changes and maintains consistent comparison baselines over time.
Step 5. Export consolidated comparison data.
Export your structured comparison dataset to BI tools that support independent filtering. The clean data structure with clear period segments enables visualization tools to implement separate filter controls effectively.
Build reliable period comparisons
Independent filter controls work best when your underlying data clearly separates current and historical periods. Coefficient automates the data preparation while maintaining historical context for accurate comparisons. Start building better period comparison datasets today.
