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What is a Decode Table?

In Decode, a Table is the fundamental building block for storing your cleaned, organized, and standardized insurance data. Think of it as a smart, structured spreadsheet specifically designed for the kind of information you work with, like premium bordereaux or claims details.

Unlike a simple spreadsheet, a Decode Table has a defined structure (called a schema) that you create. This structure ensures consistency across all the data you upload, making analysis much easier and more reliable.

Key Characteristics of a Decode Table​

  • Structured Storage: Each Table corresponds to a dedicated table in the Decode database, providing robust and scalable storage.
  • Defined Schema: You explicitly define the columns and their types when you create a Table. This brings order to potentially messy spreadsheet data.
  • Dynamic Growth: Tables are designed to handle data that arrives periodically (like monthly reports). They can automatically grow by adding new columns for new reporting periods (e.g., adding a 'Feb 2024' column next to 'Jan 2024').
  • Data Hub: Tables serve as the central repository from which you can inspect data directly on the Data Page or pull data into Data Functions for analysis on the Dashboard Page.

Anatomy of a Table Schema​

When you define a Table, you specify four main types of columns:

  1. Row Identifier:

    • Purpose: This is the single most crucial column. It's the unique key that identifies each individual record (like a specific policy or claim). Decode uses this to know whether incoming spreadsheet data relates to a new record or is an update to an existing one.
    • Example: Policy Number, Claim ID.

  2. Static Columns:

    • Purpose: These columns hold information about a record that typically doesn't change when new periodic data arrives.
    • Example: For a policy, this might include Policyholder State, Class of Business, Inception Date.

  3. Metadata Columns:

    • Purpose: These are columns you define in the Table schema but which don't necessarily exist in your uploaded spreadsheets. You assign values to these columns during the upload process using Metadata Tags and Data Profiles. They allow you to add crucial organizing context.
    • Example: Wholesaler Name, Contract ID, Underwriter Initials, Region.

  4. Dynamic Columns:

    • Purpose: This special structure handles data that is reported periodically (e.g., monthly, quarterly). Decode automatically creates new columns over time as data for new periods is uploaded. Each dynamic column stores the relevant metrics for that specific period.
    • Example: If you track monthly premiums, you might have dynamic columns like 2024-01, 2024-02, 2024-03, etc. Each of these columns would contain details like Gross Premium, Commission, Net Premium for that specific month.

By understanding these components, you can effectively structure your Tables to accurately reflect and organize your specific insurance data needs.

Next, let's learn how to Create a New Table.