Questions to consider when requesting custom reports

The data analyst giving you pushback on your data request isn’t trying to be uncooperative. Data analysts often find themselves asking follow-up questions to draw out the details of a custom report request. As the data analyst at my credit union, I make it my goal to not just provide analysis, but also to educate the team on the toolset available to each of us.

Better to be prepared

Here are some questions to think about before submitting your request, as these are ones the data analyst will likely ask you.

What do you want to know?

Most people think they have done all they need to do by answering this question. Defining what you want and don’t want in the data is a necessary starting point, of course, but only part of what is needed.

 

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