This guide explains key Nexadata platform terminology to help you navigate both the platform and our documentation with ease.
Data Quality Management
Upon logging into Nexadata, you'll encounter four primary action buttons, each corresponding to essential terms: Connection, Dataset, Workflow, and Mapping Group.
Let's add some context to the words above:
Create a Connection
Definition: Establish a link between Nexadata and your external data system or with the Nexadata Hub.
Navigation options:
From the Nexadata home screen, click Create a Connection
From the Nexadata home screen, select Setup → Connections dropdown.
Supported Sources: Nexadata supports the integration of multiple data connections.
Connect to a Dataset
Definition: Links your newly created data connection to a specific dataset, such as a particular CSV file in a specified folder. Learn more about connecting to a dataset.
Navigation options:
From the Nexadata home screen, click on Connect to a Dataset.
From the Nexadata home screen, select Setup → Datasets dropdown.
Create a Workflow
Navigation options:
From the Nexadata home screen, click on Create a Workflow.
From the Nexadata home screen, select Build → Workflows dropdown.
Create a Pipeline
Definition: Defines how data is connected, transformed, and harmonized within a Workflow. A Pipeline can combine one or more datasets—structured, semi-structured, or unstructured—into a consistent output ready for validation or publishing. Pipelines form the building blocks of automation within Nexadata Workflows.
Pipeline Types:
Output Pipeline: Determines the final output columns and structure of the Workflow. It is responsible for producing the harmonized dataset that will be published or consumed by downstream systems.
Supporting Pipeline: Performs intermediate transformations or data preparation steps. Its outputs can be referenced by the Output Pipeline to enrich or validate results.
Navigation options:
From the Nexadata home screen, create or open a Workflow, then select the Pipeline tab.
Within the Workflow builder, click Add Pipeline to create a new Output or Supporting Pipeline.
Tip: You can manage and modify existing Pipelines from within the Workflow editor. Each Pipeline retains its own configuration for mapping groups, joins, conditions, and validation logic—making it reusable across multiple Workflows.
Create a Mapping Group
Definition: Organizes and maps data fields using conditional logic to ensure your data aligns with the desired format. Learn more about Mapping Groups.
Navigation options:
Click on the Connect to a Dataset icon.
From the Nexadata home screen, select Build → Mapping Groups dropdown.
Administration
Organizations
Definition: Nexadata Organizations are equivalent to workgroups. Within organizations, there are configurations for Connections, Datasets, Workflows, and Mapping Groups. Users can be invited to organizations and made either admins or members. Learn more about Organization Management.
Navigation:
User avatar → Settings → Organization → Select an organization
Users
Definition: A Nexadata user is created automatically when an organization is created and made an admin or invited to an organization as either an admin or member. Learn more about Nexadata security.
Navigation:
User avatar → Settings → Organization → Select an organization → Team