Primary and Comparison

Primary and Comparison

A model can be mapped to more than one dataset. Exactly one of them is the primary dataset; the others are comparison datasets. The primary drives your dashboards and KPIs, while comparisons overlay the same model in their own colors so you can compare how different groups — time periods, regions, teams — move through the process.

How the Roles Are Assigned

• The first dataset you map to a model becomes the primary.
• Datasets added later become comparisons by default.
• Promoting a comparison to primary swaps the roles in one step — the previous primary becomes a comparison. A model never has two primaries, and promoting or replacing never leaves it without one — only removing the primary does, until you select a new one.
• The dataset sidebar states the rule: 1 primary dataset · multiple comparisons allowed.

Dashboards, KPIs, and most analysis start from the primary dataset. If no primary is selected, the model’s Data Mapping tab shows No primary dataset selected and prompts you to add one.

Managing Datasets on the Data Page

Open Data and look at the dataset sidebar:

• The Mapped tab groups datasets by role; All datasets lists everything in the workspace.
• Primary — the current primary, or Select dataset when empty. The ⋯ menu offers Replace dataset and Remove dataset.
• Comparison — the comparison datasets. Add one with Add comparison; remove one with the ✕ (Remove from comparison).
• While you are choosing, a banner tells you the mode: Click a dataset to set as primary or Click a dataset to add as comparison (you pick from the All datasets tab).
• Dataset cards are marked with Primary dataset and Comparison dataset icons so the role is visible at a glance.
• Upload new dataset at the bottom of the sidebar starts a new upload.

Managing Datasets on a Model

Inside a model, open the Data Mapping tab in the right panel. The Primary Dataset and Comparison Datasets accordions show the mappings, and Add Data to Compare adds another comparison. Each row has:

• an editable display name,
• the Show data in model switch, which controls whether the dataset is drawn on the process graph,
• a ⋯ menu with Edit dataset, Remove data from model, Auto map this dataset, Dataset Colors, and, for comparisons, Set as Primary, Move Up, and Move Down to order the overlays. The Combine datasets option lets you Merge datasets with same color or Keep datasets separate.

Remove data from model unlinks the dataset from the model only — the dataset itself stays in your workspace.

How Comparisons Affect Analysis

• The process graph merges the flows from every dataset with Show data in model switched on, each rendered in its own color.
• The variation list starts from the primary dataset’s variants and combines them with the comparison datasets. A variant that is missing from a comparison dataset is marked Not present (0 cases, 0% coverage) — 0 cases and 0% coverage in that comparison.
• What to compare and how to interpret the differences is covered in Comparing Data.

Related topics

• Comparing Data: the analysis workflow for two datasets.
• Mapping datasets: mapping a dataset to a model.
• Mapping and Unmapping Activities: linking activities to model elements.
• Data Mapping: how datasets attach to process models.
• What-If Analysis with Simulation: another way to compare scenarios.

Frequently asked questions