What Are Data Cloud Insights?

Data Cloud Insights are sophisticated metrics that help businesses analyze and act upon data stored in the Salesforce Data Cloud. These insights are designed to work at scale, enabling organizations to make sense of their data across multiple touchpoints.

Insights in Data Cloud come in three main types:

• Calculated Insights (CIs) - For deep, customizable analysis (explained further here).
• Streaming Insights - For near real-time data streams.
• Real-Time Insights - For immediate, event-driven responses.

Each type serves a unique role, offering innovative ways to evaluate, monitor, and respond to data effectively.

Types of Data Cloud Insights

To determine the best solution for your data needs, it’s essential to grasp how these insights differ. Here’s a breakdown of each type:

1. Calculated Insights

Calculated Insights (CIs) enable businesses to create custom metrics based on data within the Salesforce Data Cloud. By using CIs, firms can:

• Segment customers based on specific behaviors.
• Calculate metrics like Lifetime Value (LTV) or engagement data for more precise targeting.
• Create aggregates or add new derived fields for deeper analytics.

Calculated Insights are perfect for dynamic segmentation and strategic decision-making. They can be created through visual builders or SQL commands, making them accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

For a complete guide on Calculated Insights and their application, check out this blog.

2. Streaming Insights

Streaming Insights take customer data analysis to the next level with near real-time insights. Designed for handling time-series aggregation and continuous data streams, Streaming Insights enable businesses to act promptly on live customer interactions.

Key features of Streaming Insights:

• Continuous Data Inputs: They process data as it flows in, perfect for event-driven processing.
• Limited Scope: Streaming Insights operate on selected metrics, specifically for Individual, Unified, and Streaming DMOs.
• Creation Options: They can be created using visual builders or SQL commands.

Use cases include:

• Monitoring changes in customer browsing patterns.
• Real-time tracking of inventory levels.
• Analyzing time-bound metrics such as clicks within a specific time window.

Streaming Insights are ideal for businesses focused on timeliness and action, such as e-commerce platforms or customer engagement software.

3. Real-Time Insights

For businesses requiring instantaneous data action, Real-Time Insights are the ultimate tool. Unlike streaming, which updates within a specific time frame, Real-Time Insights deliver outcomes in milliseconds, allowing for on-the-spot responses.

Built on real-time data graphs, these insights enable event-driven metrics that provide instant answers. Real-Time Insights are particularly suited for:

• Fraud detection systems.
• Web or mobile SDKs monitoring user interactions.
• Providing immediate personalized experiences during customer funnels.

Real-Time Insights are the backbone of any customer-first, lightning-fast enterprise.

Latency of Various Metrics in Data Cloud

When working with insights and metrics, understanding time-latency can optimize both expectations and results. Here’s a comparison of the five key metrics you can leverage:

• Formula Metrics: Updated dynamically in real time, when a record is accessed. Ideal for live viewing.
• Segment Operations: Updated manually or scheduled every 12–24 hours. Best for less time-sensitive segmentation.
• Calculated Insights: Can be updated manually or scheduled at varying intervals daily. Ideal for in-depth aggregated analysis.
• Streaming Insights: Updated in near real-time (over a specific time frame). Perfect for analyzing events as they happen.
• Real-Time Insights: Triggered on-demand, delivering results within milliseconds. Great for instantaneous processing and action.

Leverage Data Cloud Insights Today

Data Cloud Insights are transforming the way businesses interact with data, delivering measurable ROI through intelligent, event-driven processing. Whether your goal is deeper customer engagement, faster response times, or refined segmentation, there’s an insight tailored to your needs.

Want to see the power of Calculated, Streaming, and Real-Time Insights in action? Start by exploring Calculated Insights in-depth here. Apply their capabilities, enhance your workflows, and take your organization to the next level.

Make the leap to intelligent insights today and redefine how your business processes data.