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Get more out of your Ed Controls project data with dashboards and reports

Using Ed Controls project data for dashboards and reports

A lot of project data is recorded in Ed Controls. Think of information about projects, tickets, audits, forms, statuses, users, dates, and progress. Some of this information is available through the standard dashboard within Ed Controls.

Do you want to gain more insight from your Ed Controls data — for example through management reports, Power BI dashboards, or connections to your own data warehouse? There are additional options available to make use of your data.

All data is stored in Europe. This also applies to the SQL database, ensuring that data processing complies with GDPR guidelines.

What options are available?

There are three ways to use Ed Controls data:

  • The standard dashboard within Ed Controls
  • The Ed Controls Open API
  • A SQL database with Ed Controls data

1. Standard dashboard within Ed Controls

Ed Controls includes a standard dashboard that gives you insight into a number of key project details. This dashboard is directly available within the application.

This option is best suited if you want basic insights without any additional technical setup.

2. Open API of Ed Controls

Through the Open API, you can retrieve raw Ed Controls data and use it in your own systems. This is particularly suitable when your organisation has its own technical expertise to build a connection and process the data further.

The use of the Open API is free of charge.

A key advantage of the Open API is that data is available in real time. You retrieve the data directly from Ed Controls.

When using the Open API, you are responsible for, among other things:

  • building the connection;
  • retrieving and storing data;
  • processing API responses;
  • combining different data sources;
  • modelling data for reports;
  • maintaining the connection;
  • building dashboards or reports.

The Open API provides access to raw Ed Controls data. This data is technically usable, but has not been automatically prepared for reports or dashboards.

3. SQL database with Ed Controls data

Do you want to use Ed Controls data more easily for reports, dashboards, or BI purposes? Then you can make use of a SQL database.

We convert your Ed Controls data into SQL format. The data is made available in a structured database environment, making it easier to use in BI tools, reporting tools, or your own data warehouse.

The SQL database is a convenience option. We take care of everything by preparing, structuring, hosting, and making the data available in SQL format.

The cost for this SQL database is €250 per month.

These costs cover:

  • preparing the data;
  • converting it to SQL format;
  • structuring the data;
  • making the SQL database available;
  • hosting the database;
  • ease of use for reporting and BI purposes.

The SQL database makes your data more accessible for analysis. Building a dashboard or report is not included.

Please note that the data in the SQL database is not real time. The SQL data has a maximum delay of 2 hours.

What happens after the SQL database becomes available?

Once the SQL database is available, there are two options.

Option 1: You process the data yourself

Does your organisation have its own BI, data, or reporting expertise? Then you can use the SQL database yourself to build dashboards or reports.

You can use tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Qlik, Excel, your own data warehouse, or another BI tool.

Power BI is therefore one of the possible BI tools, but not the only one. Which tool you use depends on your own IT environment, preferences, and expertise.

Option 2: You engage an external agency

Do you not have your own BI or data expertise in-house, or would you prefer to have the dashboard developed externally? Then you can engage a specialised agency to build dashboards or reports based on the SQL database.

You decide which agency you wish to use.

Agreements, costs, planning, and execution of dashboard development are arranged directly with the external agency.

Frequently asked questions

Is SQL required to use Ed Controls data?

No. Technically, you can also retrieve Ed Controls data via the Open API. The Open API is free and provides real-time access to raw data, which you then need to process yourself.

The SQL database is designed to make Ed Controls data easier, more structured, and more efficient to use for reports, dashboards, and BI solutions. It is therefore a convenience option where we handle the heavy lifting for you.

What is the difference between the Open API and the SQL database?

The Open API provides free, real-time access to raw data. You retrieve the data yourself and process it in your own systems.

The SQL database offers a structured data layer. Ed Controls prepares the data, converts it to SQL format, and makes it available in a database environment. This makes the data easier to use for reports and dashboards. The SQL data has a maximum delay of 2 hours.

What is included in the €250 per month?

The €250 per month covers the SQL database. This includes preparing, structuring, hosting, and making Ed Controls data available in SQL format.

Dashboard development, custom reports, or the setup of a BI tool are not included.

Where is the data stored?

All data is stored in a data centre in Europe, owned by a European party. This also applies to the SQL database.

This ensures that data processing complies with GDPR guidelines and that Ed Controls data remains stored within Europe.

Is the data in the SQL database real time?

No. The data in the SQL database is not real time. The SQL data has a maximum delay of 2 hours.

If you want to use real-time data, the Open API is the right option.

Does Ed Controls also build dashboards?

Ed Controls offers standard, limited dashboard functionality within the application. In addition, we can make a SQL database available.

Building custom dashboards or reports falls outside Ed Controls' standard services. You can do this yourself or have it carried out by a specialised external agency.

Can Ed Controls recommend an external agency?

Yes. If you need support building dashboards or reports, we can recommend an external agency with extensive experience processing Ed Controls data.

You are free to choose your own specialised agency.

Is Power BI required?

No. Power BI is a widely used BI tool, but it is not required.

You can also use the SQL database in combination with other BI tools, reporting tools, or your own data warehouse, depending on your IT environment and preferences.