Sisense SQL Queries - Step-by-Step Guide

Integrating SQL directly within Sisense unlocks powerful analytics beyond simple drag-and-drop. Business analysts and BI developers often need advanced, production-ready SQL queries to maximize insights—but crafting these manually is complex and time-consuming. With Sisense SQL Queries, users can push their BI dashboards further by leveraging direct SQL for calculated fields, data transformations, parameter-driven reports, and interactive visualizations. However, the steep SQL learning curve limits many teams. AI2sql offers an intuitive solution: type what you need in plain English and instantly get BI-ready Sisense SQL queries—no technical barriers involved.

Sisense SQL Queries Overview and Benefits

• Create advanced dashboards using custom SQL

• Power flexible metrics and calculated fields

• Combine multiple tables using JOINs

• Parameterize queries for interactive business reports

This approach ensures you can address business-specific questions without waiting for engineering support, improving analytics agility for your whole team.

Setting Up SQL Connections

Connect to Your Data Warehouse

1. Navigate to Sisense Admin → Data → Data Sources.

2. Select New Data Source and choose your database type (e.g., MySQL, SQL Server, Postgres).

3. Enter host, port, database name, and credentials.

4. Test connection to ensure connectivity and permissions.

Tip: Leverage built-in Sisense connectors for cloud platforms and check with IT for firewall or authentication challenges.

Writing Custom SQL Queries

Direct SQL in Sisense Elasticubes

• Within your ElastiCube Manager, go to Data → Custom SQL Table.

• Paste your SQL code or use parameterized templates.

• Rename/categorize the table for dashboard visibility.

Practical Sisense SQL Query Examples

1. Sales aggregation by region (dashboard headline metric):
   SELECT region, SUM(sales_amount) AS total_sales FROM orders GROUP BY region

2. Year-over-year growth (trend chart):
   SELECT YEAR(order_date) AS year, SUM(sales_amount) AS yearly_sales FROM orders GROUP BY YEAR(order_date)

3. Customer churn prediction (cohort analysis):
   SELECT customer_id, MIN(order_date) AS first_purchase, MAX(order_date) AS last_purchase FROM orders GROUP BY customer_id

4. Inventory status by category (pie chart):
   SELECT category, SUM(quantity) AS total_in_stock FROM products GROUP BY category

5. Multi-table join for marketing attribution (custom table example):
   SELECT c.name, o.order_id, o.order_date FROM customers c INNER JOIN orders o ON c.customer_id = o.customer_id

Each query above can be plugged directly into your Sisense data model, fueling real-time dashboards for decision-makers.

Advanced SQL Techniques and Best Practices

• Use parameters for interactive filters (e.g., WHERE region = @region).

• Leverage window functions for ranking, running totals, and analytics charts.

• Optimize queries with targeted SELECT and WHERE clauses to minimize dashboard lag.

• Document each custom SQL table for ongoing collaboration and BI governance.

Best Practice: Test on small data subsets before deploying complex joins or aggregations across large data models.

AI2sql: Generate BI-Ready Queries Instantly

Stop wrestling with syntax. AI2sql platform translates your analytics requirements into working Sisense SQL code automatically. Just describe your desired insight; AI2sql outputs BI-optimized queries, slashing time-to-dashboard and empowering your analysts to explore data without code barriers.

Generate Sisense SQL Queries queries instantly with AI2sql - no SQL expertise required for advanced BI analytics.

Performance Optimization Tips

• Limit outputs with TOP or LIMIT for heavy tables.

• Index joined fields in your underlying database for faster lookups.

• Profile ElastiCube performance using Sisense Admin monitoring tools.

Sisense SQL Queries Troubleshooting

• Authentication errors: Double-check DB credentials and user roles.

• Query limits: Review Sisense or database-specific timeouts.

• Data not refreshing: Rebuild relevant ElastiCube or verify data pipeline schedules.

Enterprise Implementation Considerations

• Security: Require parameterized queries and centralized data permissions.

• Audit: Log all custom SQL activity within Sisense for compliance.

• Collaboration: Use Sisense team documentation and versioning for custom queries.

Real-World Dashboard Example

Example: Finance dashboard showing real-time margin by product line using custom SQL calculations for currency conversion, cost breakdown, and risk flags. All metrics are built with parameterized ElastiCube SQL tables for maximum agility and governed by role-based access.

Ready to eliminate SQL barriers? Try AI2sql Free - Generate BI-Ready SQL Queries

Further Learning & Tools

• Try AI2sql BI Query Generator - Instantly build Sisense queries

• Advanced Sisense SQL Queries Techniques - Advanced analytical patterns

• BI SQL Query Tools - Build queries for any BI platform

Used by data analysts worldwide, AI2sql accelerates Sisense dashboard rollout with zero SQL learning curve, full integration flexibility, and enterprise-grade BI-ready queries.
Works with all major BI tools and databases for end-to-end analytics success.