Getting Started Guide
Step-by-step guide to building your first data model in Google Sheets or Excel with Ardin.
Introduction to Data Modeling
Data modeling is the process of organizing information in a structured way. Whether you're tracking sales, managing inventory, or building financial reports, a well-designed data model makes your spreadsheets more reliable, scalable, and easier to maintain.
Step 1: Plan Your Data Structure
Before opening your spreadsheet, take time to plan what data you need to track and how it relates.
- List all the entities you need (e.g., customers, products, orders)
- Identify the attributes for each entity
- Define relationships between entities
- Determine which calculations you'll need
Best Practice
Start simple. You can always add complexity later, but simplifying an overly complex model is much harder. Focus on the 20% of features that will give you 80% of the value.
Step 2: Create Your Tables
In Ardin, each entity becomes a separate table (or sheet). This keeps your data organized and makes it easier to manage relationships.
- Create a new sheet for each entity
- Add column headers in the first row
- Include an ID column for each table
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Format your headers (bold, background color)
Table Naming Conventions
Use clear, descriptive names for your tables and columns:
- Tables: Use plural nouns (Customers, Products, Orders)
- Columns: Use singular nouns (Customer_ID, Product_Name, Order_Date)
- IDs: Always include a unique identifier column
- Consistency: Use underscores or camelCase consistently
Step 3: Define Relationships
Connect your tables using lookup formulas. Ardin helps you create these relationships automatically.
- Use VLOOKUP or XLOOKUP to connect tables
- Reference IDs from other tables
- Create summary tables for reporting
- Use named ranges for clarity
Step 4: Add Data Validation
Prevent errors by adding validation rules to your columns:
- Dropdown lists for categorical data
- Date format validation
- Number range restrictions
- Required field indicators
Step 5: Create Calculations & Reports
Now that your data structure is in place, add formulas for calculations and create summary reports.
- Use SUMIF/COUNTIF for conditional aggregations
- Create pivot tables for analysis
- Build dashboard views
- Set up conditional formatting
Step 6: Test & Iterate
Before using your model in production, test it thoroughly with sample data. Check for:
- Formula errors and circular references
- Data validation working correctly
- Calculations producing expected results
- Performance with larger datasets
Pro Tip
Ardin's AI can analyze your data model and suggest improvements. Use the "Optimize Model" feature to identify bottlenecks, redundant formulas, and opportunities for simplification.
Next Steps
Congratulations! You've built your first data model. Now you can explore advanced features like:
- Automated data imports
- Custom functions and macros
- Collaboration and sharing
- Integration with external tools