Impact Hub uses a small set of core terms to describe how data is structured, refreshed, and used for reporting. Understanding these terms will help you navigate the tool more confidently and interpret dashboards accurately.
You do not need technical expertise to use Impact Hub, but having a shared understanding of this terminology will make reporting easier and more consistent across your organization.
Apricot Data Standard
An Apricot Data Standard is a published selection of forms and fields from Apricot that defines what data is included in reporting. Data Standards determine how information is grouped, related, and prepared for use in Impact Hub.
Impact Hub does not pull data directly from Apricot forms. Instead, it relies on Data Standards to ensure reporting is consistent and aligned with how your organization defines key metrics and outcomes.
Dataset
A dataset is the reporting object created in Impact Hub from a published Apricot Data Standard. Each Data Standard produces one dataset.
Datasets contain the selected forms and fields, along with additional metadata that supports filtering, counting, and analysis. All dashboards and reports in Impact Hub are built using datasets.
Anchor form
The anchor form is the primary form in a dataset and represents the main record being analyzed, such as a participant or case. It becomes the “row level” of the dataset.
Other forms included in the Data Standard relate back to the anchor form, allowing Impact Hub to analyze connected data while preserving clear relationships between records.
Dataset metadata
Dataset metadata refers to standard fields that Impact Hub adds automatically to support accurate reporting. These fields help track record status, relationships, and update timing.
Metadata is commonly used for tasks like counting unique records, filtering out inactive data, and understanding how different forms relate to one another.
Builder
Builder is the area of Impact Hub where dashboards and reports are created. Datasets appear in Builder as selectable objects that can be added to visuals, filters, and calculations.
Only users with the appropriate access can create or edit reports in Builder, while others may interact with dashboards that have been shared with them.
Dashboard
A dashboard is a collection of visuals—such as charts, tables, and key metrics—that present data from one or more datasets. Dashboards are used to explore results, track performance, and share insights with others.
Dashboards update automatically as new data is synced into Impact Hub.
Data sync
Data sync refers to how often Impact Hub updates its data from Apricot. After a dataset is created, new or updated records are pulled into Impact Hub on a regular schedule.
Understanding data sync timing helps set expectations for when new information will appear in dashboards.