Creating a Data Standard allows you to define a consistent set of fields or forms for reporting. Data Standards help ensure information is collected in a uniform way, making reporting faster, clearer, and more reliable across programs, funders, or partner organizations.
You can create Data Standards for use within a single Apricot organization or to share through a Service Provider Network.
Before you start
You must be an Apricot Administrator.
Data Standards are created and managed in Apricot, not in Impact Hub.
Creating a Data Standard does not automatically change existing forms or data.
Create a new Data Standard
In Apricot, go to Administrator.
Open Workflow Station, then select Data Standards.
Select Create Data Standard.
4. Enter a name and description.
The description can include guidance for other administrators or Network Members who may implement this standard later.
5. Choose the anchor form.
The anchor form represents the primary record for reporting, such as a participant Tier 1 form.
6. Add additional related forms as needed.
These forms relate back to the anchor form (Tier 2 forms like Services or other Tier 1 forms like Households) and help build a complete reporting picture.
7. Select the fields you want to include in the Data Standard.
Only selected fields will be part of the standard and available for reporting.
8. Review your selections to confirm everything is included as intended.
Option 1: Make this Data Standard available for reporting
This option controls whether data collected using this Data Standard is reportable, and is required if you want to use the Data Standard for reporting.
Select Yes if you are establishing Data Standards for your organization’s reporting and do not plan to join a Network or share data. Selecting Yes also allows service data entered into the fields or forms included in this Data Standard to be reportable in Impact Hub.
Option 2: Allow this Data Standard to be shared by Network members
This option applies to organizations acting as Network Leads. If you are not working within a Network, this option does not apply.
It determines whether members of your Service Provider Network can share this Data Standard within the Network. Selecting Yes supports consistent data collection and reporting across participating organizations.
Option 3: Allow full forms to be shared with Network members
This option gives Network Leads the ability to share entire forms or sets of forms, not just individual fields.
This can be useful when helping Network Members quickly set up new programs or adopt shared best practices. Sharing full forms also preserves form logic, which can be helpful when consistency and ease of use matter.
9. Select Publish to make the Data Standard available.
Once published, the Data Standard is ready to be used for reporting or shared with other organizations, depending on your setup.
Important things to know
Each Data Standard creates a single, structured dataset for reporting.
You can save a Data Standard as a draft and return to it later before publishing.
Publishing a Data Standard does not delete or overwrite existing data.
You can create new versions of a Data Standard later if changes are needed.
What happens next
After a Data Standard is published:
It can be used internally for reporting.
It can be shared with a Service Provider Network, if applicable.
It becomes available for implementation by other organizations or programs.
Implementation choices—such as adopting forms or mapping fields—are handled separately.