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Questions

The Questions feature enables business users to ask questions using everyday language and receive answers directly from enterprise data.

No SQL knowledge is required.

CryspIQ® automatically converts your question into SQL, executes the query against the Enterprise Data Model and returns the results.

This allows business users to access trusted information quickly while maintaining enterprise governance and security.

Overview​

Traditional analytics platforms often require users to:

  • Understand database structures
  • Know table relationships
  • Write SQL queries
  • Wait for technical teams to create reports

CryspIQ® removes this complexity.

Simply ask a question in natural language and CryspIQ® will:

  1. Understand the question.
  2. Generate SQL automatically.
  3. Execute the query.
  4. Return the results.
Ask Question
      ↓
Generate SQL
      ↓
Execute Query
      ↓
Return Results

Natural Language Query Screen​

The Questions screen contains three simple steps.

Step 1 – Ask a Question​

Enter a question using everyday business language.

Examples:

What was total revenue last month?

Show me sales by region.

Which customers generated the highest revenue?

How many active employees do we have?

What products have declining sales?

You do not need to understand:

  • SQL
  • Database tables
  • Technical field names

CryspIQ® translates business language into data queries.

Step 2 – Review Generated SQL​

Once the question is submitted, CryspIQ® automatically generates the SQL required to answer it.

Example:

SELECT
    Region,
    SUM(Revenue)
FROM RevenueFact
GROUP BY Region

This allows users to:

  • Understand how the question was interpreted
  • Learn from generated queries
  • Build confidence in results

Technical users may also review and refine the SQL if required.

Step 3 – Review Results​

The query results are displayed immediately.

Results may include:

  • Tables
  • Aggregations
  • Summaries
  • Trends
  • Business metrics

Users can review the results and ask follow-up questions as required.

Security and Data Access​

CryspIQ® respects all enterprise security rules.

When a question is asked, users only see data they are authorised to access.

Data access is controlled using Microsoft Entra Security Groups.

Important​

If you do not have permission to view certain data:

  • The data will not be returned.
  • Restricted records will remain hidden.
  • Security rules cannot be bypassed through Questions.

This ensures sensitive information remains protected.

No Results Returned?​

If a query returns no results, there may be several reasons.

Check Your Security Access​

The most common reason is that you do not have access to the requested data.

Review the Data Glossary to confirm:

  • The data exists.
  • You have access to it.
  • The required Security Group has been assigned.

Check Your Question​

Try rephrasing the question using different business terms.

Instead of:

Show me customer spend.

Try:

Show me customer revenue.

Check Data Availability​

The requested data may not yet exist within CryspIQ®.

Consult:

  • Data Glossary
  • Data Steward
  • Business Function Owner

if you are unsure.

Saving Queries​

Once CryspIQ® generates SQL, users can save the query for future use.

This avoids the need to repeatedly ask the same question.

Saved queries can be:

  • Re-run on demand
  • Shared with authorised users
  • Added to the Query Library
  • Used for recurring reporting

Query Library​

The Query Library stores approved and reusable queries.

Benefits include:

  • Consistent reporting
  • Reduced duplication
  • Faster access to common insights
  • Shared organisational knowledge

Examples include:

Monthly Revenue Summary
Customer Profitability
Employee Headcount
Product Performance
Operational KPI Dashboard

Users can execute these queries without rebuilding them.

Tips for Better Questions​

Be Specific​

Instead of:

Show sales.

Use:

Show sales by region for the last 12 months.

Use Business Terms​

Use the language commonly used within your organisation.

Examples:

Revenue
Customer
Employee
Asset
Product
Service

CryspIQ® understands business terminology more effectively than technical abbreviations.

Ask Follow-Up Questions​

Questions can be refined and explored iteratively.

Example:

Show revenue by region.

Which region had the highest growth?

Show the top customers in that region.

Best Practices​

Before Asking Questions​

  • Confirm the data exists.
  • Verify access permissions.
  • Review the Data Glossary if unsure.

When Reviewing Results​

  • Validate the generated SQL.
  • Confirm business assumptions.
  • Save useful queries for reuse.

For Regular Reporting​

  • Save commonly used queries.
  • Add them to the Query Library.
  • Share them with authorised users.

Common Questions​

Do I need SQL knowledge?​

No.

Business users can ask questions using everyday language.

Can I see the SQL?​

Yes.

CryspIQ® displays the generated SQL before execution.

Can I save queries?​

Yes.

Generated SQL can be saved and added to the Query Library.

Why can't I see certain data?​

Access is controlled through Microsoft Entra Security Groups.

You can only view data you are authorised to access.

What should I do if no results are returned?​

Review:

  1. Your question.
  2. Your security permissions.
  3. The Data Glossary.

Next Steps​

  1. Ask a business question.
  2. Review the generated SQL.
  3. Analyse the results.
  4. Save useful queries.
  5. Add reusable queries to the Query Library.

The Questions feature enables anyone in the organisation to access trusted enterprise information using natural language while maintaining governance, security and transparency.