BlueConic stores event-based data in timeline events. With the timeline event rollup feature, you can use a simple UI in the Timeline event rollups page to select the time-based data you need for segmentation and activation, and roll that data up into BlueConic profile properties. Using the query builder, you can create queries against timeline data and see results stored in profile properties.
Timeline event rollups are ideal for time-based segmentation, improved reporting, machine learning, and exporting data to external systems.
Before you begin
Ensure you have the Timeline event rollups user permission.
Consider how your existing marketing or data analysis scenarios could benefit from aggregated timeline event data.
Clearly outline the timeline events and properties you need to aggregate. Decide which profile properties will store the rolled-up data.
If you're using the Timeline Query Connection, determine which data it's already rolling up and how that might relate to new rollup needs.
View and manage timeline event rollups
Select More > Timeline events from the BlueConic navigation bar.
Open the Timeline event rollups tab.
Search, filter, and edit columns as needed.
Click into a timeline event rollup to view and edit its settings.
Next steps
Migrate from the Timeline Query Connection to timeline event rollups.
FAQs
How do timeline event rollups differ from the Timeline Query Connection?
Rollups offer a user-friendly interface, more operators, efficient performance, real-time updates, PII validations, and don't require scheduling.
When does a timeline event rollup execute?
Rollups run automatically when created, updated, when relevant timeline events change, when retention or recalculation periods expire, or when you manually refresh statistics. They are not scheduled like connections.
How do rollups impact my tenant's data operations?
View the impact of rollups on data operations in Settings > General settings.
Do rollups process all values in multi-value timeline event properties?
Yes, if the property is flagged as "multi-value." Several properties, like Order tags and Product categories, are multi-value by default.
How can I use timeline event rollups with segments?
Timeline event rollups calculate and store aggregated data into profile properties. This allows you to build BlueConic customer segments using time-based data stored in timeline events. Filter on events like orders, refunds, and abandoned carts, creating segments based on specific time-related criteria.
Why should I avoid segmenting against multiple different rollups?
Using properties from multiple different timeline rollups within a single segment can lead to unexpected and inaccurate results. Therefore, it's recommended to avoid this practice.
What is an example of a timeline event rollup and its use in a segment?
An example is rolling up the shipping costs of a range of orders into a single profile property, "shipping_sum". This property can then be used to create a segment of customers based on their total shipping costs.
How can I check if my timeline event rollup is working correctly?
After creating a rollup, validate the results by building a segment of profiles based on the rollup property. Then, verify that the segment is being populated with profiles as you expect.