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For questions about metrics, tables, and how SourceMedium works, the AI Analyst uses Knowledge Retrieval — providing instant answers from documentation and metadata without querying your warehouse.

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When Knowledge Retrieval Is Used

Knowledge Retrieval handles questions about definitions, concepts, and schema — anything that can be answered from SourceMedium documentation rather than your warehouse data.

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Examples

These questions share key characteristics:
  • “What is” / “How does” phrasing
  • Metric definitions (LTV, ROAS, AOV)
  • Schema questions (tables, columns)
  • How SourceMedium works

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How It Works

1

Classify Question

The AI recognizes that your question is about concepts or schema, not about querying data.
2

Search Knowledge Base

The question is matched against SourceMedium documentation and metadata.
3

Generate Answer

The AI synthesizes a clear answer from the relevant sources, formatted for Slack.

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What You’ll See

Knowledge Retrieval responses include:
No SQL is generated for Knowledge Retrieval questions. The answer comes directly from documentation and metadata.

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Question Categories

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Metric Definitions

The AI explains what the metric measures, how it’s calculated, and where you can find it in your data.

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Schema & Tables

The AI describes table purposes, key columns, and when to use each table.

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SourceMedium Concepts

The AI explains SourceMedium-specific methodology and configuration.

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Data Structures

The AI explains dimension values, enums, and how data is categorized.

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Tips for Knowledge Questions

“What is LTV?” triggers Knowledge Retrieval. “What was our LTV last month?” triggers Standard Analysis.
Schema questions are answered from documentation, not by querying metadata.
After getting a definition, you can ask follow-up questions in the same thread: “How do I calculate that in SQL?” or “Show me an example.”In channels, mention the bot with @SourceMedium for follow-up analysis.

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From Knowledge to Analysis

After understanding a concept, you can immediately apply it: Knowledge: “What is ROAS?”
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) is calculated as attributed revenue divided by ad spend…
Follow-up: “What was our ROAS by channel last month?”
The AI now runs a Standard Analysis query to get your actual ROAS data.
The AI retains context in the same thread. If you ask about a concept and then want to see your data, it can connect the two in that thread.

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Knowledge Sources

Knowledge Retrieval draws from:
  • Data Dictionary — Metrics and dimensions
  • Table Schemas — Column definitions and relationships
  • Core Concepts — Attribution, data transformations
  • Integration Guides — Platform-specific information
  • FAQs — Common questions and troubleshooting

Standard Analysis

How specific data queries are handled.

Deep Analysis

How open-ended questions trigger multi-perspective analysis.

Thread continuity and follow-ups

Learn what carries forward in the same thread and when to start a new thread.

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Summary and Opinion Follow-Ups

Some follow-ups do not require Knowledge Retrieval or fresh SQL. If you ask for a summary, rewrite, or recommendation after an analysis, the AI Analyst uses the retained thread context.
These responses are grounded in the prior thread. If there is no prior analysis context, the AI Analyst will ask you to run an analysis first.

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Explore the Knowledge Base

These are the sources the AI draws from for Knowledge Retrieval:

Glossary

Definitions of common terms and acronyms.

Attribution Concepts

How SourceMedium attributes orders to channels.