Configure Data Source Sync Time and Google Sheets Refresh for the Latest Data

Configure Data Source Sync Time and Google Sheets Refresh for the Latest Data

Keeping your marketing data up-to-date is crucial for accurate reporting and analysis. This guide will walk you through configuring your data source sync time and Google Sheets scheduled refresh to ensure you're always working with the most recent data.

Understanding Data Source Sync Time

Power My Analytics automatically warehouses the latest data from your connected sources nightly. Here's how it works:

  • Data is updated at midnight in the time zone you've selected for each data source or individual account.
  • Set the sync time in the Sources section of the hub under Action > Set sync time.

Setting Data Source Sync Time

To configure the sync time for your data sources:

  1. Navigate to the Sources section in your PMA hub.
  2. Locate the data source you want to configure in the main Sources table.



  3. Click the three-dot Action menu next to the data source.
  4. Select Set sync time from the menu.



  5. Choose your preferred time zone from the Edit Timezone dropdown, or click Use local to use your local time zone. For example: If you select America/New York, data warehousing occurs at midnight ET (UTC -4:00).



  6. Click Save to apply the changes.

NotesExceptions: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube connectors have fixed sync times. Pinterest is fixed at midnight UTC, and Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are fixed at midnight PT (UTC -8:00).

Bulk Data Source Configuration

You can also set sync time for multiple sources at once by selecting the checkboxes next to multiple data sources.



Go to the bulk Actions menu at the top of the Sources table and select Set sync time.



Choose your preferred time zone from the Edit Timezone dropdown, then click Save.

Configuring Google Sheets Scheduled Refresh

To ensure your Google Sheets reports contain the most recent data:

  1. Access the PMA spreadsheets add-on in Google Sheets.
  2. Click the alarm clock icon to set up a scheduled refresh.
  3. Choose your refresh frequency:
    • Monthly, weekly, daily, or hourly (Enterprise plan only)
    • Select the time of day for the refresh



The scheduled refresh uses the individual Google spreadsheet's time zone setting.

Setting Your Spreadsheet Time Zone

To align your spreadsheet with your data source:

  1. Open the File menu in Google Sheets.
  2. Click Settings > General tab > Time Zone.
  3. Set the time zone to match your data source's sync time.

Timing Your Scheduled Refresh

For optimal results:

  • Allow a minimum of 2 hours after the nightly data warehousing begins.
  • For example, if your data source syncs at midnight ET, schedule your spreadsheet refresh for 2:00 AM ET or later.

Caution: If the nightly warehousing is incomplete before your spreadsheet refresh, you may not see the latest data in your spreadsheet.

Best Practices for Syncing and Refreshing

  1. Align time zones: Set your spreadsheet time zone to match your data source's sync time.
  2. Buffer time: Schedule refreshes at least 2 hours after data warehousing begins.
  3. Monitor updates: Regularly check that your reports are displaying the most recent data.

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