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 source.
  • Set the sync time in the Sources section of the hub under "Sync Time."


For example: If you select America/New York, data warehousing occurs at midnight ET (UTC -4:00).

Exceptions: 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).

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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