Plecto Glossary 📚

API batch size: The maximum number of items that can be sent in a single API request. For example, Plecto limits API requests to 100 items per request for certain endpoints to manage data flow efficiently.

API key / token: A unique identifier used to identify and authenticate API requests. This key is essential for accessing the API and ensuring secure communication between systems​​.

API request: A call made to an API to retrieve or send data. Each request interacts with the API endpoints to perform various operations, such as fetching data for dashboards or submitting new data records​.

Account: Refers to a user or organization profile within Plecto. An account contains all the user's settings, data, and integrations necessary for using Plecto's services.

Accumulate: To gather data over time. In Plecto, this term refers to the process of aggregating data points on certain widgets to analyze trends or performance metrics.

Achievement: A specific goal or milestone set within Plecto, often used to motivate users by tracking progress and recognizing accomplishments.

Achievement badge: A visual representation of an achievement in Plecto. Badges are awarded when specific milestones or goals are reached, serving as motivational tools.

Add-on: An additional feature or module that can be purchased on top of an existing Plecto subscription plan to extend its functionality.

Advanced formula editor: A tool in Plecto that allows users to create complex calculations and data transformations. This editor supports advanced functions and expressions to customize data analysis and visualization, such as IF statements​​.

Announcement: A message broadcasted to all users within an organization in Plecto. Announcements are used to share important information, updates, or motivational messages.

App: Short for application, it refers to Plecto’s software available on various platforms (web, iOS, Android) that users interact with to access their data, dashboards, and other features​.

Archive: A tab for storing Plecto Reports that are no longer actively used but may be needed for future reference or analysis.

Area chart: A type of graph widget used in Plecto to display quantitative data. It shows the magnitude of change over time by filling the area below the line, making it useful for visualizing trends and cumulative data.

Automatic import: A feature that allows data to be imported into Plecto automatically from connected sources at scheduled intervals. This ensures that data is up-to-date without requiring manual intervention​​.

Bar chart: A type of widget available in the Reports feature that represents data with rectangular bars. Each bar's length or height is proportional to the data value it represents. Bar charts are useful for comparing different categories or tracking changes over time​​.

Calculated field: A field created based on a calculation using different functions or other fields from the same data source. It allows users to perform operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication of field values to generate new insights from existing data.

Clock: A widget in Plecto that displays the current time. It can be used on dashboards to keep track of time across different time zones.

Coaching: A set of features in Plecto that enable managers to guide and support employees' performance through structured feedback, goal-setting, and performance tracking.

Coins: A gamification element in Plecto used to reward employees for achieving certain goals or milestones. Coins can be accumulated and redeemed for various incentives.

Column chart: A widget on Dashboards and Reports that displays data using vertical bars, making it ideal for showing data changes over a period or comparing different categories.

Combo chart: A widget in Reports that combines two or more chart types, such as a line chart and a column chart, to compare different data sets or visualize data in multiple ways on a single chart​​.

Comparator: A tool or feature that allows users to compare two or more data sets or metrics to identify differences, trends, or patterns (examples: =, !=, >, <, &&, ||).

Compare to: A feature that allows users to compare current data with past data sets. This can help in identifying trends, measuring performance, and making informed decisions.

Component: A building block of a formula in Plecto's Visual Formula Editor. Components contain functions that allow to extract data from data sources, work with date-time elements, add existing formulas or use static numbers.

Conditional colors: A feature that allows users to set specific colors for data points based on certain conditions or thresholds. This helps in highlighting key metrics, anomalies, or performance against targets.

Contest: A gamification feature in Plecto where users or teams compete to achieve certain goals or milestones. Contests are designed to motivate and engage employees through friendly competition.

Countdown: A widget that counts down to a specific date or time. It can be used to track time remaining for a deadline, event, or goal.

Credentials: Information used to authenticate and authorize a user or system to access Plecto's features and data. This typically includes usernames, passwords, API keys, and tokens.

Dashboard: A performance dashboard is a data visualization tool that can help your business measure, monitor, and manage your key activities. Dashboards provide a real-time overview of key metrics and performance indicators​.

Dashboard history: The record of changes and updates of a dashboard over time. The dashboard history is an option in the dashboard header allowing users to track modifications and understand how data and settings have evolved.

Data function: Operation applied to data to perform calculations, transformations, or aggregations. Data functions help in deriving new insights and metrics from existing data sources.

Data retention period: The duration for which data is stored in Plecto. This period can be configured based on data management policies and compliance requirements.

Data source: A place for registering raw data in Plecto. A data source can be an external system or database from which Plecto imports data or something that users log manually. Examples include CRM systems, financial software, SQL, API, and other business applications.

Data supplier: An entity or system that provides data to Plecto. Data suppliers can be internal systems, third-party applications, or external databases.

Data type: The classification of data based on its nature and format. An external system might offer multiple data types, such as Activities, Deals, Opportunities, that each form its own data source in Plecto.

Date function: A function in Formulas that performs operations on date data, such as extracting the day, month, year. In Calculated Fields, this option also supports calculating the difference between two dates.

Date field: A field that stores date values. Date fields are used in various calculations, filters, and time-based analyses.

Date modifier: A parameter used to adjust date values in calculations or filters. In practice, it means choosing another date field in formulas.

Deactivate: To disable an employee profile temporarily or permanently. Deactivated employees do not appear in active lists but can be reactivated if needed.

Debugging: The process of identifying and fixing errors or issues in software or data configurations. Debugging ensures that the system operates correctly and efficiently.

Default date: The pre-set date value used in data sources and formulas when no other date is specified. It is the primary point of reference for the data that gets displayed.

Demo: A demonstration or trial version of Plecto that showcases its features and functionalities. Demos are used to give potential users a hands-on experience of the platform.

Dimensions: We talk about dimensions when we refer to integrations that only allow pulling data in segments, such as time, location, product, or department.

Display name: An alias a user can add to their profile. If added, Plecto will show the user's display name instead of their full name.

Domain: The specific area of business or the internet address where Plecto or its services are hosted. It can also refer to the organization's email domain used for user authentication.

Donut chart: A circular chart on Dashboards and Reports, used to show proportions and distributions of data categories.

Drilldown: A feature that allows users to explore detailed data by clicking on a chart or widget. Drilldowns help in understanding the underlying data behind summarized metrics.

Dynamic dashboard: A dashboard in Plecto that shows data of the person who's viewing it. This feature is available as a paid add-on.

Employee: A user within Plecto associated with an organization. Employees can have different roles and permissions based on their responsibilities, and they can either have or not have login access to Plecto, or be managed by an external system.

Employee profile: The personal and professional information of an employee in Plecto, including contact details, role, team, and performance metrics.

Employment period: The duration for which an employee has been with the organization. It is used in various calculations and reports to track tenure and performance over time. All employees get automatically deactivated after their employment period end date.

External account: An account from another system or platform that is integrated with Plecto to import data or enable functionalities.

Favorite dashboard: A dashboard marked with a star for quick access on the front page. Favorite dashboards are usually those that are most frequently used or important to the user.

Field: A column in a data source. Fields can include text values, numbers, dates, lists, or other types.

Filter: A tool to refine data based on specific criteria. Filters are available in most Plecto features and help in focusing on relevant data and excluding unnecessary information.

Folder: A container used to organize formulas and data sources within Plecto. Folders help in maintaining a structured and easy-to-navigate workspace.

Formula: A mathematical or logical expression used to calculate data from data sources or by using static numbers. Formulas are essential for creating custom KPIs and metrics in Plecto.

Formula editor: A tool within Plecto that allows users to create, edit, and manage formulas. There are two formula editors, Visual and Advanced, that support various functions and operations to customize data calculations.

Function: A predefined operation used in formulas to perform calculations, transformations, or data manipulations. Examples include sum, average, count, and date functions.

Gamification: The application of game-design elements and principles in non-game contexts to engage and motivate users. In Plecto, gamification includes features like Notifications, Achievements, Contests, and Reward Store.

Global Admin: A user role with the highest level of permissions in Plecto. Global Admins can manage all aspects of the platform, including user accounts, data sources, and system settings.

Granularity: A setting on some dashboard widgets. Higher granularity means more detailed data points, while lower granularity indicates more aggregated data.

Group by: A data operation that organizes data into groups based on specified dimensions or fields. Grouping helps in summarizing and analyzing data effectively.

History modifier: A tool in Formulas that offsets formula results when formulas are added to a widget (on dashboards, in reports, or wherever formulas are used).

Home dashboard: The primary dashboard linked to a team that serves as a hyperlink whenever that team is shown on other dashboards. There can only be one home dashboard per team.

Home slideshow: The primary slideshows linked to a team. Home slideshows allow team managers with Standard permission to activate their team's slideshows on TVs and make it easier to send team-specific slideshow notifications.

IP address: A unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.

Image widget: A widget type on Plecto dashboards that allows users to display images, such as company logos or team photos, enhancing the visual appeal of the dashboard.

Integration: Refers to the process or software systems that Plecto is connected with. Integration data sources import data and update automatically and enable users to visualize data from these external systems.

KPI (Key Performance Indicator): A measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives, tracked and visualized using Plecto real-time dashboards.

Leaderboard: A widget type on Plecto dashboards ranking individuals or teams based on specific performance metrics, fostering competition and motivation through gamification.

Legal contact: The designated person or entity responsible for handling legal matters and communications for an organization.

Line chart: A type of chart in Plecto Dashboards and Reports that uses lines to connect individual data points, showing trends over time or relationships between variables.

Localization: The adaptation of Plecto’s interface and functionalities to suit the language, culture, and regulatory requirements of different regions.

Log (transactions, history, activity): A detailed record of all transactions, historical changes, or activities within Plecto, allowing users to review and audit data and actions.

MSA: The Master Subscription Agreement, which outlines the terms of use, rights, and responsibilities between Plecto and its users.

Manual data source: A data source where information is manually entered into Plecto, as opposed to being automatically imported from an integrated system.

Manual import: The process of manually starting a data import for an integration data source often used to synchronize Plecto with any changes made in the external system.

Manual registration: The process of manually entering registration details into Plecto's manual data sources.

Member: An individual user, also known as employee, who belongs to an organization in Plecto and is typically part of a team or department.

Merge: Combining multiple employees into a single, unified employee profile within Plecto.

Native app (TV app/ Mobile app): Plecto’s applications designed specifically for use on TV and mobile devices, providing optimized performance and functionality on these platforms.

News feed: A real-time stream of updates and information displayed on a Plecto front page, often used to keep teams informed about recent activities and announcements.

Notifications: An automated gamification feature that sends out alerts and messages generated by Plecto to inform users about important events, changes, or milestones, delivered via slideshows, email, SMS, or in-app messages.

Notification action: Specific actions triggered by notifications in Plecto, such as displaying the employees on slideshows, playing YouTube videos, giving coins, and others.

Number box: A dashboard widget in Plecto that displays numerical data, such as totals or averages, in a clear and prominent format.

Number format: The way formula output is displayed in Plecto, including options for decimal places, and separators for thousands.

Object-level permissions: Specific access rights assigned to individual objects within Plecto, such as dashboards, data sources, or reports, controlling which users can view or edit them.

One-on-one: A Coaching feature in Plecto used for individual coaching or performance reviews between a manager and an employee.

Online registration box: An interface on Plecto front page where users can enter data manually, often used for adding registrations to Manual data sources.

Operator: A symbol or keyword used in formulas within Plecto to perform calculations or logical operations, such as addition (+), subtraction (-), or AND/OR conditions.

Organization: The entire company or entity using Plecto, encompassing all users, teams, data sources, and configurations under a single account.

Owner: The individual with the highest level of access and administrative rights within a Plecto data source or formula, responsible for managing users and settings.

Parent team: A team that has one or more sub-teams associated with it, allowing for hierarchical organization of users and data.

Participant: An individual taking part in a contest, quiz, or other interactive feature within Plecto.

Performance agreement: A formalized document or setting in Plecto outlining the expected performance metrics and goals for an individual.

Permission profile: A predefined set of access rights and permissions assigned to users within Plecto, controlling what they can view or edit.

Personal video: A video from YouTube uploaded by a user in their Plecto profile. If a Personal video notification action is added to a notification, Plecto will play the user's video.

Pie chart: A type of chart in Plecto Reports that displays data as slices of a circular pie, with each slice representing a proportion of the whole.

Player: An individual participating in Plecto’s gamification features, such as contests.

Prefix: Text added at the beginning of a data field or value in Plecto to provide context or additional information.

Product update: Announcements or releases from Plecto regarding new features, enhancements, or bug fixes in the product.

Public URL: A web address generated by a user that can be shared publicly, allowing external users to view specific Plecto slideshows.