Dashboard Not Updating or Showing Old Data

Resolve data freshness and refresh issues.

Understanding Data Freshness

How Dashboard Data Works

1. Data fetched from sources
2. Processed and cached
3. Displayed in widgets
4. Cache expires based on settings

Refresh Types

• Automatic: Based on schedule
• Manual: User-triggered
• Real-time: Continuous (some sources)

Diagnosing the Issue

Check Last Refresh Time

1. Open dashboard
2. Look for "Last updated" timestamp
3. Compare to expected freshness

Verify Source Status

1. Go to Data Sources
2. Check source status (green/yellow/red)
3. Look for error indicators
4. Review last sync time

Common Causes and Fixes

Stale Cache

Symptom: Data doesn't match source

Fix:
1. Click Refresh button on dashboard
2. Or go to source and Sync Now
3. Clear browser cache if persists

Sync Failed

Symptom: Source shows error status

Fix:
1. Open data source details
2. Check error message
3. Fix underlying issue (credentials, network)
4. Manually trigger sync

Wrong Date Range

Symptom: Data seems missing

Fix:
1. Check date filter on dashboard
2. Ensure date range includes recent data
3. Adjust filter and refresh

Timezone Mismatch

Symptom: Today's data missing or partial

Fix:
1. Check source timezone
2. Verify dashboard timezone
3. Align timezone settings

Manual Refresh Steps

Dashboard Level

1. Open dashboard
2. Click Refresh icon
3. Wait for update
4. Verify new timestamp

Data Source Level

1. Go to Data Sources
2. Find relevant source
3. Click Sync Now
4. Monitor sync progress
5. Return to dashboard

Full Reset

If issues persist:
1. Disconnect data source
2. Reconnect with same settings
3. Initial sync runs
4. Dashboard updates

Sync Schedule Settings

Checking Schedule

1. Open data source
2. View sync frequency setting
3. Adjust if needed

Recommended Frequencies

• Real-time data: Hourly
• Daily reports: Once daily
• Historical analysis: Weekly

Performance Considerations

Large Datasets

• May take longer to refresh
• Consider narrower date ranges
• Use aggregated views

Multiple Sources

• Each source syncs independently
• Check all sources for issues
• Consider sync scheduling

Prevention

Best Practices

• Set appropriate sync schedules
• Monitor source health regularly
• Use notifications for sync failures
• Document expected freshness per dashboard