New tools can be fun and exciting for people to learn: there are new ways to solve different problems. Sometimes, it can be confusing where to start. Some people learn best through trial and error, reading documentation, or watching demos.
Below we’ve curated a list of the best available resources for learning and unlocking Sigma.
What is Sigma Computing?
First, if you’re unfamiliar with Sigma Computing, it is a cloud-based Business Intelligence (BI) tool primarily used for data exploration and visualization. Sigma was designed to increase the speed to insights by utilizing Snowflake’s lightning-fast computing power coupled with the familiarity of spreadsheets.
Sigma offers code-free and code-friendly data manipulation and visualization tools, making it easy to slice and dice your data in every conceivable combination.
Where Should I Get Started Learning Sigma?
Here are our recommendations for resources to use to learn Sigma. Be sure to keep checking back as we’ll continue to update this list as new resources become available.
1. Sigma Hands-On Lab
This Hands-On Lab is the best place for new users to start. It provides an overview of Sigma’s interface, common terms, and beginner principles. Participants will learn everything they need to know to create their first workbook.
2. Data Modeling Hands-On Lab
This hands-on lab takes users one step back from the workbooks to learn how to interact with the data and best practices when using Sigma’s data modeling features. It is essential for anyone who wants to learn how to interact with different datasets.
3. Example Workbook Analysis
The example workbooks are sample uses cases or commonly requested analysis created by the Sigma team. It can be immensely helpful not to “recreate the wheel” when trying to solve business problems. It is also helpful to understand how Sigma suggests tackling different scenarios.
4. Sigma User Community Site
Every great software is backed by a great community, and Sigma is no exception. This site helps fellow Sigmanauts (Sigma users) connect, answer questions, learn tips and tricks, and post suggestions to the platform. Sigmanauts can earn badges the more they use the site.
5. Documentation Center
The documentation center houses all of Sigma’s how-tos and user guides. The function index is particularly helpful for users coming from other BI platforms to learn how to translate formulas.
6. What's New in Sigma
The documentation center also holds the list of updates and new features to Sigma. Sigma is constantly improving its platform and implementing user feedback (especially suggestions from the community site). It’s important to stay on top of all the new functionality.
7. Webinar List
Sigma offers several different types of webinars ranging from introductory to advanced technical concepts. This is also a great place to see demos of the new features in Sigma.
8. Sigma’s Live Chat
When you’re logged into Sigma, in the bottom right corner, there is a question mark icon. This allows you to chat with live customer support agents from Sigma. I have found this incredibly useful when asking a specific or nuanced question. The support team has always been very responsive and helpful.
9. phData's Blog
Our team of experts is constantly publishing new content on using Sigma and best practices. Be sure to apply the Sigma Computing filter to see everything.
phData has created three Sigma courses via Data Coach, the company’s data and analytics learning platform to help guide users with little/no prior Sigma knowledge.
Some additional courses that would be helpful for Sigma users are Data Fluency, learning how to read, interpret, communicate, and analyze data, and SQL on Snowflake. Since Sigma is optimized for Snowflake, it is important to know how to best leverage Snowflake as well.
Conclusion
Sigma is a new and exciting resource that can unlock your organization’s data potential. This list covers easy resources to access to learn how to implement Sigma for your team. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our team of Sigma experts:
