Backfilling missing values in reports
Backfilling lets you include values that would otherwise be excluded because they have no related records in the report's root table. This article explains why some values are missing from reports and how backfilling affects what your report displays.
Backfilling is available only for certain built-in dimensions. Custom fields cannot be backfilled.
In this article:
Why some values are missing from your report
When you build a report from a root table, the report can only display records that exist in that table. For example, if you create a sales report using the Agreement lines table, the report only shows products with at least one sale, or customers who have placed at least one order in the selected date range.
If you need to include all products or customers, including those with no associated sales, you can enable backfill on that dimension.
How backfilling works
Backfilling adds rows for values that exist in the selected dimension but do not have related records in the report's root table. This allows the report to display complete lists, such as all products or customers, even when no activity exists for them.
To see how backfilling works in practice, you can enable it on a dimension in an existing report:
- Open the report
- Select Edit
- Select the dimension
- In the pop-up window, tick Backfill missing values
- Select OK
The report updates to include rows for values that would otherwise be excluded. A backfilled dimension is marked with a counterclockwise circle next to the dimension name.
💡Backfilling is most effective on the field that represents the most detailed level of data you need. For example, if your report requires variant-level inventory, backfilling the Variant title field ensures all variants appear in the report.
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