# Custom Analytics
{% hint style="warning" %} **`Custom Analytics`** is currently in **beta**.\
It will become a paid feature after the official release.
{% endhint %}
***
## Key Highlights
* Use SQL to query your BoxHero data.
* Combine conditions (e.g. item, attribute, price, date range, partner) to define the data you want to return as a custom report.
* Save queries you use often and open them again at any time.
* Export results to Excel for additional analysis or reporting.
## When to Use Custom Analytics
The standard **`Inventory Reports`** feature gives you a quick view of key metrics like average stock quantity and inventory turnover for a selected period. Because those reports use predefined formulas and fields, they may not cover every type of analysis your team needs.
**`Custom Analytics`** gives you more control over how you explore your data. It’s especially useful when:
* You can’t find the data you need in the standard [Inventory Reports](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/other-features/analytics)
* You want to filter or group data by item, supplier, customer, team member, or other detailed conditions
* You need time-based analysis such as monthly, quarterly, or year-over-year
* You want to save reports you rely on and use them again
* You need flexible data to support reporting or decision-making
***
## How to Use Custom Analytics
### 1. Getting Started
Go to **`Reports`** > **`Custom Analytics`**. This opens a new workspace where you can create and manage your SQL queries. Then, select **`+ New`** to create a new query.
### 2. Write a Query
Queries use [DuckDB SQL](https://duckdb.org/docs/stable/sql/introduction). You can download the **`AI Prompt`** file to see all available tables and columns.
{% hint style="success" %}
If you’re using **AI tools** such as ChatGPT or Gemini, attaching the "*AI Prompt"* file helps generate accurate SQL.
{% endhint %}
Select **`Execute`** to test your query. Since results depend on the conditions you write, review the output to confirm that it matches what you expect.
After your query runs successfully, you can export the results with **`Export to Excel`**.
### 3. Save a Query
If you plan to reuse a query, select **`Save`** in the top-right corner.
Saved queries appear in the left sidebar, where you can open and run them at any time.
{% hint style="info" %}
Your data syncs automatically **once a day**.\
To sync immediately, click the sync icon (🔄) at the bottom of the sidebar.
{% endhint %}
***
## Query Variables
If you include `{{variable_name}}` in your query, an input field is automatically generated when the query runs. The value entered in that field is applied to the variable in your SQL query.
When you save a query, your team members can enter their own values in the variable field and run the report whenever they need it.
#### Example
1. To search for items that contain a specific keyword, enter the following query:
```sql
select sku, name
from items
where name ilike '%' || {{item_name}} || '%';
```
2. When you run the query, an input field named **item\_name** appears.
3. Enter a keyword such as *`sweater`* and the results will show all items with *“sweater”* in their name.
4. Save the query if you plan to use it again. You can select and load saved queries anytime from the left-hand menu.
***
## Use Cases
Custom Analytics includes built-in templates you can run right away. Review a template to understand how it works, then adjust it or create a new query based on your needs.
#### Templates
* Weekly Stock In/Out Report
* Monthly Purchase and Sales Trend
* Last Outbound Date by Item
***
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
### Can I combine data from multiple teams?
No. Data is separated by team, and you can only analyze data from the team you are currently logged into.
### Can I restrict members from using Custom Analytics?
Admins and members can create and view queries. Members with custom permissions *do not* have access to this feature.
If you need to to restrict access for a member, assign them a [custom permission](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/settings/members#custom-roles-and-permissions) with **all permissions selected**. Custom Analytics is *not* included in custom permission options, so even with all permissions selected, the member will not have access.
