# Before You Build

Source: https://help.zira.us/docs/dashboards/prerequisites
Summary: Prepare the right data sources, channels, tasks, and dashboard context before you start adding widgets.
Updated: 2026-03-28

Before you build a dashboard, make sure the underlying sources already exist.

Dashboards are usually strongest when the data model is ready first.

## Add the right data sources

Many widgets depend on one or more data sources being available first.

This is especially important for:

- **KPI**
- **Grouped KPI**
- **KPI Table**
- **Column**
- **Bar**
- **Pie**
- **Time series**
- **Indicator**
- **Data Table**
- **AI Insights**
- **Filter Widget**
- **Streaming**
- **Data Streaming**

If you do not have the right data source yet, create or attach it before building the dashboard.

## Confirm the dashboard scope

When creating a dashboard, the app can work with one or more data sources depending on the dashboard type and context.

Before you begin, decide:

- whether the dashboard should focus on one data source or several
- whether it belongs to a site-level or company-level workflow
- whether it is meant for one operational use case or a broader overview

## Prepare task context when needed

Task widgets work best when the related task workflow already exists.

This matters for:

- **Board**
- **List**
- **Task Statistics**

If the task process has not been set up yet, the dashboard may open but not tell a useful story.

## Prepare channels and feed sources when needed

Some widgets depend more on channels and app activity than on readings.

Examples:

- **Feed**
- **Shortcuts**

If you want a feed-focused dashboard, make sure the relevant channels, hashtags, or post activity already exist.

## Prepare AI Vision Devices for visual widgets

Some widgets expect an **AI Vision Device** or another supported live device context.

This matters for:

- **Streaming**
- **Data Streaming**

If the related device is not available, those widgets cannot be configured usefully.

## Read next

- [Create a Dashboard](/docs/dashboards/create-a-dashboard) - Create the dashboard itself.
- [Data Research Widgets](/docs/dashboards/data-research-widgets) - Choose widgets once the underlying sources are ready.