How to Create Custom Datasets in Scintilla

Bekah Tatem

By Bekah Tatem, Content Writer

Last Updated January 7, 2025

6 min read

In this article, learn about:  

  • Pre-built vs. Custom Datasets in Luminate/Scintilla 

  • How to create and save a Custom Dataset 

  • Editing and managing your saved Custom Datasets 

  • Example Custom Dataset for data segmentation analysis  


When Walmart transitioned from DSS to Lumiante/Scintilla, suppliers had to quickly adapt to a new way of pulling their reports. Although Walmart has provided template datasets to pull reports, finding one-to-one report equivalents has been challenging for suppliers.  

In addition, with Walmart offering two levels of service, Basic (free) and Charter (paid), suppliers on the free service do not have access to the same level of data.   

To help suppliers have more flexibility in the reports they create, Luminate/Scintilla Basic now has a feature called Custom Datasets. In this article, we’ll dive into how to use this feature and create tailored reports that meet your unique business needs. 

What are Custom Datasets? 

Within Luminate/Scintilla, Walmart provides pre-built datasets covering various areas, such as Store Sales and inventory, Order Corecast, and eComm Sales.  

Walmart Luminate Dataset.png

While these datasets are helpful, suppliers may have reporting needs that fall outside the confines of these reports; that’s where Custom Datasets come in. Custom Datasets allow suppliers to: 
 

  • Combine tables from multiple datasets for a more holistic view. 

  • Apply filters to refine data for unique use cases. 

  • Save Custom Datasets for quick use in the future. 

Custom Dataset.png

How to Create Custom Datasets 

Login to Luminate > click New Report > select Custom Dataset beneath My datasets. 

Custom Dataset Button.png

Select the data tables you want to include in your report: 
 

  • You can search for specific tables or field names using the search function. 

  • To see the data attributes included in each table, click on the three dots next to the table name and select Table Details. This allows you to search for an attribute by name or by its DSS alias.  

  • Make sure to select Save dataset at the bottom left-hand corner of the pop-up if you want to save this dataset for continued use. 

  • Click Okay once you’ve finished making your selections.  

Custom Dataset Select Tables.png

 

If you choose to save the dataset, you’ll now have the chance to name it. 

Save Dataset.png

 

Now your dataset is saved, it’s time to create your report.  

Report Canvas.png

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind while creating your report: 

  • To create any report, you need at least one dimension, one metric, and a time period filter.  

  • In Custom Datasets, there is no function to compare multiple time periods. If you need to do this, we recommend pulling multiple reports and combining them in excel.  

  • You can toggle between Columns and Filters options in the top left corner of your screen. 

  • If you’re struggling to find dimensions/metrics you’re used to in DSS, hover your mouse over the name to reveal more details and the DSS alias.  

Related Reading: DSS Aliases in Luminate 

Dimension Details.png

 

How to Edit or Delete Your Custom Datasets 

Once you’ve saved a Custom Dataset, you can return to the New Report screen to see your saved datasets.  

Saved Custom Dataset.png

By clicking the three dots in the top right corner of the tile, you can edit, rename or delete the dataset. 

Custom Dataset Options.png

 

Custom Dataset Example: Data Segmentation 

Now that we understand the basics of building a Custom Dataset, let’s look at a real-time example. Let’s say a supplier wants to do a data segmentation analysis on an item with low instock levels but high weeks of supply.  

The goal of this analysis is to divide store data into distinct groups or segments to identify microtrends much more quickly than drilling down to individual store-level. 

To pull the data needed for this analysis, we need a custom report that combines tables from multiple datasets to extract all the attributes needed for the report. 
 
Here’s the information we need: 

Attribute Needed for Report 

DSS Alias 

Walmart Dataset the Attribute Lives In 

Prime Item Number 

Prime Item Nbr 

Item Info and Item Hierarchy 

All Links Item Description 

Prime Item Desc 

Item Info and Item Hierarchy 

Store Number 

Store Nbr 

Store Info 

City Name 

City 

Store Info 

State or Province Name 

State 

Store Info 

POS Quantity-This Year 

POS Qty 

Store Sales 

Store On Hand Quantity-This Year 

Curr On Hand Qty 

Store Inventory 

Here are the steps to pulling that information from Luminate/Scintilla using a Custom Dataset: 

 Login to Luminate > click New Report > select Custom Dataset beneath My datasets. 

item analysis report 1.png

 

Select desired tables:  

  • Item Info and Item Hierarchy 

  • Store Info 

  • Store Sales 

  • Store Inventory 

item analysis report 2.png

Save the Custom Dataset.  

item analysis report 3.png

Configure the columns with the needed dimensions: 

  • Prime Item Number 

  • All Links Item Description 

  • Store Number 

  • City Name 

  • State or Province Name 

  • POS Quantity-This Year 

  • Store On Hand Quantity-This Year 

item analysis report 4.png

 Set filters.  

item analysis report 5.png

 Click Create Report.  

item analysis report 6.png

 Fill out the required fields and create the report. 

item analysis report 7.png

Once the report has been created, it can take 30 minutes to an hour for the report to be ready to download. After the report is ready, you can use the segmented data to identify trends, such as which geographic areas are experiencing stock imbalances or sales anomalies. These insights allow for targeted interventions to optimize inventory and improve supply chain efficiency. 
 
This is just one example of how Custom Datasets in Luminate/Scintilla can be used to meet specific business and reporting needs.  
 
If you’ve not yet explored Custom Datasets, we highly recommend trying them. They’re a powerful tool for unlocking deeper insights into your Walmart business and rebuilding reports you used to access in DSS.  

Related Reading: What is Segmentation Analysis in Retail? 

Stay Connected with SupplierWiki 

Did you find this resource helpful? SupplierWiki is dedicated to empowering Walmart suppliers with essential insights and tools for success. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive retailer-specific updates, resources, and content directly to your inbox! 

Related Resources