Getting the most out of Assette starts with thoughtful data preparation. While Assette provides powerful tools to shape and transform data internally, the more structured your data is before it enters the platform, the faster your implementation will move.
Prepare on Your Side #
Where possible, prepare datasets on your source systems before connecting them to Assette. This might involve building views or stored procedures within systems like SQL Server, Snowflake, or using platforms like State Street Alpha or BNY Data Vault. Assette also supports API integrations and file uploads, including Excel/CSV.
Some clients choose to perform transformations in Assette using Python—this can work well for specific tasks, but we recommend handling core prep upstream when feasible to minimize complexity.
Shape Data in Assette #
Once data is connected via Data Blocks, Data Objects help further refine data for use in templates. You can use Data Objects to filter, group and derive fields—all without code.
Flexibility #
You can use Data Object to make datasets such as performance and characteristics dynamic so authors can specify the performance periods and characteristics to display at asset class, strategy, product or even account level. This minimizes the number of Data Objects needed to output a certain data category and also minimizes the number of templates.
Further, route performance periods via Assette’s special purpose Data Blocks to automatically drop duplicate periods. For example, when reporting for end of January, avoid showing MTD, QTD and YTD.
Use Assette to calculate Firm AUM by streaming accounts and market values. With this base data, along with account attributes such as strategy, client type, client domicile, Assette automatically calculates AUM for multiple buckets.
Keep Marketers in Mind #
Assette was designed for business users. That means every layer of your data pipeline should prioritize clarity over complexity. Provide clear, descriptive labels and help text within each Data Block and Data Object. This not only aids your users, but enhances AI accuracy when using Ask Assette, Commentary, or RFP automation.
Don’t Overlook Branding #
Visual polish is essential. Accurate, automated content still needs to reflect your brand identity. Assette lets you embed branding directly into your deliverables.
- Define and enforce your font, color, and layout standards using Brand Themes.
- Use consistent color codes for benchmark lines, gross vs. net returns, and sectors.
- Conditional formatting and theming logic in Data Objects ensure everything aesthetically pleasing—automatically.