by Chris Taylor 
When you first get your hands on CRM Analytics (Tableau CRM), or when you have been provided with a new set of business reporting requirements, it can be a daunting task to decide where to start. However, as is often the case with CRM Analytics, there is help at hand in the form of App Templates.
What is an App Template?
In CRM Analytics, apps are a bit like folders. They can contain dashboards, datasets dataflow/recipes and store them in a single place. Like an AppExchange package, App Templates do the hard work for you. They create everything you need. Unlike AppExchange packages, they have an additional trick up their sleeve; they can do this intelligently.
Each app has a wizard-based setup. This can check to see if your platform is compatible, then ask you questions about your setup. Your answers are then used to tailor the app to your needs. For example, it could be to set a colour pallet or to group your data by a particular field.
Why should you use an App template?
There are multiple types of App Templates. Salesforce provides some out of the box, Salesforce partners develop their own App templates, and you can even build your own! The Salesforce App templates are built using design best practices, common KPIs and focus on industry-standard reports.
It is straightforward to get an app set up. Why would you not let Astro run around doing all the hard work for you?
How do you use an App Template?
Getting started is simple. Head over to the Analytics Studio home screen, click Create, and select an app. You will see a catalogue of templates for you to choose from. Each is tagged, making it simple to find what you are looking for with the filter or search box. Once you have selected your template, you will walk through a few screens providing information or asking questions. You will then see Astro merrily skipping across your screen. Now is the time for you to grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and wait for CRM Analytics to do all the work for you.
So, what Next?
Once you have played with your new dashboards, you might be thinking, “This does not quite work for us”, or, “We have our own KPIs we need to measure”. Well, have no fear. You can always get in touch with our certified CRM Analytics experts, who can help you achieve your analytics goals.