How impact.com’s Pressboard Transformed Its Data Operations with Cube's Universal Semantic Layer

Founded in 2014 and acquired by impact.com in 2022, Pressboard provides tools that empower content creators, brands, and media companies to measure, promote, and report on their content. Its platform enables businesses to measure audience engagement through tools that assess sponsored content, social media campaigns, and eCommerce performance.

Pressboard also provides detailed metrics like scroll depth and active reading time, along with automated, shareable reports to streamline client workflows. Additionally, the platform supports campaign execution and analysis, making it a comprehensive solution for content marketers. Pressboard has become a trusted partner for many of the top media companies worldwide.

Facing Mounting Data Challenges

David Richards, Pressboard’s Director of Engineering, faced mounting challenges in managing the company’s growing data infrastructure. As a small team supporting a highly customized, embedded analytics solution, developers were often bogged down creating bespoke solutions for each client. Every new feature or visualization required tailored SQL code and unique endpoints, resulting in a significant developer backlog.

The lack of a unified semantic layer created additional hurdles. Developers spent excessive time ensuring data accuracy and consistency across reports, leaving little room for innovation. Workflow inefficiencies also hindered Pressboard’s ability to respond to client needs quickly, while performance issues with SQL Server strained the platform’s ability to deliver fast, reliable reporting as the customer base expanded. These obstacles not only impacted developer productivity but also created friction for customers relying on the platform to make data-driven decisions.

Choosing Cube as the Solution

To address these challenges, Pressboard explored several solutions, including Microsoft SSAS and Power BI Embedded Analytics. However, these tools lacked the flexibility and scalability required for a multi-tenant, customizable application. After considering building an in-house semantic layer solution, the team discovered and began using Cube Core.

Cube offered several key advantages that made it the ideal solution for Pressboard’s needs. Its code-first approach allowed for seamless integration with the company’s existing tech stack and an Angular-based embedded analytics solution for customer-facing dashboards. Cube’s robust support for multi-tenant data controls enabled Pressboard to enforce complex permissions while consolidating all client data into a unified, logical database. Additionally, Cube’s pre-aggregations improved query performance, reducing strain on SQL Server and ensuring faster, more reliable reporting.

Pressboard’s implementation journey involved transitioning from Cube Core to Cube Cloud as the team sought to reduce the overhead of managing their own infrastructure. Initially, performance issues arose when pre-aggregations caused heavy load on SQL Server. However, switching to SingleStore resolved these issues with minimal disruption. The migration process was seamless, requiring only minor adjustments to query patterns to accommodate SingleStore’s MySQL compatibility.

Cube’s universal semantic layer integrated seamlessly with Pressboard’s data infrastructure. By centralizing data access and storing query configurations, the team simplified reporting and improved data governance. This setup enabled developers to focus on delivering new features rather than managing data pipelines.

Delivering Impactful Results

The adoption of Cube’s universal semantic layer had a transformative effect on Pressboard’s data operations. Developer productivity improved significantly, as the need for custom SQL queries and bespoke endpoints was drastically reduced. Performance gains from pre-aggregations allowed the platform to deliver fast and consistent reporting, even as the customer base expanded.

By consolidating client databases into a single logical instance, Pressboard improved data governance and security while maintaining the flexibility to enforce complex permissions. This streamlined approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also elevated the user experience. Cube’s flexibility enabled Pressboard to expand its Widget Builder functionality, allowing clients to create custom charts, dashboards, and reports that aligned with their branding.

An unexpected benefit of Cube’s implementation was the ability to develop industry and client benchmarks. The platform also empowered non-technical stakeholders to perform ad-hoc data analysis, further increasing the platform’s value and stickiness. Additionally, the introduction of data exports in CSV and Excel formats expanded use cases for clients, making the solution more versatile and appealing.

Clients have responded positively to Pressboard’s enhanced analytics platform, praising its customization options and user-friendly interface. The improved consistency and accuracy of reports have built greater confidence among users, who are now more engaged with the platform. These enhancements have also increased customer loyalty, making the product an indispensable part of their workflows.

Evolving Pressboard’s Data Strategy with Cube Cloud

Pressboard’s adoption of Cube’s universal semantic layer has transformed its data infrastructure, enabling the company to overcome significant operational challenges. By streamlining workflows, improving performance, and enhancing the user experience, Cube has positioned Pressboard for sustained success in a data-driven world. With these foundational improvements in place, Pressboard is now focused on expanding its offerings and delivering even greater value to its customers.

As Pressboard continues to grow, the company plans to evolve its data strategy by adopting a Data-as-a-Service model. By exposing APIs, Pressboard aims to provide clients with the flexibility to consume data through their preferred BI tools and spreadsheets. This vision underscores the company’s commitment to empowering customers with seamless access to reliable, actionable insights.

About

Founded in 2014, Pressboard empowers the world’s top publishers to manage, measure and report on sponsored content, native advertising, eCommerce, social media, and more in a single dashboard. Branded content teams rely on these tools not only to improve their efficiency, but also to delight their brand clients and drive repeat campaigns.

Founded in 2008, impact.com transforms the way enterprises manage and optimize all types of partnerships. In 2022, impact.com acquired Pressboard to further their goal of revolutionizing how brands, advertisers, and publishers forge meaningful content partnerships and connect with their consumers.