Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What happens in the free consultation?
It’s a quick conversation - over the phone, in person or on a video call. We talk through your business, what you currently track (even if that’s just a gut feel), and what you’d love to be able to see. We’ll walk through a list of common KPIs together and figure out which ones actually apply to your situation. There’s no commitment and no pressure.
Do I need to have my data organised before we talk?
No. Many small business owners operate from messy spreadsheets, a few different software platforms, and a vague sense that their data is “somewhere.” That’s completely fine. Part of what we do in the consultation is figure out what data you have and whether it’s usable.
How do I know which package is right for me?
We’ll work that out together in the consultation. Broadly: if you want to understand one specific area of your business and have no interest in an ongoing service, Essentials is the place to start. If you want a live dashboard you can check anytime, Growth is the most popular choice. If you want weekly updates and priority support, Executive is built for that.
Can I start with Essentials and upgrade later?
Yes. Essentials clients receive an upgrade credit toward Growth or Executive if they upgrade within 90 days of delivery. Growth customers can receive a credit towards the Executive package at any point after the minimum commitment period.
How long does the build take?
Essentials dashboards are delivered within 10 business days of receiving your data. Growth and Executive dashboards are typically delivered within 10–15 business days. The clock starts from when we receive your complete data, not from when you sign the agreement, so the faster you can get us your files, the sooner you’ll have your dashboard. If there are data quality issues that require back-and-forth, we’ll let you know upfront and adjust the timeline accordingly.
Packages and Pricing
What’s included in the upfront fee?
The upfront fee covers the full dashboard build, consultation, design, data modelling, QA testing, and delivery. For Growth and Executive, it also covers the first period of live updates. The monthly retainer after that covers ongoing data updates and support.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Pricing is outlined in your Service Agreement before you sign. The only additional costs are optional add-ons (Revision Bundle, KPI Add-on Pack, or custom work) - and those are only charged if you request them.
What’s the minimum commitment?
Essentials has no ongoing commitment - it’s a flat fee and you’re done. Growth and Executive have a 3-month minimum retainer, then run month-to-month. You can cancel with 30 days’ notice after the minimum period.
What if I need more KPIs than my package includes?
You can add a KPI Add-on Pack to Growth or Executive. Alternatively, any custom work can be scoped and invoiced separately
Data and Privacy
How do I submit my data to you?
Via a unique file request link we send once your Service Agreement is signed. You upload directly - no special accounts needed. We do not accept data via personal email.
Who can see my data?
Only you and Nova Analytics. Your data is stored securely and handled in line with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988. We do not share your data with third parties.
What software do you use?
Primarily Power BI. We manage the Power BI environment on your behalf - no Microsoft account or technical setup required on your end. We add you to our secure workspace and you access your dashboard via a simple link. If you ever leave Nova Analytics, we'll export your dashboard file and hand it over so you can take it with you.
Do I need a Power BI licence?
It depends on your package. Essentials is delivered as a PDF - no licence or software required. For Growth and Executive, you’ll need a Power BI Pro licence to access your live dashboard. Nova Analytics manages this on your behalf. The licence fee is included as a pass-through cost in your package price. If you already use Microsoft 365, you may already have access. We’ll walk you through the setup when your dashboard is delivered.
What if there’s a problem with my data quality?
We check your data when we receive it. If there are quality issues (For example inconsistent formats, data gaps) we’ll contact you with specific questions before we start building. We won’t start the build on incomplete data, because that would produce an inaccurate dashboard.
Ongoing Services
What does a monthly update actually involve?
We take your updated data, refresh the dashboard, run a quality check, and send you a brief note confirming the update, along with anything worth your attention (unusual trends, data anomalies). You don’t have to do anything except send us the latest data file each month using your unique link.
What if my dashboard stops working?
We monitor all live dashboards regularly. If something breaks or data goes stale, we identify and fix it. If you spot an issue first, contact us and we’ll acknowledge it within 2 business days and resolve it as soon as possible.
Can I make changes after delivery?
Yes. Growth and Executive include 2 revision rounds. After that, you can purchase a Revision Bundle or request custom changes (scoped separately).
What if my business changes and I need different KPIs?
Get in touch. We’ll discuss what’s changed and scope the update as either a revision (if within your included rounds) or custom work.