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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Infactory platform and its usage
This FAQ provides answers to common questions about Infactory, its features, and how to use it effectively.
General Questions
What is Infactory?
What is Infactory?
Infactory is an AI data platform that allows you to turn your existing databases and data sources into intelligent, natural language-powered interfaces. It’s designed to help businesses extract valuable insights from their data without requiring complex SQL or database expertise.The platform connects to your existing databases, automatically generates queries based on natural language questions, and provides tools for testing, deploying, and monitoring these queries in production applications.
How is Infactory different from traditional BI tools?
How is Infactory different from traditional BI tools?
Unlike traditional BI tools that typically require pre-built dashboards and reports, Infactory enables real-time, ad-hoc querying using natural language. Key differences include:
- Natural Language Interface: Users can ask questions in plain English instead of learning SQL or specialized query languages
- Autogenerated Queries: Infactory automatically generates appropriate database queries for natural language questions
- API-first Architecture: Easy integration with existing applications through REST APIs
- No Data Duplication: Connects directly to your existing databases without copying or moving data
- Adaptive Learning: Improves over time based on usage patterns and feedback
Does Infactory store my data?
Does Infactory store my data?
No, Infactory does not store your actual data. It operates on a connection-based model, where it establishes secure connections to your existing databases. When queries are executed, data is processed temporarily but not persistently stored in Infactory.Infactory does store metadata about your database schema, generated queries, and usage patterns to improve its performance and accuracy over time. This approach ensures that your sensitive data remains within your own database systems while still enabling intelligent query capabilities.
Which databases does Infactory support?
Which databases does Infactory support?
Infactory supports a wide range of SQL and NoSQL databases, including:
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- SQL Server
- Oracle
- SQLite
- MongoDB
- BigQuery
- Redshift
Can I use Infactory with my existing applications?
Can I use Infactory with my existing applications?
Yes, Infactory is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing applications through its API-first architecture. You can embed Infactory-powered data intelligence into web applications, mobile apps, chatbots, dashboards, or any other software that can make HTTP requests.We provide SDKs for popular programming languages such as JavaScript, Python, and Java, as well as extensive API documentation to help you integrate Infactory with your existing technology stack.
Technical Questions
How accurate are the autogenerated queries?
How accurate are the autogenerated queries?
The accuracy of Infactory’s autogenerated queries depends on several factors:
- Database Schema: Well-designed database schemas with clear naming conventions and relationships produce more accurate queries
- Question Clarity: Clearly formulated questions with specific intent yield better results
- Training Examples: The more example questions and queries you provide, the more accurate the system becomes
- Data Complexity: Simpler data models generally produce more accurate results initially
How does Infactory handle security?
How does Infactory handle security?
Infactory implements multiple layers of security to protect your data and connections:
- Connection Security: All database connections use encrypted channels and credentials are securely stored using industry-standard encryption
- API Authentication: API access requires authentication using API keys or OAuth tokens
- Role-Based Access: Granular permissions can be configured to control who can view, edit, and deploy queries
- Audit Logging: Comprehensive logs of all system access and actions
- No Data Storage: Your actual data remains in your databases and is not stored in Infactory
- Compliance: Built with GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance frameworks in mind
Can I customize the generated queries?
Can I customize the generated queries?
Yes, Infactory provides several ways to customize queries:
- Manual Editing: You can directly edit the autogenerated queries in the platform’s interface
- Custom Parameters: Define parameters to make queries more flexible and reusable
- Templates: Create query templates for common patterns in your data
- Output Formatting: Customize how query results are formatted and returned
- Pre and Post Processing: Add custom code to run before or after query execution
How does Infactory handle complex joins and relationships?
How does Infactory handle complex joins and relationships?
Infactory analyzes your database schema to understand table relationships, foreign keys, and typical join patterns. It uses this understanding to automatically generate appropriate joins when questions require data from multiple tables.For complex relationships that might not be explicitly defined in the schema (such as relationships across different databases or implicit relationships), you can provide additional metadata or custom queries to help Infactory understand these connections.The platform also learns from usage patterns, so as users ask questions that require certain joins, Infactory improves its understanding of the relationships in your data model.
What's the performance impact on my database?
What's the performance impact on my database?
Infactory is designed to generate efficient queries that minimize database load:
- Query Optimization: Generated queries include appropriate filtering and limiting to avoid excessive data retrieval
- Connection Pooling: Efficient management of database connections to reduce overhead
- Caching: Optional result caching to minimize redundant queries
- Rate Limiting: Controls to prevent excessive query volume
- Using read-only replicas for Infactory connections
- Implementing appropriate indexing on commonly queried fields
- Setting up monitoring to track query performance
- Utilizing the caching features for frequently asked questions
Usage and Implementation
How long does it take to set up Infactory?
How long does it take to set up Infactory?
The setup time for Infactory varies depending on your database complexity and integration requirements:
- Basic Setup: Connecting to a database and generating initial queries can be done in minutes
- Basic Integration: Integrating with a simple application typically takes 1-2 days
- Enterprise Implementation: For complex enterprise environments with multiple databases and extensive security requirements, setup might take 1-2 weeks
Do I need to modify my database to use Infactory?
Do I need to modify my database to use Infactory?
No, Infactory works with your existing database without requiring any modifications to your schema or structure. The platform adapts to your database rather than requiring you to adapt to it.However, for optimal results, we recommend:
- Ensuring your database has appropriate indexes for commonly queried fields
- Having clear naming conventions for tables and columns
- Properly defined foreign key relationships (where applicable)
How do I monitor usage and performance?
How do I monitor usage and performance?
Infactory provides built-in monitoring and analytics tools that allow you to track:
- Query Volume: Number of queries processed over time
- Performance Metrics: Response times and resource usage
- Popular Questions: Most frequently asked questions
- Success Rates: Percentage of queries that return expected results
- Error Patterns: Common error types and their frequency
Can I use Infactory for sensitive or regulated data?
Can I use Infactory for sensitive or regulated data?
Yes, Infactory can be used with sensitive and regulated data, provided appropriate security measures are implemented:
- On-premises Deployment: For maximum security, Infactory can be deployed entirely within your own infrastructure
- Access Controls: Granular permissions ensure only authorized users can access specific data
- Audit Logging: Comprehensive activity logs for compliance and security monitoring
- Data Filtering: Implement row-level security or data masking for sensitive fields
- Compliance Features: GDPR, HIPAA, and other compliance capabilities are built into the platform
What languages does Infactory support for queries?
What languages does Infactory support for queries?
Currently, Infactory supports English as its primary language for natural language queries. The platform can understand various phrasings, technical terms, and industry-specific terminology within English.Support for additional languages is on our roadmap. If you have specific language requirements, please contact us to discuss your needs and timeline.
Troubleshooting
Why isn't Infactory understanding my question correctly?
Why isn't Infactory understanding my question correctly?
If Infactory is not interpreting your questions correctly, consider these common issues and solutions:
- Question Clarity: Try rephrasing your question to be more specific about what you’re looking for
- Domain-Specific Terms: Make sure any industry-specific or technical terms are properly explained or mapped in your settings
- Schema Understanding: Check if your database schema is properly configured in Infactory, including table relationships
- Missing Context: Some questions require context that might need to be explicitly provided
- Training Examples: Add example questions and expected queries to help train the system
Why am I getting an authentication error?
Why am I getting an authentication error?
Authentication errors can occur for several reasons:
- Expired API Key: Check if your API key is still valid and not expired
- Incorrect Authentication: Ensure you’re using the correct authentication method (API key, OAuth token, etc.)
- Missing Headers: Verify that you’re including the required authentication headers in your requests
- Permission Issues: Your account might not have permission for the action you’re attempting
- Network Problems: Firewalls or network configurations might be blocking authentication requests
My queries are running slowly. How can I improve performance?
My queries are running slowly. How can I improve performance?
To improve query performance:
- Optimize Database Indexes: Ensure appropriate indexes exist for commonly queried fields
- Limit Result Sets: Modify queries to return only necessary data
- Implement Caching: Use the caching features for frequently repeated queries
- Query Optimization: Review the generated SQL for potential optimizations
- Database Resources: Check if your database has sufficient resources
- Connection Settings: Adjust connection pool settings for optimal performance
Why are some tables or columns not being used in my queries?
Why are some tables or columns not being used in my queries?
If certain tables or columns are being ignored in queries:
- Schema Visibility: Check if these tables/columns are properly visible in your Infactory schema
- Question Specificity: Ensure your questions clearly indicate the need for that specific data
- Relationship Configuration: Verify that table relationships are correctly defined
- Column Aliases: Consider adding aliases or synonyms for columns with technical names
- Usage Patterns: The system may need examples of how these tables/columns should be used
How do I handle errors in my integration?
How do I handle errors in my integration?
For robust error handling in your Infactory integration:For more detailed error handling strategies, refer to our Troubleshooting guide.
- Status Codes: Check HTTP status codes in API responses (2xx for success, 4xx for client errors, 5xx for server errors)
- Error Messages: Parse the error message field in the response for specific information
- Retry Logic: Implement appropriate retry mechanisms for transient errors
- Fallback Options: Have fallback behavior for when the API is unavailable
- Logging: Log errors with context for debugging
Pricing and Support
How is Infactory priced?
How is Infactory priced?
Infactory offers several pricing tiers to accommodate different usage levels:
- Starter: For individuals and small teams starting to explore data intelligence
- Professional: For growing businesses with moderate query volumes
- Enterprise: For organizations with high query volumes and advanced security needs
- Custom: Tailored solutions for specific requirements
- Number of database connections
- Query volume
- Number of users
- Support level
- Deployment options (cloud vs. on-premises)
Is there a free trial available?
Is there a free trial available?
Yes, we offer a free trial of Infactory that allows you to:
- Connect to one database
- Test natural language querying
- Explore the query building interface
- Try basic deployment features
What support options are available?
What support options are available?
Infactory offers multiple support channels:
- Documentation: Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and API reference
- Community Forum: Peer support and knowledge sharing
- Email Support: Available on all paid plans
- Chat Support: Real-time assistance for Professional and Enterprise plans
- Dedicated Support Manager: Enterprise plans include a dedicated support contact
- Professional Services: Custom implementation and integration assistance
Do you offer professional services for implementation?
Do you offer professional services for implementation?
Yes, we offer professional services to help with:
- Custom implementation and integration
- Database optimization for Infactory
- Query customization and templates
- Training and enablement
- Migration from other systems
- Custom feature development
How do I stay updated on new features?
How do I stay updated on new features?
To stay informed about new features and updates:
- Release Notes: Check our product release notes accessible from the dashboard
- Email Updates: Subscribe to our product update newsletter
- Blog: Follow our company blog for feature highlights and use cases
- Webinars: Attend our regular product webinars
- Community Forum: Join discussions on new features
Deployment and Integration
Can Infactory be deployed on-premises?
Can Infactory be deployed on-premises?
Yes, Infactory offers on-premises deployment options for organizations with specific security, compliance, or infrastructure requirements. On-premises deployment allows you to:
- Run Infactory entirely within your own infrastructure
- Maintain complete control over your data environment
- Meet stringent compliance requirements
- Integrate with internal systems not accessible from the cloud
How do I integrate Infactory with my frontend application?
How do I integrate Infactory with my frontend application?
Integrating Infactory with frontend applications is straightforward using our REST API and client libraries. Here’s a basic approach:
- Set Up API Access: Get your API key from the Infactory dashboard
- Choose Integration Method:
- Direct API calls from your backend
- Client SDK for your frontend framework
- Embedded components (for common use cases)
- Implement User Interface: Design how users will ask questions and view results
- Handle Responses: Process and display the data returned from Infactory
- Error Handling: Implement appropriate error handling and fallbacks
Can I white-label Infactory in my application?
Can I white-label Infactory in my application?
Yes, Enterprise plans include white-labeling options that allow you to:
- Remove Infactory branding from user-facing elements
- Customize the look and feel to match your application
- Integrate seamlessly as if it were a native feature of your product
- Apply your own branding to generated visualizations and outputs
How do I handle high availability requirements?
How do I handle high availability requirements?
For mission-critical applications requiring high availability:
- Cloud Deployment: Our cloud service includes built-in redundancy across multiple availability zones
- On-Premises HA: For on-premises deployments, we support clustering and load balancing
- Disaster Recovery: Implementation of backup and failover procedures
- SLA Options: Enterprise plans include availability SLAs with guaranteed uptime
- Monitoring: Advanced monitoring and alerting for potential issues
Can I use Infactory with multiple databases simultaneously?
Can I use Infactory with multiple databases simultaneously?
Yes, Infactory supports connecting to multiple databases simultaneously. This enables:
- Cross-Database Queries: Generate insights that span multiple data sources
- Unified Interface: Provide a single question interface across all your data
- Consistent Access: Apply consistent security and governance across sources
- Database Specialization: Use the right database for the right purpose