Data Set Configurations Error Only on Merged Tables

[NicholasPasteur]

I have two tables, one has MACHINE - PERIOD OF TIME - PRODUCTION, an example for period of time would be 8:00 - 10:00. The other table has MACHINE - PERIOD OF TIME - GOAL. Which represents the production goal.

I can perfectly use both tables, separately. My goal is to merge both and have a graph intended to show if we are reaching the goals or not.

However, whenever I merge both columns, the resulting merged data cannot be utilized. It just gives Data Set Configurations Error. I've tried countless different merge options, configurations, ways, alternatives. I've refreshed countless times, created entirely new reports.

I even tried with example tables from looker, and behold, Data Set Configurations Error.

Initially I was able to create merges, no longer.

I've been trying for 3 days, if this wasn't part of my job I would't touch this program with a 10ft pole, it's bad, it's limited. It can't deal with durations, it can't append tables easily, it's UI is so poorly made.

Please help me.

[阿泰]

Hi, how did you merge the data? Could you share your blended data settings with us?

[NicholasPasteur]

Consider the following images:

Please note I've tried every combination I could think of both in merge operations, which column is linked to which, maybe linking just the dates, maybe just the machines.
This also applies when trying to merge example tables.

[Sichali1 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Here's how you can successfully merge two tables in Looker Studio, one showing machine production data and the other showing production goals. For example, in Table 1

which displays machine production, Machine A produces 150 units between 08:00 and 10:00 etc

In Table 2,

which shows production goals, the goal for Machine A during the same period is 160 units etc. The aim is to combine these two tables so that you can easily compare actual production against the goals.

However, you are currently facing a "Data Set Configuration Error" when attempting to merge the tables. This error typically occurs because of a mismatch between the columns you are using to join the tables. One common issue is that the "PERIOD OF TIME" columns in both tables might not have the exact same format. Even if they look similar, one could be formatted as text while the other is treated as a date, which would prevent the tables from merging correctly.

Another potential problem could be the column names themselves. Looker Studio is case-sensitive, so if one table has a column named "Machine" while the other uses "MACHINE," they will not match. Similarly, column names like "PERIOD OF TIME" and "PRODUCTION" must be consistent across both tables.

To resolve this issue, start by ensuring that both tables have identical column names, such as "MACHINE," "PERIOD OF TIME," "PRODUCTION," and "GOAL." Next, make sure that the "PERIOD OF TIME" column is formatted as text in both tables, rather than as a date. Finally, double-check that the values in the "PERIOD OF TIME" column match perfectly between the two tables, including any spacing and punctuation.

Once you have made these adjustments, try creating a merged table in Looker Studio again. Use an Inner Join on both the "MACHINE" and "PERIOD OF TIME" columns. This should allow you to combine the data correctly, making it possible to create a graph that clearly compares actual production against the goals.

[NicholasPasteur]

Honestly, I checked formating as you said, nothing wrong there, however, I removed all grids from the table, the black lines between the cells, and it worked.

Thank you anyway since it was you who set me on the path to check formating.