In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick and Landon discuss their shift in thinking on whether to build custom data connectors or use third-party tools like Fivetran. They share the pros, cons, and lessons learned from their proof-of-concept with Fivetran, and why APIs are changing the data pipeline game.

Key Moments:

1:15 – Why custom connectors made sense in the past
2:00 – The rise of APIs and the challenge of building connectors for them
2:39 – Realizing the variety of systems—and limits of pre-built connectors
4:03 – How Fivetran’s dedicated API teams save time and reduce risk
4:57 – Turnaround times and when a custom build is still needed
5:56 – Cost trade-offs: upfront development vs. subscription model
6:30 – Support considerations for in-house vs. third-party connectors
6:41 – Exploring other tools and continuing custom pipeline work
7:11 – Closing thoughts and advice for data teams

Blue Margin helps middle-market companies turn their data into a strategic asset through automated dashboards and data solutions. By simplifying the flow of information, we empower leaders to make confident, data-driven decisions that drive growth and efficiency. Learn more at bluemargin.com.

In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, host Brick is joined by Blue Margin account executive Greg to demystify what it really means to “prepare your data for AI.” Rather than focusing on flashy tools and hype, they dig into the foundational steps, like building a modern data lakehouse and semantic layer, that are essential for long-term ROI. You’ll also hear why many companies are pulling back on generative AI pilots and what it takes to avoid falling into the “trough of disillusionment.”

Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to get real results from your investments, this episode offers a grounded, strategic perspective.

Learn more: https://bluemargin.com

Choosing between Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake? In this episode of The Dashboard Effect, Brick Thompson and Landon Ochs break down when, why, and how to choose the right data platform for your organization. From ecosystem compatibility and AI capabilities to cost management and developer experience, we unpack the real-world trade-offs we see every day at Blue Margin.

Whether you're building from scratch or evaluating a transition, this conversation will help you make a smarter, more informed decision.

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