If you have imported an activation dataset, you will need to select an output column in order to normalize your dataset and make it available to reference in activation queries.

An output column is a column which is retained in its original form during normalization. This contrasts to a normal column, which is mapped onto a key or category and then deleted.

You will use an output column to translate the results of an activation query back to a list of specific individuals. For example, the output column might contain a customer number or an email address. You use the Bunker's web UI to mark a column as an output column. Click here for details of output column limitations.

Because output columns are only used in activation queries, they are only available in activation datasets. For an insight dataset, you won't see the option to mark a column as output data.

To do so, after you've imported a dataset and have reached the Normalize phase, click on the settings icon next to the column, locate Output Data and use the toggle to turn on Selected. 

The status bar in the bottom left-hand corner will now look like the image below, and the Normalize button will turn blue.

After you click Normalize, this output column will be available to reference in activation queries. You can select as many output columns as you like.

Bulk assign output data

To bulk assign output data, go to List View under Normalize. Then click the Assign Output Data button.

You can use the Filter field to refine the output columns that appear and tick the Output Columns heading to select or deselect all custom categories. Adding more than one search string is an ‘or’ option. Your selection is shown in the right column. Click Save to save the selected output columns.

The total number of output columns assigned is shown in the button.

After you click Normalize, all output columns will be available to reference in activation queries.