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A knowledge base connection links IdeaBoxAI to your data. Whether that is a live relational database, a cloud data warehouse, or a library of documents, this guide covers all three types with step-by-step configuration.

Knowledge base types

IdeaBoxAI supports three knowledge base types. Each type is optimised for a different data format and query pattern.
KB typeBest forSupported sources
Unstructured dataDocuments, PDFs, and text. Optimised for semantic search and AI reasoning.Device upload, Google Drive, Confluence, Markdown and text.
Structured dataRelational databases and spreadsheets. Supports SQL queries, cubes, analytics, and dashboards.MySQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, ClickHouse, SQL Server, Actian, Zen, Zoho Book Analytics, CSV, and Excel.
Financial documentsSpecialised PDF parsing for financial statements and reports.PDF file upload.

Set up an unstructured data knowledge base

Use this type for documents, playbooks, runbooks, and any content intended for semantic search.
1

Navigate to knowledge bases

In the IdeaBoxAI sidebar, click Knowledge Bases. The dashboard shows all existing knowledge bases with name, status, type, creator, and last modified date.Knowledge Bases dashboard showing a searchable table of knowledge bases with Name, Status, Type, Created By, and Last Modified columns.
2

Create a new knowledge base

Click + Create Knowledge Base. A type selection modal appears. Select Unstructured Data and click Next. The Name and Description modal appears. Fill in the following fields:
  • Name (required): Use a clear naming convention, for example “Sales Playbooks 2026” or “RFP Answer Library”.
  • Description: Explain what data this knowledge base contains and which personas will use it.
  • Tags: Add domain or team tags, for example “sales”, “onboarding”, “CRE”.
Click Create.Name and Description modal for creating an Unstructured Knowledge Base with fields for Name, Description, and Tags.
3

Add data sources

The empty Data Source panel appears. Click + Add Data to reveal four options.Add Data dropdown showing four options: Upload From Device, Add Markdown/Text, Upload From Google Drive, and Upload From Confluence.
  • Upload From Device: Drop files or browse to select them. Supports PDF, PNG, JPG, DOCX, TXT, MP3, WAV, OGG, and MP4. Batch upload is supported.
  • Add Markdown/Text: Paste or type content directly into the editor. Useful for SOPs, playbooks, or knowledge articles without a file.
  • Upload From Google Drive: Authenticate with your Google account, browse your Drive folders, and select files or folders to import.
  • Upload From Confluence: Authenticate with your Confluence workspace, browse spaces and pages, and select content to import.
The following screenshot shows the Upload From Device modal with its drag-and-drop area.Upload From Device modal with a drag-and-drop area showing supported file formats: PDF, PNG, JPG, DOCX, TXT, MP3, WAV, OGG, and MP4.
4

Monitor processing status

After upload, each file appears in the data source table with columns for file name, status, file type, and size. The status transitions from Processing to Processed.Data source table showing an uploaded PDF file with Processing status, file type, and size columns.Wait for all files to show Processed before connecting this knowledge base to an agent or automation. If a file shows a failure status, remove it and re-upload.Knowledge Bases dashboard showing a knowledge base with Processed status, confirming the data is ready.
5

Connect to an agent

Navigate to Agents in the sidebar. Open the agent you want to connect this knowledge base to. In the Configuration tab, scroll to the Knowledge Base dropdown, select the knowledge base, and click Save.Agent Configuration tab showing the Knowledge Base dropdown with a list of available knowledge bases to select.
Ensure documents are machine-readable text PDFs (not scanned images) for best processing results. Re-index data after any bulk upload.

Set up a structured data knowledge base

Use this type for relational databases, spreadsheets, or any structured data source.
1

Create a structured knowledge base

Click + Create Knowledge Base. Select Structured Data. Enter a name, description, and tags in the Name and Description modal, then click Create.Name and Description modal for creating a Structured Knowledge Base with fields for Name, Description, and Tags.
2

Select your data source

The Connect Your External Knowledge Base page appears. Choose from two categories:Spreadsheet: CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets (coming soon).Database Connection: MySQL, Zen, ClickHouse, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Actian, Zoho Book Analytics, or Snowflake.Connect Your External Knowledge Base page showing spreadsheet options (CSV, Excel, Google Sheets) and database connection options (MySQL, Zen, ClickHouse, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Actian, Zoho Book Analytics, Snowflake).
3

Connect your database

If you selected a database connection, the Enter Database Credentials form appears. Fill in the following fields:
  • Host (required): Your database server address or IP.
  • Port (required): Database port (PostgreSQL: 5432, MySQL: 3306, Snowflake: 443).
  • Username (required): A database user with read access.
  • Password (required): The database password.
Click Test to verify the connection.Enter Database Credentials form for MySQL showing required fields for Host, Port, Username, and Password with a Test button.If you selected CSV, the Upload CSV Files page appears. Click + Upload Files to select CSV files from your device. Wait for all files to show Processed.Upload CSV Files page showing a processed CSV file with file name, status, type, and size columns.
4

Explore the datasets view

After a successful connection, IdeaBoxAI imports your database schema. The Datasets view shows:
  • Left sidebar: All database tables (Data Sets).
  • Centre panel: Table relationships, joins, and column details.
  • Options: Enhance with AI, Add Semantics, and Define Relationships.
Browse the tables and confirm the schema looks correct. Use Define Relationships to specify table joins.
5

Create cubes (analytical models)

Cubes sit on top of your raw tables and define metrics (measures) and groupings (dimensions) for AI queries. Navigate to the Cubes tab and click + Add Cube to open the Add New Cube modal.Option A, AI Generate (recommended for most cases):Enter a cube name, cube description, natural language query describing the analytics you want, and business context. Click Generate. The AI writes the SQL, measures, and dimensions.Add New Cube modal with AI Generate selected, showing fields for Cube Name, Cube Description, Natural Language Query, and Business Context.Option B, Manual Query (for advanced users):Enter a cube name, write custom SQL in the SQL Query editor, then define measures and dimensions manually using + Add Measure and + Add Dimension.Add New Cube modal with Manual Query selected, showing a SQL Query editor and sections for adding Measures and Dimensions.Click Save Cube.
6

Execute and validate queries

In the cube configuration panel, select measures, dimensions, and filters, then click Run Query. Results appear in the Results tab. Also check the Generated SQL tab to inspect the query and the REST API tab for programmatic access. Validate results against your source data.
7

Connect to an agent or automation

Navigate to Agents, select your agent, open the Configuration tab, select this knowledge base from the Knowledge Base dropdown, and click Save. The agent can now query your structured data using natural language.
Always test the generated SQL in the cube query panel before connecting the knowledge base to a live agent. Start with simple cubes and iterate.

Set up a financial documents knowledge base

Use this type for specialised PDF parsing of financial statements, reports, and filings.
1

Create the knowledge base

Click + Create Knowledge Base. Select Financial Documents. Enter a name, description, and tags, then click Create.
2

Upload financial PDFs

Click + Add Data and select Upload From Device. Select one or more financial PDF files. Wait for all files to show Processed.
3

Connect to an agent

Navigate to your agent’s Configuration tab, select this knowledge base from the Knowledge Base dropdown, and click Save.

Next steps

Connector directory

Browse all available connectors by category.

Cubes

Build analytical models with measures, dimensions, and queryable APIs.

Troubleshooting

Resolve common connection issues for databases and imports.