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Orion is an AI-powered analyst that uses your data to perform analysis. Like a new analyst, Orion requires context and direction, but unlike a typical analyst, it rapidly stores feedback and allows you to quickly iterate on analyses. Orion provides two ways to perform analyses:
  • Quick Chat: Instant responses in chat for light-weight queries and quick answers
  • Deep Analysis: Comprehensive research that produces Insights & re-runnable analysis that can be automated and scheduled
This guide gives you a quick overview—see linked sections for details.
For a detailed comparison of Chat vs Deep Analysis, including examples and when to use each, see Quick vs. Deep Analysis.

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Quick Start

  1. Create or select a Project - Click “New Project” or select an existing one. When creating a new project, you’ll be prompted to select a data source—this is required for the project to work.
  2. Open Chat and ask your question - Type your question in the Chat interface. Orion automatically determines whether you need Quick Chat or Deep Analysis (a 30-45 min background task).
  3. Review and refine - For Quick Chat responses, ask follow-ups or request edits. For Deep Analysis, you’ll receive an email when complete—then use Quick Chat to refine the insight.

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Two Ways to Perform Analyses

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Quick Chat

What it is: Instant answers using existing project knowledge, memory, and completed insights. When to use: Questions about existing data, refining analyses, getting clarifications, or formatting adjustments. How it works: Ask your question in Chat. Add external data (PDFs, CSVs) using the ”+” symbol. Orion responds instantly if it can answer from existing knowledge.

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Deep Analysis (Comprehensive Research)

What it is: Multi-step workflows that create new insights from scratch. Takes 30-45 minutes and requires new research. When to use: Questions requiring new research, comprehensive investigations, building insights from scratch, or complex multi-step analysis. How it works: Orion automatically enters Deep Analysis when your question requires new research. See Setting Up an Analysis for the complete step-by-step process.

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Best Practices

For comprehensive guidance, see Chat Best Practices. For Deep Analysis-specific practices, see Setting Up an Analysis.
Be specific with questions and provide context. Clear questions and explicit guidance help Orion understand your needs. The more context you provide upfront, the better your results.

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How Orion Improves Over Time

Orion becomes a better analyst through three mechanisms:
  • Memory - Learns your preferences, project specifics, and data requirements
  • Feedback loops - Each refinement helps Orion understand your expectations
  • Project Instructions - Persistent context that deepens with each analysis
Start early with context. Set up Project Instructions and use Memory from the beginning. The more context you provide upfront, the faster Orion adapts.

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Next Steps