dbt Labs has unveiled a groundbreaking set of AI-powered features designed to transform how data analysts build, explore, and validate data models. These new tools—including dbt Canvas, dbt Insights, and an expanded dbt Catalog—empower analysts with intuitive, governed workflows, bridging the gap between self-service and organizational governance.
Innovations in dbt’s Analyst-Focused AI Suite
1. Visual Modeling with dbt Canvas
- A drag-and-drop interface that simplifies data model development.
- Powered by dbt Copilot, enabling natural language prompts to generate SQL code.
- Designed for analysts with limited SQL experience, promoting collaboration with engineers.
- Maintains governance and data quality automatically.
- General availability now.
2. Fast, AI-Powered Querying via dbt Insights
- A new interface allowing analysts to ask questions in natural language or SQL.
- Fully aware of data models, lineage, and governance rules.
- Users can validate, visualize, and share insights within a single environment.
- Currently in preview.
3. Enhanced dbt Catalog for Global Data Discovery
- Formerly dbt Explorer, now supports broader data asset discovery.
- Unified search across dbt-managed and non-dbt Snowflake assets.
- Improves trust and transparency in the data ecosystem.
- General availability, Snowflake support in preview.
Driving Self-Service with Enterprise-Grade Governance
According to Gartner®, 60% of organizations will fail to realize AI’s value by 2027 due to fragmented data governance. dbt addresses this with AI capabilities that:
- Reduce reliance on disconnected tools.
- Enable faster, secure insights without compromising compliance.
- Create version-controlled environments aligned with company standards.
Customer and Partner Endorsements
William Tsu, WHOOP:
“dbt’s new analyst offerings enhance discoverability and enable faster, intuitive, and governed self-service.”
James Wright, InterWorks:
“dbt Canvas is unlocking a future where analysts can build confidently alongside engineers.”
Dan Jewett, Tableau:
“This is a massive step forward for reducing engineering burden and enabling analytics across business users.”
Optimizing Warehouse Spend with Native Cost Management
dbt Labs is also introducing a cost management dashboard, currently in preview for Snowflake users:
- Visualizes spend across models, projects, and environments.
- Tracks savings from dbt standardization.
- Powered by the new dbt Fusion engine, integrating technology from SDF Labs.
- Provides real-time feedback, avoids compute waste, and enhances developer speed—up to 30x faster than dbt Core.
The Future of Trusted, Scalable Analytics
With the rollout of AI-enhanced capabilities and a governed development experience, dbt Labs is redefining the data analyst’s role. By eliminating silos, reducing costs, and enabling collaboration through AI and visual tools, dbt is ensuring that self-service analytics can be both powerful and responsible.
