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AEP datasets

AEP datasets: setup, enablement and troubleshooting

Adobe Experience Platform datasets explained: schemas, enabling for Profile and Identity, monitoring ingestion and a troubleshooting checklist.

Quick answer

An AEP dataset is a storage and management container for data that conforms to one XDM schema. Data lands in the data lake first; if the dataset is enabled for Profile and Identity, records also feed Real-Time Customer Profile and the identity graph. Datasets show batch status, errors and ingested record counts for monitoring.

Step by step: create and enable a dataset

  1. Create the dataset from an existing schema.
  2. Decide whether it should feed Profile. Enable the schema first, then the dataset.
  3. Ingest a small test batch or stream and check batch status and failed records.
  4. Confirm profiles and identities appear as expected before loading full history.
  5. Apply data usage labels for governance and set retention where available.

Common use cases

  • CRM profile attributes (Profile-enabled record dataset).
  • Web and app events collected with Web SDK (Profile-enabled event dataset).
  • Historical or analytical data used only in Query Service or CJA (not Profile-enabled).

Troubleshooting checklist

  • Batch failed: check the error preview for type mismatches and missing required fields.
  • Data in the dataset but not in profiles: confirm both schema and dataset are enabled for Profile and that records carry a valid primary identity.
  • Dataset missing in CJA: confirm it is added to a CJA connection with the correct person ID.
  • Unexpected volumes: review duplicate ingestion from multiple sources.

Who this guide is for

This guide is written for beginners, students and career switchers who want a clear mental model, and for developers, data engineers, implementation specialists, consultants, architects, marketers, agencies and enterprise teams who need practical, step-by-step detail they can apply on real projects.

Frequently asked questions

Should every dataset be enabled for Profile?

No. Enable only data that is needed for real-time profiles, segmentation or personalisation. Analytical or archival data can stay in the data lake.

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