> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rootcause.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rootcause.ai/start-here/quick-start-tutorial.md).

# Quick Start Tutorial

This tutorial walks through all seven steps of the RootCause workflow using sample data. Download the two CSV files below — they represent customer demographics and subscription information for a fictional telecoms company.

{% file src="/files/oOa9U6C1e7nwpYruDlSZ" %}

{% file src="/files/KEiTi6YXSMtM3ycDnXWv" %}

***

### Step 1: Connect Data

Go to **Data → Datasets** and click **+ Import Data Sources**. Select **Local File Upload**, drag both CSV files onto the drop zone, and click **Upload**. RootCause will process the files and begin building the ontology automatically.

<figure><img src="/files/SPbCJ4FrE7lI25LTjjXn" alt="Two CSV files staged and ready to upload"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Connect Data](/user-guide/connecting-data.md)

***

### Step 2: Build Ontology

Go to **Data → Ontology**. RootCause has already scanned both datasets and built a semantic map — identifying that `Customer Id` appears in both files and linking them. Review the network to confirm the connections look right. No action is required to proceed.

<figure><img src="/files/nuN1X41N9vg3fdqIXvcT" alt="Ontology network showing two datasets linked through a shared Customer Id concept"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Build Ontology](/user-guide/ontology-concepts.md)

***

### Step 3: Build 360 Data Table

Go to **Data → Ontology** and look at the **Recommended Data Views** section in the right panel. Click the recommendation to create a joined view of both datasets in one click. RootCause generates the join recipe automatically — you can inspect and edit it in the Operations editor.

<figure><img src="/files/aIbmFZgv68e9rzKC31Zq" alt="Data View editor showing two source datasets joined on Customer Id"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Build 360 Data Table](/user-guide/data-views.md)

***

### Step 4: Build Causal Graph

From the Data View editor, click **Discover**. RootCause runs causal discovery over your joined table and produces a directed graph of cause-and-effect relationships. When it completes, click through the graph to explore what drives what — click any node to see its top drivers and path analysis.

<figure><img src="/files/OxDnZRTdcCjFAt2cHk78" alt="Causal graph with variable details panel showing top drivers of Churn"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Build Causal Graph](/user-guide/causal-graph.md)

***

### Step 5: Build Digital Twin

Go to **Digital Twin** and click **+ Create Digital Twin**. Select your joined Data View, choose **Static** as the type, and click **Full Training**. Training runs five stages and takes a few minutes. When it completes you'll see a model fit score and a set of suggested simulations.

<figure><img src="/files/HPoj0HwRocOyx7Mm7BJW" alt="Create Digital Twin configuration page showing Data View selection, Static type, and field list"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Build Digital Twin](/user-guide/creating-digital-twin.md)

***

### Step 6: Run Simulations

From your Digital Twin, click the **Simulate** tab and then **+ New Simulation**. Try typing a plain-language question — for example, "What happens to churn if we give away free tech support?" — and click **Generate Scenario**. Review the generated configuration and run it.

<figure><img src="/files/6Nt6NEZvKlHAG7hXFq4h" alt="New Simulation panel showing the Generate from Query field and all available simulation types"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Run Simulations](/user-guide/simulations.md)

***

### Step 7: Produce Reports

Go to **Reports** and describe the report you want — for example, "Causal analysis of churn drivers and the effectiveness of service interventions." Click **Connect** to reference your Digital Twin, then generate. RootCause produces a structured report with an Executive Summary and evidence-linked findings. Export to PDF to share it.

<figure><img src="/files/qcGJIgAOj7eecfNE1IWR" alt="Reports home showing the AI generation field and an existing report in the list"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Full details: [Produce Reports](/user-guide/reports.md)


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