In plain English
It means the software goes back to the original data source and gets the information again. The purpose is to bring what the software has up to the most recent information available there.
In context
Here, "refresh data" requests that the software load the data for the current dashboard or list again from its source so it has the latest available information.
- Situation
- Using dashboards, tables, filters, sorting, views, and bulk controls
- What it communicates
- requests reloading the current dashboard or list data
Meaning limits
The term itself does not say whether the information shown afterward will be different from what was already there.
Examples
“After the accounts sheet was updated, Leo refreshed the data instead of working from the earlier copy already in the program.”
“If the dashboard still shows yesterday's figures, refresh the data.”