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  In today's data-driven world, operational metrics are the lifeblood of any organization running complex systems. They provide crucial insights into performance, availability, and user behavior. However, as systems become more intricate and user bases grow, we often encounter the daunting challenge of high cardinality metrics . Imagine tracking metrics not just by server, but by individual container, user session, product SKU, or geographical location. Suddenly, the number of unique dimensions explodes, leading to data management headaches and performance bottlenecks. This article explores how to effectively navigate the realm of high cardinality operational metrics, focusing on the powerful combination of ClickHouse and Grafana . We'll delve into the nature of high cardinality, understand why it's a challenge, and discuss practical strategies to manage it, including cost considerations and the feasibility of using free solutions. The High Cardinality Conundrum: Why is ...