Page Comparison

The choice of data visualizations involves many factors and choosing the correct one for the data, audience, and the target analysis is of utmost importance to a successful dashboard design. This documentation will discuss the various Chart types available in the Dashboard Palette, with examples and recommendations for when to use them.

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Also known as a Circle chart, the Pie chart is used to illustrate relative proportions and percentages of a whole data set. Pie charts best illustrate information at a point in time, so it is and they are not useful for visualizing trends or change changes over time.

The pie chart should give you a visually clear answer to your compositional questions; for example, the chart in this examples example clearly tells us how spending is spread across departments. Avoid using too many pie slices that can be hard to decipher. Consider provide providing value labels on the chart for precision.

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In the Data Configuration wizard, we can see that the dimension (represented by pie pieces) is "Department", while the metric, or value size of those pie pieces, is summing the "GrandTotal" field from all Submissions, and displaying the value rounded to the nearest dollar.

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A Donut chart is very similar to a Pie Chart, except the center is cut out. Like a pie chart, is The Donut chart is used to illustrate relative proportions and percentages of a whole data set. However, generally, donut charts work better with fewer categories than pie charts. This will allow the viewer to easily differentiate between the arc lengths to see the relationship between the categories and to the whole.

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Donut Chart Styles and Data Configuration are similar to Pie charts.

The Dimension is the categories category represented by the different arc colors on the donut, while the Metric determines the size/length of those arcs.

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Bar and Column charts are used to plot categorized data values and are well suited for plotting multiple related data values per category side-by-side. It is best to limit the number of categories and to keep categories clearly spaced on the chart. Bar charts are a good choice when you have long data labels, as they provide space for each bar to be labelledlabeled. Avoid time period categorization with horizontal bar charts (time is best plotted on the X-axis).

The Bar Chart Styles tab allows you to customize the axis labels and styles, the background, border and grid colors, and the color palette for the bars.

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In this example, we've used expressions to create the values shown in the X and Y axes. For the Dimension, the expression concatenates the manager's first and last name. This creates the categories in which to display the metric, which is set to the following expression which calculates to calculate the amount the total is over the budget allowance.

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Bar and Column charts are used to plot categorized data values and are well suited for plotting multiple related data values per category side-by-side. Column charts are especially well-suited for plotting chronological data for analyzing trends. You might also choose a column chart if you plan to represent negative values, which will be shown in an easy-to-interpret downward direction. It is best to limit the number of categories and to keep categories clearly spaced on the chart. Here is an example of a chart designed to show both PO's POs within budget and total PO Submissions by month. It's clear to see that while total submissions are increasing, orders within budget are going down in relation to the total orders.

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Area and Line charts are very similar, with the Area chart showing the space under the line filled in for a different visual effect. Both Area and Line charts are similar to Column charts in that they can be used to illustrate categorical and time-series data. An area chart with multiple metrics can be good for illustrating part-to-whole relationships. Keep in mind that chronological data is best blotted on the X-Axis.

The Area Chart Styles tab is just like Bar/Column Chart Styles. Here you'll notice we've formatted the X and Y axis for improved readability, and added some horizontal grids.

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The configuration is also very similar to Column charts. Here we have set the Dimension, or X-Axis to display the PO Dates by quarter. The metric is the grand total for each quarter.

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Area and Line charts are very similar, with the Area chart showing the space under the line filled in for a different visual effect. A line chart connects discrete but continuous data points by using straight line segments. Line charts are particularly effective for trend analysis, such as visualizing expenditure over time or other factors. You might choose a line chart over an area chart if you need to plot multiple data sets, as it will be easier to distinguish each data set's trend. Keep in mind that chronological data is best blotted plotted on the X-Axis.

Similar to other charts, the Chart Styles tab allows the designer to configure how the axes, labels, and legend should display. The configuration for this example shows the dimension of PODate , and multiple metrics which calculate the total for each department.

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Also known as a scattergram or scatter plot, this chart is used to analyze a set of data in order to look for a correlation between a set of variables. Typically, the correlations correlation is dependent, meaning one variable is dependent on the other. Correlation can be positive (increase together), negative (one increases while the other decreases), or no correlation at all. The variable you deem as independent should be plotted on the X-axis. In frevvo, the Scatter chart does not show a trend line. Use a Scatter Line to more easily see a correlation with a trend line.

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In this configuration, the independent variable (dimension) is set to calculate the days between the PO date and the submitted date. You might also use the "Age/Duration" metadata here. The metric is simply set to the Grand Total , so that there is a plot point for each submission.

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Tables are used in situations where details are needed and a chart just can’t provide it. Since they can contain different types of related data, they data tables are often useful when different users are likely to be looking at different parts of the data. You can also pair a table with a summary level chart in order to provide supporting details. Avoid overwhelming your dashboard and users with too many tables. Tables are not recommended for illustrating relationships, trends, or patterns; use charts for those tasks.

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A Radial Gauge chart may also be known as a Gauge, Dial, or Speedometer chart. This chart helps the user visualize Key Performance Indicators or metrics with context about how good (or bad) the current metric value is against a give given range of target values.

Use colors to indicate in-range, out-of-range and intermediate zones (e.g. near goal) for visualization of where the metric value falls in relation to the goal.

Here is an example of a a Radial Gauge used to display the average procurement cycle time, which can be a handy operational insight into process efficiency.

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Let's take a look at the Data Configuration for this chart. The Dimension is set to an expression that averages the days between the PO Date and Received Date in the workflow, and display displays the result as a number with two decimal points.

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A KPI, or Key Performance Indicator chart may also be known as a Number chart or a Metric chart. Use a KPI chart for real-time metrics and strategic KPI'sKPIs, when a single numeric value is all that is needed to convey critical information. It can be used for an all-time roll-up number or for a the latest period roll-up. 

Use this chart to show a metric against a goal value with an in-range/out-of-range indication via a color and indicator symbol. Consider also showing a trend indicator that indicates the percent up or down since the last period. You can also customize the trend color for greater visualization.

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The Chart Styles tab shows the Goal is set to "maximize" and the Target to 0.75. The result, 50% (or .50), is under that goal, resulting in a red warning symbol. Notice that "Show Trend" is also enabled, which displays the change from the previous quarter, in this case, 0% or no change. This gives the user an at-a-glance visualization of progress towards the goal, and what might need attention.

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Additionally, the filter ensure ensures that only submitted and approved Purchase Orders are shown in the chart.

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