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.

Pie

Donut

Bar

Column

Area

Line

Scatter

Scatter Line

Data Table

Radar

Radial Gauge

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 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 handy operational insight into process efficiency.

The Chart Styles tab shows how the Axis Zones have been set with colors to indicate within range, intermediate, and out of range. The average cycle time shown (24.43 days) is a bit above the ideal range.

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 the result as a number with two decimal points.

The filter ensures that only purchase orders that are submitted, approved, have a Received Date, and fall within the Start of Period and End of Period filter controls are included. Note the importance of filtering by "Received Date contains a value" - the Received Date is optional in this workflow, and including submissions where this value is null could skew the data. See the note on Null or Missing Fields for more information.

KPI

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's, 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 latest period roll-up. 

Use this chart to show a metric against a goal value with 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 last period. You can also customize the trend color for greater visualization.

Here is an example of a KPI chart that shows the percentage of purchases deemed "in time" where the Received Date is less than or equal to the Need By Date.

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.

Here's a look at the Data Configuration for this chart. The Dimension is set to the function "quarter()" which aggregates a date or dateTime field/expression to the calendar quarter start date. The Metric is set to calculate the percentage of Purchase Orders where the Received Date is less than or equal to the Need By Date, and display it as a percentage.

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