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

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 .75 and "maximize", so 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 how this metric stacks up against the goal.

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.