Data sources determine what information is pulled and how it is grouped. Once a data source is created, it can be assigned to a visualization on the dashboard.
Data Source Name (Settings Dialog)
The settings dialog for a data source allows you to change the data source name and the criteria used in the data source. The criteria can be thought of as the WHERE part of a query that will be used to determine what data is returned. If no criteria is selected here, only the criteria selected in the Attributes, Aggregates, and Groupings sections will be used for the data source.
Click the Settings icon to the right of the data source name.
Edit the name. The name will help you identify the data source when it comes time to create your chart or table, so be sure you name it something relevant.
The Limit field allows you to specify the number of items that you want to receive. This allows you to create a chart (such as a “top 5”) that returns only the first or top items that meet the criteria.
Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.
For the criteria, select an attribute from the list, select the operator, and specify the value. You must click the Save icon to save the criteria.
repeat steps 3-4 for each criteria you want to define for the data source.
When you are done, click Save.
Attributes
The attributes determines how the data is grouped and displayed. The attributes available to select are the same attributes that can be customized on the Results page using the Edit columns option.
Click + in the Attributes section.
Select the operation you want to use: count, sum, average (avg), minimum (min), or maximum (max).
Select the select an attribute from the list.
When you select an attribute from the list, the Heading field automatically fills in with the same value. You can edit this value to use a different heading if you prefer, or you can leave the default value.
Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.
For the criteria, select an attribute from the list, select the operator, and specify the value. You must click the Save icon to save the criteria.
repeat steps 5-6 for each criteria you want to define for the attributes.
When you are done, click Save.
Aggregates
The Aggregates criteria determines how data is rolled up and provides additional options for viewing data in a chart or table. If you add more than one aggregate and select to view the data in a chart, the aggregates are available in a list on the top-right of the chart tile. You can view the information for each aggregate by selecting it in the list. For tables, each aggregate will display as a separate column.
Adding Aggregates
Click + in the Aggregates section.
Select the operation you want to use: count, sum, average (avg), minimum (min), or maximum (max).
Enter the heading you want to use.
Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.
For the criteria, select an attribute from the list, select the operator, and specify the value. You must click the Save icon to save the criteria.
repeat steps 4-5 for each criteria you want to define for the attributes.
Select the preferred sorting method from the Sort list. Not sorted is the default sort option.
When you are done, click Save.
| Info |
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If you are creating a “Top x” type of chart, you’ll want to verify you have added a Limit value on the Data Source name modal and selected ascending as the Sort on the Add Aggregates modal. |
Groupings
Groupings allow you to further divide an aggregate. The groupings you add will display on the chart or table you select for your dashboard.
Adding Groupings
Click + in the Groupings section.
Enter the heading you want to use.
Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.
For the criteria, select an attribute from the list, select the operator, and specify the value. You must click the Save icon to save the criteria.
repeat steps 3-4 for each criteria you want to define for the attributes.
When you are done, click Save.
Previewing the Data
The Preview button will show the first 15 rows of results based on the criteria you specified. This helps you understand the data returned by the information you have defined for the data source.
Editing a Section
Click the Pencil icon to open the model for the line to edit it. Make the necessary edits, and click Save to save the changes.
Click the Up and Down arrows to reorder the criteria.
Click the Delete icon to remove a criteria.
