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Overview

Data sources determine what information is pulled and how it is grouped. Once a data source is created, it is assigned to a visualization on the dashboard. It’s important to understand what type of visualization you want to create when creating the data source so you understand how adding information to each section will affect the visualization you want to create.

Understanding Attributes

As you create a data source, you have the option to select attributes throughout the process. The attributes available to select when creating the data are all the attributes available in the catalog. These are the same attributes that can be customized on the Results page using the Edit columns option. How each attribute affects the results produced by the data source depends on where you add it when creating the data source. Refer to each section below to help you understand how attributes are used.

Data Source Name (Settings Dialog)

The gear icon next to the “New Data Source” text open the data source setting modal. This is where you edit the data source name and set the WHERE part of a query that will be used to determine what data is returned for the data source. For example, if you want a data source to return results for files only, you can choose to set that criteria here. This is also where you can set a limit for the data that is returned if you want to create a top results chart.

Adding Data Source Settings

1. Click the Settings icon to the right of the data source name.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.

5. For the criteria, select an attribute from the list.

6. Depending on the attribute you pick, you will be presented with either operator and value fields or True and False fields. Use the fields to refine your attribute selection.
   
   

    

7. You must click the Save icon to save the criteria.
   
   

8. repeat steps 4-7 for each criteria you want to define for the data source.

9. When you are done, click the Save button on the bottom of the modal to close it when you are done.

Attributes

The Attributes section determines how the data is grouped and displayed. Adding attributes to data sources that will be used for charts and tables determines the groupings used. If you prefer to customize the groupings, leave the attributes blank and use the Groupings section to customize your groupings.

Adding Attributes

1. Click + in the Attributes section.
   
   

2. The Add attribute modal displays.
   
   

3. Select the select an attribute from the list.

4. 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. Note that the attribute heading you specify here only displays if you select a table.

5. Click Save.

6. The attribute you added displays in the Attributes section. You can add additional attributes for your data source as needed.

Aggregates

The Aggregates criteria determines how data is rolled up. At least one aggregate is required for every data source. For summary items, each aggregate displays as a separate item.

For Pie Charts, the aggregates will be included in the groupings when you hover on each section of the chart. If you add more than one aggregate, 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 Bar charts, the aggregate is used as the x-axis (bottom axis) for the chart, and the attribute or groupings will be used as the y-axis (left axis). If you add more than one aggregate, 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 displays as a separate column.

Adding Aggregates

When adding aggregates, you have the option of pulling fields from the data catalog or using a custom formula.

Using a Field

1. Click + in the Aggregates section.

2. Verify Field is selected.

3. Select the operation you want to use: count, sum, average (avg), minimum (min), or maximum (max).

4. If you selected sum, average (avg), minimum (min), or maximum (max), select the attribute from the list on the right.

5. Enter the heading you want to use. The heading text displays in the selected visualization and in the the aggregate list for pie and bar charts.

6. Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.

7. 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.

8. repeat steps 6-7 for each criteria you want to define for the attributes.

9. Select the preferred sorting method from the Sort list. Not sorted is the default sort option.
   
   

10. Select the Hidden option if you are creating an aggregate for a custom formulas. This makes the aggregate available when creating the formula but prevents it from displaying in a visualization.

11. When you are done, click Save.

12. Add additional aggregates as needed.

Using a Formula

When using a formula as an aggregate, you can use any mathematical formula. If your formula uses a catalog attribute, you must create an aggregate for the field first and then add a variable to your formula to represent the aggregate field.

1. Click + in the Aggregates section.

2. Select Formula.

3. Enter the heading you want to use.

4. Type the formula. Use a variable for each aggregate you want to include.

5. Lists will display under Variables for each variable you add to your formula. Select the aggregate that applies to each variable.
   
   

6. When you are done, click Save.

7. Add additional aggregates as needed.

Groupings

Attributes are always used as the grouping for your data. The groupings added here allow you to further divide attributes into as many groups as you want. If you do not add attributes to your data source, the groupings will be used as the primary method for rolling up the data. The groupings you add will display on the charts or tables you add to your dashboard.

Adding Groupings

1. Click + in the Groupings section.

2. Enter the heading you want to use.

3. Click + if you want to add criteria. This is optional.

4. 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.

5. repeat steps 3-4 for each criteria you want to define for the attributes.

6. 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. The preview displays in table form and helps you understand the data returned by the information you have defined for the data source. This can help you identify adjustments you may need to make to the data source before applying it to your intended visualization.

Editing a Section