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 only return results for files, 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
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 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
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. Note that the attribute heading you specify here only displays if you select to have the
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. At least one aggregate is required for every data source. For summary items, each aggregate displays as a separate item. For tables, each aggregate displays as a separate column. 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.
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.
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 descending as the Sort on the Add Aggregates modal.
Groupings
Groupings allow you to further divide an aggregate into as many groups as you want. The groupings you add will display on the charts or tables you add to 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.
