Chart Dashboard Instrument: A User Guide

The Chart Instrument is a highly visual tool designed to help you spot trends, track growth, and compare data points over time on your dashboard. This guide will walk you through how to create a chart, select your visual style, map your data, and utilize dimensions for deeper insights.

1. Creating the Chart Instrument

Before you can build your visualization, you need to open the setup menu from your dashboard view.

  • Navigate and Create: Go to your Dashboard page. Look to the top right corner of the dashboard area, click the "Create" button, and choose "Chart" from the dropdown menu to open a new setup window.

2. Defining Title and Chart Type

Once the setup window is open, give your chart a descriptive name and decide on the best visual format for your data.

  • Add a Title: In the "Title" text box located on the right-hand panel, enter a clear name for your instrument (e.g., "Revenue Trend").
  • Select Chart Type: Click the "Chart Type" dropdown menu. You can choose from a Line Chart (best for continuous trends), a Column Chart (great for comparing distinct periods), or a Stacked Chart (ideal for seeing parts of a whole).

3. Selecting Indicators and Dimensions

Next, determine exactly which data lines you want to plot on the chart and how you want to break them down.

  • Choose Indicators: Click the plus (+) icon next to "Indicators". A search menu and block-wise dropdown will appear. Check the boxes next to the specific line items you want to graph (like Revenue) from your data blocks, then click Apply.

  • Add Dimensions: If your selected data uses dimensions (like different product lines or regions), you can break the chart down by these categories. Click the + add button next to your selected indicator and choose the dimension you want to view (e.g., "Products").

    • Note : If the block from which you are selecting indicators uses dimensions, make sure to select the same dimension for all indicators so you can properly view the values for all dimension items.

4. Configuring Time Windows

Determine the timeline that your chart will display on the X-axis.

  • Adjust Time Window: Use the "Time window" dropdown menu on the right panel to define the span of data shown. You can select specific constraints like "Year to Date", "Full Year", or leave it as "Auto from dashboard" to have it respond dynamically to the dashboard's global filters.

5. Using the Chart on Your Dashboard

Once your chart is customized, save it to view the dynamic visualization alongside your other dashboard tools.

  • Save and Interact: Click Save in the bottom right corner. Once on the dashboard, you can hover over data points on the chart for specific values. Additionally, you can use the M Q Y toggles in the top right corner of the chart widget to instantly switch your view between Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly aggregations.