Adding a KPI Visualizer to a Dashboard

The exercises used are based on a testing database. You will need to adjust your values of your entries (when applicable) to accommodate the data in your database. Results displayed will differ than those in the exercises.

Each KPI member only returns one value.

1. Select the appropriate Visualizer and drag it to the desired location on the DisplayGrid. You will see a small plus sign next to your cursor when dragging the Visualizer. For this example, the Visualizer is KPI (Key Performance Indicator).
   
   

2. The Visualizer will appear with sizing squares. The sizing squares allow you to adjust the size of the Visualizer. Select the square and drag to the appropriate size.
   
   

   The center sizing square is used to move the entire Visualizer around on the DesignerGrid. The cursor will turn to a 4-way arrow.

3. After you have the Visualizer in the appropriate location, you can utilize the Properties area to make changes to the Chart. You can make changes to the following:

   • Initially Expanded - This feature can be toggled between True (Expanded) and False (Not Expanded). Set to True.
   • Key Performance Indicator - See below.
   • Title - Enter an appropriate Title for the KPI. The Title will show up above the KPI as a heading. For this example, enter Current AR.

   • Wrap with Border - This feature allows you to toggle between True (The KPI will wrap with the border) and False (the KPI will NOT wrap with the border). Set to True.
     
     

The KPI property allows you enter one property, Add Member. This is only the first step in adding members, there can be more than one.

Each Member contains the following properties:

• Font - Background Color, Color, Font
• Metric - Format (Currency, Number, Percentage)

• Parameters - Default Value, Lookup Type, Prompt

  Remember that each Metric chosen will have different Parameters associated with it. The above example uses dates. Other may use Timekeepers, Teams or others aspects of the data that is being parsed. The syntax and case must be accurate when entering parameter values. To learn more about Parameter syntax and usable entries, click here.

• Click the ellipses button to bring up the KPI members window.
• Click the Add button underneath the Members section to add a member.
  
  
• Enter a name for the Name in the Misc section. For this example, use Current Accounts Receivable.

• Select a BackgroundColor, Color and Font in the Font section. To access the Font properties, you will need to click on the ellipses button. For this example, we will use Transparent, Red and Microsoft Sans Serif Size 12.

  You can access extended Font properties by clicking the Plus sign next to the Font heading.
  
  

• In the Metric section, select Currency in the Format field.
• Click the ellipses button in the Metric field to display he Metric selection window. Double click on the CurrentAR entry to select it.
• Click on the ellipses button of the Parameters field. Click the Cancel button as the defaults will be used.
• In the Misc section, click on the ellipses button to select an image to associate with the KPI. Select coinstack_24.png for this example.
• Ranges. This section is optional and is utilized for setting ranges for the value of the KPI and associated it with an image. Utilize this section for different types of KPI's. For example, you could set a range for billing fees. One range could be for low performance and associated with an negative image and message. Another range could be set for a positive image and message. This is best utilized for goals of the firm. For this exercise, set the following ranges:
• 900000 - 1750000 : Set image to alert low. Enter the Lower bounds at 900000 and Upper bounds at 1750000. Set both inclusive to True. Enter the message No we're talking!
  
  
• 20000 - 800000: Set image to alert medium. Enter the Lower bounds at 200000 and Upper bounds at 800000. Set both inclusive to True. Enter the message Not bad!
  
  
• 0 - 200000: Set image to alert high. Enter the Lower bounds at 0 and Upper bounds at 200000. Set both inclusive to True. Enter the message Too low!
  
  
• Click the OK button. If you want to create more Members, repeat the above steps for each one.
• Click the Save button on the Dashboard tool bar.

• Click the Preview tab to view the completed Visualizer.
  
  

  It is best practice to place a few KPIs together to show contrast or comparison. If your firm is large enough, displaying KPI's that depict departmental or office performance could reveal inefficiencies in certain areas.