01. Getting started and a safe workflow

Getting started and a safe workflow

A professional dashboard project begins with a decision question, clear key figure definitions and a protected working copy.

Open Dashboard Designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can prepare the goal, target group, key figures, test cases and release of a dashboard project so that the design and technology follow a clear technical line.

Why this is crucial in the dashboard designer

Without a goal, a dashboard quickly becomes a decorated collection of data. With a precise question, you can immediately see which data is indispensable, which visualization is suitable and which information should be deliberately left out.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Leadership question: The decision or deviation that the dashboard should make visible.
• Target group: People or roles who are allowed to use the dashboard in the viewer.
• Key figure definition: Name, calculation, period, unit, sign logic and technical owner.
• Data sharing: Determine what level of detail is permitted for the target group.
• Test matrix: Normal, borderline, empty and authorized cases with expected results.
• Person responsible for release: Professional person who confirms statements and figures.

Here's how to do it

1. Formulate the leadership question in one sentence.
2. Define a maximum of five primary metrics with source, calculation, and time period.
3. Determine target group, level of detail and sensitive data.
4. Export the initial template and create a test copy.
5. Establish representative test periods and known checksums.

Exercise

Write a one-page brief for a sales, inventory, or cash flow dashboard: question, audience, three metrics, two filters, a proof of detail, and five test cases.

Check the result

• Each key figure is clearly defined without a dashboard.
• Target group and eligibility are coordinated.
• A fallback level of the original template exists.
• Success can be checked with concrete target values.

Typical errors and their solutions

• “See all” goal: Leads to overcharging; choose a question relevant to the decision.
• Key figure without period: Makes current values and comparisons unclear.
• Only check authorization at the end: May lead to unnecessary disclosure of sensitive fields.

Your result

The project starts with a resilient technical architecture instead of random diagrams.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 03. Open, copy and save dashboards
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 04. Data sources, queries and data preview
3. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 19. Testing, performance and release

Frequently asked questions