10. Filter elements and time periods

Filter elements and time periods

Combo Box, List Box, Tree View, Date Filter and Range Filter give users control over the section, time period and comparison.

Open Dashboard Designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can choose the appropriate filter type, bind it to a dimension or time period, and control its effect on other elements.

Why this is crucial in the dashboard designer

Filters turn a static image into an analysis tool. The reader can identify exactly the area for which he is responsible from the overall values.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Combo box: Space-saving single or multiple selection.
• List box: Directly visible selection as a checklist or radio selection.
• Tree view: Hierarchical filtering, such as product group and subgroup.
• Date filters: Predefined or freely selected date periods.
• Range filters: Graphical selection of a continuous date or number range.
• Arguments: Continuous date/number dimension of the Range Filter.
• Values: Key figure whose history is displayed in the range filter.
• Show All / Multiple Selection: Controls whether overall status and multiple values are selectable.
• Ignore Master Filters: Determines whether an item is excluded from other filter actions.

Here's how to do it

1. Select the filter by number, hierarchy and selection type of values.
2. Bind a unique dimension or real date dimension.
3. Set single/multiple selection and All behavior.
4. Define sensible standard periods for Date Filter.
5. Check which elements are affected and how the filter is reset.

Exercise

Create a partner group filter, a hierarchical item group filter and a date filter for current year, last year and freely selected range.

Check the result

• Active filters are visible.
• Empty selection has a clear meaning.
• Hierarchies filter parents and children correctly.
• Date boundaries include the intended days.
• All affected elements show the same context.

Typical errors and their solutions

• Text date instead of date: Prevents correct range selection.
• Multiple selection without hint: Readers miss several active values.
• Filter chains without reset path: Dashboard appears to remain blank or incomprehensibly limited.

Your result

Users can safely select the relevant section and see at any time what data they are currently viewing.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 13. Parameters and filter logic
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 14. Master filter, drill-down and interactivity
3. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Dashboard designer › 18. Viewer, export and distribution

Frequently asked questions