1. Introduction
This document provides a detailed overview of the enhanced dashboard functionality, including the introduction of global filters and an improved dashboard management interface. These enhancements are designed to streamline data analysis, reduce manual effort, and provide a more structured and intuitive user experience.
The updated system enables users to apply filters at a dashboard level, ensuring that relevant widgets update automatically without requiring individual configuration. Additionally, administrative controls have been centralized to simplify dashboard management and customization.
2. Dashboard Interface Overview
The dashboard interface is divided into the following key sections:
2.1 Header Section
∙ Displays the dashboard name and selector dropdown
∙ Provides access to actions such as:
o Edit Dashboard
o Save Changes
o Add Widget
2.2 Global Filter Bar
∙ Positioned below the header
∙ Includes:
o User selection dropdown
o Date range selector
o Configured global filters
This section serves as the central control point for filtering dashboard data.
2.3 Widget Area
∙ Contains all dashboard widgets (charts, reports, and metrics)
∙ Organized in a grid-based layout
∙ Supports dynamic customization through edit mode
3. Dashboard Selector and Settings
3.1 Dashboard Selector
∙ Enables switching between available dashboards
∙ Updated with an improved dropdown design for better usability
∙ Displays a list of dashboards in a clear and structured format
3.2 Dashboard Settings Panel
The Dashboard Settings panel provides centralized control for managing dashboards and their configurations.
3.2.1 Dashboard Management
∙ Create new dashboards
∙ Delete existing dashboards
∙ Rename dashboards
3.2.2 Default Configuration
∙ Option to set a dashboard as default
∙ User-specific configuration toggle
3.2.3 Data Control Options
∙ Exclude Scholarships
∙ Exclude Internal Transfers
These options allow refinement of data displayed across all widgets.
4. Global Filter Management
4.1 Filter Settings Panel
The Filter Settings section allows administrators to configure and manage global filters available on the dashboard.
Capabilities include:
∙ Viewing all configured filters
∙ Creating new filters
∙ Deleting existing filters
∙ Enabling or disabling filters
4.2 Creating a Filter
To create a new filter:
1. Select Create New Filter
2. Enter a filter name
3. Select the appropriate module
4. Select the corresponding field label
5. Save the configuration
Additional Behavior:
∙ The system supports creating multiple filters within the same session.
∙ After creating a filter, administrators can click “Add Another Filter” to continue adding more filters without closing the setup interface.
∙ This enables efficient configuration of multiple filtering criteria in a single workflow.
4.3 Filter Availability and Usage
∙ Once created, filters are displayed in the global filter bar at the top of the dashboard. ∙ Users can select one or multiple filters simultaneously.
Filter Selection Behavior:
∙ Each selected filter appears as a separate row in the dashboard filter section.
∙ Selecting multiple filters results in multiple rows, allowing users to define multiple filtering conditions at once.
Applying Filters:
∙ After selecting filter values, users must click the “Apply Filter” button.
∙ Filters are not applied automatically upon selection, allowing users to configure multiple filters before executing them.
5. Filter Application Logic
The filtering mechanism ensures that only relevant widgets are affected based on data compatibility. 5.1 Processing Logic
When filters are applied:
1. The system evaluates each widget on the dashboard
2. It checks whether the widget’s dataset includes the selected field
3. The following outcomes apply:
o If the field is present → the widget updates
o If the field is not present → the widget remains unchanged
5.2 Filter Execution Behavior
∙ Filters are applied only after the user clicks the “Apply Filter” button.
∙ This ensures that users can:
o Configure multiple filters
o Review selections before applying
o Avoid unnecessary intermediate updates
5.3 Example Scenario
Widget Field Available Result
Widget A Yes Updated
Widget B No Unchanged
Widget C Yes Updated
Widget D No Unchanged
6. Edit Dashboard Mode
The Edit Dashboard mode enables users to customize the layout and structure of their dashboard. 6.1 Key Functionalities
6.1.1 Widget Repositioning
∙ Widgets can be moved using drag-and-drop functionality
∙ Layout updates dynamically
6.1.2 Widget Resizing
∙ Widgets can be resized using drag handles
∙ Supports flexible visualization of data
6.1.3 Grid Layout System
∙ Ensures proper alignment of widgets
∙ Maintains a structured layout
6.1.4 Collision Prevention
∙ Prevents overlapping of widgets
∙ Automatically adjusts surrounding elements
6.1.5 Widget Management
∙ Add new widgets from the widget library
∙ Remove existing widgets as needed
6.2 Persistence
∙ Layout changes are saved automatically
∙ Configuration is retained per dashboard and user context
∙ Ensures consistency across sessions
6.3 Filter Refresh Behavior
∙ After applying filters, the dashboard does not refresh automatically. ∙ Users are required to manually click the “Refresh” button to update the widgets. ∙ This ensures:
o Controlled execution of data updates
o Reduced unnecessary system processing
o Better performance when working with multiple filters
6.1.3 Grid Layout System
∙ Ensures proper alignment of widgets
∙ Maintains a structured layout
6.1.4 Collision Prevention
∙ Prevents overlapping of widgets
∙ Automatically adjusts surrounding elements
6.1.5 Widget Management
∙ Add new widgets from the widget library
∙ Remove existing widgets as needed
6.2 Persistence
∙ Layout changes are saved automatically
∙ Configuration is retained per dashboard and user context
∙ Ensures consistency across sessions
7. User Roles and Permissions
7.1 Administrative Access
Users with administrative privileges can:
∙ Create and manage filters
∙ Configure dashboard settings
∙ Manage dashboards (create, delete, rename) 7.2 Standard User Access
Standard users can:
∙ Apply available filters
∙ View updated dashboard data
∙ Interact with widgets
8. Limitations
∙ Global filters do not support date-based filtering ∙ Filters apply only to widgets containing the relevant fields ∙ Widgets without matching fields remain unaffected
9. Benefits
The enhancements provide the following advantages: ∙ Centralized filtering across widgets
∙ Reduced manual configuration effort
∙ Improved consistency in data representation
∙ Enhanced usability and interface design
∙ Flexible and customizable dashboard layouts
10. Best Practices
To ensure optimal usage:
∙ Use clear and descriptive filter names
∙ Limit the number of filters to maintain usability
∙ Validate filters across widgets before deployment
∙ Organize widgets logically within the layout
∙ Configure a default dashboard for quick access
11. Conclusion
The introduction of global filters and enhanced dashboard management significantly improves both usability and efficiency. Users can now interact with dashboards more effectively, while administrators benefit from centralized control and simplified configuration.
These updates result in a more scalable, maintainable, and user-friendly dashboard experience suitable for a wide range of reporting and analytical needs.