Explore core concepts and best practices of reports and dashboards, including layout, data visualization, filtering, and interactivity. Perfect for those aiming to strengthen their understanding of building and analyzing effective business intelligence solutions.
Which type of report best displays detailed data records in a tabular format for easy comparison?
Explanation: A grid report presents data in rows and columns, making it ideal for viewing detailed records side by side. Pie charts visualize proportions, not detailed records. Gauge reports show single-value progress, while scatter plots are designed for pattern and correlation analysis.
What is the primary purpose of a KPI widget on a dashboard?
Explanation: KPI widgets are specifically designed to highlight important metrics instantly for users. They do not manage data filters or control authentication. Backing up data is unrelated to the visual function of a KPI widget.
If a dashboard user applies a time filter for the last quarter, what will most likely happen to the displayed data?
Explanation: Applying a filter dynamically narrows down the dataset to show only relevant time periods. The layout and structure of the dashboard remain unchanged. No data is deleted, and non-numeric data is not automatically suppressed.
Which visualization would best reveal trends in sales performance over multiple years?
Explanation: A line chart is excellent for displaying changes over time and highlighting trends. Radar charts are for multi-variable comparisons, doughnut charts for proportions, and tree maps for hierarchical data, making them less suitable for showing trends over years.
What happens when you sort a report column in descending order?
Explanation: Sorting a column in descending order displays the largest values first, making comparisons easier. Sorting does not hide rows, apply color codes to all columns, or convert data types.
How can you enable others to view your dashboard analysis without giving them editing rights?
Explanation: A read-only link provides view access while preventing unwanted edits. Making others report designers or sharing admin credentials increases risk and enables unintended changes. Uploading to an unrelated server does not allow in-app viewing.
What is a prompt in the context of interactive reports?
Explanation: Prompts allow users to customize which data they see by making choices before the report executes. Unlike permanent filters, prompts require user input each time. They are not related to visualization styles or device settings.
If you click on a region in a report and it shows more details about its cities, which report feature is being used?
Explanation: Drill-down enables users to explore finer levels of data directly from high-level summaries. Exporting simply saves the data, sorting changes order, and commenting adds notes; none of these navigate to detailed breakdowns.
How does conditional formatting enhance a dashboard’s data readability?
Explanation: Conditional formatting uses colors, icons, or styles to emphasize data that meets certain conditions, improving immediate understanding. Merging or hiding data doesn't enhance on-screen readability, and downloading affects data availability, not visualization.
What is one advantage of scheduling a report to run automatically at specified times?
Explanation: Scheduling keeps reports refreshed, making the latest insights available automatically. It does not impact editing permissions, hide specific information, or create audio reports, which are unrelated to the core benefit of scheduling.