Advanced topics

Use these topics to extend what you can do in Interactive Reports.

In this topic

• Group and filter data

  • Group data

  • Add filters

    • Filter on date fields

    • Flag a filter as a dashboard parameter

• Create advanced filters

  • Apply a summary function

  • Apply an aggregate function

Group and filter data

Group data to keep related items together.

Add filters to show only the data you want.

Group data

Group a report by one or more fields. Common groupings include region, product line, or both.

Use any of these methods:

• Drag a column header above the report headers. Drop it when the green line appears.

• Drag a field from the Data tab in the left pane. Drop it in the space above the report headers.

• Create nested groups. Drag a second field under the first group.

After grouping, sort by clicking the arrows next to each group name. You can also create advanced filters to refine results.

When you’re done, click Save or Save As. Choose a location for the report.

Add filters

Filters restrict the data in a report. They help you focus on specific values.

Example: A report shows sales by product line. A filter on Quarter can restrict results to a single quarter. Add a region filter, such as Europe, to narrow results further.

To add filters:

1. On the toolbar, click the plus sign (+) next to No Filters.

   A filter workspace appears above the report.

2. From Available Fields, drag a field into the filter workspace.

   The filter dialog box opens.

3. Select one or more values in the left list.

4. Click the arrow to move them into the right pane.

5. Click OK.

6. Repeat for each field you want to filter on.

7. Save your report.

The report updates to show only the selected values. Use Undo or Reset to revert changes.

Filter on date fields

Use date constraints to filter on a specific date.

1. Open the Filters panel.

   Click Filters, or click (+) next to No Filters.

2. Drag a date field into the Filters area.

   The filter dialog box opens.

3. Choose a date constraint.

4. Click the arrow to open the date picker.

   To create a date range, add two filters. Use one for the start date and one for the end date.

5. Pick a date.

6. Click OK.

The report updates as soon as you add the filter. The filter appears in the Filter box. An icon also appears next to the field in the Data tab.

To change the filter, click Edit. To remove it, click Delete.

Flag a filter as a dashboard parameter

Flag a filter as a dashboard parameter. This exposes the parameter in Dashboard Designer.

1. Create a filter.

2. In Parameter Name, enter the parameter name.

3. Click OK.

4. Save your report.

The parameter name appears on the Parameters tab in Dashboard Designer. You can edit parameters while working in Report Designer.

Create advanced filters

Create filters on multiple groups of fields. You can also filter on a single group.

Filters on multiple groups are called advanced filters. Drag fields into the Filter Panel.

Place items into multiple groups by moving them up or down. Create a hierarchy by indenting fields.

Apply a summary function

Assign a function that performs summary calculations. Apply it to numeric values in columns, groups, or the entire report.

1. Click the down arrow next to a report column containing numeric values.

2. Select Summary from the menu, then choose the summary type:

   Summary Type	Description
   None	No summary function assigned.
   Average	Calculates the average value in a given column.
   Count	Counts the items in a group or report, but does not require a numeric value.
   Count Distinct	Counts the distinct occurrences of a certain value in a column; does not require a numeric value.
   Maximum	Identifies the highest or largest value in a column.
   Minimum	Identifies the lowest or smallest value in a column.
   Sum	Calculates a total sum of the group or report (group level, and running total in the report footer).

3. Save the report.

Apply an aggregate function

Assign an aggregate function to columns that contain numeric and non-numeric values in your report. Aggregate functions return a single value calculated from the values in a column.

1. Click the down arrow next to a report column that contains numeric values.

2. Select Aggregation from the menu, then choose the aggregation type:

   Function Name	Description
   None	No aggregate function assigned
   Average	Calculates the average value in a given column
   Count	Counts the items in a column; does not require a numeric value
   Count Distinct	Counts the distinct occurrences of a certain value in a column; does not require a numeric value
   Maximum	Identifies the highest or largest value in a column
   Minimum	Identifies the lowest or smallest value in a column
   Sum	Calculates a running total sum of the specified column

3. Save the report.