Can I Set Default Filters in Sisense?
Sisense is a powerful business intelligence (BI) platform that allows users to explore and analyze data to gain insights. A key part of this process is using filters to narrow down your data and focus on specific aspects of your business. But what if you frequently need to look at the same filtered data? Can you set default filters in Sisense to simplify your analysis?
The answer is yes! Sisense offers several ways to set default filters, making your data exploration more efficient and saving you time. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:
1. Using Filters in Dashboards
One of the simplest ways to apply default filters is directly within your Sisense dashboards. This allows you to set up pre-defined views of your data that you can easily access:
- Filter Widgets: Sisense provides various filter widgets, such as dropdowns, sliders, and date pickers. When you create a filter widget, you can set a default value for each filter. This default value will be applied automatically when you first open the dashboard.
- Pre-selected Filter Values: When creating a chart or visualization, you can manually select specific values for your filters, ensuring those selections are active when the dashboard loads.
Example: Let's say you're creating a dashboard to track sales performance. You can add a filter widget for "Region" and set the default value to "North America." When you open the dashboard, the sales data will automatically be filtered to show only North American sales.
2. Using Filters in "Can Design"
Sisense "Can Design" offers a powerful way to create custom dashboards and manage data connections. Here's how to set default filters within Can Design:
- "Filters" Section: In the Can Design interface, you'll find a dedicated "Filters" section where you can define your filters. When you create a filter, you have the option to set a "Default Value" for each filter. This default value will be applied to any dashboard or visualization created using the same Can Design.
Example: You can create a filter for "Customer Segment" in Can Design and set the default value to "Enterprise." Any dashboard created with this Can Design will automatically display data for Enterprise customers.
3. Using "Can Design" Parameters
For even more control over your filters, Can Design allows you to utilize "Parameters." These are variables that can be set within a Can Design and used to dynamically modify filters:
- Creating Parameters: You can define parameters within Can Design, giving them meaningful names and assigning them specific values.
- Using Parameters in Filters: When you create a filter within Can Design, you can use parameters as the default value. This allows you to control the filter based on the parameter's value.
Example: You could create a parameter named "Time Period" and set its value to "Last Quarter." Then, in your filters, you could use this parameter as the default value for the "Date" filter, ensuring data is always filtered for the last quarter.
4. Using Sisense "Views"
Sisense "Views" are a powerful feature for saving and re-using filtered data sets. They essentially create a snapshot of your data with specific filters applied:
- Creating Views: In your data analysis, you can select specific filters and then save that view. This view will preserve the applied filters.
- Using Views: When you access the view, the data will automatically be filtered based on the filters applied when you saved it.
Example: If you've filtered sales data to show only "High Value" customers in the West region, you can save this view as "High Value West Region Sales." Next time you want to access this data, simply open the view, and the filters will be automatically applied.
Benefits of Setting Default Filters:
Using default filters in Sisense offers several advantages:
- Increased Efficiency: By eliminating the need to manually apply filters every time you open a dashboard, you save time and effort.
- Consistency: Setting default filters ensures that everyone who accesses the dashboard or visualization sees the same, pre-defined data.
- Improved Collaboration: Teams can share filtered data sets, making it easier to analyze and discuss findings.
- Reduced Errors: Pre-selected filters minimize the risk of applying incorrect filters, leading to more accurate insights.
Tips for Using Default Filters:
- Consider your audience: Think about the type of information your dashboards will be used for and who will be accessing them.
- Keep it simple: Try to avoid creating overly complex filter combinations. Make it easy for users to understand how the filters are applied.
- Document your filters: Make sure you clearly document what each default filter represents and how it's applied, especially if you have multiple dashboards or views.
Conclusion:
Setting default filters in Sisense is a powerful feature that can significantly enhance your data analysis process. By using filters in dashboards, leveraging "Can Design" functionality, or utilizing "Views," you can streamline your analysis, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in your data exploration.