KPI and gauge
Use KPI for one headline number. Use a gauge only when the number has a meaningful target or range.
Datplan help
Build a dashboard that answers the question without multiplying the data
Choose the row grain before the visual. Then select the category, measure, aggregation and filters that match that grain.
The reliable build order
- Write the questionFor example: “What is open pipeline value by deal stage?”
- Choose the grainUse Deals—not Activities—for pipeline value.
- Choose the visualA horizontal bar works well for stage comparisons.
- Set the measure and aggregationSelect the deal amount field and SUM.
- Add filters and verifyFilter to open deals and compare totals with a table or source summary.
Chart guide
Match the visual to the comparison
Bar and column
Use bar, grouped, stacked or horizontal bar for categories, rankings and composition.
Line and area
Use line for a time trend and area when the magnitude beneath the trend is useful.
Pie and doughnut
Use only for a small number of parts of one total; switch to a bar when labels or differences are hard to compare.
Scatter and bubble
Use to compare two numeric measures and optionally represent a third measure with bubble size.
Heatmap and map
Use heatmaps for intensity across two dimensions and maps only when location data is complete enough to support the question.
Combo, polar and radar
Use specialised visuals sparingly and verify that shared scales and categories do not imply a false comparison.
Table
Use a table for exact rows, audit review, detailed research or a cross-check before relying on a summary chart.
Dashboard controls
- New, save and Save as
- Lock and unlock the layout
- Dashboard and chart-level filters
- Refresh from the latest local data
- Copy and per-chart CSV where supported
- PDF export
Verification checks
- Does one row represent the intended business object?
- Is SUM, COUNT, DISTINCT COUNT or AVG appropriate?
- Could a join multiply rows?
- Are dates grouped and sorted correctly?
- Are void, draft or closed records filtered as intended?
- Does a detailed table support the headline total?
Dashboard questions
Build, save and verify the layout
How do I choose a chart?
Use a KPI for one number, bar for category comparisons, line for time trends, scatter for relationships, heatmap for a two-axis intensity pattern, map for geographic data and table when exact rows matter.
What is a dashboard filter?
It is a visible control that can narrow multiple dashboard items. A chart-level filter is configured inside one chart and affects only that item.
Can I protect a finished layout?
Yes. Lock the dashboard to prevent accidental moves or resizing, then unlock it when you need to edit.
Can I export dashboard data?
You can export a dashboard to PDF and copy chart content. Per-chart CSV export is available where supported. Use the API Pull or BI export workflow for complete source datasets rather than assuming one dashboard-wide CSV.
See Datplan with real reporting data—without connecting a live account
The Windows app is free to download and includes Datplan Demo data, so you can test sync, dashboards, reporting grains and exports first.