Creating and Publishing Dashboards in QuickSight

QuickSight dashboards allow agencies to visualize operational data in Accountability through interactive charts, metrics, and comparative views. Dashboards are composed of one or more reports (analyses) and can be customized, saved, and shared across the organization.

 

This article outlines how to build, customize, and publish dashboards using QuickSight within Accountability.

 

---

Step 1: Create a New Analysis

1. Open QuickSight from your menu under Data Analysis > AWS QuickSight.
2. Click New Analysis.
3. Select a dataset (e.g., General Ledger, Jobs, Timesheets).
4. Use the Visualize tab to add visuals such as:
   • Bar, line, or pie charts
   • Pivot tables
   • KPIs (single value metrics)
   • Heat maps or scatter plots
5. Drag fields into the Field Wells to define dimensions and measures.
6. Apply filters to narrow down the data (e.g., by client, job, or time period).
7. Use calculated fields to create custom metrics (e.g., profit margin, YTD totals).

• You can add multiple visuals to a single analysis.
• Use parameters to create dynamic filters or controls.
• Save your analysis frequently to avoid losing changes.
  
  

---

 

Step 2: Customize Visuals

• Chart Type: Switch between visual types to best represent your data.
• Formatting: Adjust colors, labels, axis titles, and tooltips.
• Sorting: Sort data by value, alphabetical order, or custom logic.
• Interactivity: Enable drill-downs or actions to explore data in more depth.

• Select a bar chart.
• Use “Client Name” as the dimension.
• Use “Revenue” as the measure.
• Apply a filter for the current fiscal year.
  
  

---

 

Step 3: Save and Create a Dashboard

1. Click Publish on the top right.
2. Enter a name for your dashboard.
3. Select the visuals you want to include.
4. Click Publish Dashboard.

 

---

 

Step 4: Share the Dashboard

1. Click on Dashboards from the sidebar.
2. Open the dashboard you want to share.
3. Look for the share icon on the top right and click on it.
4. A dropdown option to Share dashboard will appear, click on it.
5. Select users or groups from your agency.
6. Choose access level:
   • Viewer: Can view but not edit.
   • Co-author: Can edit and republish.
7. Add an optional message.
8. Click Share Dashboard.

• Recipients receive an email notification.
• The dashboard appears in their QuickSight view.
  
  

---

Step 5: Set Dashboard Permissions in Accountability

1. Navigate to Set Up Files > User Access Groups.
2. Assign QuickSight dashboard permissions to relevant groups.
3. Use the Dashboard Tile Form to control visibility of specific tiles.

---

Step 6: Create Custom Dashboard Tiles (Optional)

1. Go to Set Up Files > Report Set Up > Dashboard Tiles.
2. Click Create A New Tile.
3. Define:
   • Dashboard Group: Where the tile appears.
   • Title: Name of the tile.
   • Tile Type: Single value, comparative, line/bar/pie chart.
   • Tile Size: Adjust layout preview.
   • Data Source: Select ‘General Ledger’.
   • Variables: Choose client, job, or GL dissection.
   • Period: Month, YTD, Last 12 Months.
   • GL Calculation: Movement or Balance.
   • Comparative: Optional for comparative tiles.
   • Financial Report Format: Select GL accounts or ranges.
   • Chart Lines: Add revenue, expenses, etc.
   • Suppress: Hide lines used for calculations only.
4. Click Save and Close to preview the tile.

---

Related Articles