Learning Outcomes
Gain an introduction to custom dashboards in TRAC.
Learn how to create a new dashboard.
Understand more about exporting options for your dashboards.
Dashboards provide a handy method for arranging both platform-specific and bespoke charts in a singular, easy-to-access location, perfect for regular perusal as well as scheduling automatic reports. This piece will delve into the specifics of what you can discover and action on the Existing Dashboards subpage within Reports.
There are two subpages within Reports that are relevant to dashboards that you will find within your searches - Existing Dashboards and Create Dashboards.
Existing Dashboards
When landing on the dashboard subpage, you will be greeted with the Existing Dashboards tab.
This tab is split into two views: My Dashboards and Team Dashboards. A number next to each will tell you how many total dashboards are visible to you on that tab.
On My Dashboards, all dashboards you have created will be visible, you can click through to view the dashboard, clone the dashboard, or delete it and remove it from the list.
On Team Dashboards, dashboards created by any member of your team (that you have permission to view) will be visible here. You can still clone these dashboards but you won't be able to delete them without super admin permissions, or if you have yourself created the dashboard.
On both of these views, you can use the search bar to filter through all of the dashboards for the search you are on. Each dashboard box will have the icon you have chosen, the name of the dashboard, and a still image of a chart visible on that dashboard.
Creating a New Dashboard
Creating a new dashboard is accessible in two ways:
On the top-right of Existing Dashboards.
From the Create Dashboards subpage under Reports.
Once on this page you'll have two options on how to build your search:
Templates
Overview: The overview template features many of the core charts from Pulsar including engagements over time, key performance figures, and key audience moments.
Content: The content template focuses on what is being posted rather than who is posting it. This includes focus on post volume, visibility, and impressions, as well as keywords contained within the posts. Read more at this link.
Audience: The audience template focuses on who is posting rather than what is being posted. This includes an audience snapshot, bio keywords, and author location.
Create From Scratch
If none of the templates suit you you have the option to create from scratch. Doing so will take you immediately to the Dashboard Screen.
Dashboards
When on your dashboard, you'll have the ability to tweak the dashboard settings, view all of the charts on your dashboard, rearrange or modify them to suit your preference, append more charts, employ filters, export a copy of your dashboard, and establish automatic reporting. The various button options are explained below.
Dashboard Settings
In the top right, there is a pencil icon where you can access your dashboard settings. Here you can add a logo and background image, change the name, and change user permissions for your dashboard.
Add Chart
This button will let you add more charts to your dashboard. These are customisable charts that will display data across the platform in various ways. You can choose between Standard Charts and Custom Charts.
Filter
Just like the rest of the platform, dashboards can be filtered to only display certain parts. By clicking this button, the filters menu will open up allowing you to add any filters you would like onto the dashboard.
When you first add the filter, you will get a notice that your filter has been added to the dashboard, and you will be prompted to save it, which will apply it to any automatic reports you have scheduled. This intermediate save state is also indicated by a yellow-orange dot by the filter icon.
After saving the filter, the dot will appear green. If you see a green dot near the filter icon, it means your dashboard has an active filter.
Exporting your Reports
Clicking the export button will take you to a preview of your report, complete with Icon, search title, dashboard title, date range, filters, and the charts you have chosen for the dashboard. Here you'll have the option to return to your dashboard, or export the report as shown into a pdf for easy sharing.
Automating an Email of your Report(s)
If you would like to be kept up-to-date on the report that you have created, you will be able to setup automated emails of your report. You can do this by clicking on the Email button which is next to the Preview & Export option.
Clicking this button will bring up a modal allowing you to schedule your automatic reporting of the dashboard. The top switch toggle allows you to turn the reporting on and off, and the recipients section allows you to customise the email that will contain the report.
Important: Your search must be running in real-time in order to schedule automated reporting.
Top Tip: Basic report settings are shown by default, but by clicking on advanced settings, you will have more customisability for scheduling.
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