Using worksheets in place of parameters cards

by Edoardo Aversa

This post explains an additional feature to what I discussed in my previous post on selecting different measures using parameters (have a look at: https://www.thedataschool.co.uk/edoardo-aversa/using-parameters-to-select-different-measures). Once we have a parameter that allows us to choose between different measures, we can also substitute the parameter options card for a series of charts onto which we can click to change the view in the dashboard. This can be particularly useful if we are including key performance indicators (KPIs), as shown in the figure below.

In our example (I am using the Sample - EU Superstore dataset), after having created the parameter to switch between charts, we first need to create two ‘dummy’ variables and then change the dashboard Actions to target such variables.

To create a dummy variable, create a new calculated field and simply type “Sales” as shown below, and then do the same for “Profit”.

Then drag and drop each dummy variable onto the details of the appropriate source chart (in this case, the KPIs), as shown below.

Now click on the dashboard actions…

…choose ‘Add Action’ and ‘Change Parameter’.

Now configure the action as shown in the figure below (remember to click OK at the end):

Repeat the same steps for Profit, hide the parameter card, and it's done! You can now simply click onto one of the KPI charts to select the measure you want to see displayed in the chart below.  

This can save you some space on a dashboard and it's mostly useful when you have several measures to choose from.

Hope you found this useful!

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Edoardo Aversa

Fri 26 Nov 2021

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