Dashboards give you a configurable and flexible canvas that can be configured with different views into your data in SmartSuite, have easy access to resources you need to get your work done, and keep tabs on important metrics at a glance.
You're encouraged to dive into each Widget Type in detail. To get you started, this article focuses on:
How do I Add a Dashboard?
Adding a Dashboard couldn't be simpler. Dashboards are treated like Saved View Types and appear in the Create New menu of the Saved View drop-down menu. Once added to your App's Saved View menu, Dashboards can be:
Given a unique name
You can adjust their position in the list of saved views
Placing a Dashboard at the top position in the saved view list will make it the default saved view (so your users will start with the Dashboard view)
Set to public or private (if you're a Solution Manager!)
Set to autosave changes (the default) or unchecked to require you to manually save changes
To add a Dashboard, follow these simple steps:
Click on the Saved View drop-down menu
Click on Create New
Click Dashboard
That's it! You should see something like this on your screen:
Now you're ready to add widgets. Keep reading to learn how to do it!
What is a Widget?
Widgets are configurable panels designed to display specific types of information, links to information and visual representations of your data. Widgets have a consistent configuration interface, with preferences and settings displayed in a panel to the right when the Widget's Settings are opened. It looks like this:
Important facts about Widgets:
When you're looking at data in a Dashboard, you're looking at your data through a Widget.
You can resize and position Widgets on the Dashboard work surface. If you're an admin or a Solution Manager, those positions will be saved and reflected on other users' views of the Dashboard. (Note that if you are not auto-saving, you will have to click "Save" to make that happen.)
You can delete, change color, add descriptions, rename or collapse a Widget by default from the Widget's 3-dot menu. See the image below:
Widget Type Summary
There are several types, including the following categories:
Charts. Include visual charts and graphs on your dashboard to visualize data.
Embeds. Embed externally hosted data directly into your dashboard.
Conferencing. Include links that let you start an online meeting with a click.
Metrics. Summarize data from your SmartSuite apps and compare key indicators over configurable periods of time.
Other. A variety of other utility Widgets are available, allowing you to do everything from show the time in remote offices to share announcements with your team.
We're always adding new Widget types to this list, so check back frequently to see what's new!
Adding and Configuring Widgets
Once you've got your empty Dashboard created and named, it's time to start adding content. SmartSuite has a Widget Library interface that makes it easy to find the perfect Widget to showcase your data, or the right utility Widget to make it easier to get things done. Here's how you add them:
Click Add Widget on the Dashboard toolbar
You will be presented with the Widget Library interface, where you can:
Search for a Widget by name - just type in the Find Widget box
Click on a Widget category name to see Widgets by type
Scroll down the page to see cards for each Widget type, along with a short description
Hover your desired Widget to see the Install Widget button
Click Install Widget
The Widget Library looks like this:
Your Widget will be opened in its configuration mode with the settings panel expanded. Notice that the name of the Widget is highlighted - just start typing to give your Widget a name.
Depending on the Widget type you will have a variety of configurable options displayed in the Settings panel that are specific to that Widget. See the end of this article for links to articles that will take you through a specific Widget's configuration in detail.
When you're done, just click the Add Widget button to close the Settings interface and place the Widget on your Dashboard. If you change your mind, you can always click Cancel to discard the new Widget and settings.
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