What are Dashboards?
Dashboards are collections of configurable panels, called widgets, that allow users to visualize, interact with, and share data efficiently. SmartSuite provides a wide variety of widgets and customization options, ensuring each dashboard meets specific team or individual needs.
Plan Availability | All plan types |
Permissions | Solution Creators, Administrators |
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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:
Widget Type Summary
There are several types, including the following categories:
Page Display. Widgets that make your Dashboard visually appealing with striking visual elements.
Record Display. Widgets that allow you to dive into specific record details.
Actions. Widgets that allow you to interact with and temporarily filter data.
Metrics. Summarize data from your SmartSuite Tables and compare key indicators over configurable periods of time.
Views. Create a view of a pre-existing table that can be directly accessed through the Dashboard.
Charts. Include visual charts and graphs on your dashboard to visualize data.
Videos. Widgets that allow you to embed YouTube or Vimeo videos.
Utilities. Advanced widgets that can help visualize data or use custom code.
Project Related. Useful widgets to visualize project related deadlines.
Social Media. Connect your Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter pages.
Conferencing. Include links that let you start an online meeting with a click.
Design. Embed your design softwares directly into the Dashboard.
Google. Widgets that allow you to access your Google applications.
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 “Add New Widget” sidebar, where you can:
Search for a Widget by name - just type in the Search Widget box
Click your desired Widget.
Depending on the Widget type you will have a variety of configurable options displayed in the Settings panel that are specific to that Widget.
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.
Adding Widgets Inline
In addition to adding widgets at the bottom of the page, you can also click on the plus (+) icon that appears when you hover between two widgets to add another widget in that position. Just follow these steps:
Hover anywhere between two widgets and click the floating ＋ button that appears.
The Widget Library opens; pick the widget you want to add.
SmartSuite inserts the chosen widget precisely where the inline control was shown.
Drag-and-drop or resize as usual to fine-tune your dashboard.
Configuration Settings: Navigation Tab
The Navigation Tabs feature offers a versatile way to create custom navigation within each dashboard, enhancing the overall user experience. With this feature, users can add a logo, create multiple tabs, and introduce action buttons tailored to their unique workflow needs.
First, enter “Edit” mode by clicking on Edit in the upper-right corner. From the Page Settings gear icon located in the View Panel of your dashboard, you can access a variety of configuration options.
From the Dashboard settings, you also can access the View Settings or:
Adjust the Description: Add a description for your dashboard.
Enable Navigation Tabs and Footers: To make the dashboard more user-friendly and intuitive.
Change the Style: Adjust the style of the dashboard to comprehensively fit your needs.
Now you're ready to add widgets. Keep reading to learn how to do it!
View / Edit Mode Toggle
In the top right corner, you will find a toggle that disables/enables editing of the dashboard view. To make changes to the existing dashboard simply toggle it to edit mode.
Edit Mode
When in Edit mode, users can customize the dashboard layout and settings. The following adjustments are made to streamline the editing experience:
Removal of Resizer Options: The resizer options, which are used for adjusting widths, are hidden in Edit mode to avoid distraction.
Grabber Icon Removal: The grabber icon, typically used for moving the width of elements, is also hidden to maintain focus on the dashboard's overall configuration.
Elimination of Setup-Specific Controls: Any other controls specific to the setup of the dashboard are hidden to declutter the interface during the editing process.
View Mode
The primary goal of the View mode is to provide a clean and distraction-free view of the dashboard content. In this mode:
Default Removal of Configuration Controls: Features such as resizer options, grabber icon, and other setup-specific controls are automatically hidden to allow users to concentrate on consuming the dashboard's content.
Default Modes
New Dashboard: When creating a new dashboard, the system defaults to Edit mode, allowing users to set up and configure the dashboard according to their preferences.
Existing Dashboard: When accessing an existing dashboard, the system defaults to View mode to present the content without distraction. Users can easily switch to Edit mode if further customization is needed.
Sharing Dashboards
Sharing your dashboard publicly is a straightforward process within SmartSuite.
Simply select the dashboard you want to share.
Click on "Share View" icon next to the reporting toolbar.
Toggle the Shared View
This will generate a unique shareable link and embeddable code. This link can be accessed by anyone external to SmartSuite.
Share View Settings
You have a variety of settings that you control for your shared views. These include:
Share all fields:
Only allow users to view fields that are included in this view and restrict them from seeing all available fields in this Table
Allow viewers to open records:
If enabled, viewers can open individual records
Display toolbar:
If turned off, toolbar with view controls will not be displayed
Restrict access with a passcode:
Users will be required to enter a password, prior to being provided access to the shared view
Disabling a Shared View
If you ever need to remove access to your Dashboard and want to deactivate a link you have already distributed, you can regenerate the link. Just click the Regenerate icon (shown in the image below) and the old link will be inactivated instantly, replaced by a brand new link that you can choose to share.
Moving Dashboards
You can move Dashboards across Solutions and Tables within your Workspace. As your Workspace evolves, you can restructure Dashboards without needing to recreate them in their new location.
There are two ways to move a Dashboard:
Simply click on the three-dot menu in the view navigation, and select "Move to another Table."
You can also get here through the Dashboard dropdown menu and by also selecting "Move to another Table."
A window will open for you to select the Solution and Table you wish to move the Dashboard to.
When moving a dashboard, you can place it into a specific folder to keep everything organized.
Practical Scenarios and Use Cases
1. Departmental Collaboration
Scenario: The Marketing team needs shared workspaces for campaigns.
Solution: Create a marketing dashboard with widgets for campaign metrics, team tasks, and updates.
2. Project-Specific Tracking
Scenario: A product launch requires a dashboard for key metrics and team updates.
Solution: Set up a dashboard with metrics widgets to monitor progress and embed external project timelines.
3. Cross-Functional Collaboration
Scenario: Engineers, designers, and product managers collaborate on a new feature.
Solution: Build a dashboard with communication tools, task progress, and milestone tracking widgets.
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