Create a line visualization for a time series widget

To show the trend over time in indicator scores, create a time series widget with a line visualization.

Before you begin

Role required: pa_power_user or admin

About this task

Line visualization is the simplest way to show the trend over time in the scores of a single indicator. Consider it the default visualization for a time series. If you are unsure which visualization to use for a time series, use a line.

The following example is a line visualization of the number of open incidents over the month of July. The Show trend optional display setting has been enabled.

Figure 1. Line visualization - time series
Example of a line visualization in a time series

Procedure

  1. Navigate to Performance Analytics > Widgets and click New.
  2. In the Name field, give the widget a name that reflects the information being displayed.
  3. In the Type field, select Time series.
    If you change the value of Type after you fill in other fields, those fields are cleared.
  4. In the Visualization field, select Line.
  5. In the Indicator field, select the main indicator for which you want to show scores.
  6. (Optional) Fill in any of the following fields:
    FieldDescription
    Breakdown and Element Only the scores that match the specified element of this breakdown are shown. Select values for both Breakdown and Element. Otherwise, only scores that are not associated with any element of the breakdown are shown.
    2nd Breakdown and Element Drill down to a second level of breakdown and element, if a first-level breakdown and element have been specified.
    Time series Runs a function on the indicator scores for a specific time period, such as a 7-day sum or average. For more information, see Time series aggregations in scorecards and widgets.
    Previous period chart Compares the scores of the main indicator in similar periods.

    The Column visualization works well for previous period charts. Also consider setting a Color scheme.
    Label Specifies a custom label for the main indicator.
    Color A single color that applies only to the scores for the main indicator. This field overrides any color selected in Color scheme.
    Color scheme A spectrum of colors for the scores for all indicators. If a spectrum cannot be applied, only the first color is used. You can create your own color scheme instead of using a provided color scheme.
    Follow element Applies only when this widget is placed in a "breakdown dashboard." Select this option for the widget to follow the element that the user selects interactively on the dashboard. See Using breakdowns on dashboards.

    Selecting this option removes the ability to set a second breakdown and element on the widget.
    Follow breakdown Breakdown dashboard configurations specify breakdown sources, not specific breakdowns. The same breakdown source can be used for multiple breakdowns. Therefore, select this option to set which of the possible breakdowns to follow.

    For example, consider the indicator Number of open incidents. This indicator uses two breakdowns: Assigned to, and Created by. Both breakdowns are based on the Users.Active breakdown source. You create a widget for this indicator and you select Follow element on this widget. You also need to select Follow breakdown and specify either the Assigned to or the Created by breakdown.

    This option is available only if Follow element is selected.
  7. (Optional) Review the Settings tabs and change settings as desired.
  8. Click Submit.

What to do next

To view the widget, add it to a dashboard.