About collections

Collections allow you to create and re-use custom filters. Collections can update dynamically based on a test (called Of These), or members can be selected manually. Collections provide a good way to select and narrow down on a subset of the data. Only Dashboard Designers and Power Viewers can create and apply collections.

Collection types

• Classic collection - is a static list of dimension members or key members that are selected during collection creation. An Exclude option is available if you prefer to show data for members that are not in the collection. These collections can be shared between SIM or Salient Dashboards as noted below and created, edited, and used in either application.

• Dynamic collection (Of These) - is created in SIM by setting test criteria so that the collection updates automatically to include key members (e.g., customers) that meet the criteria each time you turn it on. Currently, this type of collection is available for key members but not dimension members. In Salient Dashboards, you can turn on dynamic Of These collections, but you cannot edit them. In the collections tree, the symbol indicates a dynamic Of These collection.

• Classic Of These collection - is created in SIM by setting test criteria. Salient Dashboards then saves a static list of the key members that met the criteria. In Salient Dashboards, you can turn on a classic Of These collection. You can also edit a classic Of These collection by editing the list of members it contains; however, you cannot change the test criteria in Salient Dashboards.

Applying collections

A collection can be turned on as a filter in a widget or across the entire dashboard (i.e., workspace filter) to narrow down on a particular subset of data. Users who have the necessary rights can apply, create, and manage collections. Dashboard Designers can turn off a collection's visibility for view mode to lock down content if they wish.

In addition, collections can be used as part of a custom group. A custom group can roll up and compare results for each collection.  

Global and private collections

Collections are either private or global. Private collections are those you create yourself. They are stored in your user data, and are not available to anyone else. Global collections are available to other users who have access to the user data category. Only users with rights to create global user data can create or edit global collections.

In addition, collection categories may be selectively restricted per dashboard.

Sharing collections between SIM and Salient Dashboards

SIM and Salient Dashboards can share collections if they are stored in the same location; therefore, global collections will be available in both applications (if installed) because they are stored on the server. A private collection in SIM will be available for the same user in Salient Dashboards if the SIM user data location is set to the server.