Unlock Reporting Power with Summary Boards and Custom Views in Brandengine

In any business, having the right tools to manage and analyse data is crucial. Brandengine, a leading software for promotional products distributors in Australia and New Zealand, offers a powerful feature called Summary Boards with Custom Views that can revolutionise how you handle your business data. Whether you’re tracking enquiries, managing quotes, or overseeing projects, these features provide flexibility, collaboration, and efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore what Summary Boards and Custom Views are, how they work, and why they’ll transform your workflow.

What Are Summary Boards?

Summary Boards in Brandengine are customisable onscreen dashboards that provide a comprehensive view of your business performance. These boards are tailored to specific entities or activities, such as Enquiries, Quotes, Projects, and more. They allow you to see all the relevant information at a glance, making it easier to track progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions.

Key features of Summary Boards include:

• Default View: When you first open a Summary Board, you’ll see all available information in a scrollable format. Columns can be sorted in ascending or descending order (indicated by a blue arrow for sorted columns, grey otherwise), and a search box allows you to refine your view. Pagination at the bottom helps navigate through large datasets.
• Refreshable Data: Need the latest updates? A refresh link at the top right ensures you’re working with the most current information.

Custom Views: Tailoring Your Data Display

One of the standout features of Summary Boards is the ability to create Custom Views. These are user-defined reports that can be saved and accessed anytime, either on-screen or downloaded as a CSV file for further analysis in your preferred spreadsheet software. With Custom Views, you can:

• Define Your Data: Choose exactly which information you want to see, from specific columns to filters that refine your data set.
• Sort and Organise: Create hierarchical sorts across multiple columns, including hidden ones, to get the insights you need. For example, you could sort by Account Managers in ascending order and client companies in descending order.
• Filter with Precision: Apply filters to narrow down your data based on criteria like tags, dates, or other attributes. For instance, on a Quote Summary Board, you can filter by Quote tags. Multiple filters can be applied, with options to hide unused filters, show all, or show only visible ones.
• Date Flexibility: Set date ranges exactly as you need them, whether it’s an exact date range, relative dates (e.g., last 7 days), relative dates with an offset, or presets like “last month.”
• Customise the Table: Access the “Edit Columns” feature to drag and reposition columns (the top row becomes the first column), set column widths in pixels, toggle visibility (blue eye for visible, grey for hidden, though hidden columns remain filterable), and freeze columns to keep them in view.
• Save and Manage Views: Create, save, and manage multiple views for different purposes via the View selector (top right of the filter button). You can duplicate the current view, create a fresh view from the default, or update/save changes with options to save settings, rename, or duplicate. The Manage Views section allows re-ordering, deleting, or editing views (e.g., adding descriptions visible only in Manage Views).
• Download as CSV: Download any view or search results as a CSV file, including all pages, using the button at the bottom right. Ensure the filename is relevant, as it becomes the CSV heading.

Shared Views: Collaboration Made Easy

Brandengine understands that collaboration is key in any business. That’s why they’ve introduced Shared Views, which allow you to share your custom views with teammates, fostering teamwork and consistency. Here’s how it works:

• Share with Teammates: In the Manage Views section, toggle the Share switch (it turns blue when active) to share a view with your team. Recipients can add and modify these shared views without affecting the original.
• Access Shared Views: Open the Custom View Filter (top left of the Summary Board), click Manage Views, then Browse Shared Views. This shows shared views from your company, including the author’s name and publishing dates. Select a view and click the green “Add this” button to use or customise it (changes don’t affect the original).
• Brandengine Library: Take advantage of a library of pre-built views provided by Brandengine. These common views, found under the Brandengine Library tab when browsing shared views, can be a great starting point. Select views and click the green “Add these” button to make them available.

Brandengine Library: A Helping Hand

For those new to Brandengine or looking for inspiration, the Brandengine Library is a treasure trove. It offers a collection of common views that you can add to your Summary Boards. These views are designed to cover a wide range of use cases, helping you get started quickly. Once added, you can customise them further to match your workflow perfectly.

Practical Tips for Using Summary Boards and Custom Views

To make the most of these features, consider the following tips:

• Start Simple: Begin with the default view and gradually customise it as you get familiar with the tools.
• Use Filters Wisely: Avoid overcomplicating your views with too many filters initially. Start with the most important criteria and refine as needed.
• Leverage the Library: If you’re unsure what to include in your view, check out the Brandengine Library for ideas.
• Regularly Update Views: As your business evolves, so should your views. Periodically review and update your custom views to ensure they remain relevant.
• Collaborate: Share your views with your team to foster collaboration and ensure everyone has access to the same information.

Summary Boards with Custom Views in Brandengine are more than just a feature; they’re a powerful tool that can transform how you manage and interact with your business data. By allowing you to tailor your data display, share views with your team, and leverage pre-built templates, Brandengine empowers you to work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just starting out, exploring these features can significantly enhance your productivity and insight into your business operations.