Pick the level of detail first, then choose a chart that answers the question.
A practical selection guide
| Question | Visual | Suggested setup |
|---|---|---|
| How are we performing? | KPI Card | Actual + Target + Prior period; optional trend |
| Which units need attention? | KPI Card / Matrix | Group / Category cards, or row hierarchy with variance bars |
| Which category drove a change? | The Charts | Variance waterfall; Actual + comparison + ordered categories |
| How do months compare with plan? | The Charts / KPI Card | IBCS Variance → Column; separate absolute and relative bands |
| How do products compare within region? | The Matrix | Region → Product rows; grouped measures and comparison columns |
| How do flows connect? | The Charts | Sankey; Source and Target stages, optional flow weight |
| Is a process stable or capable? | The Charts | Control chart or Histogram Statistical Analysis |
| How do I filter a dashboard compactly? | The Filter Box | Bind slicer fields; responsive dropdowns and period buttons |
Combine without duplicating work
Reuse explicit Actual and comparison measures across visuals. Keep the same scenario colors and notation. Add a connected Date column to The Filter Box; other visuals receive the resulting model filter context. A chart zoom and a legend focus are local presentation interactions, while a slicer or a selected category can affect other report visuals.