Create / Update Chart Definition

There are three Chart sub-tabs available from the Chart / KPI tab that allow you to define charts to display on your report. The default values before a chart has been defined appear in the following list:

  • Chart Type / Format — None

  • Chart Size / Position — Large

  • Chart By — Automatic (Sort 1)

  • Chart Function — Count

  • Chart Function For — None

  • Chart Name — Blank

The options available in the Chart Type field affect the options that follow. Standard charts—such as Pie, Bar, Line, and Area—have the default settings listed above. However, multi-series charts—such as those marked as Stacked, Multi, or w Trend Line—have different options. For examples of different charts and their respective settings, see Chart Examples.

More complex charts, such as multi-series charts, stacked charts, and charts with trend lines require familiarity with working with this type of data. For an example, you may want to refer to the Advanced Tips section on creating a multi-series bar chart. For assistance, contact Maintenance Connection Support.

To define a chart for a report:

  1. Click the first Chart sub-tab not in use (Chart 1, Chart 2 or Chart 3).

    Three Chart sub-tabs are available, which allows you to define up to three charts for presentation on the report.

  2. Select the type of chart that you want to have displayed on the report from the Chart Type / Format field.

    Although the chart type is established in this Report Setup Chart tab, alternate styles can be viewed in the Report Preview window by clicking the displayed chart. The chart cycles through all available chart styles each time you click.

  3. Select whether the chart display should be a static Image or Flash from the field to the right of the Chart Type field.

    The best option varies based on chart type and data. Generally, Pie Charts handle more slices / labels as an image, whereas Bar Charts handle better in flash.

    Flash charts are more dynamic and animated, but are not always supported in email systems, so they should not be used for reports that are to be emailed.

    Charts displayed as an image also have the additional benefit of allowing you to alter the chart format in the Report Preview window.

  4. Select the chart size and position from the Chart Size / Position fields.

    Charts configured to display at the top display directly below the report header information. Charts configured to display at the bottom display at the end of the report.

    If you want the chart as the only item on the report, select Large from the first field and select the Display Chart(s) Only check box on the General > Settings sub-tab.

  5. Select the field by which chart data will be summarized in the legend or series values from the Chart By field.

    All fields available for this type of report should be available from the dropdown. Typically, a text field is used—such as priority, status, or an organizational field such as department or shop. As a specific example, a chart showing total work order costs by repair center would have the Repair Center field selected in the Chart By field.

    At the top of the Chart By field are options to automatically chart by fields defined on the General > Sort / Group sub-tab. Since charts are often based on defined groups and / or sort fields, this is an easy way to select a field from which data should be charted. Automatic (Sort 1) is the default value for a new chart.

  6. Select the mathematical function to be performed on the field specified in Step 5 from the Chart Function field.

    The available options are:

    • Count

    • Sum

    • Average

    • Maximum

    • Minimum

  7. Select the numeric field on which the mathematical chart function will be performed from the Chart Function For field.

    For example, to prepare a chart that displays total work order costs by repair center, you could select the Total Work Order Cost field from the field.

    Note:

    If you selected Count in Step 6, select None from this field.

  8. Enter a label for the chart in the Chart Name field.

    The name will be displayed directly above your chart on the report.

  9. Click the Apply button.

    The Report Preview window opens. If you accessed the Report Setup window from the Report List, you are returned to the Report List.