How to Create Slicers in Widgets

Slicers give users control over large datasets by applying filters that show or hide data. When a slicer on the MSPbots widgets is selected, filters are applied and users view only the data that is useful for their task or goal. This article shows the procedure for creating slicers that will allow clients to easily refine data for themselves. 

Before you start, make sure that you are logged in to MSPbots with administrator permissions. Only an admin can create a new slicer. 

Follow these steps when creating slicers 

1. On the MSPbots app's menu, go to Settings > Slicer.
   
2. Click the New Slicer button on the Slicer tab. This step opens the New Widget window. 
   
3. Next, select the Dropdown List slicer type on the New Slicer window. This action opens the Widget Builder window. 
   
   
4. When the Widget Builder window opens, provide the following: 
   • Name - Give the slicer a name. 
   • Description - Provide a short description. 
   • Role - Select the role/s that should have access to the slicer. Choose either User, Admin, or both.
     
     
     
     
5. Click the Apply button.
6. Next, go to Dataset and click the + button. 
   
7. Select New Layer on the window that appears. This step opens the Dataset window.
   
   
8. Do the following on the Dataset window: 
   • Select a dataset to use. The dataset should be in line with the dataset of the widget/s that will be linked to the slicer.
   • Add columns by selecting an option from the Column Name dropdown list and assigning an Alias and Business Type for each. Click the + icon to add more rows.
   • Add values for the Filter, Measure, and/or Dimension, as well as for Order By, as needed.
     
     Important: Make sure to tick the checkbox for Remove Duplicate Data. Users most commonly need to add values for Filter and Order By only. 
     
     
9. Click the Save button then Apply.
10. Next, go to Config and provide data for the following fields: 
    • Text - Input an Alias for the column name. 
    • Value - Input the same Alias entered in the text field. 
    • QueryParams - Input the same Alias in the text field. 
    • Watermarks - Input the text that will appear on the slicer before a value is chosen. Example: Select a Board. 
    • Filter Label - Input the slicer's label. Example: Board or Board Name.
    • Select - This is in line with the Multiple Mode check box. Choose whether to select ALL or Only First.
      Selecting ALL sets the default slicer value to all the available values thus, the widget/s linked to this will show all the data for the value. On the other hand, selecting Only First sets the default slicer value to the first available value of the slicer. 
      
11. Click Apply. This will show a preview of the slicer that you have created.