How
To Customize Dashboards In A Cloud-based Crm System
They provide a centralized and visual way to view key data, track
performance metrics, and support timely decision-making. Whether you're in
sales, customer service, marketing, or management, customized dashboards help
tailor information to your unique needs and goals. In this article, we'll
explore how to customize dashboards effectively within a typical cloud-based
CRM platform.
Understanding the Importance of Dashboards
Dashboards act as the visual front-end of a Dynamics
365 customizations system. They are made up of
multiple components such as charts, graphs, lists, and tiles that summarize
important data. These components are called "widgets" or
"visuals," and they allow users to monitor key performance indicators
(KPIs), assess progress, and act quickly when something requires attention.
Custom dashboards ensure that the right information is presented
to the right person at the right time. Instead of navigating through multiple
screens or reports, users can access a tailored overview of their daily
priorities.
Steps to Customize Dashboards
Customizing dashboards doesn't require advanced technical skills,
but it does require a clear understanding of what information is most important
to your role. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating and customizing a
dashboard within a cloud-based CRM system:
1. Access the Dashboard Section
Begin by navigating to the dashboard area in your CRM interface.
This is usually found in the main navigation menu. Once there, you'll see a
list of existing dashboards. You can either modify an existing one or create a
new dashboard from scratch.
2. Create a New Dashboard
Click on the option to create a new dashboard. You’ll be asked to
choose a layout. Common layout options include two-column, three-column, or a
mixed format with larger and smaller sections. Choose a layout that best suits
the type of data you want to display.
3. Add Components
After selecting the layout, you can begin adding components. These
are the building blocks of your dashboard and can include:
- Charts: Bar, pie, line, and funnel
charts help you visualize trends and comparisons.
- Lists
or Grids:
Display records from a specific table such as leads, opportunities, or
service cases.
- Web
Resources:
Embed web pages, images, or scripts for additional functionality.
- IFRAMEs: Show external content or other CRM
pages inside the dashboard.
Each component can be configured to pull data from different views
or filters.
4. Choose Views and Filters
For every component added, you can specify the source data using
views and filters. A view defines which records are shown, while filters can
narrow down the data by date, owner, region, or other criteria. For example, a
sales manager may only want to see active opportunities over $10,000 for the
current quarter.
Setting appropriate filters ensures the dashboard remains relevant
and focused on actionable data with dynamics
365 support services.
5. Configure Visual Properties
Most components allow customization of titles, colors, and display
formats. For example, you can:
- Rename charts to match business
terminology.
- Change colors to indicate
performance (e.g., red for declining sales, green for growth).
- Adjust size or alignment to
ensure readability.
These small changes can enhance usability and visual appeal.
6. Set User Permissions
You can configure whether a dashboard is personal or shared.
Personal dashboards are visible only to the user who created them. Shared
dashboards can be published to teams, departments, or roles. This is
particularly helpful for managers who want to standardize reporting across
their teams.
Make sure to apply the right permissions so users see only the
data they are authorized to access.
7. Test and Refine
Once your dashboard is built, take time to test its functionality.
Ensure data loads correctly, visuals are clear, and interactions work as
expected. Gather feedback from stakeholders and refine as needed.
Sometimes, adding too many components can clutter the interface.
It’s best to start with the essentials and expand based on user needs.
Best Practices for Dashboard Customization
- Focus
on Key Metrics:
Avoid information overload by highlighting only the most critical KPIs.
- Use
Visuals Wisely:
Choose the right chart type for the data you are presenting.
- Keep
It Clean: A
simple layout is easier to read and interpret.
- Ensure
Responsiveness:
Make sure the dashboard performs well on different devices, including
tablets and smartphones.
- Review
Regularly:
Business needs change, so dashboards should evolve too.
Final Thoughts
Custom dashboards transform raw dynamics
365 crm data into actionable insights. By
tailoring dashboards to your specific role, you can save time, make smarter
decisions, and stay aligned with your business goals. Whether you're tracking
leads, monitoring service cases, or analyzing campaign performance, a
well-designed dashboard ensures you stay focused on what matters most.
With a bit of planning and regular refinement, dashboard
customization can significantly boost the productivity and efficiency of your
CRM experience.
