#customize dashboards

WCT latest blog explores how to transform business data management and analysis by creating and customizing dashboards in Dynamics 365. A Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations dashboard is presented as a visual tool displaying essential business data in one central place, offering real-time snapshots of operations, finances, and key metrics through a combination of charts, lists, and tiles. This enables faster responses to changes, early trend spotting, and improved overall efficiency. 

The sources detail three main dashboard types: 

Single-stream dashboards focus on one data set, ideal for highlighting specific trends. 

Unified Interface Dashboards combine multiple charts and lists for a fuller picture. 

Interactive Experience Dashboards allow users to filter and customise views for personalized insights. 

Effective dashboards utilize appropriate visuals like bar graphs for comparisons and integrate web resources for quick access. 

Building a successful dashboard requires a clear strategy. Key steps include setting clear, measurable goals, choosing relevant data that directly supports these goals, and picking the right metrics that reflect progress without overwhelming users. Smart visualisation, using charts and colors to instantly highlight issues or wins, is also crucial. Furthermore, defining data update and security rules, along with clear user access roles, ensures data integrity and controlled information flow. 

The article provides actionable steps for creation and customization: 

Customizing the layout by showing/hiding and moving tiles to prioritize information. 

Adding relevant information, such as Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and custom reports from Dynamics 365 tools or Power BI. 

Personalizing dashboards for different roles (e.g., CFO vs. Sales Manager) through role-based views and securing access to sensitive data. 

Integrating Power BI for advanced visuals and analytics, enabling comprehensive data views. 

Additional tips for effective dashboards include keeping them simple, regularly refreshing data, and testing with users. To optimize dashboard use for workflow enhancement, strategies like focusing on priority tasks, automating updates, integrating with other tools, simplifying navigation, and using role-based views are recommended. Ensuring quick access to crucial information involves placing key metrics at the top, using clear visuals, implementing filters, ensuring fast load times, and supporting mobile access. 

Ultimately, a well-designed Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations dashboard becomes a strategic asset, helping to surface opportunities, flag risks, and align teams with financial priorities, with WaferWire offering expertise in tailored solutions and ongoing support.