In today’s data-driven world, business intelligence (BI) tools must offer not just static reports but dynamic dashboards that adapt to user inputs and changing business needs. SAP Lumira, a powerful self-service BI solution in the SAP ecosystem, allows users to create interactive and dynamic dashboards by leveraging parameters and input controls. These features enable end-users to filter, customize, and explore data seamlessly, enhancing decision-making and user engagement.
This article explores how to effectively use parameters and input controls in SAP Lumira to build dynamic, responsive dashboards.
Parameters are dynamic placeholders that can accept user input during dashboard execution. They act like variables and influence the data query or visualization logic based on values provided by users.
- Parameters can be used to customize filters, calculations, or conditional formatting.
- They allow for flexible scenario analysis without the need to recreate dashboards.
Input controls are interactive UI elements—such as dropdowns, sliders, checkboxes, or radio buttons—that users interact with to control dashboard content.
- They provide an intuitive way to filter and slice data on the fly.
- Input controls dynamically update visualizations based on user selections.
Together, parameters and input controls transform static reports into dynamic dashboards.
- Open your dataset in SAP Lumira.
- Navigate to the Prepare or Visualize tab.
- Choose Create Parameter from the menu.
- Define the parameter’s name, data type (e.g., string, numeric, date), and default value.
- Optionally, set a list of allowed values to control user input.
- Use parameters in calculated measures or filters by referencing the parameter value.
- For example, create a calculated measure that shows sales above a parameter threshold.
You can link parameters to input controls to allow users to modify parameter values directly on the dashboard.
Input controls in SAP Lumira can be created as follows:
- In the Visualize tab, locate the Input Controls panel.
- Click Add Input Control and select the control type (dropdown, slider, checkbox).
- Choose the dimension or measure you want to control.
- Configure display settings such as default selection, multi-select, or single-select.
- Place the input control on the dashboard canvas for user interaction.
- Date Range Selection: Allow users to dynamically select a time period for analysis using date range sliders or parameters.
- Threshold Filtering: Users can input a sales threshold parameter to view only customers or products exceeding that limit.
- Category Selection: Use dropdown input controls for users to filter reports by product categories, regions, or departments.
- Scenario Analysis: Parameters enable “what-if” analysis by changing variables like discount rates or budgets on the fly.
- Enhanced User Experience: Users tailor dashboards to their specific needs without waiting for IT or report developers.
- Improved Interactivity: Dynamic filtering and parameter-driven calculations increase engagement and insight discovery.
- Reduced Report Duplication: One dashboard can serve multiple purposes and audiences by adjusting parameters or filters.
- Faster Decision Making: Real-time data exploration enables quicker and more informed decisions.
- Keep input controls intuitive: Use familiar UI elements and label them clearly.
- Limit parameter ranges: To avoid invalid or extreme inputs that distort analysis.
- Test dashboard responsiveness: Ensure visualizations update quickly with input changes.
- Combine input controls with storytelling: Guide users through data insights by sequencing controls logically.
- Document parameter purposes: Help users understand how their input affects the dashboard.
Parameters and input controls are powerful tools in SAP Lumira that elevate dashboards from static reports to dynamic, interactive experiences. By empowering users to control data views and tailor analyses, these features drive deeper engagement, richer insights, and faster business decisions.
Mastering the use of parameters and input controls is essential for SAP Lumira users aiming to deliver modern, agile BI solutions that meet evolving business demands.
Keywords: SAP Lumira, dynamic dashboards, parameters, input controls, interactive visualizations, business intelligence, SAP analytics