SAP Lumira is a powerful self-service data visualization tool that enables users to connect to various data sources, create interactive dashboards, and perform intuitive data exploration. While Lumira simplifies the data discovery process, users may occasionally encounter issues that hinder the accuracy, performance, or clarity of their visualizations.
In this article, we outline common challenges in SAP Lumira visualizations and provide practical solutions to troubleshoot them effectively.
- A chart or graph appears blank.
- Data points are missing or incomplete.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Empty Dataset: Ensure the dataset contains records. Apply filters cautiously, as overly restrictive filters can result in no data being shown.
- Incompatible Data Types: Verify that the correct data types (e.g., numeric, categorical) are assigned to dimensions and measures.
- Broken Data Source Links: If the data source has changed or become inaccessible, refresh or re-import the dataset.
- Visualizations load slowly or become unresponsive.
- Application freezes during data refresh or interaction.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Large Datasets: Limit the volume of data loaded by applying filters or aggregating data before importing.
- High Complexity: Simplify calculations or reduce the number of visualizations on a single canvas.
- Outdated Version: Ensure you’re using the latest version of SAP Lumira, which may contain performance improvements.
- Visualizations don’t match expected business metrics.
- Charts provide confusing or incorrect trends.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Wrong Aggregation Type: Check the aggregation settings (sum, average, count) used in measures.
- Improper Chart Selection: Match the chart type with the nature of the data (e.g., use line charts for trends over time).
- Data Quality Issues: Cleanse data for anomalies such as duplicate records or inconsistent formats.
- Axis values are unclear or overlapping.
- Labels are truncated or missing.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Scaling Issues: Adjust axis ranges manually to suit the data scale.
- Font and Layout Constraints: Resize charts or adjust font sizes for better label visibility.
- Custom Label Settings: Use the formatting options to customize label positions and ensure legibility.
¶ 5. Export and Sharing Errors
- Visualizations fail to export to PDF or share via Lumira Server.
- Shared visualizations lose formatting.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Unsupported Features: Some chart types or extensions may not be fully supported in export formats.
- Server Connectivity: Ensure the Lumira Server is properly configured and accessible.
- Version Incompatibility: Align client and server versions to prevent compatibility issues during sharing.
- Filters do not behave as expected or conflict with each other.
- Input controls do not update charts correctly.
¶ Possible Causes and Solutions:
- Overlapping Filters: Avoid applying multiple filters on the same dimension unless intended.
- Disconnected Controls: Ensure that input controls are linked to the correct dataset and visualization components.
- Case Sensitivity or Format Mismatch: Check for inconsistencies in filter values, especially in manually entered filters.
- Test with Sample Data: Build and validate visualizations using sample data before scaling to large datasets.
- Document Assumptions: Keep track of filters, calculated measures, and transformations used.
- Regular Updates: Apply patches and updates released by SAP to benefit from bug fixes and enhancements.
- User Training: Ensure users are trained in best practices for building and troubleshooting Lumira dashboards.
SAP Lumira empowers users to derive insights from data visually, but like any BI tool, it is not immune to technical challenges. Understanding common issues and how to troubleshoot them can save valuable time and enhance the quality of your analytics. By following these troubleshooting tips and adhering to best practices, users can harness the full potential of SAP Lumira and make data-driven decisions with confidence.