Table Totals Guide

Introduction 

The Table Totals feature automatically calculates and displays aggregated values for the entire dataset or specific subsets within a list table. With table totals, users can specify the sum, average, minimum, maximum, count or median of metrics, providing a high-level overview of the data at a glance. This feature eliminates the need for running multiple reports or queries to analyze results comprehensively. 

Permissions

Once enabled, the permission of CanCreateDashboard is required to enable or disable Table Totals in Storyboard List tables.  

This permission is accessed from Admin > Application Role > Permission page.  The user will also need Storyboard edit permission to make any modifications to that Storyboard.  This permission is accessed from Admin > Data Access Role > Storyboard > Edit or via Storyboard Settings > Sharing > Can View & Edit.

Table totals respect Role Based Security settings. The results, such as the sum, will reflect only the data that the user has permission to access. 

Accessing Table Totals from Tile Settings

Step 1 - Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the Storyboard to go into Modify Mode.

Step 2 - Go to the List table tile that you want to calculate your totals and subtotals and hover above the title to reveal the tile settings menu. 

Step 3 - Under the Table Style section click on the arrow next to Table Totals to reveal the menu for configuring Table Totals:

• Display Level Info
• Auto Table Total
• Auto Sub Totals
• Custom Totals

Display Level Info

Toggle On/Off to add a new column displaying the hierarchy level. This feature is helpful for understanding the selected Total Logic by providing visibility into the hierarchical structure of the data.

Auto Table Total

Toggle On/Off to automatically generate a total for the entire list table.  Expand this section by clicking on the arrow to change or update the default settings to your preferences:

Quick tip: If expand and collapse is not enabled, the easiest way to determine levels is to toggle on the 'Display Level Info'.

• Total Name - “Total” (default)
• Total Logic - defines what level of data is calculated. Options include: 
  • All values (default)
  • Top level values
  • Lowest level values 

• Aggregate Function - defines how the total is calculated. Options include
  • Sum (default)
  • Average
  • Minimum
  • Maximum
  • Count
  • Median
• Total Text Style - options include
  • Regular
  • Bold
  • Italic
  • Bold Italic
• Total Text Colour - hex code or color palette picker
• Total Row Background Colour - hex code or color palette picker

Auto Sub Totals

Auto Subtotals automatically calculates subtotals based on the structure of the data within the list table.  Toggle On/Off "Auto Sub Total - [Dimension] - [Level # or Node]"  to enable or disable the calculation of subtotals for specific dimensions and levels or nodes within those dimensions.  Expand this section by clicking on the arrow to change or update the default settings to your preferences:

• Total Name - “SubtTotal” (default)
• Aggregate Function - defines how the total is calculated. Options include
  • Sum (default)
  • Average
  • Minimum
  • Maximum
  • Count
  • Median
• Sum on Dimension - information only
• Level or Node - information only
• Total Text Style - options include
  • Regular
  • Bold
  • Italic
  • Bold Italic
• Total Text Colour - hex code or colour palette picker
• Total Row Background Colour - hex code or colour palette picker

Custom Totals

The ‘Custom Totals’ feature provide additional customization options for creating custom totals tailored to specific user requirements. Users can define custom total calculations and appearance settings to meet their unique analysis needs. Click the ‘Add a Total Row’ button to create a Custom Total.  Expand this section by clicking on the arrow to change or update the default settings to your preferences:

• Total Name - “Custom Total” (default)
• Aggregate Function - defines how the total is calculated. Options include
  • Sum (default)
  • Average
  • Minimum
  • Maximum
  • Count
  • Median
• Sum on Dimension - information only
• Level or Node - select the level or node the custom total is calculated. 
• Total Text Style - options include
  • Regular
  • Bold
  • Italic
  • Bold Italic
• Total Text Colour - hex code or colour palette picker
• Total Row Background Colour - hex code or colour palette picker

Custom Totals will be positioned below Auto Subtotals in the table.

Step 4 - Click on the X to close the menu

Step 5 - Save your changes or exit without saving to discard.

Calculation Methodology

Table Totals operate by performing calculations directly within the application's front end, akin to using a calculator or spreadsheet for data analysis. This means the aggregated values you see, such as sums or averages, are derived from the data presented in the table, rather than from the underlying database queries directly.

It's important to note that because these calculations are conducted on the visible dataset, the way averages (and other aggregates) are computed at one level may not directly correspond to those at another. For example, the average of all Level 2 values may differ from the product generated result for Level 1, as the calculations are done independently at each level based on the displayed data. This approach ensures flexibility and immediacy in data analysis, providing insights at a glance without the need for complex query modifications or additional reporting tools. This also provides simple explainability for people reviewing the data in the tables and cross checking those calculations.