Hi again everyone, previously we reviewed the availability of Utilization data, Treemaps, and Metric / Dimension -Based Visualizations that will be available within Apptio BI for all users. See that post here.

In this post, we are going to explore a handful of new features that can help take your visualizations and reports to the next level by diving into Calculated / Custom Metrics as well as Table Hierarchies and Subtotals - both of which will help take your Reports and visualizations to the next level using Cloud data sources. Demos of both features are found at the bottom of the article!


Calculated Metrics (See a demo of this functionality below)

This long-awaited release adds the ability to compose a metric formula, either from several optional measure or from scratch - using values, metrics, parentheses, and basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication). This is helpful for creating more dynamic, interesting metrics and analyzing or staging unit economic scenarios with formulas that compare, contrast, measure and put a spotlight on key data points. This function is a way to both personalize your reports and better tailor visualizations to meet the needs of your viewers.

To set up a calculated metric, users can simply add them below their selected metrics on the left-hand visualization creation panel with the + Calculated Metric button. When selected, you will see five available selections: 1) compare a metric over time, 2) compare two metrics to calculate variance, 3) calculate unit cost rates between a value and quantity, 4) calculate the ratio of two like-type metrics to one another, and 5) produce customized metrics using selected values, measures, and operators. The menu will appear as it does below:



Once you select any non-custom option, a form will allow you to select the metric or metrics you want to measure as well as a calculated metric name. Users will select a time period (if doing a single metric), a display format (if comparing a single or two metrics), and will have a dropdown to input two different metrics if doing any kind of ratio or comparison. After you have completed the form, press Save and the visualization will appear on your report under the designated calculated metric name. 

Custom metrics will pull up the following window, which gives you operators to select from and a window to input values, as well as the option to select a Metric (Metric dropdown and Time period selector) or Value (numerical input). Users can even test the formula beforehand and ensure it will populate by selecting the Test button, as shown below: 

We recommend trying the five calculated metric options to bring depth to your Cloud data visualizations and make reports more appealing or direct for viewers.

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Table Hierarchies and Subtotals (see a demo of this functionality below)
Table hierarchies and subtotals, available for any table-based visualization, allow you to define hierarchical relationships between columns in a table, generating subtotals at various levels of the hierarchy.

Why is this important?
It provides report creators a way to display a more comprehensive view of the data, while adding additional interactivity to their reports. Viewers will be able to understand the total value of specific data sets, and have flexibility to explore visualizations that provide the option of enhanced data granularity. In certain scenarios, you may find it valuable to delve deeper into the details of your data and explore cost by specific levels such as vendor, product name, and payer account name. By expanding the rows in the table, you can gain insights into the associated cost values at each level. See below for an example:

With table hierarchies, users gain deeper insights into their data by organizing it hierarchically for more structured and in-depth analysis. Subtotals are generated at various levels of the hierarchy, providing summary information for each level, and facilitating better understanding of the data.

To create a table with hierarchies and subtotals, start by selecting and editing an existing visualization (and make sure it is converted to a table) or create a new one. There must be a minimum of two dimensions on the table. Next, go to the Options tab atop the left-hand creation window. Under Subtotals, for each dimension that you wish to remove the subtotals from, select the “x” icon next to it. Then select Apply, and finally Save you visualization when ready.

Please note: If hierarchies and subtotals are applied to the visualization, the Pivot By feature will not be accessible.
In addition, whenever you add or remove a dimension from your table or add a comparison date range, it will result in the removal of any existing hierarchies and subtotals. 

Explore the demos below to learn more, and let us know your feedback! We look forward to seeing our Cloud users explore and experiment with these features and functionality to create more detailed, interactive and engaging report visuals!