Forum Discussion
Field Parameters or Bookmark?
I know about, have used and love the new Field Parameters. But I have a situation where I'm not sure if Field Parameters can do what I need. Perhaps I should use a Bookmark instead?
Would love some insight into this.
I have a page on my report that shows 4 separate visuals for the following:
Total Open Sales $
Total Open PO's $
Total OH Inventory $
Total Open Backlog $
Each one shows $ value. Someone recently asked me if I provide a toggle where the visuals can switch between showing $ and Qtys. In other words, have ALL the visuals flip between $ and Qtys. At first I thought Field Parameter, but how would I incorporate all of the above into one field parameter? That would involve 8 measures.
Should I just use a bookmark and create a Bookmark navigator that switches between the $ and Qty views?
Let me know if you need more info or an example.
Thanks.
I ended up replicating each of the visuals - one for $$ and one for Qty, then I created a Bookmark Navigator button which when used shows/hides the $$ or Qty visuals depending on which button they chose. (Sorry had to hide all the good stuff - company policy).
The first one is what users see when they click on Qty.
The second is what users see when they click on $$.
5 Replies
Field Parameters:
Field parameters in Power BI are dynamic filters that allow users to change data at runtime without altering the report design. They offer flexibility in analyzing data by enabling users to modify filters or parameters directly within the report.
Pros:
- Dynamic Filtering: Users can adjust parameters within the report, enabling dynamic changes in visualizations without modifying the underlying dataset or report design.
- Adaptability: Field parameters are versatile, allowing users to explore different slices of data or scenarios without the need for multiple static report versions.
- Interactivity: Enhances user interactivity by enabling on-the-fly adjustments to filters, making the reports more engaging and insightful.
Cons:
- Complexity: Implementing field parameters might require a level of understanding of Power BI functionalities, especially for complex scenarios.
- Limitations: They may not cover all use cases, particularly when dealing with complex hierarchical or conditional filtering requirements.
- Performance Impact: Depending on the complexity and size of the dataset, using field parameters might impact report performance.
Bookmarks:
Bookmarks in Power BI capture the state of a report page, including filters, slicers, visibility settings, and selections made by the user. They help in creating guided navigation experiences within a report.
Pros:
- Navigational Control: Bookmarks enable users to create guided experiences by defining different states of a report page and facilitating easy navigation between them.
- Enhanced Storytelling: They allow for storytelling within a report by guiding users through a predefined sequence of visuals or information.
- Visual Customization: Bookmarks can be used to control visibility, formatting, and selections, offering a customized experience.
Cons:
- Limited Interactivity: While bookmarks offer predefined states, they may limit the real-time interactivity that field parameters provide.
- Complexity in Management: Managing multiple bookmarks across various pages or complex reports might become cumbersome and require careful organization.
- Potential Overloading: Overusing bookmarks might confuse users if there are too many options or states to navigate within the report.
in Summary
- Field Parameters provide dynamic filtering and interactivity within the report, allowing users to modify data views on the fly.
- Bookmarks offer guided navigation and storytelling by capturing different states of a report page.
Choosing between them depends on the specific requirements of the report. For dynamic data exploration, use field parameters, while bookmarks are suitable for creating guided and structured navigation experiences.
Roseventura you can easily achieve this by using CALCULATION GROUPS, check CG playlist on my YT channel here https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiYSIjh4cEx2s8-jXBhv5aCu5_6F9zQ3I
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In my opinion this becomes a design choice.
I do not think you could use one field parameter to control the four visuals but you could definitely use four field parameters to control each of the visuals. That would allow your user the ability to switch the visuals independantly between $ and QTY.
If the user wants all visuals switched at once then a bookmark would be the way to go.
Adding four field parameter slicers also adds a bit of extra clutter to the report where a bookmark can be handled with a single button which may be easier to incorporate into the existing layout.Best of luck with whichever path you choose.
I ended up replicating each of the visuals - one for $$ and one for Qty, then I created a Bookmark Navigator button which when used shows/hides the $$ or Qty visuals depending on which button they chose. (Sorry had to hide all the good stuff - company policy).
The first one is what users see when they click on Qty.
The second is what users see when they click on $$.
Roseventura glad you have the solution but I would have used CG than bookmark and the reason for that is if you make a change in the visual you have to make sure it is done on both the pages, with CG, it is easy to switch between measure without having another page, etc. Anyhow, not a bad solution but not something I would recommend.
Nonetheless, the solution is a solution if it works. Cheers!!
