Introduction: Turning Epicor Data Into Action
Dashboards are at the heart of actionable business intelligence in Epicor®. But for many new users, getting from a blank screen to a meaningful dashboard can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a structured approach, anyone can design dashboards that drive decisions—not just display numbers.
At Epicforce Tech, we specialize in helping organizations turn Epicor® data into real business insights. Whether you’re new to Epicor® or looking to empower your team, this guide walks you step-by-step through the seven key stages to building your first dashboard—avoiding common mistakes, improving adoption, and delivering real ROI.
Step 1: Define Your Dashboard’s Purpose and Audience
A dashboard is only as useful as the clarity of its goals. Before you build:
- Ask Who Will Use It: Executives, managers, operations, or finance? Each group has different needs.
- Identify Key Decisions: What actions should users take based on the dashboard?
- Set Clear Objectives: Are you tracking sales performance, monitoring inventory, or managing project progress?
Epicforce Tech recommends a short requirements session with stakeholders to avoid dashboard sprawl and ensure alignment.
Step 2: Gather and Validate Your Data Sources
Epicor® dashboards rely on accurate, timely data. At this stage:
- Identify Required Data: What tables, fields, or BAQs (Business Activity Queries) are needed?
- Check Data Quality: Are there duplicates, outdated records, or missing fields?
- Validate Access Rights: Make sure you have the right permissions to the needed datasets.
Pro Tip: Work with your Epicor® admin or IT team early to streamline access and data cleanup.
Step 3: Build or Select Your Business Activity Queries (BAQs)
BAQs are the backbone of every Epicor® dashboard.
- Start Simple: Create BAQs focused on your main KPIs (e.g., total sales, open orders, overdue invoices).
- Use Filters Wisely: Filter data to show only what’s relevant to your users.
- Test BAQ Performance: Large, unfiltered queries can slow down dashboards.
Epicforce Tech can help you optimize BAQs for speed and clarity, making dashboards snappy and reliable.
Step 4: Choose the Right Dashboard Type and Layout
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Epicor® offers multiple dashboard layouts, such as:
- List Views: Best for tables and grids (e.g., order details, customer lists)
- Charts and Graphs: Great for trends, comparisons, and performance tracking
- Summary Tiles: For high-level KPIs at a glance
Layout Tips:
- Place the most important data at the top or left
- Limit colors to avoid distraction
- Use consistent formatting for easier reading
Step 5: Design and Build Your Dashboard in Epicor®
Time to bring it all together!
- Open Epicor® Dashboard Maintenance Tool: Start a new dashboard and name it clearly.
- Add Your BAQs as Data Sources: Link one or more BAQs depending on dashboard needs.
- Drag and Drop Visual Components: Add grids, charts, filters, and summary views.
- Apply Conditional Formatting: Use color or icons to highlight issues (e.g., red for overdue, green for completed).
- Test with Sample Data: Check how the dashboard behaves with real user scenarios.
Epicforce Tech often recommends an iterative approach: build, get feedback, refine.
Step 6: Set Up Security, Sharing, and Refresh Options
- Define User Access: Restrict or allow access based on user roles or departments.
- Automate Data Refresh: Schedule how often the dashboard pulls new data.
- Share With Stakeholders: Publish the dashboard and notify intended users.
Tip: Encourage users to bookmark their dashboards for easy daily access.
Step 7: Review, Refine, and Train Users
A dashboard is only successful if it’s used and trusted.
- Collect Feedback: Ask users if the dashboard answers their questions and fits their workflow.
- Refine Visuals and Data: Adjust layouts, add missing KPIs, or remove clutter.
- Provide Training: Offer short walkthroughs or video guides. Epicforce Tech delivers custom training for Epicor® dashboards to help teams adopt new tools quickly.
- Monitor Usage: Use Epicor® logs to see who’s using dashboards and identify opportunities for improvement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Overloading with too many metrics | Focus on 3–5 key KPIs per dashboard |
| Ignoring end-user feedback | Involve users early and often |
| Poor data quality | Validate and clean your data sources |
| Lack of visual consistency | Stick to a simple, repeatable layout |
| Not scheduling data refreshes | Automate updates for real-time accuracy |
Real-World Example: Turning BAQ Data Into Action
A manufacturing client partnered with Epicforce Tech to build a production dashboard. By focusing on only the top 5 production KPIs, they:
- Cut daily reporting time by 60%
- Reduced stockouts with real-time alerts
- Increased user adoption from 30% to 85% within 2 months
The key? Iterative design, stakeholder feedback, and training.
How Epicforce Tech Can Help
- BAQ Design & Optimization: We help you build fast, reliable queries for any business need.
- Custom Dashboard Development: From simple lists to complex visualizations.
- User Training: Get your team up to speed, fast.
- Ongoing Support: As your business grows, so do your reporting needs.
Let Epicforce Tech help you turn Epicor® data into real business value.
Conclusion: Your First Dashboard is Just the Beginning
The best dashboards evolve with your business. By following these seven practical steps—and focusing on the needs of your users—you’ll build dashboards in Epicor® that inform, inspire, and drive smart decisions.
Ready to start your dashboard journey? Epicforce Tech is here to support every step, from planning to launch to ongoing improvement.
Contact Epicforce Tech
Transform your Epicor® data into actionable insights today.
Call: (888) 280-5585
Email: info@epicforcetech.com
epicforcetech.com
Read More:
When to Build One Dashboard vs. Many—Our Consultants’ Approach
Epicforce Tech’s Dashboard Design Process: From Wireframe to Live Metrics
How Our Consultants Build Sales Dashboards That Actually Drive Revenue Conversations
How Epicforce Tech Integrates External Data Sources Into Epicor Dashboards
Epicforce Tech’s Step-by-Step Approach to Unlocking the Full Potential of Epicor Dashboards
