Configure the HierarchyFilter

So we managed to prepare our datasheet for the hierarchical data model with the structure we want to use. We also set up a dashboard containing the HierarchyFilter extension. The next thing we need to do is configure the extension to use/visualize the hierarchical data and make the dashboard interactive.

To enter the configuration screen, select the container of the HierarchyFilter extension and from the dropdown context menu select “Configure” as shown in the below image (click to enlarge).

Configuration wizard

A configuration menu will pop up. The configuration consists of wizard-like steps, indicated at the top of the screen. This is shown in the example below.

In this part of the Product Guide we discuss the hierarchical/Recursive model so we select the option “Recursive” from the startscreen of the configurtion wizard. Now when we press “Next” we move on to connecting the extension to the datasheet. In the screen below you see the second step of the wizard.

The marked areas need to be completed. First you select the “Hierarchical data example” sheet containing our Hierarchy data. The extension will read its content and from the second dropdown you select the “Parent ID” which is the ID of the manager and in our dataset that column is called “Manager ID”. Next field to address is the “Child ID” which in our dataset is called the “Employee ID”. Then we configure the “Child Label”. which will be the name of the node. In our dataset it is simply called “Label”

Next step of the configuration we will set the interactions and connect to the parameters we created.

Again we have to enter some of the options we configured before. We will enter the paramaters we created to store the “Child ID” field which we named “ChildID-param”. We also select the “ChildLabel-param” we created in the the second dropdown field to store the “Child Label Field”. Now we’re done setting up our paramaters, and we can use the parameters in our Tableau Calculated fields to expand Tableau interactivity.

Persist State

Using a string parameter, you can use the “Persist State” setting to set up HierarchyFilter to remember the current selection when moving between dashboards. The state is meaning the collapsed and uncollapsed layout and the selected node. While using the dashboard, the parameter will update to maintain the current state. When opening a new instance of the dashboard (different user, platform, etc), the parameter will open in the state it was in at the time the workbook was published. When loading the dashboard from scratch, the parameter (and thus the state) will be based on the state of HierarchyFilter at the moment the workbook was published.

Interactions

Last but not least on this wizard page you can configure if you want the Hierarchy filter to interact with the rest of your dashboard and if Yes what type of interaction you desire.

1. Filter

2. Mark selection

Performance wise we recommend using Mark Selections when working with large datasets. Below you will see the screen for the final step of your configuration wizard (appears when you press Next).

In the final step of the configuration of the HierarchyFilter you can set some lay-out options to match the appearance of the extension with the rest of your dashboard. You can enable/disable a search bar, add a title to your container, set colors and/or fonts or change the icons that are used within the extension for expanding and collapsing the hierarchy.

Once you’re satisfied with all the options you can press “Submit” and your configuration is done configuring your HierarchyFilter with the Dimensional model. You should see something like the image below and you can start exploring your hierarchy and enjoy the interactivity.

Now we can change the layut and visual appearance of our dashboard to match our corporate identity or use case. The HieraerchyFilter is now active and interactive in the dashboard. Try clicking the expand icons or search for specific employees in the extension and you will notice its fast and interactive responses. Multi selects can be obtained by holding the Ctrl or Command keys (or use Shift for range selections). Enjoy the HierarchyFilter!

Selected Pills

When selecting a pill the chosen pill will be shown in the overview, helping users to see which filter(s) are live. Holding CTRL and clicking will allow users to select multiple. Deselecting or hitting the X on the pill will deselect the filter.