To unlock the true potential of your app, it’s paramount to understand how to create and configure model-driven dashboards. Let’s delve into how to do this effectively.
Creating a Model-Driven Dashboard
First things first, you need to create your model-driven dashboard. Navigate to the App designer following these steps:
- In Power Apps portal, go to the main menu, and select Apps.
- Choose the model-driven app where you want to add the dashboard.
- Open the app in the app designer.
Within the designer, you can create a new dashboard by:
- Selecting Dashboards on the left, then +New.
- Choosing between ‘Classic’ or ‘Interactive Experience’ dashboard under the Dashboard Type.
After selecting the type, a new dashboard canvas opens where you can add components and begin to make the dashboard your own.
Configuring the Model-Driven Dashboard
After you have the basic dashboard structure, configuring the layout is the next step. In the right pane, pick your desired layout from the ‘Select a Layout’ tab. Your options range from a one-column layout to a three-column layout or any combination thereof.
Next, you can begin adding components to your layout. These may include:
- Charts: These components provide visual representations of data and can be generated from system views or user views.
- Lists: These components organize and display data records from specific entities.
To add a component, click on the ‘+Add Component’ button, select the type (Chart/List), and set the properties for each component, including the data source and visualization type.
Utilizing Filters
Filters can be added to dashboards to help users zero in on specific data subsets. To add a filter, click ‘Enable Filters’ on the top panel and configure the filter criteria based on attributes of the dashboard’s data source.
Publishing and Adjusting Dashboards
Once you have built your dashboard, it’s important to publish it so that end-users can access it. Click on ‘Save’ and then ‘Publish’.
It’s always possible to adjust and edit your dashboards based on the evolving needs of your users by navigating back to the app designer.
Conclusion
Creating and configuring a model-driven dashboard in the Microsoft Power Platform is a structured process that allows for a good degree of customization. It’s a skill app makers should definitely master, not only for the PL-100 exam but also for real-world application development. Remember, practice is key. Try to imagine actual business scenarios and configure dashboards accordingly.
Practice Test
True/False: A model-driven dashboard in Microsoft Power Platform is a collection of charts, grids, and other visual components that give a consolidated view of the business data.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Model-driven dashboards in Microsoft Power Platform display key business data at-a-glance for efficient decision-making.
Which among the following is NOT a type of dashboard available in model-driven apps?
- a. Grid Dashboard
- b. Interactive Dashboard
- c. Experience Dashboard
- d. Form Dashboard
Answer: c. Experience Dashboard
Explanation: There is no type of dashboard called ‘Experience Dashboard’ in model-driven apps in Microsoft Power Platform.
True/False: Model-driven dashboards can only be viewed, and cannot be customized or personalized.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The dashboards in model-driven apps can be configured and customized as per user requirements.
Model-driven dashboards can be embedded in which section of the Power Apps?
- a. Dynamics 365
- b. Forms
- c. Views
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: Model-driven dashboards can be embedded across various parts of the Power Apps, including Dynamics 365, Forms, and Views.
True/False: System and personal are the two types of dashboards in a model-driven app.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A model-driven app comes with two types of dashboards: system (created by an admin or developer) and personal (created by an individual user).
Which of the following can you not do on the multi-stream dashboard in model-driven apps?
- a. Combine multiple entity streams
- b. Follow specific records or views
- c. Workflow automation
- d. Perform visualization controls
Answer: c. Workflow automation
Explanation: Workflow automation is a function of Power Automate and not a feature of multi-stream dashboards in model-driven apps.
True/False: Model-driven dashboards support real-time data reporting.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Model-driven dashboards have the ability to provide live, real-time data views.
Can you export data from a model-driven dashboard to Microsoft Excel?
- a. Yes
- b. No
Answer: a. Yes
Explanation: Microsoft Power Platform allows data export from a model-driven dashboard to Excel, which helps in advanced data analysis and sharing.
Which of the following options is a part of configuring model-driven dashboards?
- a. Selecting entities
- b. Defining views
- c. Chart creation
- d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above
Explanation: Configuring model-driven dashboards involves selecting entities, defining views, and creating charts.
True/False: IFrame components can be added to model-driven dashboards.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: IFrame components can be added for displaying web page content inside the model-driven dashboards.
In model-driven apps, can a personal dashboard be shared with other users?
- a. Yes
- b. No
Answer: a. Yes
Explanation: In model-driven apps, personal dashboards can be shared with others, extending the dashboard’s utility to more users.
True/False: A single model-driven dashboard can simultaneously display information from multiple entities.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Model-driven dashboards have the ability to display information from multiple entities concurrently on a single dashboard.
Is it necessary to publish a dashboard after creating or modifying it in a model-driven app?
- a. Yes
- b. No
Answer: b. No
Explanation: Unlike form and view customizations, dashboards in model-driven apps do not require publishing after creation or modification.
Can a system dashboard be deleted by a user in Microsoft Power Apps?
- a. Yes
- b. No
Answer: b. No
Explanation: System dashboards are created by an admin or developer and cannot be deleted by a user. Only personal dashboards can be deleted by the user who created them.
True/False: Model-driven dashboards are primarily for viewing data and do not support any form of user interaction.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Model-driven dashboards are interactive and support various forms of user interaction like clicking on data points in a chart, switching views, etc.
Interview Questions
What is a Model-Driven Dashboard in the context of Microsoft Power Platform?
The Model-Driven Dashboard is a feature available in the Microsoft Power Platform that facilitates the visualization of data in different layouts and formats. It allows users to design a personalized data-driven interface focusing on business requirements.
What are the two types of Model-Driven Dashboards?
The two types of Model-Driven Dashboards are System Dashboards and User Dashboards. The System Dashboard is visible to all users whereas the User Dashboard can be created, owned, and maintained by individual users.
Can the User Dashboards be shared with other users?
Yes, User Dashboards can be shared with other users. This is one of the advantages of the User Dashboard over the System Dashboard.
How many forms of visualization does a Model-Driven Dashboard support?
A Model-Driven Dashboard can support five forms of visualization: Charts, Lists, Social Insights, iFrames, and Web Resources.
What is the maximum limit of components you can add to a Model-Driven Dashboard?
You can add up to 6 components in a Model-Driven Dashboard. Combining different sets of visualizations and components makes the dashboard more informative.
What is the purpose of ‘Drill Through’ in Dashboards?
Drill Through allows users to click on a specific part of a chart or graph within a dashboard and view related detailed information. This helps in gaining an in-depth understanding of data patterns and trends.
How do I publish a Model-Driven Dashboard?
After creating and configuring a Model-Driven Dashboard, you can publish it by clicking on the ‘Save’ button and then ‘Publish’.
Can a Model-Driven Dashboard be exported and imported?
Yes, Model-Driven Dashboards can be exported and imported by using the ‘Export’ and ‘Import’ buttons in the ‘More Commands’ menu.
How can you share System Dashboards with specific users in PL-100 Microsoft Power Platform?
To share System Dashboards with specific users, you would need to assign them a suitable security role that has the correct permissions for viewing and using the dashboard.
What limitation does a List component have in a Model-Driven Dashboard?
In a Model-Driven Dashboard, the List component can only display views from a single entity.
Can you add a Power BI report to a Model-Driven Dashboard?
Yes, you can embed a Power BI report to a Model-Driven Dashboard using an iFrame or Web Resource component.
What does the pinning feature do in Model-Driven Dashboards?
Pinning a dashboard allows it to be the default dashboard that automatically opens when the dashboard area is accessed, enhancing usability for frequent users.
Can I rename an existing Model-Driven Dashboard in Microsoft Power Platform?
Yes, to rename an existing Model-Driven Dashboard, click on the ‘Rename’ button in the command bar.
Can I use filters in a Model-Driven Dashboard?
Yes, filters can be applied in a Model-Driven Dashboard. This function enables users to segment data and focus on specific information.
How can you display a specific view of an entity in a Model-Driven Dashboard?
To display a specific view of an entity in a Model-Driven Dashboard, you need to add a List component and then select the desired view of the entity.
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