Enhancements
Dashboards – Dashboard Selector Disabled in Edit Layout Mode
What - The Dashboard Selector is now temporarily disabled while a user is in Edit Layout mode within the Dashboards module. Previously, the selector remained visible and active during layout editing, allowing users to switch dashboards mid-edit and potentially lose unsaved changes. With this enhancement, the selector is hidden from the interface while editing, preventing dashboard navigation during that state. Once the user exits edit mode—either by saving or canceling their changes—the Dashboard Selector automatically reappears and resumes normal functionality. This change applies only during layout editing and does not affect dashboard navigation or behavior outside of edit mode.
Why - When editing dashboard layouts, users may unintentionally navigate to another dashboard using the selector before saving their changes. This could result in unsaved work being lost, creating frustration and requiring users to repeat layout adjustments. By removing the Dashboard Selector during edit mode, the interface keeps users focused on the dashboard they are modifying and prevents accidental navigation, improving the reliability and usability of the dashboard editing experience.
How
Navigate to Dashboards.
Select a dashboard and choose Edit Layout.
While in Edit Layout mode:
The Dashboard Selector is hidden from the interface.
Users cannot switch to another dashboard.
Make the desired layout changes to widgets or dashboard structure.
Select Save to apply the changes, or Cancel to exit editing without saving.
Note: After exiting Edit Layout mode, the Dashboard Selector automatically reappears and functions normally.
Note: This change applies only while editing and does not affect dashboard navigation during normal viewing.
Use Case - A user is modifying a dashboard layout by repositioning widgets and adjusting the arrangement of reports. While making these changes, the Dashboard Selector is temporarily hidden, preventing them from accidentally navigating to another dashboard before saving their work. After completing the layout adjustments and selecting Save, the interface returns to its normal state and the user can again switch between dashboards using the selector.
Dashboards – Empty Dashboard “Set Up Dashboard” Prompt
What - The empty state experience for dashboards has been improved by introducing a guided Set Up Dashboard prompt when a dashboard contains no widgets. Instead of displaying a blank page, dashboards without content now show a centered call-to-action that clearly guides users on how to begin configuring the dashboard. The screen includes a Set Up Dashboard button and instructional text explaining that dashboards can contain reports, charts, embedded web pages, and links. While the dashboard is empty, the Edit Layout button is disabled to prevent users from entering an editing state that has no actionable content. Selecting Set Up Dashboard takes the user directly into the standard dashboard layout editing experience, allowing them to begin adding widgets.
Why - Previously, dashboards without widgets displayed a largely empty interface, which could create confusion for users who were unsure how to begin configuring their dashboard. In addition, the presence of editing controls without visible content could lead to uncertainty about the correct workflow. Introducing a guided setup prompt provides a clear starting point for new dashboards, reduces ambiguity, and improves the overall usability of the dashboard creation process.
How
Navigate to Dashboards and open a dashboard that contains no widgets.
The dashboard displays a setup prompt instead of the standard dashboard view.
Select Set Up Dashboard to begin configuring the dashboard.
The system opens the Edit Layout experience.
Add one or more widgets such as reports, charts, embedded web pages, or links.
Save the layout to apply the configuration.
Note: The Edit Layout button is disabled when a dashboard contains no widgets.
Note: If a user exits editing without adding widgets, the Set Up Dashboard prompt continues to appear.
Note: Once at least one widget is added, the dashboard returns to the standard dashboard interface with normal editing controls available.
Use Case - A user creates a new dashboard to monitor operational metrics but initially sees a guided setup screen instead of a blank page. The Set Up Dashboard button provides a clear entry point into configuration. After selecting it, the user enters the layout editor and adds several widgets displaying reports and charts. Once saved, the dashboard behaves like any other dashboard, allowing the user to continue editing or viewing the data as needed.
Dashboards – Updated Navigation for Newly Created Dashboards
What - The navigation flow after creating a new dashboard has been updated to provide a more consistent and intuitive setup experience. Previously, the destination after saving a new dashboard could vary depending on where the dashboard was created within the application. With this enhancement, all newly created dashboards now follow a standardized post-creation workflow, automatically directing users to the Set Up Dashboard screen after saving the dashboard’s initial configuration. This ensures that users can immediately begin adding widgets and configuring the layout. The update establishes a unified creation sequence: Create Dashboard → Configure Basic Settings → Save New Dashboard → Set Up Dashboard → Save Layout → View Dashboard. Existing dashboards are not affected by this change.
Why - Inconsistent navigation paths after dashboard creation could interrupt the natural setup process and create confusion about how to proceed with configuring the dashboard. By standardizing the navigation flow and guiding users directly into the Set Up Dashboard experience, the system provides a clearer, more logical workflow that encourages users to complete the dashboard setup without unnecessary navigation or context switching.
How
Navigate to Dashboards.
Select Create Dashboard.
Enter the required dashboard settings such as name and configuration details.
Select Save to create the dashboard.
After saving, the system automatically opens the Set Up Dashboard screen.
Add widgets such as reports, charts, embedded web pages, or links.
Select Save Layout to finalize the dashboard configuration.
Note: This navigation behavior applies to all new dashboards, regardless of where the creation process begins.
Note: Existing dashboards continue to behave normally and are not affected by this update.
Use Case - A user creates a new dashboard from the dashboard list to track operational metrics. After entering the dashboard name and saving the initial configuration, the system automatically directs them to the Set Up Dashboard screen. From there, the user adds several widgets displaying reports and charts, saves the layout, and begins using the dashboard. The standardized workflow ensures the user can move directly from creation to configuration without needing to manually navigate to the editing interface.
Dashboards – Link Widget External Link Indicator
What - The Link Widget in Dashboards has been enhanced with a visual indicator that clarifies when a link will open in a new browser tab. When a link is configured, the widget now displays an external link (expand) icon, signaling to users that selecting the link will launch a new browser tab rather than navigating within the current application window. If the linked website provides a browser favicon, the system will automatically display that site icon in place of the external link indicator, giving users a recognizable visual reference for the destination site.
Why - Previously, users selecting links from a dashboard widget had no visual indication that the link would open in a new browser tab. This could lead to confusion or unexpected navigation behavior. Adding a visual external-link indicator improves usability by setting clear expectations for how the link will behave. Displaying a website favicon when available further improves recognition and helps users quickly identify external resources connected to their dashboards.
How
Navigate to Dashboards.
Open a dashboard that includes a Link Widget, or add one through Edit Layout.
Configure the widget with a URL.
Once the widget is saved:
The link displays an external link (expand) icon indicating the link opens in a new tab.
If the destination site provides a favicon, that icon is shown instead of the external link indicator.
Select the link to open the destination in a new browser tab.
Note: The icon displayed depends on whether the linked site provides a browser favicon.
Use Case - A dashboard includes links to external resources such as department policy documents, training portals, or third-party reporting tools. When users view the dashboard, the Link Widget displays either the site’s favicon or an external link icon, making it clear that selecting the link will open the resource in a new browser tab. This helps users understand the navigation behavior before clicking and quickly recognize familiar external systems.