Custom Reports

How to build a simple visual 

There are a few steps to creating a report. 

To start, you can create a new dataset from your own data source. Or, you can use an existing data source that we've provided for you. Data sources are always filled with up-to-date institutional data (we provision data at least once a day) from Blackboard and many more sources.

Create a new dataset

Create a new dataset from your own data source 
You can create a new dataset by selecting Datasets from the left panel of Custom Reports. Go to New dataset. 

Choose the data source
From the complete list, select the data source you want to use.

Create the data source
Complete the information for your connection and select Create data source.

Create a data set from an existing data source

Choose an existing data source
In Custom Reports, go to Datasets. Select New dataset.

Choose a specific table
You can choose an existing schema that already contains a set of tables and then choose the specific table that you want to use. Select Visualize to finish the dataset creation.

Explore all the data available 
View the fields list directly in the Dataset section. You can view all the data that's available in the Data Dictionary or in Snowflake.

In this example, we chose the CDM_LMS.PERSON_COURSE table, which contains the mapping between people and courses, user enrollment information, and role assignment in courses.  

We recommend searching for data in the Data Dictionary Entity-Relationships diagram and checking the description.

Create a new Analysis and use the dataset you just created 
Once you have a dataset, you can start creating your first analysis: an editable report. You can edit the visual as many times as you like until you find the most appropriate way to reveal key insights from your data.

The difference between Analysis and Dashboard is that Analysis can be accessed and edited by Authors (only). The Dashboard contains the same information as its Analysis but in a read-only format.

This simple visual counts individual roles within an institution. This institution has a lot of students compared to other roles, so it might be better to show the counts logarithmically.

Personalize the visual format 
You can edit the title, legends, colors, labels, and more. 

Pre-built tables are good for a start, but sometimes they are not enough for what you want to build. Custom Reports allows you to create your custom dataset. Follow the steps in the next section.

Add SQL 

Make your custom dataset powered by SQL query 
When choosing a table, select Use custom SQL.  

Beware that using difficult queries can time out. There is a limit of 2 minutes on a query run for direct queries.

Custom Reports helps with an initial AutoGraph 
You can edit the dataset and choose one or more fields to let QuickSight create the most appropriate visual for your data. 

Change the visual
Select Correct metric in the AutoGraph to change the visual type. 

In this example, with COUNT(ID), the visual was changed to histogram, which is more suitable for such data.

Personalize the visual format
You can edit the title, legends, colors, labels, and more. Your new visual is now ready to share with your peers.

Making a Dashboard out of an Analysis 

Publish the Analysis 
Select the File menu. Then, select Publish. Name the file and then select Publish Dashboard. 

Star it, share it, or export it 
Go to the QuickSight home button to come back to the Author landing. From there, go to Dashboards to access all of your new dashboards. 

Share your dashboard with your institution’s report Viewers
From the Dashboard section:

1. Select the options menu for the dashboard you want to share. 
2. Select Add to folder.
3. Expand the Shared Folders list and select the Institutional Reports folder. Select Add button.
4. Finally, confirm the sharing action by selecting Add and share.

Now, your dashboard is shared with all report Viewers. Viewers only need to sign in Anthology Illuminate, go to Custom Reports, and select the Shared folder section.