Harnessing the Power of Global Names for Filter Control Synchronization in WebFOCUS

The aim of this article is to explain what Global Name property is and how to configure it. 

In the context of WebFOCUS, where maximizing efficiency and maintaining consistency are top priorities, the Global Name property shines as a vital tool for synchronization. This feature fundamentally alters the way filter control values are handled across multiple pages. 

Understanding the Global Name Property

At its core, the Global Name property serves as the linchpin in the synchronization process, nestled within the Settings tab of the Properties panel for a filter control. When activated, this property facilitates the synchronization of filter selections across multiple pages within the same browsing session, offering a significant advantage for Portal creation.

Use Cases for Global Name Property

Executive Dashboards: In a professional setting, executives often rely on comprehensive dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and objectives and key results (OKRs). By utilizing the Global Name property, content consumers can seamlessly switch between different views of the dashboard while maintaining consistency in filter selections, enabling quicker decision-making and analysis.

Sales Performance Analysis: Sales teams benefit greatly from analyzing performance data across various dimensions such as region, product, and time period. With the Global Name property, the Leadership team can configure interactive reports that allow sales representatives to drill down into specific data subsets without losing sight of the broader context, enhancing their ability to identify trends and opportunities.

Customer Segmentation: Marketing professionals leverage customer segmentation to tailor campaigns and promotions to specific demographics or purchasing behaviors. By employing the Global Name property, marketers can create dynamic reports/charts that adapt to changing segmentation criteria, ensuring that insights remain relevant

Configuring the Global Name Filter Control Property: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Prepare Your Content: Begin by creating the charts or reports you desire using WebFOCUS Designer, ensuring consistency by using the same master file across all content.

• Launch WebFOCUS Designer in Assemble mode: Access the Hub and click on the “+” icon, selecting “Assemble Visualizations” to launch WebFOCUS Designer in assemble mode.

• Add Content to First Page: From the left navigation panel, navigate to the desired workspace within the “Content” tab and select the content you wish to add to the first page.

• Add Filters: From the left navigation panel, move to the “Filters” tab to add desired filters. You can either add all filters at once or selectively add them by right-clicking on each filter.

• Set Global Name Property: Choose the filter for which you wish to set the Global Name property. Within the Properties panel, under General Settings, locate the Global Name field and enter your desired name. This name will serve as the identifier for synchronization across pages.
• Save and Repeat: Save the page and repeat the process to create additional pages as needed, ensuring consistency in content and filter selection.
• Test Synchronization: Run the first page and update the filter value. Then, navigate to the second page, run it and observe how the filter control displays the updated value automatically. This bidirectional synchronization ensures that changes made on one page reflect instantaneously across all linked pages.

The Global Name property in WebFOCUS is not merely a feature; it's a catalyst for efficiency and cohesion in your analytics endeavors. By following this step-by-step guide and exploring various use cases, you can harness its power to seamlessly synchronize filter selections across multiple pages, empowering you to navigate your analytics portal with unparalleled ease and precision.