How do you embed a dashboard in another application?

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Dashboard Guide: Embedding a Dashboard in Another Application 

Imagine you’re working for a company that has developed a project management application. The team wants to include a dashboard displaying key performance indicators (KPIs) of ongoing projects. The dashboard is created using a different tool, and your task is to embed it into the application. 

Step 1: Prepare the dashboard for embedding  

Before embedding, ensure that the dashboard is ready to be shared. This may include: 

  1. Finalizing the design and layout of the dashboard. 
  2. Ensuring all data sources are properly connected and updated. 
  3. Setting up user authentication and access controls, if needed.

Tip: Make sure to optimize your dashboard for embedding. This could involve adjusting the size, removing unnecessary borders, or setting up responsive designs to ensure it looks great in the application. 

Step 2: Retrieve the dashboard’s embed code  

Most dashboarding tools provide an embed code or an API for embedding purposes. To retrieve the embed code: 

  1. Locate the sharing or embedding options in your dashboarding tool. 
  2. Choose the embedding option and customize the settings, such as size, interactivity, and refresh rate. 
  3. Copy the generated embed code, which is usually provided in the form of an HTML iframe or JavaScript code snippet.

Tip: Be cautious when adjusting the embed code settings, as some changes may affect the functionality or appearance of the dashboard when embedded. 

Step 3: Integrate the embed code into the application  

Now that you have the embed code, it’s time to integrate it into the target application. Depending on the application’s technology stack, this may involve: 

  1. Identifying the appropriate location in the application’s codebase to insert the embed code. 
  2. If the application uses a templating engine, insert the embed code into the correct template file. 
  3. Ensuring that the embed code is added within the appropriate HTML or JavaScript context.

Tip: It’s a good idea to use version control when modifying your application’s codebase. This allows you to easily revert changes if something goes wrong during the embedding process. 

Step 4: Test the embedded dashboard  

After integrating the embed code, test the embedded dashboard thoroughly to ensure everything works as expected: 

  1. Check the dashboard’s appearance and functionality in the application. 
  2. Test the dashboard’s interactivity, such as filters and drill-downs. 
  3. Verify that the dashboard’s data is refreshed at the specified rate. 
  4. If user authentication is required, test access controls and ensure only authorized users can view the dashboard.

Tip: Consider conducting user testing with a variety of devices and browsers to ensure the dashboard works correctly for all users. 

Step 5: Deploy the updated application  

Once you’ve tested the embedded dashboard and ensured everything works as expected, deploy the updated application: 

  1. Follow your organization’s deployment process to push the changes to the live environment. 
  2. Inform stakeholders and users about the newly added dashboard feature. 
  3. Monitor the application and dashboard for any issues that may arise after deployment.

Tip: Be prepared to provide support and address any concerns or questions users may have about the embedded dashboard. 

 

Congratulations! You’ve now successfully embedded a dashboard into another application.  

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