mrc Adds User-Defined Dashboards to m-Powers

August 2013 Oak Brook, IL

Today, software tool developer mrc announces the release of User-Defined Dashboards within m-Power. m-Power is software that rapidly creates web applications such as report-writing, Business Intelligence, executive dashboards, e-commerce, customer portals, and mobile applications to name a few.

Typically found in an intranet page or portal, dashboards combine essential business metrics together on a single page. They provide a live overview of business operations and help business leaders make quick, informed decisions.

Dashboards usually display a pre-determined set of metrics in a pre-set layout. For instance, a sales dashboard might display metrics like daily/monthly product sales, geographical sales numbers, top customers, and salesperson performance, to name a few. If one sales manager needed additional metrics, or metrics that differ from the other sales manager's dashboards, they run into problems. They must either create a brand new dashboard themselves, or request a new dashboard from the IT department.

Understanding that one dashboard doesn't fit all users, mrc developed User-Defined Dashboards for m-Power. This enhancement puts dashboard control and customization in the user's hands. It lets m-Power create dashboards that give users the ability to:

• Control which data they wish to see

  User-defined dashboards let users decide which metrics to display and which to hide. As illustrated in the image below, it lets users add and remove charts, graphs, and tables with a simple point-and-click interface. With user-defined dashboards, each user creates a dashboard customized to their needs and preferences.

  Users add the metrics they want to include

• Control the structure and layout

  Users not only control the data, they also control the overall look and feel of the dashboard. User-defined dashboards let users create dashboards with as many or as few metrics as they wish, and organize those metrics however they see fit.

  Users control dashboard and graph layout

• Save and share their dashboards

  After choosing their data and organizing their dashboard, users can save their customizations for instant access later. The next time they log in, their dashboard appears exactly as they left it. If the user feels they created a particularly useful dashboard, they can even share it with other users.

  Users can save and share their dashboards with others

• Create multiple dashboards

  This enhancement doesn't limit users to a single dashboard. The intuitive, tabbed-layout lets users create as many dashboards as they wish. For example, a CIO might create one dashboard that displays help desk statistics, and another that displays current project status. With user-defined dashboards, that CIO can simply create each dashboard in a separate tab.

  Users can create as many dashboard tabs as necessary

While the new User-Defined Dashboard enhancement gives users control over their dashboards, it also packs necessary security features for developers. When creating the initial dashboard for their users, developers control which data each user can include in their dashboard, and also control which data each user can access when viewing shared dashboards. In this way, developers ensure that users don't access unauthorized data, while still giving users control over their dashboard.

"This enhancement turns the traditional dashboard model on its head," says Tyler Wassell, mrc's Manager of Software Development. "It puts users in the driver's seat, and eliminates the need for developers to create multiple dashboards. A single user-defined dashboard provides a completely customized view to each user."

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For additional information contact mrc via phone at 630.916.0662; via fax at 630.916.0663; via e-mail at mrc@mrc-productivity.com.

About mrc

mrc's development tool suite, m-Power, is used to create business applications and can run on any database or platform that supports Java (e.g. OS/400, Linux, Unix, and Windows). m-Power is used to create an endless variety of business web applications such as: Mobile apps, Web reports, dashboards, eCommerce apps, business intelligence, and more.

mrc was a recipient of the Apex Award for application development, is a long-time IBM Business Partner, and has been producing award-winning development software since 1981.