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The Purpose of Dashboard Embedding
Dashboard embedding easily integrates business intelligence (BI) or data visualization dashboards into other software, websites, or platforms. Users may see and interact with dashboard charts, graphs, and reports without leaving the host application or website using this integration. In essence, it broadens the use of data analytics by providing insightful information to a larger group of people, such as partners, clients, or staff.
The Importance of Dashboard Embedding
Enhancing User Experience
By offering a single interface, dashboard embedding improves user experience. Users can obtain vital data without having to go between programs, which makes workflow more streamlined and effective.
Broadening Accessibility
By integrating dashboards into third-party sites, accessibility is improved. A broader audience, such as clients, partners, or staff members who may not have access to the original BI tool, can be reached by sharing data-driven insights.
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“Flexible product with great training and support. The product has been very useful for quickly creating dashboards and data views. Support and training has always been available to us and quick to respond.
- George R, Information Technology Specialist at Sonepar USA
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Consistent Branding
You can keep your UI components and branding consistent when you integrate dashboards into your apps or websites. This aids in giving your consumers a cohesive and expert impression.
Data Security
With dashboard embedding, you can manage who has access to important information. In order to guarantee that only authorized users can access and interact with the integrated dashboards, you may implement authentication and permission techniques.
Technologies Behind Dashboard Embedding
There are several technologies and strategies that are used to accomplish dashboard embedding:
IFrames
HTML components called IFrames (Inline Frames) let you embed one webpage within another. Dashboards may be embedded using IFrames by putting the dashboard's URL within the IFrame element. It's common practice to integrate dashboards into websites and online apps using this straightforward method.
JavaScript Embedding
Development teams may integrate dashboards programmatically using JavaScript libraries such as Microsoft's Power BI Embedded and Google's integrate API. More dynamic interactions with embedded material are possible with this technology, which also gives you more control over the embedding process.
RESTful APIs
The ability to dynamically obtain and display dashboard material inside your apps is made possible by the RESTful APIs provided by many BI and data visualization technologies. This method offers seamless integration and is very adaptable.
OAuth Authentication
A popular protocol called OAuth (Open Authorization) enables apps to safely authenticate and access data on a user's behalf. OAuth is used by many dashboard embedding systems to provide safe access to embedded dashboards. When viewing integrated material, users may authenticate themselves using their pre-existing credentials, like Microsoft or Google.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
Using a single set of login credentials, users may access various apps using the Single Sign-On authentication procedure. It guarantees a smooth and safe experience, which is essential for dashboard integration. Users may access integrated dashboards using SSO without having to reenter their login information.
Mobile Responsiveness
Embedded dashboards must be responsive and screen-size optimized due to the growing popularity of mobile devices. Mobile app development frameworks and responsive web design are two examples of technologies that guarantee integrated dashboards operate and are available on smartphones and tablets.
Containerization
The uniform and scalable packaging and deployment of embedded dashboards may be achieved via the use of containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes. Using containers to handle embedded dashboard deployment across several platforms and environments is easy.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Dashboards are integrated by some corporations with content management systems such as WordPress or Drupal. This connection makes it simple to include data-driven visualizations with other website content, improving the user experience as a whole.
Use Cases for Dashboard Embedding
Applications for dashboard embedding may be found in a wide range of contexts and sectors. These are a few such usage cases:
Healthcare Analytics
Dashboard embedding is used in the healthcare sector to provide real-time analytics on patient data. Dashboards may be integrated by hospitals into their electronic health record (EHR) systems, giving medical personnel rapid access to vital patient data and treatment insights.
Financial Services
Dashboards are integrated by financial institutions into their online banking systems to provide users with information about their transaction history, investment performance, and financial portfolios. Clients are empowered to make wise financial choices as a result.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Manufacturers can watch inventory levels, keep an eye on equipment performance, and improve supply chain operations by integrating dashboards into their production management systems. Cost reductions and enhanced manufacturing procedures result from this.
Government and Public Services
Embedded dashboards are a useful tool that government organizations may utilize to provide residents clear access to public data, including information on infrastructure projects, budget allocation, and environmental statistics. This encourages responsibility and public participation.
Benefits of Dashboard Embedding
Improved Decision-Making
Integrating dashboards into routine processes gives users the immediate ability to make choices based on data. This results in more intelligent decisions and successful tactics.
Real-Time Insights
By enabling the presentation of data in real-time or almost real-time, embedding makes sure that users are constantly working with the most recent information.
Enhanced Collaboration
Through integrated dashboards, data sharing facilitates more effective team collaboration. The fact that everyone has access to the same data improves alignment and lessens misunderstandings.
Economy of Cost
Since embedding does not need new BI tool licenses or user accounts, it might be an affordable method of sharing data. Dashboards are accessible to users in the current systems.
Scalability
The dashboard embedding develops with your company. As required, you may keep adding additional dashboards and embedding them into other programs or webpages.
Challenges and Considerations
Although dashboard embedding has many advantages, there are a few drawbacks and things to be aware of:
Data Security
Security precautions must be carefully considered before integrating sensitive data. Strong permission and authentication procedures must be put in place in order to stop unwanted access.
User Experience
Dashboards that are integrated should be easy to use and intuitive. In order to guarantee that users can engage with and comprehend the data with ease, design considerations are crucial.
Data Governance
It's critical to preserve data consistency and correctness. Embedded dashboards should update to reflect changes made to the underlying data source in order to prevent misinterpretation.
Integration Complexity
Web development and data visualization skills are necessary for embedding dashboards, which may be a labor-intensive operation depending on the platform used and the intricacy of the connection.