Overview

This article will guide you through the key features of the Sales Analytics Report, how to navigate it, and how to use its tools to refine and analyze your sales data effectively.

1. Overview of the Sales Analytics Report

The Sales Analytics Report is divided into three main window areas:

1. Filter Toolbar Window: This is where you can apply filters to refine the data displayed in the report.

2. Graph Window: This area visualizes the filtered data in the form of charts and graphs.

3. Data Window: Here, the raw data is displayed, which can be expanded or compressed for detailed analysis.

To access the Sales Analytics Report, navigate to Home > Selling > Key Reports > Sales Analytics.

2. Using Filters to Refine Data

The Filter Toolbar Window is your starting point for customizing the data displayed in the report. It allows you to dynamically change what is shown in both the Graph and Data Windows.

Key Features of the Filter Toolbar:

• Dropdown Selections: Use the dropdown menus to select specific criteria such as date ranges, product categories, sales regions, or sales representatives. As you make selections, the data in the Graph and Data Windows will update in real-time.

• Dynamic Updates: The report is interactive, meaning any changes you make in the Filter Toolbar will immediately reflect in the other windows.

For example, if you want to analyze sales performance for a specific product category in Q1, simply select the appropriate category and date range from the dropdown menus. The report will automatically update to show the relevant data.

3. Analyzing Data in the Data Window

The Data Window provides a detailed view of the raw data behind the graphs. This is where you can dive deeper into the numbers and perform more granular analysis.

Key Features of the Data Window:

• Expand or Compress Data: You can expand or compress the data to view it at different levels of detail. For instance, you can start by viewing sales data by region and then drill down to see individual sales transactions.

• Data Comparison: There are no restrictions on data comparison. You can compare higher-level data (e.g., total sales by region) with lower-level data (e.g., sales by individual products).

Tips for Effective Data Analysis:

• Selective Data Display: Each box in the Data Window can be selected or unselected. This allows you to focus on specific data points without being overwhelmed by unnecessary information.

• Cross-Referencing with Graphs: Use the Graph Window to visualize trends and patterns, and then refer to the Data Window for detailed numbers.

4. Customizing Charts in the Graph Window

The Graph Window is where your data comes to life through visual representations. iVendNext allows you to customize these charts to suit your needs.

Key Features of the Graph Window:

• Set Chart Button: Click on the 'Set Chart' button to customize the chart. You can set values for the X and Y axes, choose different types of charts (e.g., bar charts, line graphs, pie charts), and even select colors to make the chart more visually appealing.

• Real-Time Updates: As you adjust the filters in the Filter Toolbar, the Graph Window will update automatically to reflect the changes.

Example Use Case:

If you want to compare sales performance across different regions, you can set the X-axis to represent regions and the Y-axis to represent sales revenue. The chart will then display a clear comparison, helping you identify which regions are performing well and which need improvement.

5. Best Practices for Using the Sales Analytics Report

To get the most out of the Sales Analytics Report, consider the following best practices:

1. Regularly Update Filters: Ensure that your filters are up-to-date to reflect the most current data. This is especially important for time-sensitive analyses.

2. Combine Data Views: Use both the Graph and Data Windows together to get a comprehensive understanding of your sales performance. Visual trends in the Graph Window can be cross-referenced with detailed numbers in the Data Window.

3. Experiment with Chart Types: Different types of charts can reveal different insights. For example, a line graph might be better for tracking sales trends over time, while a bar chart could be more effective for comparing sales across categories.

4. Save and Share Reports: Once you’ve customized a report, save it for future reference or share it with your team for collaborative analysis.