Datapoints in eCourtDate let you define custom metrics that calculate totals, averages, percentages, and other values across your data. These metrics power dashboard widgets and report visualizations, giving your agency real-time insight into performance and outcomes.

### Overview

- **What it is:** A configuration tool for defining custom data metrics (datapoints) that aggregate and calculate values from your agency's records, then display them on dashboards and in reports.
- **Why it matters:** Every agency tracks different KPIs. Datapoints let you define exactly what to measure without writing code or requesting custom development.
- **Who uses it:** Administrators, supervisors, and data analysts who need to monitor operational metrics, compliance rates, and program outcomes.
- **Expected outcomes:** Custom metrics that update automatically, appear on dashboards, and can be included in scheduled or on-demand reports.

### Prerequisites

- An active eCourtDate account with the **Dashboards** permission enabled
- Administrator or Supervisor role (datapoint creation requires elevated permissions)
- A clear understanding of the metric you want to track (what data, what calculation, what time period)
- Existing data in the system for the metric to calculate against

### How-To Steps

#### Step 1: Navigate to the Datapoints Configuration

1. Click **Dashboards** from the main navigation menu.
2. Click **Datapoints** to open the datapoints management page.
3. Review existing datapoints or click **Create Datapoint** to define a new one.

#### Step 2: Define the Datapoint

1. Click **Create Datapoint** to open the configuration form.
2. Enter a descriptive **Name** for the datapoint (for example, "Monthly FTA Rate" or "Average Days to Resolution").
3. Enter a **Description** explaining what the metric measures and why it matters.
4. Select the **Data Source** from the dropdown (for example, Cases, Events, Clients, Messages).

#### Step 3: Configure the Calculation

1. Select the **Calculation Type** from the dropdown: **Total**, **Average**, **Percentage**, **Count**, or **Sum**.
2. Select the **Field** the calculation applies to (for example, Status, Created Date, Amount).
3. Set any **Filters** to narrow the data (for example, only cases with a specific status, only events in a date range).
4. Select the **Time Period** for the calculation (for example, Last 7 Days, Last 30 Days, Current Month, Current Year).
5. Click **Preview** to see the calculated value before saving.

#### Step 4: Save and Assign to a Dashboard

1. Review the preview value to confirm the datapoint calculates correctly.
2. Click **Save** to create the datapoint.
3. Navigate to the dashboard where you want the datapoint to appear.
4. Click **Add Widget** and select **Datapoint** as the widget type.
5. Search for and select your new datapoint from the list.
6. Click **Save** to add the widget to the dashboard.

#### Step 5: Include the Datapoint in Reports

1. Navigate to **Dashboards** > **Reports**.
2. Open the report you want to update, or create a new report.
3. Click **Add Section** and select **Datapoint** as the section type.
4. Search for and select the datapoint to include.
5. Choose the visualization format (number, chart, table).
6. Click **Save** to include the datapoint in the report.

### What to Expect

Once saved, datapoints calculate automatically based on the configuration you defined. Dashboard widgets refresh in real time, so the values stay current as new data enters the system. Reports that include datapoints reflect the latest calculations at the time the report is generated. You can update or refine a datapoint's configuration at any time without losing historical data.

### Best Practices

- Use clear, descriptive names that include the metric type and scope (for example, "Weekly Check-In Compliance Rate" rather than "Compliance").
- Start with a small number of high-priority datapoints and expand as your team identifies additional metrics.
- Use the **Preview** function before saving to verify the calculation returns expected results.
- Group related datapoints on the same dashboard for a unified view of performance areas.
- Review and refine datapoint filters quarterly to ensure they still align with your agency's reporting needs.

### Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How often do datapoint values update?**
A: Datapoint values update in real time on dashboards. When new records are created or updated in the system, the calculated values reflect those changes immediately.

**Q: Can I create a datapoint that compares two time periods?**
A: Yes. When configuring the datapoint, select a **Comparison Period** (for example, compare the current month to the previous month). The widget displays both values along with the percentage change.

**Q: Is there a limit to how many datapoints I can create?**
A: There is no hard limit on the number of datapoints. However, for best performance and usability, focus on the metrics that drive decisions and avoid creating redundant calculations.

**Q: Can I share a datapoint across multiple dashboards?**
A: Yes. A single datapoint can be added as a widget to any number of dashboards. Changes to the datapoint configuration are reflected everywhere it appears.

### Troubleshooting

**Issue:** A datapoint shows zero or an unexpected value.
**Symptoms:** The dashboard widget displays "0" or a number that does not match your expectations.
**Solution:** Open the datapoint configuration and review the filters and time period. A common cause is a filter that excludes the records you intended to count. Use the **Preview** function to test adjustments before saving.

**Issue:** A datapoint does not appear in the widget selection list.
**Symptoms:** When adding a widget to a dashboard, the search does not return the datapoint you created.
**Solution:** Confirm the datapoint was saved successfully by navigating to **Dashboards** > **Datapoints** and searching for it. If it exists, ensure you have permission to access it. Refresh the dashboard page and try again.

### Related Articles

- [How to Use Dashboards](how-to-use-dashboards)
- [How to Generate Reports](how-to-generate-reports)
- [How to Manage Cases](how-to-manage-cases)