How to Flag Rows of Interest in Tableau

if sum([Profit])<= WINDOW_AVG(SUM([Profit]))-([STDEV parameter]*WINDOW_STDEV(SUM([Profit]))) then ‘Flag’
END

We are using WINDOW_AVG and WINDOW_STDEV instead of AVG and STDEV to calculate the average and standard deviation at the most granular level in our view as opposed to the average and standard deviation at the row level in the underlying data. For this instance, we are calculating it at the customer level since that is the level of detail currently in the view. The great thing about using the WINDOW functions is they will adapt even if your level of detail changes. For instance, if we were looking at products instead of customers you could simply change the dimension and this logic would adapt.

Now we want to assemble the visualization. Drag customers to the Rows shelf, Measure Names to the Columns shelf, and Measure Values to the Text property of the Marks card. Remove all of the measure values but the SUM of Profit and Sales. Also, I am choosing to only look at the last three months of data. To do so, drag Order Date to the Filters shelf. Then select Relative dates and last three months. Sort the table by Sales descending. This is my preference but know that you could look at any date range for your own analysis.

In addition to the month filter, I want to dynamically limit the number of customers on the view. First, create a parameter called Index Parameter. Change the data type to Integer. I am choosing to make the allowable values a range between 5 and 30 to better fit on the final dashboard.

Then create an Index calculated field. This field will check if the row index is less than or equal to the Index Parameter we set and filter the view to that number of rows.

INDEX()<=[Index Parameter]

Using Tableau’s INDEX() Function for Easier Top N Filtering

Drag that calculated field to the Filters shelf and check True. This will dynamically filter your rows to only show the top N rows you choose in your parameter.

Now your sheet should look like this:

Creating an indicator that flags rows of interest

From here you could simply color the text to identify rows of interest. However; too much color on the text itself can make it difficult to read. Here is how to cleanly flag the rows without attacking your audience with too much color. First, duplicate the sheet. It is important moving forward that you don’t change the sorting of the customers on this new sheet or the original one.

Remove all of the fields from the view besides Customer Name. Keep the Index and Order Date on the Filter shelf but remove Measure Names. Change the mark type from Text to Square. Drag Profit Anomaly to the Color property of the Marks card; then set your colors to your own branding. In this instance, I am going to change the “Flag” color to gold and Null as a dark blue.

Next, we want to assemble the dashboard. Add both sheets to the dashboard and line them up so that the squares are matched to the appropriate customer. You can use the tooltip to help make sure they are correctly lined up.

When you have the dashboard constructed, you can add or remove other dimensions or measures to fit your use case. I am going to add in the Customer ID, Quantity Ordered, and Number of Orders. Regardless of how much information you add to the text table, the flags will ensure that the important rows can be easily identified.

There you have it, all the information at your fingertips with the most important information flagged. You can adjust the colors as you see fit or maybe instead use shapes to call out rows of interest. There is plenty of flexibility to customize this technique to fit your needs.

Stay after it,
Maddie