1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
The purpose of this manual is to provide instructions to configure and use the PAL Dashboard Administration module.
1.2 Overview
PAL Dashboard Administration is a module of the PAL Configuration application that is used to configure the Dashboard module.
1.3 Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the configuration, it is necessary to have the ATIPXpress and PAL applications installed and configured on the application server.
2 Dashboard Administration
The PAL Dashboard module shows an at-a-glance graphical presentation of the current status (snapshot) and historical trends of PAL information. PAL Dashboard Administration provides a simple way to set up the PAL Dashboard application. These configurations are performed by the PAL administrator.
2.1 Accessing the Dashboard Administration Module
Administrators can access the Dashboard Administration module by one of the following methods:
Via the PAL Configuration application
Via URL
NOTE: To access Dashboard Administration from within PAL Configuration, the Dashboard Module option must be enabled and configured in the Modules Configuration screen.
Follow the steps below to access Dashboard Administration from within the PAL Configuration Application:
Login to the PAL Configuration application.
Click Dashboard Administration.
To access Dashboard Administration from a URL:
Launch the browser application, (Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome).
Enter the application URL in the address field in the format http://servername:portnumber/pxconfig.
āservernameā is the name of the server that has the PAL installation.
āportnumberā is the assigned port for the PAL Configuration site, e.g. port 82. c. āpxconfigā is the resource.
Press Enter.
NOTE: The URL must be the same address configured as the Administration URL in the PAL Configuration application.
The Login window appears after signing out of the Dashboard Administration application.
The Password is the same used for the PAL Configuration application.
2.2 Database Configuration
After logging into the Dashboard Administration module, the Database Connection Configuration screen appears. The information on this screen is automatically populated from the PAL Configuration application. The table below provides an outline of the fields found on this screen.
NOTE: Changes made on this screen affect the database connection settings in the PAL Configuration application.
2.3 Header Configuration
The Header Configuration section allows users to create a header and related text for the PAL Dashboard application.
Click Header Config.
Enter header details based on the fields outlined in the table below.
Field Name | Description |
Header Title | The name given to the header. |
Header Font Name | The title of the font used in the header. |
Header Font Size | The size in points of the font used in the header. |
Baseline Text | The wording that describes or identifies the header title. |
Baseline Font Name | The title of the font used in the baseline text. |
Baseline Font Size | The size in points of the font used in the baseline text. |
Sample Display | Reveals how the information will appear in the Dashboard module. |
Click Save.
The Header appears on the top left panel of the Dashboard Administration module, and at the top of the Dashboard module.
NOTE: If a logo is uploaded as part of the Enterprise Configuration in the PAL Configuration application, it appears in the Dashboard module when accessed from PAL using the Dashboard link.

2.4 Change Password
The Change Password option allows administrators to create a new password for the Dashboard Administration module. Follow the steps below to change a password:
NOTE: Changing the password affects access to the PAL Configuration application.
Click Change Password.
Enter the Old Password in the Old Password field.
Enter the New Password in the New Password field.
Confirm the new password by entering the New Password into the Confirm Password field.
Click Submit.
NOTE: PAL Dashboard uses the same Password Policy administered for PAL. This policy must be followed to successfully change the password.
2.5 Error Log
The Error Log provides details to help identify problems and for troubleshooting issues that may arise while using the Dashboard module.
1. Click the Error Log link on the left panel.
Click Clear to remove the Error Log contents.
Click Save to store a copy of the Error Log to your local or network drive.
3 Entity Configuration
Entity Configuration allows Administrators to configure specific elements of the Dashboard Administration module, such as catalogs and entities. Entity Configuration has the PAL database as the default catalog and Open and Closed Requests as the two default entities.
3.1 Catalog
Catalog is used to store information about a database. The Dashboard Administration Catalog displays the information found on the Database Connection Configuration screen and is the same information used to connect to the PAL database. Users are able to delete, edit, or create a catalog.
3.1.1 Create a New Catalog
Follow the steps below to create a new catalog:
Click Catalog(s). The (1) Edit catalog tab is displayed.
Click the (2) Add new catalog tab.
Enter information (outlined in the table below) per your agencyās requirements.
Field Name | Description |
Catalog Name | The title given to the catalog. |
Server Type | The type of server where the catalog is stored. The default value is SQL Server. |
Server Name | The title given to the server where the catalog is stored. |
Database Name | The title given to the database. |
Windows Authentication | A process that identifies users and enables access to resources in a secure manner. When selected, the Login and Password fields become disabled. |
Login | This is the user assigned the db_creator and securityadmin roles, that has access to and manages the database. |
Click Add. The newly created catalog appears in the Catalogs screen.
NOTE: The database must already exist in SQL Server in order to successfully create a new catalog.
3.1.2 Edit an Existing Catalog
Follow the steps below to edit an existing catalog:
From within the Database Connection Configuration screen, click Catalog(s). The Edit catalog tab is displayed.
Make any necessary edits and click Save.
NOTE: Changes made to a catalog affect the database connection settings in the PAL application.
3.1.3 Delete an Existing Catalog
Follow the steps below to delete an existing catalog:
From within the Database Connection Configuration screen, click Catalog(s). The Edit catalog tab is displayed.
Select the desired catalog from the top pane.
Click Delete. A verification message appears.
Click Yes to remove the catalog or Cancel to abort deleting the catalog.
NOTE: Removing a catalog affects the database connection in the PAL application. It is highly recommended to reconfigure the PAL database prior to deleting a catalog.
3.2 Entities
Entities represent a table or view that is associated with a catalog. Each entity has a Primary Key.
NOTE: The selected catalog must coincide with the current database configured for PAL.
3.2.1 Add a New Entity
Follow the steps below to add a new entity:
From within the Database Connection Configuration screen, click Entities. The (1) Edit Entity tab is displayed.
Click the (2) Add new Entity tab.
Select a catalog from the Select Catalog drop-down list.
Expand the Tables or Views options and select the desired entity. The selected item automatically populates the Entity Name field and the Primary Key is automatically populated with column names associated with the entity.
Select the Primary Key.
Select the Active checkbox to enable this entity in the catalog.
Click Add. The entity is displayed on the screen.
3.2.2 Edit an Existing Entity
Follow the steps below to edit an existing entity:
Click Entities. The Edit Entity tab is displayed.
Select a catalog from the Select Catalog drop-down list to modify existing entity information.
Make any necessary edits and click Save.
NOTE: Changes made to an entity affect how database information is presented in the PAL application.
3.2.3 Delete an Entity
Follow the steps below to delete an entity:
Click Entities. The Edit Entity tab is displayed.
Select the desired entity.
Click Delete. A verification message appears.
Click Yes to remove the entity or Cancel to abort deleting the entity.
NOTE: Entity fields and filters are automatically deleted. Removing an entity affects how database information is presented in the PAL application. It is highly recommended to reconfigure the PAL database prior to deleting an entity.
3.3 Entity Fields
Entity fields represent columns in a table (entity). Entity fields are configured once an entity is created and can only be edited for display in the report after the database is configured.
Click Entity Fields.
Select a field.
Select one or more of the following options based on your agencyās requirements:
Report Column: Enables the column to be used in the Dashboard report.
Show in Grid: Displays the column name and data in the grid on the Dashboard report.
Show as Category: Specifies the data for the horizontal axis of the Dashboard chart.
Show in Group By: Specifies the data for the vertical axis of the Dashboard chart.
Click Save to retain the settings.
Repeat steps 2 ā 4 for each field that needs to be configured.
3.4 Entity Filters
An Entity filter allows Administrators to manipulate how the data can be viewed and/or the type of data that can be viewed in a report. Entity filters coincide with fields in the selected entity. The data in these columns can be filtered by their values, a range, date, query and/or logical operator.
NOTE: If the field value is numeric, you can set the filter type to Values, Range or Logical Operator. If the field value is a string, you can select Values or Query as the filter type. Fields defined as a date must have Date as the filter type.
3.4.1 Add a New Filter
Follow the steps below to add a new filter:
Click the Entity Filters link on the left panel. The Edit Filter tab is displayed.
Click the Add New Filter tab.
Select a Catalog from the drop-down list. The Entity field automatically populates with the entity that corresponds to the selected catalog.
Select the Filter Column from the drop-down list.
Select a Filter Type based on your agencyās requirements:
Values: Displays the data set for a column.
Range: Sets a specific limit on the values for a column.
Query: Displays built-in SQL statements for a column.
Date: Allows users to select a date in the Dashboard application.
Logical Operator: Allows users to select a logical operator in the Dashboard application (e.g., greater than, less than, or equal to).
Click Save to retain the settings.
3.4.2 Edit a Filter
Follow the steps below to edit a filter:
Click Entity Filters. The Edit Filter tab is displayed.
Select the column to modify.
Make any necessary edits, then click Save.
3.4.3 Delete a Filter
Follow the steps below to delete a filter:
Click Entity Filters. The Edit Filter tab is displayed.
Select the column to delete.
Click Delete.