IBCS area and line charts help visualize trends, patterns, and changes over time using standardized layouts and semantic formatting. Use these charts to track business performance, compare actual and reference values, and communicate trends consistently across reports.
An IBCS line chart visualizes trends and changes across sequential time periods. It is best suited for tracking KPIs such as revenue, profit, expenses, or inventory over time. Analyze growth patterns, seasonal trends, and changes in performance.
| Configuration option | Configuration value |
|---|---|
| Chart type | Line |
| Category | Assign the dimension that defines the columns along the x-axis. Example: Month. |
| Actual(s) | Assign one or more measures to analyze. The values determine the position of each data point on the y-axis, and the connected points form the trend line. Example: Profit - Actual. |
| Comparison 1 (vs Actuals) | Assign the previous year's actuals measure for comparison. The chart displays the comparison measure as a second line chart. Example: Profit - Prior Year. |
| Comparison 3 (vs Actuals) | Assign a forecast measure for comparison. The chart displays the comparison measure as a dotted line for the forecast period. Example: Profit - Forecast. |
IBCS area charts emphasize the magnitude of values while showing trends over time. The shaded area highlights cumulative values, making it easier to compare the overall volume of business metrics such as sales, cash flow, or production. Use this chart when both trend and magnitude are important to the analysis.
| Configuration option | Configuration value |
|---|---|
| Chart type | Stacked area |
| Category | Assign the dimension that defines the columns along the x-axis. Example: Month. |
| Actual(s) | Assign one or more measures to analyze. The values determine the position of each data point on the y-axis, and the connected points form the trend line. Example: Profit - Actual. |
| Legend / Color by / Stacked | Assign a dimension to split the measure into separate series. Each category is plotted as a distinct area chart, and the area charts are stacked to show the cumulative total. Example: Region. |
To customize the series colors, in the chart ribbon (in this example, Stacked area), go to Settings > Canvas > Stack groups and select the colors to apply.
