How can I learn about PowerMetrics using sample metrics?

PowerMetrics sample metrics are pre-built, realistic practice metrics that let you explore dashboards, calculated metrics, goals, and other features without connecting to your own data. Managed by PowerMetrics in our data warehouse, sample metrics behave the same way as metrics you create from your own data sources — making them a risk-free way to learn. You can also use them as a starting point for building custom metrics.

Note: Some pricing plans limit the number of metrics you can have in your account at one time. Sample metrics count toward your account's metric limit but can be removed or re-added at any time.

Sample metrics at a glance

• Data: Managed automatically by PowerMetrics — no connection required
• Behaviour: Identical to metrics you create from your own data sources
• Use cases: Dashboards, calculated metrics, multi-metric charts, Explorer analysis, goals, and sharing
• Limitations: You cannot edit the underlying data
• Metric limit: Sample metrics count toward your account's total metric limit

How to find sample metrics in your account

Depending on when you started your PowerMetrics account, you may already have sample metrics. If so, you can immediately find them in your list of metrics.

To find sample metrics in your account:

1. In the left navigation sidebar, click Metrics, to open your list of metrics.
2. If you don’t see sample metrics, click the Services filter drop-down and select Sample metrics.
   

How to add sample metrics

If you don’t have any sample metrics yet, you can quickly add some pre-built ones or build a customizable metric using sample data.

To add sample metrics to your account:

1. In the left navigation sidebar click the + button beside Metrics and select See all services.
   
2. Click the Sample Metrics tile. Tip: To quickly find the tile, enter “sample” into the “Search by service” field or select the tag.
   
3. To add pre-built sample metrics: select each metric, then click Add metrics.
4. To add a customizable sample metric:
   • Click Build a custom metric using sample data.
   • Select a table/view and a measure.
   • Click the Settings tab and adjust the metric’s properties (optional). For example, change the format from numeric to currency or reverse the favourable trend.
   • Click the About tab to modify other settings (optional). For example, rename the metric, add a description, or certify it.
   • Click Save metric.

How to remove sample metrics

Because sample metrics count toward your account's total metric limit, you may want to delete them when you're finished experimenting and learning.

To remove sample metrics from your account:

1. In the left navigation sidebar, click Metrics, to open your list of metrics.
2. Filter your list by selecting Sample metrics from the Services drop-down menu.
3. Check the box next to the metrics you want to remove.
4. Click the Delete button in the upper-left of the page and confirm your choice.

How does working with sample metrics compare to working with the metrics I create using my own data?

You interact with sample metrics in almost exactly the same way as with the metrics you create using your own data. The main difference is that the underlying data is managed by PowerMetrics and cannot be edited.

Frequently asked questions about sample metrics

What are PowerMetrics sample metrics?

Sample metrics are pre-built practice metrics included with your PowerMetrics account. They use realistic, evolving data that's managed by PowerMetrics so you can explore features like dashboards, calculated metrics, and goals without connecting your own data sources.

Do sample metrics count toward my metric limit?

Yes. Sample metrics count toward your account's total metric limit. If you're on a plan with a metric cap, you can remove sample metrics at any time to free up space, and re-add them later if needed.

Can I edit the data behind sample metrics?

No. The underlying data for sample metrics is managed automatically by PowerMetrics and cannot be edited. However, you can customize the metric's display settings, such as format, favourable trend direction, name, and description, just as you can with your own metrics.

What can I do with sample metrics?

Sample metrics support almost everything you can do with your own metrics, including:

• Analyzing them in Explorer
• Adding them to dashboards
• Combining them into calculated metrics and multi-metric charts
• Setting goals
• Certifying and sharing them
• Personalizing their display on the metric homepage

The only thing you cannot do is edit the underlying source data.

How do I add sample metrics if I don't have any?

Click the + button beside Metrics in the left navigation sidebar, select See all services, then click the Sample Metrics tile. From there you can add pre-built metrics or build a custom metric using sample data.

How do I delete sample metrics?

Open your metrics list, filter by Sample metrics from the Services drop-down, check the metrics you want to remove, then click the Delete button and confirm.

Can I re-add sample metrics after deleting them?

Yes. Sample metrics can be removed and re-added at any time via the services catalog. Navigate to Metrics > + > See all services and select the Sample Metrics tile.

What's the difference between a pre-built sample metric and a customizable sample metric?

Pre-built sample metrics are ready to use immediately — just select and add them. A customizable sample metric lets you choose a specific table/view and measure from the sample data, then configure the metric's format, trend direction, name, and other properties before saving.