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Charts

Charts transform inventory data into analytical visualizations.

Use them when you want to:

  • summarize a distribution
  • compare categories
  • highlight one indicator
  • support decisions with a fast visual read

Charts do not create new knowledge. They analyze what is already present in the inventory.

Use a chart when you want to answer a measurable question quickly. If the goal is to explain structure or dependencies, use a diagram or a nested map instead.

Access​

  1. Click "Charts" in the navigation
  2. The catalog displays on the left
  3. Select an existing chart or create a new one

Create a chart​

  1. Click "+" in the catalog
  2. Select "New chart"
  3. Configure the chart
  4. Name and save

A simple mental model​

To create a chart, you usually choose:

  • an asset type to analyze
  • one or two dimensions
  • an indicator
  • optional filters

This makes charts the analytical layer of the knowledge base.

Chart types​

Pie chart​

Use a pie chart when you want to show composition or distribution.

Typical example:

  • applications by status

Bar chart​

Use a bar chart when you want to compare categories directly.

Typical example:

  • applications by responsible team

Scatter chart​

Use a scatter chart when you want to compare positions across dimensions.

Typical example:

  • a portfolio positioned by two dimensions with an indicator

Scatter charts are useful only when both axes matter. If one axis would be arbitrary, use another chart type instead.

Core configuration​

Data source​

  1. Select the asset type to analyze
  2. Apply filters if needed
  3. Review the resulting dataset

Dimensions​

Choose the property or relation you want to analyze.

Depending on the chart type, you can use:

  • a primary dimension
  • an optional secondary dimension

These dimensions define how the chart groups or positions data.

Indicator​

Charts can use indicators such as:

  • count
  • count-distinct
  • sum
  • average

Use the indicator that matches the question you are trying to answer.

Filters​

Use filters when you want the chart to focus on one part of the inventory.

Examples:

  • only production applications
  • only one domain
  • only active assets

Display options​

Charts expose display options depending on the type, such as:

  • legend
  • percentages
  • labels
  • axis
  • chart name

Themes are also available to change the visual style.

A useful chart​

A useful chart should answer one question at a glance.

If the chart needs a long explanation before it makes sense, the setup is probably too complex or the wrong chart type was chosen.

Save and reuse​

Once configured:

  1. save the chart
  2. place it in the right folder
  3. reuse it from the catalog when needed

Export​

Use the download action when you need a chart outside Boldo. The exported file is an image.

Use cases​

AnalysisTypeConfiguration
Distribution by criticalityPieApplications × Criticality
Applications by teamBarApplications × Responsible Team
Costs by domainBarApplications × Domain, Sum(Cost)
Positioning by two dimensionsScatterTwo dimensions + indicator

Best practices​

  • limit categories when using pie charts
  • use bars for direct comparison
  • filter out noise before saving the chart
  • name charts according to the question they answer