R365 Intelligence: Attributes v. Metrics

  • Updated on Feb 25, 2026
  • Published on Jul 3, 2024
  • 1 minute(s) read
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Dashboards are built using two core data types: attributes and metrics. Attributes define how data is grouped. Metrics define what is calculated. Together, they determine what appears in a dashboard visualization.

Attributes

Data objects labeled with teal/blue colored icons are called attributes. Attributes are business concepts that provide context for reporting and analysis. In the dataset, Attributes are labeled with teal or blue icons.

Attributes group data. On a dashboard, they act as labels that organize Metrics.

Examples of Attributes include:

  • Dates

  • Months

  • Years

  • Quarters

  • Weeks

  • Locations

  • ID numbers

  • Times

  • Accounts

  • Menu items

  • Order mode

When only an attribute is added to a visualization, the system displays the attribute and its elements without calculated values.

Attribute Elements

Attributes are made up of attribute elements that are the individual values within the attribute.

Example

The Order Mode Attribute is made up of the following Attribute Elements:

  • Delivery

  • Dine-In

  • Pick Up/To Go

The Months Attribute is made up of the following Attribute Elements:

  • January

  • February

  • March

  • April, etc.

Attribute Forms

Some attributes include additional descriptive fields called attribute forms. Forms provide more detail about an attribute.

Example

The Location attribute contains different informational descriptors for Location.  This attribute may have the following forms:

  • Location name

  • Location number

Attributes are automatically created when data is imported.

Metrics

Data items labeled with orange/yellow colored icons are called metrics. Metrics are calculations performed on dataset values. In the dataset, metrics are labeled with orange or yellow icons.

Metrics measure performance. They return numeric results in a visualization.

Examples of metrics include:

  • Gross sales

  • Guest count

  • Forecasted sales

  • Sales per hour

  • Sales per labor hour (SPLH)

  • Labor hours

When a metric is added to a visualization that includes an attribute, the system calculates the metric for each attribute element.

Metrics are automatically created when data is imported. Metrics can also be created.  Learn more about creating new Metrics. 

Attributes and Metrics on a Visualization

In the example below, the attributes are on the horizontal axes. In the left visualization, the attribute used is the Date. On the right, the attribute is the Day of Week. The metrics used are Net Sales (left) and Gross Sales (right).