Getting Started with SharePoint Status Indicators - EPC Group
1. Getting started with SharePoint status indicators
Applies to: Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010
A status indicator is a one-line report. At a glance, a status indicator shows how actual performance for a
particular measure compares to a goal. A good status indicator lets you know, without requiring
calculations, if results are on target or off target.
A status indicator shows the indicator name, its numeric results, and an icon. Notice how the icon provides
quick information. Typically, green icons indicate good performance, Red icons flag problem areas, and
yellow icons warn of potential problems. This illustration shows just two indicators: one displays a green
circle icon to indicate performance is on target, and one shows a yellow triangle to warn about marginal
performance.
Overview – How do I create status indicators?
A status indicator is an item in a Status List, which is a special form of a SharePoint list. You can create a
Status List in two ways:
Create just a Status List. After you create a Status List, you just add indicators to the list. In addition, you
can customize a Status List by adding or modifying columns in the list. For example, you might add a
column that shows the contact person for each indicator, or a column that shows the data source. Then,
you just add the indicators to the list that you created.
Create a Web Part with Status List. This is a Web Part that builds in a Status List automatically, so that all
you need to do is add indicators. Then, you can easily use the Web Part on a dashboard or other Web
page.
When you add an indicator, you give it a title and specify the data source for the indicator. You also set
the values that determine what icon SharePoint Server 2010 displays to indicate status. For example, you
might want an icon that displays a green circle when the actual value of the measure meets or exceeds
the goal, and displays a red triangle when values fall below a certain point.
Create a Status List
You can create a Status List in the Business Intelligence Center in a team or organization site, so that
other people easily can find them. Then, you can add one or more status indicators to the newly created