Classification

Learn how to use classification-based conditional formatting - such as text, icons, and ratings - to quickly gain insights from your reports.

What is classification-based conditional formatting?

Classification in Lumel EPM is a conditional formatting feature that allows you to categorize data based on value ranges. It helps visually segment data and analyze performance in spreadsheets or tabular reports.

Real-world reporting involves highlighting outliers and identifying key trends. With Lumel EPM, you can categorize data using text, icons, or ratings, making it easy to interpret complex data at a glance.

Configuring classification-based formatting

Lumel EPM provides data classification based on text, icons, and ratings.

Refer to create rule to get started. Once the rule is created and you can see the Conditional Formatting side panel, follow the steps.

Choose Classification in the Format by dropdown. Click on the Display dropdown. You can see the three types of classifications already mentioned. Let's look at them one by one.

Data classification options

1. Text

Many times, it may become essential to categorize performance. A common technique used by enterprises to categorize inventory, vendors, or materials is ABC analysis. Lumel EPM delivers this capability right out of the box.

1.1. Select ABC from the Display dropdown. Let's go with the default settings. Click Apply.

ABC analysis

1.2. The rows are classified, and the text is displayed on the left of the data.

ABC analysis

1.3. You can also have the classifications appear in a separate column if required. Check the Show as new column checkbox.

Display text in new column

1.4. You can choose to enable a background for the text. The Enable background option is only available for text classification, not icons or ratings.

Adding a background color for text classifcation

1.5. You can also choose to display only the classification text by selecting Only Text from the Text position dropdown.

This image shows a different type of text classification with longer performance indicators like LOW/VERY LOW/HIGH, etc.

Display only the classification without the actual measure value

1.6. When you choose the Only Text option, you can choose to apply the color to the font, background, or both.

Apply classification colors to the cell background

1.7. You can display the percentage contribution to the left or right of the text using the Percentage text dropdown.

Display percentage contribution along with the classification

1.8. You can define custom ranges as shown below. Click the Add Range button to create an additional range of values.

Defining classification ranges

1.9. Ranges can also be defined using numeric values. Click on the Value option. The values get populated automatically based on the defined percentages, but they can be further edited.

You can delete specific ranges or all changes using the icons highlighted in the image.

Using numeric value ranges

2. Icon set

Icon-based formatting provides the same properties as text-based formatting. Refer to Text for more details. We'll look at a simple example for icon sets.

In the Display dropdown, choose the Five arrows option. Click Apply. Note that we have applied formatting based on PY revenue. Hence, we can quickly gauge the performance of the previous year's revenue.

Icon based classification of tabular data

3. Rating

You can also use star-based ratings as seen in e-commerce sites in the product feedback section.

STEP 1: Select the 3 stars option from the Display dropdown and click Apply.

Conditional formatting - Rating

STEP 2: You can see the 1-3 rating icons on the left of the data. By default, the number of ranges has been set to 5.

STEP 3: You can move the ratings to a separate column by clicking on the Show as new column checkbox.

Ratings in a new column

3.1. Invert rating

Check the Invert rating checkbox in cases where higher values need to show lower ratings.

Inverted ratings

As seen in text and icon-based formatting, you can choose to display only the classification or change the position. In this example, we have chosen the Only rating option.

Displaying only rating

3.2. Number of ranges

You can customize the number of icons that appear in your scale. The number of ranges has been set to 5 in this case.

Changing the number of ranges

The rating text can be shown on the left or right. Select the position and color as shown below.

Rating text

3.3. Enable custom

In Lumel EPM, you have the option to configure value ranges for each rating. Click on the Enable Custom checkbox. For every half rating, you'll be able to define percentage or value ranges in the From and To fields, as shown in the image below.

Custom ranges

FAQs

Q1: Can I customize the ranges and display options for classification? Yes. Lumel EPM allows you to set custom value ranges, choose how classifications are displayed (text, icons, ratings), and decide whether to show classification in a new column or inline. You can also adjust colors and positions to match your reporting needs.

Q2: How does classification handle dynamic data changes? Classification in Lumel EPM is dynamic. When your underlying data changes, the classification automatically updates based on your defined ranges and rules. This ensures that trends and outliers are always accurately highlighted in your reports.

Q3: Does applying classification affect report performance? Applying classification does not impact report performance. It does not affect data refresh, calculations, or visual rendering.