Permissions allow an individual (whether a guest or member) to see and/or interact with data.  Permissions must be correctly set for lists in order for dashboards to show data.

The safest level of permissions is “view only”.  This is the level usually given to clients for their reporting lists, and their dashboard.  It allows them to search for data in their lists, sort the lists, and view the dashboard, but will not allow them to edit any data.

Permissions Required for Dashboards

Because of the way data flows to dashboard widgets, it is possible for a guest or member to have access (permissions) to a dashboard with all the correctly created widgets – and yet see no data.  The widgets are just blank.

This happens because while the widgets are pointing to the correct location list(s), the guest or member does not have access to the source location list(s).

It’s easy to fix.  Just give the appropriate permissions to the guest or member to the list(s).  Again, for clients this is “view only” access to their client list.  Have them refresh the dashboard and bam! Data!

IMPORTANT!!!

Permissions may default to “full”!!!  Please double-check, every time, that access is “view only” for clients.