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Understanding Table Layouts

Choose how your data is organised in MPC Explorer

Written by Stefan Cataldo
Updated over a month ago

The Table Layout option of Explorer controls how KPIs, breakdowns and time periods appear in your results. Explorer offers three layout options, each suited to a different style of analysis.

You can choose your layout in the configuration panel before generating a report.


Layout 1: Metrics as Columns (Default)

Best for most reports.

How it works

  • Rows: your breakdowns (Time β†’ Practice β†’ Provider).

  • Columns: each KPI appears as its own column.

Why use it

  • Easiest layout to understand

  • Supports Grouped Hierarchy view

  • Ideal for comparing several KPIs side-by-side

  • Totals row and full column management available

Use it when

You want the standard report view and the most flexibility.


Layout 2: Metrics as Rows

Best when you have lots of KPIs.

How it works

  • Rows: each KPI becomes a row.

  • Columns: breakdowns + Metric + Value

Why use it

  • Great for scanning 10+ KPIs vertically

  • Reduces horizontal scrolling

Limitations

  • No hierarchy view

  • No totals row

Use it when

You want a dense overview of many metrics at once.


Layout 3: Metrics as Rows, Time as Columns

Best for spotting trends over time.

How it works

  • Rows: a breakdown + KPI combination.

  • Columns: each time period becomes its own column.

Why use it

  • Makes trends across days, weeks or months very clear

  • Compact for time-series analysis

Limitations

  • No hierarchy view

  • Time Period cannot be used as a row

  • Designed for simpler breakdown structures

Use it when

You are analysing changes over time or preparing trend-focused dashboards.


πŸ’‘Top tip: You can easily change the layout of your data by changing the Table Layout drop down and see how the format changes.


Quick Comparison

Feature

Metrics as Columns

Metrics as Rows

Metrics as Rows, Time as Columns

Hierarchy view

βœ… Yes

❌ No

❌ No

Best for many KPIs

Moderate

βœ… Yes

Moderate

Time period columns

❌ No

❌ No

βœ… Yes

Comparison mode

βœ… Yes

βœ… Yes

βœ… Yes

Trend visibility

Vertical

Vertical

βœ… Horizontal


Tips for Choosing a Layout

  • Start with Metrics as Columns. It’s the most flexible.

  • Switch to Metrics as Rows if you have a long list of KPIs.

  • Use Metrics as Rows, Time as Columns for clear period-to-period comparison.

  • Try generating the same report in different layouts to see which reveals patterns best.


Common Questions

Can I change layouts after generating a report?

Yes. You can quickly change the layout by switching the Table Layout drop-down.

Why can’t I use Grouped View in Metrics as Rows?

Grouped View is only supported in Metrics as Columns.

Why is Time Period missing in the Time as Columns layout?

It becomes the column headers.

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