Compare Analytics and Flex Modes

A quick comparison of how Analytics and Flex Modes differ in functionality and workflow.

Analytics is the established module for building structured analysis in Phocas. It provides several predefined modes, and when you want to customize the layout, you switch to Custom mode.

Flex Modes documentation covers a newer module designed to make analysis more direct and flexible. It makes customization part of the default workflow, so you work directly in the grid as you explore your data.

Build and adjust your analysis

Both modules provide predefined modes and let you build your own views using dimensions, measures, and calculations. The main difference is how you customize and interact with the grid.

Custom mode in Analytics

Analytics has predefined modes, and Custom mode is the path when you want to tailor the grid layout. It's suited to structured, repeatable analysis where the layout and column logic are carefully defined in advance.

Creating or updating a view in Custom mode follows a structured setup process. You open a dedicated configuration window, add and configure columns, then apply the changes to update the grid.

Flex Modes

Flex Modes is designed for a more exploratory workflow. The grid itself becomes the workspace, so you can add measures, bring in data from different streams, and create calculations directly in context. Changes happen immediately, making it easier to refine your view and explore different perspectives without interrupting your workflow.

Flex Modes also removes some of the structural limitations of Analytics. For example, you can combine data from multiple streams in a single grid and create calculations more freely, without switching to a separate setup mode.

Move from summary to transactions

Transaction mode is available in Analytics for more detailed transaction-level work. It is typically used to search for specific transactions or export transaction-level data, rather than to explore summary analysis.

Flex Modes changes how you move between summary data and transaction detail. See the Flex Modes documentation for the current workflow.

Feature comparison

The following table highlights new and improved features in Flex Modes and how they make it easier to explore, analyze, and work with your data.

Feature	What's different and why
Filter by transaction properties	NEW Search and filter data using transaction properties, and use numeric transaction properties in calculations for more detailed analysis.
Apply conditional formatting	IMPROVED Highlight important values and trends in the grid using conditional formatting. The redesigned experience makes formatting easier to apply and manage.
Filter by top and bottom values	NEW Quickly identify your best- or worst-performing products, customers, or other items by filtering the grid to show the highest or lowest values.
Compare periods to date	IMPROVED Compare periods at the same point in time, even when the periods are incomplete. Period to date now works with all period types, not just months.
Use dynamic dates in advanced filter	NEW Use rolling dates in advanced filters so your saved analyses automatically reflect the current period without needing to update the dates manually.
Use OR condition in advanced filter	NEW Combine search conditions across different dimensions using OR logic to include data that matches any of your specified conditions. For example, review sales in the Regions: ‘California’, ‘New York’ OR the Country: ‘UK’.
Add columns to the grid	NEW Add measure and calculation columns directly in the grid. Build and edit formulas as you work, with easier access to available functions and the ability to reference other calculations.
Use property columns in calculations	NEW Include numeric property values, such as a customer's credit limit, in calculations to extend your analysis beyond measures.
Nest rows in the grid	IMPROVED Organize data into nested levels by dragging dimensions into Nest view. The redesigned experience makes it easier to build and manage nested views without switching modes.
Schedule subscriptions to favorites and alerts	IMPROVED Set up multiple schedules for a subscription, with more flexible scheduling options, such as the first Monday of each month.
Create alerts	IMPROVED Create alerts based on any column in a favorite, including calculations. Choose to receive alerts only when a value crosses a specified threshold, so you're notified of meaningful changes.
Access in-product documentation	NEW Access product documentation and get answers to your questions directly within Flex Modes, without leaving your current page.

More features are coming soon to Flex Modes, such as the ability to add content to a dashboard.