Overview
The Trend calculator compares changes in a selected attribute over time or across different groups. This powerful analytical tool helps you identify improvements, degradations, and patterns by comparing metrics between two periods or categories.
Common Uses
- Compare two years by sales, invoice amounts, or number of cases
- Analyze sales changes between Q1 and Q2 across different regions
- Track improvements or deterioration in process metrics
- Compare performance before and after process changes
- Identify seasonal trends and patterns
Settings
Trend Type:
| Type | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Single Value | Calculate an overall trend value showing whether your attribute (e.g., duration or cost) had a positive or negative change | You want to see if total cost increased or decreased from Y1 to Y2 |
| Multiple Value | Calculate trend values for different categories (e.g., for different item types or Vendors) | You want to see how cost changed from Y1 to Y2 for different item types |
Breakdown Attribute (for Multiple Value only): Select the attribute that defines categories (e.g., Vendor, Item Type, Region).
Filter: Define two trend groups using filters:
- Click three dots -> Open Filters -> Add Filter
- Group 1: The base group (e.g., Year 2020, Q1 2021)
- Group 2: The comparison group (e.g., Year 2021, Q2 2021)
Aggregate Function: Choose how to compare values:
- Sum
- Case count
- Average
- Other aggregate functions
Value Attribute: If not using Case Count or Event Count, select the attribute to compare across groups.
Is Increase Good:
- Check this box if an increase represents a positive change (e.g., increase in sales)
- Leave unchecked if an increase represents a negative change (e.g., increase in costs)
Examples
Example 1: Comparing Total Item Quantities Q1 to Q2 2021
Scenario: You want to see whether there was an increase or decrease in total items ordered between Q1 and Q2 2021.
Settings:
- Trend Type: Single Value
- Aggregate Function: Sum
- Value Attribute: Item Quantity
- Is Increase Good: Checked (more items ordered is positive)
- Group 1 Filter: Time Period = Q1 2021
- Group 2 Filter: Time Period = Q2 2021
Output:
The calculator displays the change between the two periods, showing:
- Absolute difference in quantities
- Percentage change
- Trend direction (positive or negative indicator)
Insights: This reveals whether order volume is growing or declining quarter-over-quarter.
Example 2: Comparing Item Costs by Type Across Quarters
Scenario: You want to compare how total costs changed for different item types from Q1 to Q2 2021.
Settings:
- Trend Type: Multiple Value
- Breakdown Attribute: Item Type
- Aggregate Function: Sum
- Value Attribute: Total Cost
- Is Increase Good: Unchecked (cost increases are negative)
- Group 1 Filter: Time Period = Q1 2021
- Group 2 Filter: Time Period = Q2 2021
Output:
The calculator provides two view options:
Trend View (default): Visual representation showing:
- Item Type in the 1st column
- Quantity difference in the 2nd column
- Percentage difference in the 3rd column
- Color coding based on positive/negative trends
Grid View: Tabular format with detailed numerical data for analysis and export
Insights: This breakdown reveals:
- Which product categories are seeing cost increases/decreases
- Specific items driving overall cost trends
- Categories requiring cost management attention
This documentation is part of the mindzie Studio process mining platform.