Bar Chart Widget Node Configuration Guide

The Bar Chart Widget Node provides a time-based visual representation of numeric data using vertical bars. It is ideal for monitoring metrics such as sensor readings, production totals, or system performance over time.

What Is a Bar Chart?

A bar chart is a type of graph that displays categorical or time-series data using rectangular bars. The X-axis typically represents time or categories, while the Y-axis shows the value associated with each time slice or category. 

In Rayven, the Bar Chart Widget Node visualizes time-series data pulled from workflow payloads and presents it in customizable time intervals with options for tooltips, linking, precision control, and real-time updates.

 Step-by-Step: How to Configure the Bar Chart Widget Node

1. Add the widget

   • Drag the Bar Chart Widget Node from the Visualizations panel to the canvas.

2. Open configuration

   • Double-click the widget to open its configuration window.

3. Set General Display

   • Widget Name: Title (e.g., Temperature Chart).

   • Widget Subtitle (optional): Contextual message.

   • Show UID / Label Name: Toggle to display the device UID or label.

   • Bar Color: Pick a hex color (e.g., #27ae60).

   • Decimal Precision: Set the number of decimals to display on bars.

   • Y-axis Title (optional): Label for the Y-axis (e.g., kWh, °C).

   • Interval Options Button: Show/hide controls for modifying time intervals on the dashboard.

4. Configure Data Inputs & Function

   • Y-Axis Field: The key from the JSON payload that holds the numeric data.

   • Function: Select how data is aggregated:

     • Sum, Average, Maximum, Minimum, Last value received, Last Value from Each Device with Common Tag

5. Configure Time Behavior

   • X-axis Time Interval: Integer duration of each time bucket (e.g., 5, 15, 60).

   • Units of Measurement: Time units (e.g., Seconds, Minutes, Hours, Days, Weeks, Months, Years).

   • Data Point Increments:

     • Running: Based on incoming data timestamp

     • Fixed: Rounds timestamp to a fixed window

   • Widget Refresh Interval (optional): How often the chart refreshes (default: 60s).

6. Configure Output (Optional)

   • Output Field Name: Set a custom field for processed values.

7. Set Axis Limits (Optional)

   • Range Min and Range Max: Fix Y-axis bounds for consistency.

8. Enable or Suppress Data

   • Enable Display of Future Data: Show future/forecasted bars.

   • Hide Data: Temporarily hide values without deleting the widget.

9. Date Format Options

   • X-axis Format: Choose from Default, Date Only, Time Only.

   • Tooltip Format: Same options apply for the tooltip time display.

10. Apply Delay (Optional)

    • Apply Delay: Enable to delay when data appears.

    • Delay Size: Integer (e.g., 5).

    • Delay Units: Choose time units (e.g., Minutes, Hours).

11. Enable Tooltip (Optional)

    • Show Tooltip: Toggle on.

    • Tooltip Text: Provide help text shown when hovering.

    • Show Data Sources in Tooltip: Display the raw field sources in the tooltip.

12. Configure Dashboard Navigation (Optional)

    • Dashboard to Link To: Define a target interface users can navigate to when clicking.

    • Node to Link To: Specify a node to focus on in the linked interface.

13. Add to Interface(s)

    • Assign the widget to one or more interfaces for display.

14. Group and Display Settings

    • Select Label: Use a saved label to filter/group devices.

    • Grouped Display Mode:

      • No Grouping: One widget per device

      • Group by Label Value: One per label value (e.g., per zone)

      • Group by Label Name: One combined widget

    • Number of Widgets to Display: Limit the number shown on grouped interfaces.

🔧 Configuration Fields Summary

General Settings

Data & Time Settings

Output & Range

Delay Options

Tooltip & Linking

Grouping & Interface

 Use Cases

• Track real-time sensor data at 5-minute intervals

• Compare device metrics by zone or type using label grouping

• Visualize production output trends

• Monitor system health, energy consumption, or batch performance

 Best Practices

• Use Fixed increments for clean, aligned time labels

• Set decimal precision according to the sensitivity of your data

• Apply grouping to scale the chart for fleets or batch systems

• Use tooltips and linking for drill-down workflows

• Enable future data for predictive models or simulation outputs

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does this widget store data?

A: No. It visualizes data already present in the workflow payload.

Q: What happens if no value is received in a time bucket?

A: The chart may show an empty bar or omit it depending on your function and data point increment type.

Q: Can this chart display multiple series?

A: No. Each Bar Chart Widget shows one field. Use multiple widgets for comparisons.

Q: Can I delay the display of recent data?

A: Yes. Use the Apply Delay setting to postpone visibility of incoming data.