Dashboards have evolved far beyond simple internal metric visualization. They now serve as dynamic, centralized platforms where real-time data, external content, and interactive content converge. For decision-makers, marketers, analysts, and stakeholders alike, the ability to view relevant, integrated information in one place is crucial for efficiency and accuracy. That's why enhancing dashboard functionality with embedded external content has become a game-changer for dashboard audiences.

With our latest CRM Dashboard update, users can now seamlessly embed rich, external content directly into their dashboards—unlocking a new level of flexibility and interactivity. This powerful new feature supports embedding reports from Google Data Studio, Tableau Cloud, Tableau Server, Power BI, and more. Whether it's a live image URL, an interactive Google Doc, a PDF file, or a sample report, your dashboard is now capable of becoming a true all-in-one business intelligence hub.

The update introduces the ability to embed custom objects, including visual content chart types, through the use of IFrames. This means your entire dashboard can now host interactive reports, videos, forms, and other external content, offering a more complete view of your data landscape. It's not just a dashboard—it's your command center for informed decision-making.

Why does it matter to your business?

Dynamic Dashboards: Modern customizable dashboards are all about agility and real-time intelligence. With the ability to show live, constantly updating data from external platforms like Google Data Studio, Tableau Desktop, Power BI, and Tableau Cloud or Tableau Server, your current dashboard becomes more than a static data sheet—it transforms into a powerful, interactive environment. Incorporating dashboard filter options and live parameter values via the Parameter Service ensures that every user gets a personalized view, driven by their unique data needs. Whether you're analyzing performance metrics or exploring trends, dashboard viewers can make more informed decisions faster with this dynamic integration.

Effortless Integration: Personalization is key to a successful dashboard experience. Leverage a wide range of content widgets to add everything from embedded images and Google Docs to code blocks and visual content icons. You can configure the display using the Widget Settings dialog and manage layout in the dashboard dropdown menu. Want a more interactive design? Use the button menu, button toggles, and navigation buttons to guide users through your Insights Dashboards with ease. You can also embed customers sample applications, track performance with a Collection Counter, or format visuals to match your brand using the Format visual and Button Style tools.

These improvements offer unmatched flexibility and power, turning your dashboard into a deeply integrated, fully interactive analytics hub for every member of your organization—from admin users to designer access users.

How To Embed Custom Objects Into Dashboards:

1. Open the Dashboard tab from the left-hand navigation menu and hit the Edit button.

2. Click on the Add Widget button to begin.

3. Go to the Objects tab and select the Embed option.

4. Enter a title for your widget (for example, "Awesome Title").

5. Under the Type section, choose URL if you wish to embed a specific link. Make sure you use a fully qualified URL.

6. When adding content via URL, ensure you only enter the complete URL—avoid placing any other content in the field.

7. If the source gives you iframe code instead, choose IFRAME under the Type section and paste the provided iframe code into the text box.

8. If you'd like, you can hide the widget’s title by selecting Hide Title in the advanced settings. Then, click Save to finalize your changes.

9. Once done, the new embedded widget will be visible on your dashboard.

Now your current dashboard will showcase embeddable content such as Google Docs, web-based images, or Tableau Cloud reports, all without leaving the dashboard view.

Enhanced Dashboard Functionality

By utilizing the dashboard extension access settings under the Manage Dashboard Extensions panel, you can significantly expand your dashboard technologies, adding additional customizable dashboards that cater to specific business needs. This feature enables you to incorporate diverse external content, enhancing workflow efficiency and delivering a more immersive experience for users.

Embedded components within your dashboard can include:

• Dashboard tiles and dashboard sheet links, offering quick navigation to detailed data or other sections of your business intelligence platform.

• Visual content icons and content cards, which can be customized to display key metrics, images, or external links directly within the dashboard, making the data more accessible and interactive.

• Under Custom content and content in Capacities, allowing you to embed specialized data or widgets that are customized to meet your organization’s unique requirements.

• Embed element configuration that lets you control whether the content is displayed via private or public links, giving you the flexibility to share data securely or more openly based on the situation.

These features to dashboards make it easier for dashboard viewers to access key data points quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, they enable deep dives into specific datasets, enhancing the decision-making process. The ability to manage dashboard layouts and configure dashboard objects ensures that the information is displayed optimally, providing a clear and effective presentation of target URLs and other relevant data.

Security and Configuration Considerations

Before you embed any content, ensure your dashboard security settings are up to date. This includes managing:

• Master user credentials (username/password)

• Authorization method and principal authentication method

• Application server settings and developer settings

• Default tomcat configuration and configuration version

Security updates and capacity planning article are critical resources for administrators looking to maintain data integrity and protection. Make sure your embedded dashboard complies with the platform’s security protocols.

Industries That Benefit from Zapiy's Embed Custom Objects Into Dashboard Update

Zapiy’s new Embed Custom Objects Into Dashboard update is a game-changer for businesses that rely on real-time data visualization and customized workflows. Industries like SaaS, e-commerce, and financial services can immediately benefit by embedding unique data points—such as subscription metrics, product inventories, or client portfolios—directly into their CRM dashboards. This enables faster decision-making and highly tailored user experiences.

Healthcare organizations can track patient management KPIs or appointment metrics, while education platforms can monitor student engagement and course completions—all without switching between different tools. Marketing agencies and sales teams gain better oversight by embedding campaign performance or lead scoring models, streamlining daily operations with a single glance.

Looking ahead, industries like real estate, manufacturing, and logistics stand to gain tremendous value as well. Embedding custom objects like project timelines, property pipelines, or shipment tracking directly into dashboards will boost efficiency and client satisfaction.

By offering an intuitive way to surface the data that matters most, Zapiy empowers teams across sectors to personalize workflows, improve reporting accuracy, and maximize the utility of their CRM dashboards—making this update an essential tool for businesses serious about growth.

Embedding Visual and File-Based Content

Modern embedded dashboards aren't limited to just charts and tables—they’re powerful canvases for a wide range of visual content. Besides standard visualizations and live reports, you can now embed various formats and media to create an immersive data experience.

• PDF files can be embedded to display technical requirements, training manuals, or even full reports exported from BI tools like Power BI or Tableau Cloud. Use the file format selector within the Widget Settings dialog to ensure proper rendering.

• Code blocks and inline code fields are perfect for teams with development needs. These fields can showcase snippets from customers sample applications, API documentation, or internal dev notes. Configure them using the developer console and reference standards from the developer documentation or developer settings.

• The Image object allows you to insert both embedded images and external images, whether sourced via an image URL or uploaded as a web-based image. Position them precisely using the dashboard tile layout and align them with dashboard sheet content for maximum impact.

For even more interactivity, add navigation buttons that trigger between views, configure button menus, and enable button toggles to enhance flow and user control. These elements can also be linked to dashboard extensions, granting dynamic behavior through the Manage Dashboard Extensions panel. For example, one button toggle might activate a custom content visual, while another loads different content sources from a content card or content in Capacities.

Utilize the configuration options and content private settings to tailor access and visibility according to user roles, whether it’s an admin user, designer access user, or a general dashboard audience. The flexibility of content from sources combined with robust dashboard security ensures your embedded dashboard stays secure, functional, and uniquely tailored to your business needs.

Optimize Layout and Design

Maximize your dashboard real estate by reducing unused space and blank space. Use the dashboard tile structure to maintain clean and responsive dashboard layouts. The dashboard audience will appreciate the intuitive flow and comprehensive view of all business-critical metrics and reports.

With features like embed code integration, inline code support, and comprehensive widget configurations, the ability to embed content into Capacities makes this update one of the most powerful yet. Whether you're working with a dashboard filter, managing dashboard extension access, or simply displaying content from sources in the upper-right corner of your dashboard, this update provides everything you need.

Your customizable dashboard just became your most valuable tool. From developers using advanced settings to business analysts utilizing embedded Tableau reports, this feature-rich update ensures everyone has the information they need right at their fingertips.

Ready to try this new feature? Visit Zapiy now. Let us also know your thoughts or dive into our developer documentation and configuration options for more deep dives.