Queries on a Record Screen
A BI pane puts a saved query on a record screen, scoped to the record you are looking at: "the invoices for this supplier", "the cases for this client", "the repairs at this property".
Where to find it
Architect Panel → Data:
- Query Builder — the saved query the pane draws
Architect Panel → Layout & Pages:
- Record Layout — where panes are added to a record screen
- Data Layouts — the layout the pane appears in
Why this is better than a linked view
The alternative is a hand-built related view per record type, each with its own filters and its own idea of what counts. Panes draw a saved query, so the pane on the supplier screen and the figure on the finance dashboard use one definition.
It also means improving the query improves every pane using it, rather than requiring the same edit in six places you have to remember exist.
Scoping to the record
The pane passes the record it is on into the query as a parameter. That is why parameterising queries matters: a query hard-coded to one supplier cannot become a pane, whereas one taking a supplier parameter serves every supplier screen.
What makes a good pane
Panes compete for space with the record's own fields, so be selective:
- Recent activity — the last few related items, not all of them.
- Outstanding items — what is open against this record right now.
- A single meaningful figure — total spend, open balance, days since last contact.
Resist putting a full history on a record screen. History belongs behind a link; the screen should answer "what do I need to know about this right now".
Permissions
Panes run as the person viewing the record, so a pane cannot show somebody data they could not otherwise reach. A pane that looks empty for one user and full for another is usually working correctly.
Worked example
A supplier record carries three panes: open purchase orders, invoices in the last twelve months with a total, and any open non-conformances. A buyer opening the supplier sees the commercial position immediately without navigating anywhere, and the invoice figure is the same one the finance dashboard shows because it is the same saved query.
Recommendations
- Parameterise the query first — a pane needs it.
- Two or three panes per record, not eight.
- Cap the rows and link to the full list.
- Check it as a restricted user before rolling it out.