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UNICOM®
Systems, Inc. has announced the release of Focal
Point version 7.6.2. Focal Point is a comprehensive
portfolio planning solution that
market-driven teams can use to make
collaborative, objective decisions to deliver
products, projects and services while offering the
highest customer and business value. Focal Point
reduces the complexity of managing information
from various sources such as emails, documents
and spreadsheets and provides a collaborative
centralized environment for requirements,
products and project data.
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Focal Point 7.6.2 - What's new in
this release? |
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Focal Point version 7.6.2 introduces significant usability enhancements, including query based filtering, improved data visualization options, and streamlined workflows with multi-element transitions. These updates simplify managing large datasets, improve efficiency in handling complex relationships, and enhance the overall user experience. Detailed feature descriptions follow.
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Query Language Filtering |
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Query Language Filtering revolutionizes the way users handle data in Focal Point version 7.6.2 by introducing a system where filters can be created using intuitive queries. Instead of navigating complex filter configurations, users can now simply type their desired criteria in a query window to specify the dataset they want to work with. For instance, a project manager might type a query like "Priority is 'High' AND Status is 'Analyze'" to instantly narrow down a project list to high-priority projects to be analyzed. This user-friendly approach eliminates the learning curve associated with traditional filter methods and accelerates data handling.
The intuitive query system enhances both the speed and ease of data filtering. Users save time by interacting naturally with the system, allowing them to concentrate on analysis and decision-making rather than technical configurations. This feature significantly boosts productivity and reduces dependency on in-depth product knowledge, making it ideal for users at all experience levels. |
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Named Filter Rules |
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Named Filter Rules simplify complex data filtering by enabling administrators to create labeled groups of predefined filter rules on global filters. These labels, or "named rules," are automatically available to users within specific views. For example, an administrator could define named rules such as "High Priority Projects" or "Pending Approvals" to ensure consistent access to relevant data across teams. When a user opens the view, these rules are pre-applied, providing an organized starting point for their analysis.
Users can further customize their view by enabling or disabling individual named rules. For instance, a user reviewing project data might activate "High Priority Projects" to focus on critical tasks while deactivating "Completed Projects" to declutter their workspace. This flexibility ensures users can tailor their experience to meet specific needs without having to manually apply multiple filters.
This feature saves time by reducing the need for repeated manual filter application. It also enhances collaboration by providing standardized filtering criteria across teams. By streamlining access to key datasets, Named Filter Rules improve data consistency, simplify workflows, and allow users to focus on actionable insights. |
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Link Target Filtering |
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Link Target Filtering in Focal Point version 7.6.2 refines relationships between entities by dynamically restricting available options based on the current element's state. This ensures that link and link list attributes remain contextually relevant, enhancing accuracy in managing relationships such as projects, tasks or teams.
For example, if a user is assigning tasks to team members, the system can restrict available options to only those team members within the same department. Similarly, when linking project dependencies, the filter might limit the choices to projects in a compatible stage. Filtering criteria can be defined using various attribute types, including integer attributes, date attributes, choice attributes, or even other link attributes.
This functionality is applicable in both the user interface and Excel imports, maintaining consistency across data management workflows. For instance, when importing project assignments via Excel, the same filtering logic ensures that invalid relationships are prevented.
By tailoring options to specific scenarios, this feature improves data relevance and reduces errors. It enhances efficiency by minimizing unnecessary choices and automates contextual filtering, making relationship management more streamlined and intuitive. Users benefit from a cleaner, more accurate data environment that aligns seamlessly with their operational needs. |
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Multi-Element Transitions |
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Multi-Element Transitions in Focal Point version 7.6.2 introduces the ability to perform batch actions on multiple elements within the same workflow state. This feature is particularly useful for teams handling large datasets where elements need to be transitioned or updated simultaneously.
For instance, a user managing a portfolio of projects in the "Assess" phase can select all relevant projects and transition them to the "Planning" phase in one step. Similarly, attribute updates, such as assigning a new manager to several tasks, can be performed across multiple elements without repetitive manual edits. The system ensures that all selected elements share the same initial state, preventing inconsistencies during transitions.
This capability streamlines workflows by enabling users to manage bulk changes efficiently, saving time and effort, especially in dynamic environments where rapid updates are crucial.
Batch processing eliminates redundant actions and ensures consistency across elements. This feature boosts productivity by reducing the administrative burden of managing large datasets. Users can focus on higher-value tasks while maintaining accurate and up-to-date workflows with minimal effort. |
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Parallel Coordinates View Enhancements |
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Focal Point 7.6.2 introduces significant improvements to the Parallel Coordinates View, a visualization tool that displays connections between different levels of modules and entities. The enhancements aim to optimize the display and navigation of complex relationships, making it easier to analyze and manage large datasets. |
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Optimized Axis Placement: The axes, representing different data points or elements, are now arranged more efficiently, allowing users to see more information at once without clutter. |
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Title Character Limit: Titles of elements are now shortened when too long, with full titles available via tooltips on hover. This keeps the view clean and easy to navigate while preserving full data visibility. |
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Independent Axis Filtering: One of the most notable upgrades, this allows users to apply filters to individual axes separately. This flexibility ensures that users can narrow down specific data points without affecting the entire view, enhancing focus and precision. |
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These enhancements contribute to a more user-friendly and efficient interface, particularly when dealing with complex traceability and data relationships. By improving how users interact with the visual representation of data, Focal Point 7.6.2 enhances both the clarity and functionality of the Parallel Coordinates View.
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Visualization Enhancements |
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Focal Point version 7.6.2 introduces significant upgrades to visualization tools, making data analysis more intuitive and accessible. The Attribute Statistics View now supports selecting multiple numerical attributes simultaneously, enabling users to create richer pivot tables and charts. For example, a team lead can analyze both "Points Assigned" and "Points Completed" side by side, gaining deeper insights into project performance.
Additionally, link tables now support sorting based on the underlying view settings. For example, users can organize tasks by priority or due date, ensuring the most critical information is easily accessible. These updates make it easier to customize visual representations of data, tailoring them to specific needs.
By offering greater flexibility in data visualization, these enhancements empower users to uncover insights more effectively. The ability to analyze multiple data points simultaneously and sort information intuitively improves decision-making and enhances the overall user experience. |
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Miscellaneous Enhancements |
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Focal Point version 7.6.2 introduces several useful enhancements that improve functionality and user experience: |
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Text Attribute Editing Options for Multi-Element Selection: Users can append, prepend, or replace text across multiple selected elements, enabling precise and efficient bulk updates. |
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Custom Executable Invocation after Export: After exporting data, users can invoke a custom executable, such as encrypting the file automatically, adding automation and control to post-export processes. |
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Excel Import Error Reporting: Detailed error reports now specify the row numbers of errors during Excel imports, simplifying troubleshooting and ensuring smoother data imports. |
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Inclusion of Heading Attribute in Excel Export: Users can include heading attributes in exported Excel files, improving clarity and organization for better readability. |
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Average Function in Attribute Statistics: Pivot tables now support the average function, enabling quick summarization and analysis of datasets by calculating means. |
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These upgrades make tasks such as bulk edits, imports, and exports more efficient while improving automation, error handling, and data presentation.
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Focal Point, along with System Architect®,
is a key player in the Enterprise Architecture
and Product Portfolio Management domains while
helping customers make strategic decisions at
the enterprise level and provide increased
business value at delivery. Additionally, UNICOM
has the Universal Gateway (UniGW®),
a management dashboard designed to provide
real-time views into operational business
performance that will complement Focal Point.
This approach enables strategic decision making
and correlates the massive amount of data
erupting from new technologies such as big data,
video analysis and IOT.
To request this new release of Focal
Point, please log in or register on the UNICOM
Customer Portal, or email to focalpoint.support@unicomsi.com.
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At UNICOM, our commitment is to ensure that
ongoing research and development continue for
all UNICOM software solutions and to maintain
the highest standards of technical support for
you, our customers.
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