How to Use Date Filters for Business Analysis

Slice Your Data, Understand Your Business

The date range filter is one of the most powerful tools on your dashboard. With a single click, you can zoom in on today's activity or zoom out to see the bigger picture over the past month.

This guide shows you how to use each filter option and, more importantly, when to use them for maximum insight.

Where to Find the Date Filter

Look for the date range selector in the top-right corner of your dashboard, right next to the "New Quote" button. You will see a button with a calendar icon showing your current selection (like "Last 30 Days").

Changing the Date Range

1. Click the date range button
2. Choose your time period from the dropdown
3. Watch your dashboard refresh with the new data

A checkmark shows which option is currently selected. It is that simple.

Your Three Options

Today

Shows everything that happened from midnight to right now.

This filter is perfect for:

• Checking if any payments came in today
• Reviewing invoices you created or sent
• Getting an end-of-day summary before you wrap up
• Monitoring activity in real-time

What you will see:

• Revenue collected today
• Invoices created, sent, or paid today
• Any payments received

Keep in mind: Today's numbers are cumulative. They grow throughout the day, so what you see at 9 AM will look different from what you see at 5 PM.

Last 7 Days

Shows the past week, including today.

This filter is perfect for:

• Your weekly business review
• Spotting short-term trends
• Comparing to last week's performance
• Planning your week ahead based on recent activity

What you will see:

• The week's total revenue
• Day-by-day activity patterns
• How many clients you have engaged with
• Invoice status trends over the week

Pro tip: Monday mornings are a great time to check this view. It gives you a complete picture of last week while planning the current one.

Last 30 Days

Shows roughly the past month of activity.

This filter is perfect for:

• Monthly business reviews
• Preparing financial summaries
• Identifying seasonal patterns
• Getting a broader view of trends

What you will see:

• Monthly revenue totals
• Comprehensive invoice status breakdown
• Client engagement over time
• Payment patterns across the month

What Changes When You Switch Filters

Not everything on your dashboard responds to date filters the same way. Here is what to expect:

Metric Cards

Revenue Trends Chart

The chart adjusts its time scale based on your selection:

• Today - Shows hourly breakdowns throughout the day
• Last 7 Days - Shows one bar per day for the past week
• Last 30 Days - Shows daily bars across the month

The totals displayed above the chart (Invoiced, Overdue, Paid) reflect your selected time period.

Status Trends Chart

This chart adapts to show invoice status changes within your selected timeframe. For longer periods, the data may be grouped to keep things readable.

Real-World Examples

Let's look at how you might use date filters in practice.

Example 1: The Monday Morning Check-In

Every Monday, switch to "Last 7 Days" to review your previous week:

1. Check period revenue - How much did you collect last week?
2. Compare mentally - Is this more or less than typical?
3. Review overdue invoices - Did any slip past their due dates?
4. Plan your week - Which clients need follow-up?

This five-minute review sets you up for a productive week.

Example 2: End-of-Day Wrap-Up

Before closing your laptop, switch to "Today":

1. Confirm payments - Did anything come in today?
2. Review sent invoices - What went out to clients?
3. Note any quotes - Did you send any proposals that need follow-up?
4. Clear your mind - Know where things stand before tomorrow

Example 3: Monthly Business Review

At the start of each month, use "Last 30 Days" for a deeper look:

1. Total revenue collected - How did the month go overall?
2. Active client count - Are you serving more or fewer clients?
3. Collection rate trend - Is your payment collection improving?
4. Identify patterns - What worked well? What needs attention?

Use these insights to set goals for the coming month.

Tips for Getting More from Date Filters

Build a Comparison Habit

While SemaQuote shows one time period at a time, you can quickly switch between views to compare. Try this sequence:

1. Start with "Last 30 Days" for the big picture
2. Switch to "Last 7 Days" to see recent trends
3. Check "Today" for current activity

This takes about 30 seconds and gives you a complete view.

Create a Review Routine

Consistency helps you spot changes faster. Consider this schedule:

Watch for Patterns Over Time

After a few weeks of regular dashboard checks, you will start noticing patterns:

• Which days tend to bring the most payments?
• Do clients pay faster at certain times of the month?
• Is there a seasonal rhythm to your business?

Date filters help you uncover these patterns so you can plan around them.

Remember the Timing Factor

Keep these realities in mind:

• "Today" data is incomplete until the day ends
• Recent invoices may not have had time to be paid yet
• Longer time periods give more reliable trend data
• Short periods are better for operational decisions

Using Date Filters on Mobile

The date filter works the same way on the SemaQuote mobile app:

1. Tap the date range selector at the top of your dashboard
2. Select your time period
3. The screen refreshes with updated data

Mobile is great for quick check-ins, especially the "Today" view when you want to see if a payment came through while you are out.

What You Have Learned

Date filters transform your dashboard from a static snapshot into a dynamic analysis tool. By switching between time periods, you can:

• Monitor daily operations
• Track weekly progress
• Analyze monthly trends
• Make data-driven decisions

The key is making it a habit. Regular use of date filters will give you a deeper understanding of your business rhythm.

Ready to understand what all those metrics actually mean? Head over to our Understanding Your Business Metrics guide.