Analysis Workspace: Anomaly Detection in Line Graphs Should be Automatically Visible (as it used to be)

[#1]

Anomaly Detection is a great feature which is available in two Workspace visualizations: Freeform tables and Line Charts.

For many years, anomalies would show automatically in Line Charts (provided Anomalies were enabled in the Viz settings) but it has recently been removed.

Now, in order to see anomalies, it's necessary to first drop in a secondary 'time series' breakdown dimension (for example 'Day') in the underlying data table and then select the values in the table in order to see anomalies in the line chart. Even though, it's just a few extra clicks, it is really annoying, especially when reviewing a large number of items. It's also difficult to train internal stakeholders to do this extra step. 

According to Client Care, this is not a bug but a feature that has been withdrawn (though I can't find any official documentation, for example in the release notes). 

Adobe, please bring back the old functionality!

[#2]

I'm not sure what you mean by this has been removed?

This is part of the User Preferences to allow each user to set the setting as they see fit.

All three of these links will open user preferences... you just need to go to the Freeform Table tab, and enable "Show anomalies"

[#3]

Hi Jennifer -

Thanks for chiming in.

My post was not about how Anomaly Detection works in Freeform tables but specifically in Line Charts.

Peter

[#4]

@xg21 and my point was that WHEN Anomalies are enabled on my freeform table, they are automatically on in the line graph when it's built:

I made NO changes to the above.

And when I turn off Anomalies in my Freeform table and perform the same create line visualization action they are not included:

I made NO changes to the above chart just like before.

The Anomalies being shown is tied directly to settings for your freeform table (show or don't show). Unless there is a new behaviour being rolled out that hasn't hit me yet... the control should be shared between those items.

However, now that you provided an example, you have a dimension breakdown in your freeform...I have never seen anomalies work in that scenario... but I also turn anomalies off as soon as I start a freeform... and since the User Preferences allowed it, I turned them off completely.....

So many the line graph used to do that (since it applied a time dimension automatically in the graph - which is required for the anomaly detection to function), maybe it didn't... I am not sure...

What if you apply your page as a segment, and just use standard "Day" in your freeform table? Again, this is a workaround.... 

[#5]

Hi Jennifer - 

In your example, I assume that you are using a time-based dimension as your primary (or only) dimension in the freeform table, would you be able to confirm? Then I agree and can reproduce what you are saying. However, if the dimension is not time-based, the anomalies presentation in the line graphs are no longer working the way that used to (at least for me). I used to be able to select item 1, then item 2 and so on from the table below the line graph and be able to see anomalies right away without having to take any additional steps.

Thanks,

Peter

[#6]

Yes, mine was time based... that's where the second half of my comment comes in

"However, now that you provided an example, you have a dimension breakdown in your freeform..."

As I said, I have never used the scenario you are talking about...  since there is a "time breakdown" applied by a line graph, I agree, it seems weird that you would need to add a secondary time breakdown...

I will upvote (even though I will likely never use)...

But as I mentioned, have you tried adding your page as a stacked segment as an alternate for now?

It might at least reduce some of the steps?

[#7]

I like your workaround, Jennifer. It's at least as good as mine!

[#8]

You're welcome... there are probably 20 other ways to work around the issue... If anything, Analytics often requires "creative solutions" to get around issues

[#9]

@xg21 -- I agree, I'd love to have this back as an option.  I believe your situation is similar to what I posted here - https://experienceleaguecommunities.adobe.com/t5/adobe-analytics-ideas/re-enable-anomaly-option-for-...

It used to be much easier and more intuitive.  While there are workarounds, it takes many more steps and is harder for new analysts to look for anomalies.

[#10]

FYI: I note that anomaly detection is working the way it used to be now. With explicitly using a time dimension, the colored 'anomaly band' is now showing in trendlines regardless of the dimension being trended.