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WorkDesk

Default Dashboard Templates

Administrators can define default dashboard layouts for each role. When a new employee first logs in to WorkDesk, the template for their role is applied — giving them a sensible starting point without requiring manual setup.

How Default Templates Work

1

Admin Creates Template

In the Admin Panel, an administrator creates a dashboard template for a specific role (e.g., "Finance Approver", "HR Manager"). They configure widgets, positions, and sizes using the same drag-and-drop interface employees use.

2

Template Assigned to Role

The template is saved with a roleId reference. Multiple templates can exist — one per role. A fallback "Default" template applies if no role-specific template is defined.

3

New Employee First Login

WorkDesk checks if the employee has a personal layout record. If not, it loads the template for the employee's primary role and applies it as their starting layout. The employee can then customize from this point.

4

Employee Customizes

Once the employee modifies their dashboard (adds, removes, or moves widgets), a personal layout record is created. From this point forward, template updates by the admin do NOT override the employee's personal layout.

Template API (Admin)

// Create or update a dashboard template for a role
PUT /api/admin/dashboard-templates/{roleId}
Authorization: Bearer {adminToken}
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "roleId": "role-finance-approver",
  "templateName": "Finance Approver Default",
  "widgets": [
    { "id": "t1", "type": "PendingTasksCount", "col": 0, "row": 0, "w": 1, "h": 1, "config": {} },
    { "id": "t2", "type": "RecentWorkflows",   "col": 1, "row": 0, "w": 2, "h": 1, "config": {} },
    { "id": "t3", "type": "QuickLaunch",       "col": 0, "row": 1, "w": 1, "h": 1,
      "config": { "shortcuts": [
        { "label": "Approve Expenses", "action": { "type": "navigate", "path": "/workdesk/inbox" } }
      ]}
    },
    { "id": "t4", "type": "MetricsTile",       "col": 1, "row": 1, "w": 2, "h": 1,
      "config": { "grafanaUrl": "https://grafana.acme.com/d-solo/finance/approval-rate?panelId=1" }
    }
  ]
}

// Get template for a role
GET /api/admin/dashboard-templates/{roleId}

// Get template for current user's role (called by WorkDesk on first login)
GET /api/workdesk/dashboard/template

Template Reset

Employees can reset their personal dashboard to the role default template at any time from Settings > Dashboard > Reset to Role Default. This replaces their personal layout with the current role template — useful if the dashboard has become cluttered or disorganized.

Reset is Destructive

Resetting to the role template overwrites your personal layout with no undo. The old layout is not recoverable after reset. A confirmation dialog warns: "This will replace your current dashboard layout with the role default. This cannot be undone."

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