SQL PI Displays Different Metric Values for Different Users Due to Time Zone Settings (4379910)

Users accessing SQL Performance Investigator (SQL PI) on the same database Agent are reporting discrepancies in metric values and timestamps. Specifically, two users viewing the same data set are seeing different values and times for performance metrics. One user has their time zone set to Server Time (GMT), while the other is using User Time (GMT+4) (e.g., Eastern US Time). This results in apparent inconsistencies in the displayed data.

SQL PI displays performance metrics based on the time zone setting configured in the user's Foglight preferences. When users select different time zones (e.g., Server Time vs. User Time), the same data is visualized with different timestamps. This can lead to confusion, especially when comparing metrics across users or when correlating events.

For example:

• A metric recorded at 12:30 PM GMT will appear as 8:30 AM for a user in GMT+4 (Eastern US).
• This time shift can make it seem like the data differs, even though the underlying metrics are identical.

To ensure consistency when comparing SQL PI data across multiple users:

Standardize Time Zone Settings:

• Have all users set their time zone to either Server Time (GMT) or a mutually agreed upon User Time Zone.
• This can be configured in the Foglight through Configuration > User Preferences under the Time Zone setting.

  

Communicate Time Zone Context:

• When sharing screenshots or discussing metrics, always specify the time zone setting used.
• This helps avoid misinterpretation of the data.

Use Server Time for Audits or Team Reviews:

• For consistency in team-based reviews or audits, it is recommended to use Server Time (GMT).

• This behavior is expected and by design, as SQL PI adapts to user-specific time zones for convenience.
• No data is lost or altered; only the presentation layer reflects the time zone difference.