What's the best way to show multiple errors associated with a table row?

Question

After loading some files I get a table that looks like the following:

The picture above shows that 49 rows were processed, of which 33 are okay, 8 have warnings and 8 have errors. Now, each rows with warnings or errors can have a list of errors. I want to show them to the user. What is the best way to show these errors in detail?

Update 1

I could have many errors, because I have to check the file contents with some values stored inside the database.

For example I have the entity customers with some fields (f1,f2,fn) and the errors message could be:

F1  Database:valueReadfromdb File:valueReadFromfile
F2  Database:valueReadfromdb File:valueReadFromfile
F3  Database:valueReadfromdb File:valueReadFromfile

The number of errors depends on how many differences i found between database and file

Answer 1

You can either have:-

1. An icon for indicating error/warning and mouse over tool-tip to show all.
2. Or, have error/warning column in the table showing few errors/warning with provide more/less link/action to view all errors/warning and less to collapse.

Answer 2

Build a sub-interface for working through the errors

In more advanced version, you could put together a slideshow modal that will represent each inadequate entry as a separate "card." The user could then gradually work through all the entries, solving the problematic lines one by one.

This requires additional dev resources, of course, but it could really facilitate the user's work process.

Answer 3

Couldn't you have another column in the table called 'Errors' and list any errors in that? Then you could just have the table ordered by the Errors Column when it loads with Errors so they were positioned at the top.

Answer 4

Are there actions associated with each error/warning? In other words, if a user were to see that row 10 had 3 errors, could they address/fix them via this interface?

Answer 5

You're halfway there with your UI. Here's what comes to my mind.

Step 1: Provide a high level summary informing users that 1 or more rows contain errors

You've already provide this with the yellow and red triangles at the top right of the table. If the errors are something you want the users to address immediately, then I would recommend making that a little more prominent. The current status being off to the right de-prioritize this info. It's almost like saying "Yup, we processed your request. Oh and by the way, you have 8 warnings and 8 errors."

Step 2: Help users locate the errors

Within your table, provide some way for the user to scan to spot rows that need their attention. This can be a small "notices" icon column to the very left. Or it can be as low rent as a thicker yellow/red border along the row identifier (typically 1st column).

Step 3: Inform users about the error and provide method to fix it

Final step is to present the detailed list of errors for users to fix. I would recommend placing this prominently in the row's edit form (if user can directly fix this on the table) or the individual record's edit screen. Until the user gets to a point in which they can start address the issues, presenting them with a large list will only be information overload.

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Caveats:

I've made some assumptions in this solution

• Errors are row specific (i.e. error does not arise from an interaction between 2 or more rows.)
• User can drill down to the row to edit it to fix the issue.

If these two conditions aren't met, you may want to consider an alternative solution.