Datasheet

Analytical Reporting
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11
FIGURE 1-10
Simplicity is often the best choice. A basic pie
chart displays proportional values with an
optional legend (see Figure 1-10). Pie charts
can also display data point values and/or point
labels over each slice or with callout labels. Pie or
donut charts can have bold visual impact when
exploded, extruded, or embossed 3-D options
are added.
Although common chart types like the pie and
donut display data in a simple, easily readable
format, they may not be the best choice when
more sophisticated users need a lot of informa-
tion presented with the most effective use of
screen space.
Charting data values provides an effective means for seeing whether a measured data point or aggre-
gated total is more or less than another but at times it’s important to apply some conclusive business
logic to a measurement and show whether a certain value is ‘‘good,’’ ‘‘bad,’’ ‘‘acceptable,’’ or oth-
erwise. Business data should be actionable; and for leaders to take action, they must be able make a
judgment. That’s why decision makers measure results against goals, targets, and quotas.
Figure 1-11 shows variations of column and line charts that put more information into a relatively
small space. This ‘‘report card’’ report groups axis labels in a two-level hierarchy — showing both
years and quarters, and then plots quotas and actual values using two different chart types in the same
chart area. Columns not only show relative aggregate values by column height but apply conditional
logic to display the meaningful results in red, yellow, or green bars.
FIGURE 1-11