Optimal data visualization method

 Data visualization - the process of displaying data (often in large quantities) in a meaningful fashion to provide insights that will support better decisions. ◦ Data visualization improves decision-making, provides managers with better analysis capabilities that reduce reliance on IT professionals, and improves collaboration and information sharing.  Tabular data can be used to determine exactly how many units of a certain product were sold in a particular month, or to compare one month to another. ◦ For example, we see that sales of product A dropped in February, specifically by 6.7% (computed as 1 – B3/B2). Beyond such calculations, however, it is difficult to draw big picture conclusions.  A visual chart provides the means to ◦ easily compare overall sales of different products (Product C sells the least, for example); ◦ identify trends (sales of Product D are increasing), other patterns (sales of Product C is relatively stable while sales of Product B fluctuates more over time), and exceptions (Product E’s sales fell considerably in September).  A dashboard is a visual representation of a set of key business measures. It is derived from the analogy of an automobile’s control panel, which displays speed, gasoline level, temperature, and so on. ◦ Dashboards provide important summaries of key business information to help manage a business process or function.  Select the Insert tab. Highlight the data. Click on chart type, then subtype.  Use Chart Tools to customize.    Excel distinguishes between vertical and horizontal bar charts, calling the former column charts and the latter bar charts.