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How can you use line charts to visualize time series data in BI?

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Time series data is a type of data that shows how a variable changes over time, such as sales, revenue, stock prices, or customer satisfaction. In business intelligence (BI), time series data can help you identify trends, patterns, cycles, and outliers that can inform your decisions and actions. One of the most common and effective ways to visualize time series data in BI is to use line charts. Line charts are simple and intuitive graphs that show how a variable changes over time by connecting data points with straight or curved lines. In this article, you will learn how to use line charts to visualize time series data in BI and how to make them more informative and engaging.

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Rashmi Narula

Manager Data Analytics | BI Consultant |Tableau Expert | Visualization Consultant | Technologist | Strategist & Executor
Patricia Chukwu

OPERATIONS | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST | DATA ANALYST | KINESIOLOGIST | I HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES THRIVE
Hardik Chheda

Founder | Chief Product Officer | Generative AI | Analytics

1 Choose the right variable

The first step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to choose the right variable that you want to analyze and display. The variable should be relevant to your business goal, question, or problem, and it should have enough data points to show meaningful changes over time. For example, if you want to see how your sales performance has changed over the last year, you can choose sales as your variable and use monthly data points. However, if you want to see how your website traffic has changed over the last week, you can choose visits as your variable and use daily or hourly data points.

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Rashmi Narula

Manager Data Analytics | BI Consultant |Tableau Expert | Visualization Consultant | Technologist | Strategist & Executor
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To visualize time series data in BI using line charts: Prepare your data with a time column and numeric measures. Create a line chart, mapping time to the X-axis and measures to the Y-axis. Aggregate data if necessary. Customize the chart, add labels, legends, and annotations. Use colors for differentiation. Consider trendlines and interactivity. Ensure appropriate scaling and customization. Offer filtering options if needed. Share or export the chart for analysis and reporting.

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Patricia Chukwu

OPERATIONS | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST | DATA ANALYST | KINESIOLOGIST | I HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES THRIVE
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Time on X-Axis: Horizontal Axis (X-Axis): Place time-related values on the X-axis. This could be specific time points (e.g., days, months, years) or continuous time intervals. Metric on Y-Axis: Vertical Axis (Y-Axis): Assign the metric or variable you want to measure over time to the Y-axis. This could be sales, revenue, stock prices, temperature, or any other quantitative measure.

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2 Choose the right time period

The second step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to choose the right time period that you want to cover and compare. The time period should be relevant to your business context, purpose, and audience, and it should not be too long or too short to show meaningful trends and patterns. For example, if you want to see how your sales performance has changed over the last year, you can choose a yearly time period and compare it with the previous year or the average of the last five years. However, if you want to see how your website traffic has changed over the last week, you can choose a weekly time period and compare it with the previous week or the average of the last four weeks.

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3 Choose the right scale and axis

The third step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to choose the right scale and axis that you want to use to display your data. The scale and axis should be appropriate to your data range, distribution, and magnitude, and they should not distort or mislead your data. For example, if your data has a large range and variation, you can use a logarithmic scale and axis to show the relative changes and differences more clearly. However, if your data has a small range and variation, you can use a linear scale and axis to show the absolute changes and differences more accurately.

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Patricia Chukwu

OPERATIONS | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST | DATA ANALYST | KINESIOLOGIST | I HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES THRIVE
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For a single line chart, plot one series of data against time. This could be useful for tracking a single metric over time. For multiple line charts, each line represents a different series of data. This is beneficial when comparing trends between different categories or groups.

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4 Choose the right color and style

The fourth step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to choose the right color and style that you want to use to enhance your data visualization. The color and style should be consistent, clear, and attractive, and they should not distract or confuse your data. For example, if you want to show multiple variables or categories in your line chart, you can use different colors and styles to distinguish them and add a legend to explain them. However, if you want to show a single variable or category in your line chart, you can use a single color and style to emphasize it and add a title to describe it.

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5 Add annotations and highlights

The fifth step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to add annotations and highlights that you want to use to communicate your data insights and stories. Annotations and highlights are text, symbols, or shapes that you can use to label, explain, or emphasize specific data points, segments, or trends in your line chart. For example, if you want to show the impact of a certain event or action on your data, you can use an annotation or a highlight to mark it and show its effect. However, if you want to show the overall trend or pattern of your data, you can use an annotation or a highlight to summarize it and show its direction.

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Patricia Chukwu

OPERATIONS | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST | DATA ANALYST | KINESIOLOGIST | I HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES THRIVE
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Add annotations to highlight key events or milestones on the chart. This could include product launches, marketing campaigns, or any event that might have influenced the data.

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6 Review and refine

The sixth and final step to create a line chart for time series data in BI is to review and refine your data visualization. Reviewing and refining your data visualization is an iterative process that involves checking, testing, and improving your data accuracy, clarity, and relevance. For example, you can review your data sources, calculations, and filters to ensure that your data is correct and complete. You can also review your chart design, layout, and format to ensure that your data is easy to read and understand. You can also review your data insights, messages, and stories to ensure that your data is meaningful and compelling.

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Patricia Chukwu

OPERATIONS | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST | DATA ANALYST | KINESIOLOGIST | I HELP PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES THRIVE
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Customize your line chart to enhance clarity. This includes adjusting colors, labels, and formatting to make the information more visually appealing and understandable.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Hardik Chheda

Founder | Chief Product Officer | Generative AI | Analytics
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The top three critical aspects to visualize the series data: 1. Time window. What's the time period that I'd like to analyze. E.g. I want to see one week data or 3 months or 2 quarters or 10 years, etc 2. Time resolution/aggregation. What's the summarization interval for the window selected. E.g. For last 2 quarters, I want to see the data on a daily basis or weekly or monthly. 3. Of course the metric and then any breakdowns. E.g. Sales or Sales by Region So, an overall question might be: What's my monthly Sales by Region in the last 2 quarters.

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How can you use line charts to visualize time series data in BI?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right variable

2 Choose the right time period

3 Choose the right scale and axis

4 Choose the right color and style

5 Add annotations and highlights

6 Review and refine

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Intelligence

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How can you use line charts to visualize time series data in BI?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right variable

2 Choose the right time period

3 Choose the right scale and axis

4 Choose the right color and style

5 Add annotations and highlights

6 Review and refine

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Intelligence

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