How do you use data visualization to communicate operational planning goals and progress?

1 What is operational planning?

Operational planning is the process of defining and aligning the short-term objectives, actions, and resources of an organization with its strategic vision and goals. It involves setting measurable targets, identifying key performance indicators, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring progress. Operational planning helps to ensure that the organization is on track, responsive, and adaptable to changing conditions and opportunities.

2 Why is data visualization important for operational planning?

Data visualization is the practice of presenting data in a graphical or visual form, such as charts, graphs, maps, or dashboards. This technique can be highly beneficial for operational planning goals and progress by simplifying complex data and making it easier to understand and compare. Additionally, data visualization can help to highlight patterns, trends, outliers, or relationships that might otherwise be overlooked or hidden. This can be done in an engaging and persuasive manner with compelling visuals that tell a story or convey a message. Moreover, data visualization can provide feedback and insights that can inform decision making and action taking.

3 How to choose the right data visualization for operational planning?

When it comes to data visualization, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the type of data and purpose, different visuals may be needed. However, some general principles to consider when choosing the right data visualization for operational planning are understanding your audience and their needs, expectations, and preferences; understanding your data and what you want to show, emphasize, or explain; understanding your objective and what you want to achieve, inform, or persuade; selecting the most appropriate and effective visual format that matches your data, objective, and audience; and avoiding clutter, confusion, or distortion by following best practices and guidelines for data visualization design.

4 How to create data visualizations for operational planning?

Creating data visualizations can be done with a variety of tools and platforms, from simple spreadsheet software to sophisticated online services. Microsoft Excel is a powerful and versatile tool that can create charts, graphs, and tables from data stored in spreadsheets. Tableau is a leading data visualization software that can connect to various data sources and create interactive dashboards and reports. Power BI is a business analytics service that integrates with Microsoft products and other data sources to create interactive visualizations and insights. Google Data Studio is a free online tool that connects to Google products and other data sources to create customizable and collaborative reports and dashboards.