Overcoming the challenges of Traditional Charting
As organisations look to increase efficiencies and streamline workflows, traditional charting processes are often both the cornerstone and the stumbling block. While charts are intended to visually represent data and relationships, the methodologies used to create them have become stuck in outdated practices which hinder rather than facilitate progress. However, breaking down these barriers and overcoming the challenges of traditional charting processes is not just a possibility but a necessity in today’s fast-paced, data-driven world.
The Drawbacks of Traditional Charting Methods for Businesses in 2024
Traditional charting processes suffer from several common drawbacks. First and foremost, they rely heavily on manual input and manipulation. In the age of automation and advanced software, relying on manual labour to create charts not only consumes valuable time but also introduces the potential for human error. Investigations have shown that many businesses find it difficult to maintain current process documentation, leading to inaccuracies in the data and inefficiencies within teams. High turnover rates and lengthy onboarding processes further complicate the situation, as new staff may struggle to master these manual charting methods quickly.
Another significant challenge is maintaining company wide chart standardisation, in other words, a brand identity. People often chart as either isolated individuals or departments working on separate components of a chart using desktop software, resulting in fragmentation and inconsistency of design.
Embracing Innovation
To overcome the challenges posed by traditional charting processes, organisations must embrace innovation and adapt modern technologies and methodologies. One such innovation is the adoption of dynamic charting tools that automate the creation and updating of charts. These tools not only save time and reduce errors but also facilitate real-time collaboration and integration with various data sources.
Understanding Automated Charting and Its Benefits
Automated charting refers to the process of generating charts and visualisations automatically using software or algorithms, rather than creating them manually. This approach leverages computer programs to analyse data and create visual representations – such as bar graphs, pie charts, line charts, and more, without the need for human intervention other than the initial selection of the desired chart of graph.
How E-Tabs Graphique Can help – Your Personal Reporting Wizard
Think of E-Tabs Graphique as your own personal reporting assistant. Embedded directly within PowerPoint, Graphique understands the unique charting needs of market researchers. Simply open your Excel data tables from within PowerPoint itself, and Graphique will then activate its magic allowing you to simply drag and drop your desired data into any PowerPoint chart type. Graphique also allows you to re-rank your data, add base-sizes, statistical significance testing and question text and so much more with the click of a button. Following a short onboarding with the team, they will be able to adapt their charting processes to be more agile and modern.
The Advantages of automated charting include:
1. Increased Efficiency Across The Business
Automated charting significantly reduces the time and effort required to create charts compared to manual methods. By automating the process, organisations can generate charts quicker and more efficiently than ever before. This allows team members to dedicate their time and resources on analysing data and making informed business decisions.
2. Consistency in Chart Design and Formatting
Automated charting ensures consistency in chart design and formatting across various datasets and reports. Since the process is standardised, there is less room for error or discrepancies in how data is presented visually. Styling and formatting is agreed to before time and is configured within the setup meaning that more time can be spent on analysis and storytelling.
3. Minimise Error Risks
By using automated charting you drastically reduce the risk of human error in data visualisation. For example, E-Tabs Graphique allows the user to integrate data sheets into your PowerPoint work view. Through adding data directly from the data source, the user eliminates all manual input error. By automating the process, organisations can mitigate inaccuracies or inconsistencies in charts that would typically arise from manual data input or manipulation.
Watch E-Tabs Graphique in Action Below!
What’s next for contemporary charting solutions?
Businesses are now on the transition of moving from outdated manual charting processes to a more contemporary automated solution. It is vital for organisations in 2024 to move away from processes which are plagued with manual inputting inefficiency, human error and outdated and unengaging stylings. Switching to automated charting provides your business with consistency in the representation of the data, minimising the risk of errors in the data and reports. Industry leading specialised solutions like E-Tabs Graphique, which integrates seamlessly within PowerPoint itself, make data visualisation easier and more accessible for market researchers and other professionals looking to unlock and do more with their data.