How to build visualization according to the IBCS Standard

Building Visualizations to the IBCS Standard in Pyramid

Based on Ideas from our Customers we added a new set of visualizations to Pyramid visualization library that allow users to build Reporting that follows the suggestions of the International Business Communication Standards (IBCS).

The IBCS standards are a comprehensive set of guidelines that provide a framework for improving the design and effectiveness of charts. By following these standards, you can ensure that your charts are visually appealing, easy to understand, and facilitate accurate interpretation of the data they present.

This Video shows you how to use these Chart Types:

Step-by-Step Guide:
Creating an IBCS Waterfall Chart

Step 1: Start a new Discover from the Financial Performance Model

Select the green Discover icon, then choose Financial Performance Model.
This opens the Discover canvas.

Step 2: Build a baseline column chart

1. Under Cost Centers, drag Dept Name onto a column chart.
2. Under the measures, enable Show Business Logic, then select the Act (actual) and Bud (budget) measures.

Note: in this default view, the two measures lack a consistent visual relationship, which makes variances hard to read. This is the problem IBCS is designed to solve.

Step 3: Apply filters

1. Under Cost Centers > Hierarchies, drag Cost Centers Hierarchy into the Filters panel and open its drop-down.
2. Under Dates > Time Intelligence, drag Date Year into the Filters panel and open its drop-down.

Step 4: Switch to the IBCS visualization

Change the chart type to IBCS Column Chart.

Step 5: Configure the formatting panel

In the Formatting panel, under IBCS Column Chart, set Upwards to green and Downwards to red, so favorable and unfavorable variances are distinguishable at a glance.

Final Result

The finished Discover presents actual versus budget performance in a clear, standardized format that makes variances immediately apparent.

This example is built on the Financial Performance Data Model, which is available in the Explore Pyramid environment if you would like to recreate it yourself.

Questions or suggestions? Share them in the comments below.