Sometimes, we want to visualize a business process in Power BI. This is challenging, depending on the visualization needed and when we model our data in the usual way. Let’s see how we can make it happen by changing the modeling.
Our Business is made up of processes. Some are obvious, like a production process, and others are more virtual.
For example, when I want to calculate the Margin, there is a “process” to do it.
In a very simplistic way, when I take my income and subtract my expenses, what’s remaining is my margin.
My current target is to visualize this process in a chart.
The chart should display the composition of the Margin as a Process. For this, I like to show the values from the Sales Amount to the Margin as a Waterfall.
Something like this Mockup, which I created in Excel:
I start with the Sales Amount, and all expenses will be deducted until I get the Margin.
There are some challenges to realizing this in Power BI.
First, I must change my data model. Then, I can write a few Measures. Finally, I can create the visualization.
Ultimately, I will collect information about the data model and its performance to assess the quality of my approach.
Let’s go through these steps.
Firstly, the Standard Waterfall chart doesn’t allow for the addition of multiple measures to build this chart.
At least one custom visual can do this, but it’s a paid visual, and I want to go with the standard waterfall visual. The majority of my clients are reluctant to buy custom visuals.
So, I need to change how the data is stored to complete the job.