ABB Basic Quality Tools Series

Bar Chart
Evaluation Tool for comparing quantitative data

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 Slide 1
 Bar Chart - Content
What is it for? 26
27 1 2
3
25 4

For general display and communication of numeric data. 24 5

6
23

To illustrate much information concisely. 22

50% 100%
7

For comparing similar sets of data, showing changes between sets.

21 8

03/99
20 9

19 10 02/00

Where could I use it? 18

17 12
11
03/01
16 13
15 14

To show the need for improvement.

To show how the project has improved target data.
Understanding of
When presenting results for effect. service complaints
40

How do I use it? 35

30
Define purpose of using chart. 25
Finance issues

Identify type of chart to use. 20 Marketing issues

R&D issues
15
Collect data to display. 10

Plot the chart. 5

0
Interpret the chart. North South East West

Risks and how to avoid them

Example

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 Slide 2
 Bar Chart - What is it for?
Uses of this tool:
The Bar Chart is used to compare sets of similar data.
It can show changes of one set of data over time or can be used to compare separate data sets.
Its visual nature makes it useful for communications.
Pictorial graphs are a form of Bar Charts which have a more visual impact.
Radar charts provide visual clarity on trends on several criteria.
Pie charts present much information graphically to give a concise overview of a situation.

Expected Benefits:
The display of clear data allows decisions to be made quickly and easily.
Visual display helps with communication, agreement and gaining commitment to decisions.

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 Slide 3
 Bar Chart - Where could I use it?
Background:
Bar Charts are widely used and understood,
making them an ideal tool for simple
communications.
Pictorial graphs are a special form of Bar
Chart that are less precise but more effective
for presentation.
Radar charts give an overall view based on
several crieria
Pie Charts provide a very compact form of
illustration.
ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101
July 15, 2010 Slide 4
Uses:
Use it, rather than a line chart, to show discrete
numerical quantities (rather than continuous
change).
Use the Bar Chart to compare performance data
and identify possible projects.
It can also be used during the analysis phase to
identify specific problems to address.
It can be used to visualise improvement during a
project lifecycle.
Powerful in presenting data in a simple way
where the main areas of difference are clearly
visible. Supporting tables of data are available for
the details.
 Bar Chart - How do I use it?
Procedure and Guidance Notes:
Clarify what you want to gain from using the chart. For example, Identification and agreement
Define purpose of improvement needs.
of using chart

The Bar Chart can be used in several ways, for example to
compare several sets of data, showing each data set stacked in
one bar or with side-by-side bars.
Identify type of There are other forms of similar chart which may be used.
chart to use Pie Charts show proportion, but not absolute amounts
Pictorial graphs increase the visual impact
Radar charts show data in a round group.
Choose the type of chart that will best meet
your purpose. For example using a stacked
chart to show the contributions of different
items.
Pictorial graphs and Radar charts have a
high visual impact.
Pie charts show information very compactly.

Collect the data to show in the Chart. Check Sheets can be used to collect manual
Collect data data.
to display

Plot the chart as planned. Microsoft Excel/ Power Point have a number
of different Bar Chart formats available and
Plot the chart
can produce charts easily and quickly.

Review the chart to meet your purpose and find meaning in what The difference in heights of bars are usually
Interpret is displayed. significant.
the chart

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 Slide 5
 Bar Chart - Risks and how to avoid them
Risks :
If the wrong chart is selected, for example a Histogram
instead of a Bar Chart or a Bar Chart instead of a Pareto
Chart, then this can lead to incorrect decisions or
confusing communications.
Invalid data or errors in copying data.
ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101
July 15, 2010 Slide 6
Steps to avoid them :
Be clear about what you want to achieve with the chart
and verify, before using it, that it is the best tool for the
job.
Where unexpected results occur, the first step should be
to check that the data is valid.
 Bar Chart - Example
40
1. Define purpose of using chart
35
Understanding of
service complaints 30

25
Finance issues
2. Identify type of chart to use 20 Marketing issues
R&D issues
For exploration: stacked bar 15
and side-by-side 10

3. Collect data to display 0

North South East West

Regional and departmental HR issues

North South East West
25
R&D issues 12 13 22 5
Marketing issues 16 5 8 21
20
Finance issues 4 12 5 7

15 R&D issues
Marketing issues
4. Plot the chart 10 Finance issues

5
5. Interpret the chart more
0
Little variation in issues across regions North South East West
North and West have more Marketing
issues; East has R&D issues.

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 Slide 7
 Pictorial Graph & Pie Chart - Example
Pictorial Graph Pie Chart
Number of aircraft bought by company % of investment in companies

= 10 Aircraft
A
A H B
5%
B 26% 13%
C C
G
D 11%
3%
E

F F D
E
G 16% 21%
5%
H

R&D issues
25
20
15
Radar Chart 10 North
Supplier issues 5
Marketing issues
South
Regional issues 0
East
West
People issues Finance issues

ABB Group, 9AKK105151D0101

July 15, 2010 slide 8