The Visual Waterfall Chart Tool

Abstract

Strategy Question: How can I track the status of multiple initiatives in a timely and easily understood fashion?

Summary: Waterfall charts have been part of business comparisons for some time. Many times these take the form of tables comparing current figures against a budget or standard by fiscal period. We use this same type of comparison format and use it to graphically convey information relative to project status relative to target dates. This simple tool provides a quick and effective method to present meaningful data. This one-page chart visually tracks progress of multiple projects or activities. By using the waterfall format, an executive can track schedule status along with highlighting slips and accelerations. The unique feature of this tool is the immediate highlighting of status. If a project continues on schedule, the project line appears as a continuing horizontal line on the waterfall chart. Slips or accelerations are shown by movement of the line away from the horizontal. The visual nature provides a method to update numerous initiatives in a format that can be reduced to management by exception if desired.

Citation

Fairbanks, S. and Buchko, A. (2018), "The Visual Waterfall Chart Tool", Performance-Based Strategy, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 257-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78743-795-120181022