5 Types of Business Analysis Diagrams Every Business Analyst Should Know
As a business analyst, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the various types of business analysis diagrams and how they can help in your work. These diagrams are visual representations of data or information and can help to identify patterns, relationships, and trends. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 5 types of business analysis diagrams every business analyst should know.
1. Flowcharts
Flowcharts are one of the most commonly used business analysis diagrams. They are used to illustrate different steps in a process, and are often used to identify process improvement opportunities. Flowcharts can also be used to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in a process.
An example of a flowchart would be a process map of an order fulfillment process. The process map would show the different steps in the process such as receiving the order, picking and packing, and shipping. By creating a flowchart, a business analyst can identify areas of the process that can be improved, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
2. Swimlane Diagrams
Swimlane diagrams are used to show how different roles or departments within an organization interact with each other. Each department or role is represented by a swimlane, and the interactions between the swimlanes are shown through arrows. Swimlane diagrams are often used to identify communication breakdowns between departments.
An example of a swimlane diagram would be a diagram of the hiring process in an organization. Each swimlane would represent a different department or role involved in the hiring process, such as HR, the hiring manager, and the candidate. The swimlane diagram would show how each department or role interacts with each other during the hiring process.
3. Mind Maps
Mind maps are used to brainstorm ideas and create new concepts. They are often used in the early stages of a project or initiative to generate new ideas and perspectives. Mind maps can also be used to identify potential risks and opportunities.
An example of a mind map would be a diagram of potential marketing strategies for a new product launch. The mind map would show different ideas for marketing tactics such as social media, email marketing, and influencer outreach.
4. Fishbone Diagrams
Fishbone diagrams are used to identify the causes of a problem or issue. They are also known as Ishikawa diagrams or cause-and-effect diagrams. Fishbone diagrams are often used to identify the root cause of a problem, which can then be addressed to prevent the problem from recurring.
An example of a fishbone diagram would be a diagram of the causes of low sales in a retail store. The diagram would show different factors that could be contributing to the low sales, such as poor merchandising, pricing, or customer service.
5. Scatter Plots
Scatter plots are used to identify relationships between different variables. They are often used to identify correlations between different data points, such as the relationship between price and demand. Scatter plots can also be used to identify outliers or anomalies in data.
An example of a scatter plot would be a graph of the relationship between a company’s advertising spend and its revenue. The scatter plot would show different data points for different levels of advertising spend, and the correlation between advertising spend and revenue.
In conclusion, business analysis diagrams are powerful tools that can help business analysts to identify patterns, relationships, and trends in data. By understanding the different types of business analysis diagrams, business analysts can improve their ability to analyze data and make informed recommendations for process improvements and other initiatives.
