Ben Feigenbaum
asked on
Organization Chart Error
I'm trying to create an organization chart from an Excel file. Using the Organization Chart Wizard, I select the radio button that states I want to create an organization chart from information that's already stored in a file or database; I specify that the information is stored in an Excel file; I browse and select the appropriate file; I choose the columns that contain the information that defines the organization, i.e., Name and Reports to Supervisor (no Optional first name); I chose the fields I want to display (Name and Job Title); I chose the fields that I want to add as shape data fields (I've tried several options with this, all combinations of Name, Job Title, and Supervisor); and I select the wizard to automatically break by organization chart across pages. Then, depending on what I select for a Name at the top of the page, I either get one name on one page or (if I leave the default of "Top Executive", I get 32 pages with one name on each page. What am I doing wrong? Thank you.
ASKER
Hi....I was asked to post a sanitized version of the Excel workbook and haven't had a chance to do that.
However, in response to Question 1 regarding the application and version, I'm using Visio 2010.
I apologize for not addressing question 2, but will do so as soon as I can.
Thank you.
However, in response to Question 1 regarding the application and version, I'm using Visio 2010.
I apologize for not addressing question 2, but will do so as soon as I can.
Thank you.
And with Visio as a tag, here I am... thanks, Brad.
Setting manual page breaks works but shouldn't be necessary in most cases. The solution most likely lies in ensuring that the data is set up correctly. You data should look something like the attached .
A couple of notes:
1) Only two columns are required: one that contains a person's name and one that contains the name of the person to whom each person reports. You can include as many additional columns as you'd like.
2) Note that in my data there is exactly one person for whom the "reports to" column is blank -- that's the person who will be at the top of the page.
3) If you include additional people without a "reports to" entry, each of them, along with their direct reports will be placed on a separate page.
4) Spelling counts! If the spelling of any name is off by even one character, Visio will assume it's a different person.
5) If employee names are not unique, add a column that contains a unique identifier, e.g., employee number. Then use the unique IDs instead of names in the "reports to" column.
There's a pretty good video tutorial about Visio org charts that was part of last year's monthly Visio webcast series. The recorded versions are still available for a while longer. Use this link to register, then look for the session titled "Creating Organizational/hierarchica
NOTE: the attached sample data was taken from the chapter on org charts in my Visio books; refer to my EE profile if you want additional info.
04-Org-Chart-Data_start.xlsx
Setting manual page breaks works but shouldn't be necessary in most cases. The solution most likely lies in ensuring that the data is set up correctly. You data should look something like the attached .
A couple of notes:
1) Only two columns are required: one that contains a person's name and one that contains the name of the person to whom each person reports. You can include as many additional columns as you'd like.
2) Note that in my data there is exactly one person for whom the "reports to" column is blank -- that's the person who will be at the top of the page.
3) If you include additional people without a "reports to" entry, each of them, along with their direct reports will be placed on a separate page.
4) Spelling counts! If the spelling of any name is off by even one character, Visio will assume it's a different person.
5) If employee names are not unique, add a column that contains a unique identifier, e.g., employee number. Then use the unique IDs instead of names in the "reports to" column.
There's a pretty good video tutorial about Visio org charts that was part of last year's monthly Visio webcast series. The recorded versions are still available for a while longer. Use this link to register, then look for the session titled "Creating Organizational/hierarchica
NOTE: the attached sample data was taken from the chapter on org charts in my Visio books; refer to my EE profile if you want additional info.
04-Org-Chart-Data_start.xlsx
ASKER
OK, when I use Visio to create an org chart with your sample file, it works.
When I use Visio to create an org chart with the test data file I created, it works.
When I type in one name change on your sample file, it doesn't work.
I'm going to continue to play with this.
Please keep my question open and I'll get back to you by the end of the week.
Thank you.
When I use Visio to create an org chart with the test data file I created, it works.
When I type in one name change on your sample file, it doesn't work.
I'm going to continue to play with this.
Please keep my question open and I'll get back to you by the end of the week.
Thank you.
ASKER
OK, I figured it out thanks to your suggestions and sample file. My original data file was incomplete and Visio didn't know what to do with some of the entries.
Thanks for all your help. You can close out the issue.
Thanks for all your help. You can close out the issue.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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The only difference, was I chose to manually specify where the page breaks should occur. And when I did so, my small org chart was properly created on a single page.
Since you are having trouble creating the org chart, it would be helpful if you answered the following:
1. Which application are you using to create the org chart? Which version of that application?
2. Could you post a sanitized version of the Excel workbook you are using as the data source?
The reason for the questions is I'd like to try to replicate your problem.