DAA-C01 Question 259
Single answerPresent data for business-use analysesA retail analytics team uses Snowsight dashboards to present weekly sales performance to regional managers. The source query returns sales by week, region, and product category. Managers want a dashboard tile that quickly answers two business questions at once: which regions are improving over time, and how categories contribute to each region's total sales in the latest reporting period. The analyst wants to minimize the need for users to switch between multiple charts. Which visualization is the BEST choice for this requirement?
- A
A stacked bar chart showing the latest reporting period only, with region on the x-axis and category as the stack segments
- B
A line chart with one line per region across weeks, without any category breakdown
- C
A combo chart that shows regional sales trends over time and overlays category contribution for the latest period in the same visual
- D
A detailed results table with conditional formatting applied to sales values by week, region, and category
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
For business-use analyses, the goal is to present information in a form that supports fast, accurate decision-making. The scenario explicitly requires a single dashboard tile that communicates both trend over time and contribution to total in the latest period. Among common Snowsight visualization choices, a combo chart is the strongest fit because it can combine complementary perspectives in one visual, whereas a line chart emphasizes trends only and a stacked bar emphasizes composition only. A table, even with formatting, is less effective for executive-facing dashboards where patterns should be immediately visible. This aligns with general data presentation best practices in Snowsight: choose visuals based on the analytical question being answered, favor charts over tables for summary insights, and use dashboards to present concise business-focused views.
- A. Incorrect.
This is useful for showing category contribution within each region for a single period, but it does not show whether regions are improving over time. It answers only part of the business requirement, so it is not the best choice.
- B. Incorrect.
This chart is effective for showing trends over time by region, helping managers identify improvement. However, it does not show how product categories contribute to regional totals in the latest period. It also answers only one of the two required questions.
- C. Correct.
This is the best option because it combines trend analysis and composition analysis in one view. A combo chart is well suited when the audience needs to compare time-based performance while also seeing an additional measure or breakdown. In a business-use analysis context, this reduces context switching and supports faster executive interpretation in a dashboard.
- D. Incorrect.
A table can contain all the data and conditional formatting may help highlight changes, but it is not the best visualization for quickly communicating trends and category contribution to business users. Tables are better for detailed inspection than for high-level dashboard storytelling.