When talking about balanced scorecard is imperative to mention strategy maps. In fact, creation of strategy map is the first thing one should do before implementing balanced scorecard in the company. The strategy map is visualization of company’s strategic goals. In other words, strategy map illustrates how a company will achieve strategic goals and what these goals are. In business, a strategy map is a long term game plan with the ultimate goal of increasing profits or gaining competitive advantage (or any other strategic goals).
Any strategy map has four perspectives: financial, customer, internal processes, learning and growth. In other words this is everything that can happen to a company. This is to say that these perspectives cover all processes in the company.
Creation of a strategy map is a very convenient way to visualize company strategy. There is no need to collect different documents and plans and bring them together. Strategy map includes all the elements to represent company strategy and the way strategic goals will be implemented. Strategy map is an easy to use document and a perfect way to present company strategy to its personnel, top management, owners and shareholders.
Strategy map in BSC Designer
It has been observed that customers mostly pay attention to strategy tree when using BSC Designer, although a strategy map is an extremely important element of balanced scorecard. It should be noted that the traditional procedure of implementing balanced scorecard implies creation of a strategy maps which can then be converted into a strategy tree. BSC designer has the reverse procedure. One should first create a strategy tree which can then be converted into a strategy map.
One of the greatest advantages of a strategy map in BSC Designer is that it supports full cycle of balanced scorecard implementation: from setting strategic goals, to selection of KPIs, their analysis and evaluation to adoption of response measures and even introduction of amendments to balanced scorecard.
Besides, when changes to their strategy tree are introduced they will be automatically represented in the strategy map. Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t work backwards. So, if amendments to a strategy maps were introduced, a strategy tree needs to be changed manually.
Strategy map is a core element of balanced scorecard
Strategy map in BSC designer is not just a static picture but the structure of active elements which can be amended and corrected if necessary. It is possible to use strategy map feature as an average designing program. BSC designer offers special tools to complement and amend strategy map like arrows, lines, geometrical figures etc. Let’s review key designing features and elements specifically used to create schemes, charts and strategic plans. Features will be divided into 4 groups, based on their core functions.
- New rectangle. New text. These features make it possible to add rectangles with blocks of text, or just text alone to any part of a strategy map. When adding a new rectangle with text one can adjust its color in the left side panel. These features can be used to add some comments, names of new measures etc.
Add rectangles with text to strategy map in BSC Designer
2. Geometrical figures and floating line.
Floating line. This tool can be used to link two objects placed on balanced scorecard. Size and direction of the floating line are adjustable. Besides, it is possible to change its position any time.
Rectangles, triangles and arrows. These elements have the same function as the floating line with the only difference that they look more noticeable, and thus can be used to point important links on the strategy map. Here users have and a wide range of figures according to their needs or aesthetic preferences.
Use floating lines to connect strategy map components
Make emphasis with noticeable arrows (colors are adjusted)
Use additional figures in strategy map
3. Images and fixed lines.
It is possible to add images to a strategy map. Please note that images are not automatically adjusted to strategy maps sites, thus make sure only small images are uploaded.
Fixed lines can link elements of balanced scorecard although cannot be moved to a different location once applied. The good news is that it’s possible to use curves and wavies. It goes without saying that any element on the strategy map can be deleted.
Add images to strategy map
Curves and wavies are available in strategy map toolkit
- 4. Zooming
Zoom strategy map
The three buttons in the zooming section will zoom in and out the strategy map as well as restore it to actual size.
It is possible to draw a strategy map report which is saved in HTML extension. The report contains various forms of the strategy map design, like default placement, horizontal tree placement, snowflake tree replacement, classical placement, cascading placement etc.
Generate strategy map report
Cascading report placement
Snowflake report placement
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