Run benchmark comparisons

The Benchmark Comparisons workflow allows you to compare locations, such as trade areas, using variables and site attributes that you select. To compare features on the map, specify the comparison properties:

• Site attributes (such as square footage) and variables (such as population) for comparison across the input features
• Benchmark method
• Additional standard geographies to compare

The comparison displays in the Benchmark Comparisons Results pane at the bottom of the window. The Results pane allows you to view and interact with sites and their statistics. You can select a location as the benchmark against which to compare the other locations, pivot the table's rows and columns, and export the table to Excel.

Potential applications

The following are potential applications of the Benchmark Comparisons workflow:

Application	Description	Examples of data used
Analyze site performance	A grocery store chain has recently expanded by adding five locations across a region. After a year's time, one of the locations is far less successful than the others. The data analysts are curious to uncover reasons why. They ask questions such as: How does the store statistically compare to their best site? Are all stores relatively equal in demographic criteria? How far from the statistical average across the market is the underachieving store?	Total Daytime Population Purchased Groceries Online/30 Days (Percent) Diversity Index
Allocate emergency response resources	A state-level aid organization wants to better understand counties in need of the most assistance in the case of natural disasters. The organization runs a benchmark comparison of all counties in the state, using variables that indicate high numbers of children and the elderly. Understanding these demographics helps the organization prioritize aid to areas that have vulnerable populations.	HH Pop 65+: No Computer Child Population Have Earthquake/Flood Home Insurance Coverage

Run the Benchmark Comparisons workflow

To run a benchmark comparison, you must have locations on the map to compare. For example, you can generate rings around points, create drive-time or walk-time areas, or draw geographic boundaries. Once these locations are saved in a layer in the project, you can compare them using the Benchmark Comparisons workflow by doing the following:

1. On the Analysis tab, click Business Analysis to open the gallery, and click Benchmark Comparisons .

   The Benchmark Comparisons Properties pane appears.

2. Use the Input Features drop-down list to select the layer containing the locations you want to compare.
3. Use the Name Field drop-down list to choose a name for the comparison locations.

   Select the field from the locations layer that best identifies the locations. For example, you might choose the field that contains the names of the facilities or retail stores.

4. Optionally, use the check boxes in the Site Attributes field to select site-specific attributes, such as the area of the polygons or other numeric data, to include in the comparison.

   Note:

   Site attributes can include both numeric and text fields. Only numeric fields are used for comparing sites and setting a benchmark.

5. For Variables, click Add to open the data browser and add the variables to use for the comparison and click OK. Optionally, click Save List to name and save the variables you selected for future use.

   From the data browser, you can search and browse for data by category, from custom data, saved variable lists, and from data you have saved as favorites. Once the workflow is run, the input features are enriched using the variables selected.

6. Optionally, click the Benchmark tab and set the following parameters:
   • Select the type of benchmark to use:
     • Average—Set the benchmark to the average values for site attributes and variables, across all input features.
     • Median—Set the benchmark to the median values for site attributes and variables, across all input features.
     • Feature—Select an input feature and set the benchmark to the site attributes and variables of that feature.
     • None—Do not set a benchmark.
   • Use the Difference fields check boxes to select the method for displaying each input feature's numeric difference from the benchmark feature:
     • Add difference field—Display the difference as a count.
     • Add percent difference field—Display the difference as a percentage.
   • Set the colors for marking the difference from the benchmark using the Symbology options. The colors selected are applied to the Above and Below icons in the table.
7. Click the Comparisons tab and select additional comparison geographies, such as the states containing the locations, to include along with the locations in the layer.

   Standard geography polygons that intersect centroids of the input features are included in the Results pane and enriched with the variables you selected.

8. Click Apply.

   A layer is created in your project, which is a copy of the boundary layer with _ComparisonsLayer appended to the name. The geographies in the new layer include the variables you added, visible in the attribute table.

   The Benchmark Comparisons Results pane appears, displaying the results. You can reopen the results pane by right-clicking the results in the Results section under the comparison layer in the Contents pane, and clicking Open .

Note:

To remove all parameters and start the workflow over, you can click Reset at any time.

Use the Benchmark Comparisons Results pane

You can use the comparison table to change the format of the comparison, create a benchmark, and export the table to an Excel worksheet. To explore the comparison, do any of the following:

1. Switch the comparison table's rows and columns by opening the Display by drop-down menu and choosing Variable or Feature.
2. Create a benchmark by opening the Benchmark feature drop-down menu and selecting one of the comparison locations.

   All locations are now compared to the benchmark. The comparisons are indicated by Above and Below icons. Hover over an icon to view the difference between the location and the benchmark.

3. If the Benchmark Comparisons Properties pane is closed, you can reopen it by clicking the Properties button .
4. Export the comparison table to an Excel worksheet by clicking Export to Excel.