Visio Data Visualizer not recognizing values in the 'Next Step ID' column for a Decision shape type

Question

I tried to make a Visio flowchart connected to an Excel workbook. It worked up to a point. When I used a Decision shape with two next steps, I got an error. 

 

I got that error even though I used the Microsoft template "Visio Data Visualizer – Cross-Functional Flowchart Process Map.xlsx" and the values in the support article, https://support.office.com/en-us/article/create-a-data-visualizer-diagram-17211b46-d144-4ca2-9ea7-b0f48f0ae0a6?#ID0EBAFAAA=Next\_ID 

I also got that error when I tried different values, such as letters for step IDs, or a space after the comma (4, 5), or a semicolon instead of a comma (4;5). 

(The error said, Diagram Refresh Failed: Some of the values in the column 'Next Step ID' don't refer to values in the column 'Process Step ID'.

The following values in the 'Next Step ID' column are missing from the 'Process Step ID' column. Note: Ensure that you are using the correct delimiter to separate multiple values. Open the workbook to edit the data, save your changes, and then Refresh the diagram again.)

Answer 1

Thank you for testing the problem. You encouraged me to start over, and it worked with new files.

I have no idea what is wrong with my first files. I can refresh the diagram when all the next steps are single (like 4), but I get an error when a next step is multiple (like 4,5). I get an error even after several attempts to save, close, open, refresh diagram, and relink source data.

Answer 2

Hi Jay,

Glad to know you were able to achieve the desired result with the new file.

There must be something incorrect with the first file which was resulting the error. Anyway, since the new file is working, you can continue working with the new file now.

If you need help with any other issue, please don’t hesitate to create a new post in our forum and we’ll there to assist you.

Regards,

Neha

Answer 3

Hi Jay,

When I tested on my end, I also encountered an error (not same though). I closed both, Visio drawing and source data (Excel workbook) and then I reopened Visio drawing only. In Visio, click in the diagram container to enable the Design tab in the ribbon, and then select Open Source Data to open Excel workbook. After you’ve opened the files, refresh the diagram from Design tab in Visio and it should refresh without any error.

For your reference, here’s my data.

Thanks,

Neha