Combining Vensim's simple data entry mechanism with the Sketch Editor provides an elegant mechanism for putting preliminary causal structure on a database. To do this, dump the database, run the data through the Datasets Import command, and load the resulting dataset as a model. Next, open the Sketch Editor on the model. Use the Sketch Variable List to add variables to the sketch. Add arrows between data series you might consider connected.
Select a data series name into the Workbench. The Strip Graph tool configured to show causes will put that data series, and the data series you have marked as causing it, in one place and allow quick evaluation of various hypotheses. You might also, if you wish, add additional intermediate variables and equations to form a more complete model.
