Reporting tools expand big data processes for more staff capabilities

Being able to comprehend complex pieces of information directly influences the ability of decision makers to drive effective changes. Parsing through a massive amount of data used to take up a considerable amount of time and would often require specialists to work with the programs. However, the software is quickly becoming more user friendly, allowing more staff members to engage with reporting tools than ever before. While the technology still has a slight learning curve, more employees will be required to understand the information and be able to present it in a compelling way.

Traditionally, big data has always been under the governance of IT professionals, who use the metrics to generate actionable insights. However, the scope of analytics and data processes is expanding. Despite this growth, the Corporate Executive Board showed that 62 percent of workers are unable to make educated choices with information or assess data appropriately, Forbes contributor Suhas Sreedhar reported. In addition, the demand for data analysts well outweighs the supply and the gap is only expected to widen in the coming years. With this development, it will be essential to train current and incoming staff on how to use data and analyze it for substantial benefits. While this project will take time to accomplish, it will be necessary to do so, ensuring that information is being leveraged in a profitable way.

"By embracing data - in its myriad forms and vast scope - and exposing it to all aspects of an organization, more workers will become data-literate," Sreedhar wrote. "This will enable companies to balance the need for data expertise with the people qualified to provide it."

Putting data into action
While parsing information is an important part of the process, users must leverage a report designer to establish a more compelling way to show seemingly disconnected statistics. Visualization can better demonstrate existing patterns and ensure that stakeholders understand what is happening in the business. When choosing a tool to integrate, it's important to know the users and what features they require, enabling them to utilize the system to its fullest capacity, according to TechTarget.

For example, if decision makers went with a program that had an abundance of options, employees may not touch some of the tools at all, creating a lower return on investment. In addition, organizations must consider the long-term expenses and the up-front costs associated with the technology. This evaluation will help them choose a system that will provide more benefits in the long-term and still meet the standards workers want in their solution.

Data visualization is quickly becoming an asset to business operations and can drive competitive advantages when used appropriately. Companies must determine what features are required for the process and choose a solution that's relatively user friendly to allow more employees to leverage the system. With this approach, decision makers will have a more accurate picture of the enterprise and be able to establish effective changes for growth and innovation.