Reporting tools help big data realize full potential

Big data processes are quickly becoming a major asset to business operations, but staff are under the increasing pressure to take company information and derive meaning from it. While reporting tools can help employees accomplish this, the end result can look like a mess if the program isn't used appropriately. Visualizing the data into a cohesive image will take some time to develop, but the product will be compelling and enable management to make informed decisions. As this demand continues to rise, it will be necessary for staff to understand how to use the software and get the most out of their metrics.

While it used to take dedicated data scientists to decode the mass of information, more departments are beginning to leverage reporting solutions for a broader picture of business operations. Analytics have taken on a primary role in sales and marketing needs to appeal to the consumer desire to view data. However, before the visual can be made public, the organization must first create a structure for their story and ensure that the illustration naturally guides the user experience, according to Search Engine Journal.

Many businesses try to accomplish too many things at once with their display, which make the image confusing to look at. With a report designer, staff will be able to create a simpler picture that successfully presents the statistics. This will help users design a more interactive element for viewers to draw their own conclusions and think about what they are seeing.

"Some of the best data visualizations are really insightful, yet give people the flexibility to interpret the data in the most meaningful way to them," the source stated. "After all, a personalized experience is a memorable one – and it's one that people will most likely share with others."

Driving innovation with data
Having accurate information on hand is changing how organizations make their decisions and can give them a competitive advantage. While big data is edging out of its buzzword phase into a more permanent role in company operations, it's predicted to give way to a visualization increase. According to Forbes contributor Dorie Clark, data visualization will allow the trend to realize its full potential and help supervisors make better decisions.

Although many users are already engaging with some simple features, these tools are not likely to provide the insight that companies need. As the requirement for data understanding extends outside of the IT department, it will be necessary to supply visualization software that will help employees sort through the information. Workers will need to be able to immerse themselves in the information and be able to manipulate it for more detailed insights.

"[Y]ou'll see that employees are doing a great deal more than creating simple graphs, bar charts, and pivot tables," industry author Phil Simon told Forbes. "Employees here are interacting with their data, and learning new things about their businesses in the process."

Staff are being asked to work more with big data on a daily basis. By leveraging reporting tools and creating successful visualizations, viewers will be able to make effective changes and maximize overall benefits.