While data may drive business, data itself can be very difficult to understand, particularly in a raw form. Looking at printouts of spreadsheets and databases may be a good way to find patterns for those who are trained to decipher this information, but it can also be confusing and overwhelming to those who are not.
A better way to provide accurate data to anyone is to include “user-friendly” representations of data. Changing a column of numbers of sales results on a week to week basis over the last few months into a simple graph providing specific data points and a trend line is much easier to understand.
Of course, data doesn’t have to be provided in line graphs. Bar graphs, Venn diagrams, pie charts and a range of different mapping and data representations can all be used to choose the best method to provide the necessary information.
Using specialized data visualization software over the basic graphing and charting options offered in Word and other programs makes this an easy, effective and simple way to create amazing presentations and reports.
How To Choose
There are a lot of different options in data visualization software on the market today. It is worth the time to try out a few demos and see how easy the software is to use.
Ideally, look for software that is intuitive and allows you to drag and drop or import data and the software does the rest. Edits and revisions should also be easy, and you should not need extensive training in the software to obtain the desired results.
Consider All Your Needs
Once you start using data visualization software, you will find more ways to share information. Providing accessible information to shareholders, managers, boards, staff and to customers will become an easy way to advertise, inform and provide transparency for your operations.
When looking for the ideal software, try to think about ways you will want to share data now as well as in the future. This will be helpful in choosing the software that will be the most effective over the long term.
