The humble graph - how visualization enhances data discovery

“There is a magic in graphs. The profile of a curve reveals in a flash a whole situation — the life history of an epidemic, a panic, or an era of prosperity. The curve informs the mind, awakens the imagination, convinces,” Henry D. Hubbard – member of the U.S. Bureau of Standards.

Data is often complex. There is no denying that. Making data comprehensible, insightful and actionable is key. The best way to do that is through visualizations and graphs.

According to the Social Science Research Network, 65% of the population are visual learners. In business, visual data discovery can enhance both your personal productivity and your entire organization's output. Visual data discovery does this by helping you and your staff make important decisions faster. In fact, managers in organizations using visual data discovery were found to be 28% more likely to get access to information when they need it, compared to peers who just use managed reporting and dashboards.

Optimal Targeting CEO David Konigsberg reported our brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. He went on to say 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, 70% of your sensory receptors are in your eyes, 50% of your brain is active in visual processing and 40% of people respond better to visuals.

In a recent series on the Past, Present and Future of BI, Paul Robertson explained that as more staff members are making data-driven decisions and making them quickly, the business benefits of using a business intelligence tool are greater.

‘Data discovery’ is the term used to describe the act of discovering opportunities that are hidden within the data of company business systems. Data discovery is not just about reports - it’s about following your train of thought through all of your data including grids, visualizations and dashboards.

Some of the benefits of using data-visualisation are:

1. see relationships and patterns between operational and business activities
2. identify and act on emerging trends faster
3. tell a story with your data
4. enhances employee productivity

The Phocas difference…

Phocas is the global leader in providing self-service cloud BI to mid-market businesses in manufacturing, distribution and retail. At Phocas, our simple but powerful analytical capabilities help turn data into insights and visuals including charts, graphs, and maps. In just seconds, users can access data on sales, forecasting, inventory, pricing changes, shifts in profit margins and budgets. Phocas provides a comprehensive BI solution that helps its growing client base stay ahead of the competition.

For more information on how you can set you data analytics users free with visualisation, click here or on the button below.