Data visualization is a critical component in enabling professionals to turn complex data into actionable insights. Incorporating data visualization best practices can significantly impact project outcomes, decision-making processes and overall business success.
In a recent episode of the Civil Engineering Podcast, hosted by the Engineering Management Institute, Stanley Consultants experts Scott Posey and Aaron Szalaj shared their expertise on leveraging data visualization to drive informed decision-making in engineering projects. Their discussion highlighted key strategies and best practices for implementing data visualization solutions that meet the unique needs of various clients.
Tailoring Data Visualization Solutions
It is important to first understand a client's current data infrastructure and then adapt data visualization solutions accordingly. Scott Posey, Manager of Enterprise Analytics at Stanley Consultants, noted that "it's not a one size fits all approach. You have to see where the client you're working with is on their data visualization journey."
Taking a tailored approach helps avoid common pitfalls and allows the final product to be well-received and utilized effectively. By first understanding the client's current state, we can start small and build gradually, creating a custom solution that meets their specific needs. For instance, some clients may be starting with Excel files on hard drives and a great first step is to transition to a more sophisticated solution such as Power BI, Tableau or Qlik.
More on the Power of Power BI
Power BI is a powerful tool for data visualization and reporting, capable of transforming various data sources into clear and interactive insights. It excels at integrating multiple data sources, providing stakeholders with a unified source of truth. For example, Power BI has been used to consolidate data from numerous manually updated cost trackers, SAP systems and individual spreadsheets, resulting in a centralized data management dashboard that improves data quality and error handling.
The platform's robust visualization capabilities enable users to present complex data in a clear and intuitive manner, enhancing the user experience. By providing a reliable and centralized data environment, Power BI allows teams to make informed decisions based on real-time information.
Physical System Audits for Data Collection
A thorough physical system audit is crucial for understanding the quality and relevance of data being collected. Aaron Szalaj, Digital Practice Leader at Stanley Consultants, stresses that "a critical part of beginning this journey or even understanding where you are in this journey is doing a physical system audit." This involves examining instrumentation and data collection methods to capture the right data. By doing so, organizations can avoid working with incomplete or irrelevant data, which can lead to inaccurate insights.
The importance of physical system audits was highlighted in a Stanley Consultants transportation project involving crash data analysis. Scott Posey described how the team received multi-years’ worth of crash data in a CSV file, which was cleaned and made uniform to facilitate analysis. This process allowed the client to make informed decisions about necessary road improvements.
Cybersecurity Considerations in Data Centralization
Cybersecurity is also a critical consideration when centralizing data. Aaron Szalaj highlighted the challenges that arise with data centralization, stating that "when you're implementing data collection systems, we need to make sure that we're also implementing secure cybersecurity practices and that the client has procedures in place." This balanced approach allows organizations to centralize data for better access and analysis while maintaining security of their systems.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with data centralization and protect their data from potential threats. In addition to physical system audits, regular cybersecurity audits are also necessary when working with data visualization solutions.
Starting Small and Building Gradually
You need to start small! Taking a staged implementation allows organizations to achieve their goals without overwhelming their resources.
Our experts advise against an all-or-nothing approach to data visualization. Scott Posey reinforces starting small, stating that "you don't need a Lamborghini when a Nissan Sentra would be just fine for your organization. You want to start small; you want to start with tangible results."
This incremental approach helps build trust and demonstrates the value of data visualization. By achieving tangible results, organizations can build momentum and expand their data visualization initiatives over time.
Your Partner in Data-Driven Decision Making
Data visualization should provide insights to stakeholders rather than dictating decisions. Scott Posey explains that "we are trying to give clients as much experience as we can to make them successful so that they can see their own data in every way possible."
With expertise in analytical reporting, Stanley Consultants specializes in delivering actionable insights that drive business success. By leveraging tools like Power BI, SQL Server and SQL Service Reporting Services, our experts provide comprehensive analytics across all stages of a project life cycle.
You can view a recording of the entire podcast here: