As oil powered the Industrial Revolution, data is now the driving force behind modern efficiency and innovation. It provides a wealth of information and valuable insights to drive growth, profitability, and performance.
However, making sense of the massive amounts of data being collected—especially in fast-paced environments that demand quick, reliable interpretation—is challenging. That’s where visualization and modeling excel. They make data easier to understand and structure and organize it in ways that lead to deeper insights and more strategic decision-making.
According to Dr. James Jenkins, CTO of Sumaria Systems, "Data visualization is critical in today's environment because it transforms complex information into actionable insights. At Sumaria, we are advancing visualization tools that allow our clients to interpret and leverage their data for fast, strategic decision-making. Visualization is a vital piece of data analysis, supplementing abstract analytic techniques to create a more comprehensive awareness that enhances every level of the decision-making process."
Data visualization simplifies the interpretation of complex datasets and the identification of patterns, trends, and correlations. This visual approach also democratizes data access, enabling a broader range of stakeholders to access these insights without knowing how to code or having advanced knowledge of data analytics.
The power of visualization lies in its ability to present information in a way that is easy to grasp, particularly when dealing with large datasets sourced from diverse areas.
In large organizations like defense agencies, which gather information from multiple sources, visualization tools help highlight critical data points, enabling decision-makers to make insights at a glance. They are especially valuable in fast-paced environments that require reliable interpretation of data and quick decision-making.
By visualizing data flow and connections, knowledge graphs organize information from multiple sources into a cohesive framework, which improves data modeling, enabling better insights and more efficient management. In aligning data sources, modeling creates the foundation for more accurate and comprehensive visualizations.
Knowledge graphs support system optimization and faster decision-making in military operations or government sectors that deal with complex data sets. These environments require high levels of automation and seamless data integration, and the graphs enable organizations to streamline these processes.
Data modeling is not limited to organizing data for visualizations. AI and machine learning can create the following:
Increasingly, organizations are adopting model-based systems engineering (MBSE), which provides structured and efficient approaches to complex system management challenges and the development of new data structures. For example, the Department of Defense is managing system lifecycles in this manner, replacing text-based documents and manual processes. Along with visualizations, MBSE enhances collaboration and communication across digital engineering teams. It produces clear visual representations of complex systems, making understanding system relationships, dependencies, and potential impact easier.
Beyond system optimization, the visualization of data can directly impact operational efficiency in areas like logistics, procurement, and resource management.
Visualization tools enable quicker, better resource allocation by simplifying the interpretation of complex data. In addition, predictive analysis helps organizations forecast needs, identify risks, and optimize processes before problems arise. By simulating various scenarios and analyzing possible outcomes, modeling supports more in-depth forecasting, such as improving maintenance schedules, predicting supply chain requirements, and enhancing cybersecurity readiness.
Visualization goes beyond effectively presenting data. It also uses that data to drive operational improvements and mitigate risks. A PwC study reported that organizations that embrace strategic risk management and leverage visualization techniques are five times more likely to achieve positive outcomes in their operations.
Real-time visualizations offer a significant advantage in environments requiring immediate response, such as defense, cybersecurity, emergency management, and healthcare.
By providing live updates on system performance or resource allocation, these visual tools provide live data to take swift, informed actions—crucial for optimizing missions and reducing risks.
Data visualizations should be intuitive and straightforward to understand. Employ these best practices to help those interpreting your data:
Data visualization and modeling are vital for improving system performance and operational efficiency. While visualization provides an overt summary of complex data, modeling forms the backbone that enables deeper analysis, uncovering patterns and trends that may not be immediately visible.
As data continues to expand, the role of visualization and modeling in improving performance will only become more critical.
Sumaria Systems is a reliable and trusted industry partner that uses a series of services, including advisory, assistance, and advanced analytics AI, to convert documents into integrated and interconnected digital models. With over forty years of experience, numerous ISO and CMMI Level 3 certifications, and a clean compliance record with UTD registrations in SAM.gov, Sumaria is a trusted option for government contract awards, with no history of suspension or debarment. Contact Sumaria during your next program to get support for the nation's vital missions with the highest degree of responsiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency.