As a reporting mechanism, dashboards offer businesses the ability to move beyond figures and data, into a world were aggregated information and display metrics can be consumed and understood by simply looking and absorbing.

Decision making with dashboards

According to Gartner research, dashboards help by improving decision making by using intuitive visualisation. Rita Sallam, research vice president at Gartner explained that the challenge of consuming large data sets is a huge setback for many firms.

“Data preparation is one of most difficult and time-consuming challenges facing business users of BI and data discovery tools, as well as advanced analytics platforms. However, data preparation capabilities are emerging that will provide business users and analysts the ability to extend the scope of self-service,” said Ms. Sallam

Because not everyone is born with an equal ability to dismantle difficult data sets and large sections of information. Dashboard visualisations also allow for a broader range of strategic understanding across a firm, as decision making is made easier through a more egalitarian approach to disseminating data.

Our brains absorb visual information faster.

Visual data also helps with the overall strategy of a company, as a greater number of employees are able to access trends and other forms of business intelligence – not just upper management. Rita Sallam, research vice president at Gartner, confirms that new developments in business intelligence analysis, like dashboards, will open the floor up to a lot more users.

“Smart data discovery has the potential to expand access to sophisticated interactive analysis and insights to business consumers and non-traditional BI user – the approximately 70 per cent of users in organisations that currently do not use BI tools or have statistical backgrounds,” said Ms. Sallam.

Information management solutions

It is fair to say that any successful information management solution combines an intricate mix of business process and technology. The aim should always be to generate a clearer picture for all – and this is exactly what dashboards do best.

Moving beyond just dashboards, recent Garter research states that, by 2017, business will be equipped with data discovery tools that incorporate smart data discovery capabilities. These smart data additions build significantly on the abilities of interactive analysis.

How can CDP help?

CDP combines IBM’s information management platform with our own in-house experience; our goal is to discover purposeful solutions as well as add meaningful value to your firm. For information on how CDP can help your company determine the value of your firms information management projects, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.