Visual Data Analytics

We’re consistently hearing how valuable data is today, how important it is to the success of every organization, along with the stats of the exponentially-increasing amounts and sources of data now available. But what most find when actually trying to put this data to active use is a case of easier said than done. SAP BusinessObjects Lumira, however, makes it possible to pull data from a variety of sources, examine it all in one user-friendly environment, and output reports quickly in engaging and visual ways – and perhaps most notably, without a degree in data science. With direct connectivity to SAP BusinessObjects or SAP Crystal Server software semantic layers as well as various personal data sources, SAP BusinessObjects Lumira combines disparate data into a single view for maximum efficacy; and once connected to the SAP HANA platform, pulling answers from near-limitless data becomes virtually instantaneous.

Accessible & User-Friendly

Ensuring users across the business have speedy access to insights, SAP BusinessObjects Lumira lowers the reliance on IT departments. With self-service delivery of insights, IT teams aren’t required to help with each and every question, and the data discovery functions available connect directly to the enterprise so that IT departments can focus on the delivery of information timeously while upholding good governance procedures.

Of particular note is SAP BusinessObjects Lumira’s straightforward platform that combines point-and-click manipulation with practical visualization tools. Data can be prepared and enhanced with geographic and time hierarchies, formatting and cleaning data is uncomplicated, and sophisticated formulas can be added without the need for any coding; and perhaps most remarkable, all transformations created are automatically applied to refreshed and new data. Once the data preparation is complete, SAP BusinessObjects Lumira makes sure valuable insights aren’t overlooked due to engaging visualizations built effortlessly through the drag-and-drop interface. Beautiful graphics and visualizations ensure data analytics express perceptions and trends through a range of available charts and graphs and provide the opportunity to see the big picture at a glance or drill down to details.

The Value of Visualization

Dan Roam, international bestselling author and visual-thinking leader, makes a strong case for business and data presentations relying on simple visuals; putting this tactic to good use ensures clarity, comprehension, and conversion. For centuries, language has relied on pictorial communication and though what we experience today is a far more complex form than ever before, charts, maps, schematics and graphics often provide the best way to understand complex data. Considering further that insights from Cisco’s 2015 Visual Networking Index state that 90% of all data transmitted today is visual, combining business data management with visualization (As seen with the example visual below) should be the obvious next step.

But making use of visualization isn’t just about consistency; though we don’t yet know the precise figures, it’s estimated that half to two-thirds of brain activity is dedicated to vision with the majority of brain power dedicated to visual processing and the combination of visual inputs with the inputs of other senses. And so, visualization isn’t just an easier way to communicate, it’s a stronger form of interaction better able to convey information.

For organizations working with data and data exchange, visualizations offer improved comprehension through story-telling modes and further ensure that the greatest part of brain functioning is focused on the pertinent data. SAP BusinessObjects Lumira doesn’t just make this possible; it actively promotes superior data management and performance for rapid insights and improved agility.

Sponsored spotlight series by SAP

By Jennifer Klostermann