How can facility data be presented to maintenance staff in a way that is easily understandable?

1 Data visualization basics

Data visualization is the process of transforming data into graphical or visual forms, such as charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, or infographics. Data visualization can help maintenance staff to see patterns, trends, anomalies, and correlations in facility data, as well as to compare and benchmark performance across different assets, locations, or time periods. Data visualization can also help to simplify complex or large data sets, and to highlight key insights or actionable recommendations.

2 Data visualization tools

Data visualization tools come in a variety of forms, from simple spreadsheet applications to sophisticated software platforms. These tools provide access to various data sources, such as sensors, meters, databases, or files. They can handle different data formats and convert or transform data as needed. Data analysis functions allow for filtering, sorting, grouping, aggregating, calculating, or modeling data with statistical or analytical methods. Data presentation capabilities include creating and customizing different types of visualizations with the appropriate visual elements. Data interaction features enable zooming, panning, scrolling, selecting, hovering, drilling down, or slicing data with dynamic or interactive features. Finally, data sharing options allow for exporting, printing, embedding, or publishing data visualizations with collaborative or communication features.

3 Data visualization best practices

To present facility data to maintenance staff in a way that is easily understandable, it is important to follow some data visualization best practices. First, define the purpose and audience of the data visualization. Then, choose the right type and format of the data visualization based on the purpose and the audience. Lastly, follow the design principles of clarity, accuracy, simplicity, and consistency when creating and customizing data visualizations. Clarity means that the data visualization should be easy to read and understand, while accuracy means that it should reflect the data accurately and honestly. Simplicity means that it should avoid unnecessary or distracting elements, while consistency means that it should use consistent and coherent visual elements.

4 Data reporting basics

Data reporting is the process of organizing, summarizing, and presenting data in a structured and standardized way, such as reports, documents, or presentations. Data reporting can help maintenance staff to communicate and document facility data, as well as to monitor and evaluate performance, compliance, or progress. Data reporting can also help to provide context, explanation, or interpretation for data visualizations, and to support decision making or action taking.

5 Data reporting tools

Data reporting tools come in a variety of forms, from word processors and presentation software to specialized platforms. Common features and functions include the ability to connect to various data sources, handle different data formats, perform basic or advanced data analysis, create and customize reports, interact with reports, and share them with others. Additionally, these tools can arrange or align data or data visualizations in reports, apply statistical or analytical methods, select the appropriate layout and style for reports, use dynamic or interactive features, export, print, email, or publish reports, and use collaborative or communication features.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?