Top Data Visualization Tools for 2021
The amount of data generated and consumed by organizations is growing at an astounding rate.
The total volume of data and information worldwide has risen from approximately 2 zettabytes in 2010 to 74 in 2021, according to online data service Statistica. By 2024 the figure is expected to hit 149 zettabytes.
As organizations find themselves awash in data, there’s a growing need to make it digestible, understandable and actionable. Data visualization software takes direct aim at the task by creating static or moving images that communicate concepts in a way that words and numbers alone cannot.
By representing myriad data points graphically it’s possible to peer deeper into important numbers, trends, metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). These dashboards and graphics may take the form of pie charts, bar charts, scatter plots, polar area diagrams, heat maps, timelines, ring charts, matrix charts, word clouds and many other types of representations.
Not surprisingly, data visualization tools have moved out from the shadow of data scientists and IT departments and into the hands of business users. Organizations are now using visualization software to better understand scenarios as varied as customer sentiment and behavior, real-time sales, health care trends, departmental goals and market research, to name a few. In addition, advertisers and media organizations use these tools to generate eye-catching graphics and infographics.
Of course, different data visualization solutions approach the task differently. Some lean toward more conventional business intelligence (BI) functions while others plug in live data from social media and various applications residing in the enterprise. Some of these tools also incorporate machine learning and AI to deliver more advanced functionality — and insights. Most packages include templates and connectors for building robust models, graphics and dashboards.
If you’re in the market for a data visualization solution, take the time to understand what various vendors and applications offer, how they work and whether they’re able to accommodate your organization’s data visualization needs — and pricing preferences.
It’s important to focus on several factors when selecting a data visualization solution.
What type of visualizations do you require? Not surprisingly, different data visualization applications provide different ways to aggregate and view data. Make sure you can easily connect to and input the data you require. Most of these packages come with a robust set of APIs for ingesting data. What types of platform does the software run on and what devices does it support? Some solutions are cloud-based and others reside on desktop and even mobile devices. Some vendors that support an on-premises model have applications that run only on Windows. This can present problems if you have teams using Macs. Does the package adequately support your organization’s performance requirements? Some applications encounter difficulties with extremely large files, and some don’t perform well in certain situations. If the rendering engine can’t support the speed required for web pages and real-time dashboards, you may have a problem. Does the application integrate with your workflows? Flexibility and scalability are often crucial. You may need to change templates, inputs or criteria from time to time — including through other programs and platforms connected through APIs. Make sure the program can support these changes. What does vendor support look like? An application may produce stunning visualizations. Yet building these visualizations can be extraordinarily difficult. Make sure a vendor offers solid documentation and support, including videos and tutorials. Also, check on whether the vendor offers 24×7 phone support if you get bogged down. What does the package cost? Some solutions, such as Google Data Studio, are free.
