The Role of Data Visualization Consultants in Driving Decision-Making

Despite powerful visualization tools, many still struggle to utilize the complete potential of their data. 

If you feel the same way, consider hiring data visualization consultants. These experts help turn your unstructured data into compelling stories.

Want to know how? Dig into the blog to learn how data visualization consultants can help you drive decision-making with your data. 

Data visualization consultants design and develop data visualizations and dashboards for businesses and firms. 

• They translate data into visual information using graphs and charts. 
• The information then becomes accessible to everyone and easy to understand.
• They create user-friendly dashboards using data visualization tools like PowerBI, Tableau, and Infogram. 
• Moreover, they are experts in storytelling using business intelligence tools with your data.

What are the Tasks of Data Visualization Consultants?

Consider data visualization consultants as translators who convert raw data into appealing visualizations. They offer expertise, advice, and insights for your data.

A few specific tasks that data visualization consultants do:

• Access data processes and recommend best practices
• Manage and implement data solutions
• Educate team members on the data visualization process
• Train employees in data management and analysis
• Help identify potential risks, problems and opportunities
• Create data models
• Generate reports and dashboards
• Develop data security protocols
• Help businesses recognize their most valuable data assets
• Provide technical support

Data visualization specialists have the complete expertise to understand your data inside out. 

Why are Data Visualization Consultants Required?

You may have the best visualization tool or know the most favorable data visualization technique for communicating complex information, revealing patterns and telling stories. But, creating visually compelling visualizations can be difficult. 

Therefore, you might need data visualization specialists for many reasons. Here are the three most common reasons:

• They can help you understand the big picture of your company data.
• Consultants help with decision-making analytics.
• It is handy for them to identify trends in your raw data.

Data visualization consultants help you bring that value to your visuals with their expertise and knowledge. Let's look at how these consultants can reveal the hidden value of your data. 

Data visualization consultants can be the most valuable asset for your business. Not only do they streamline your data, but they also recommend the best tools. They handle repetitive tasks and other time-consuming data activities. 

Hiring a data visualization expert has many benefits. Let’s summarize the big ones and see how to leverage their expertise for your business. 

1. Enhanced Data Interpretation

Data visualization consultants bridge the gap between unorganized data into meaningful insights. By simplifying complicated data assets, they turn the unprocessed data into easy-to-understand representations. 

• Aesthetically pleasing data visualizations are easy for everyone to understand, regardless of their technical knowledge.
• Experts uncover trends, relationships and anomalies.
• They help craft stories with your data that make data more engaging.

Data visualization consultants focus on what truly matters and deliver a picture.

2. Better Decision Making

A thorough understanding of the data is crucial. Data visualization consultants have the expertise to comprehend the data to unlock its core potential. 

• They have the clarity and insights into the data that help make data-driven decisions.
• Not all charts are the same. Experts know to select the most appropriate visualization types for your data.
• They ensure that the information is presented accurately and delivers the intended message.

Data visualization specialists use sophisticated visualization techniques to foster quick decision-making and lead to enhanced business outcomes. 

3. Reduced Risks

Data visualization consultants help businesses identify hidden risks, such as sales dips or security gaps. They do this by identifying hidden trends that would otherwise be missed. These patterns expose potential risks.

• The potential pitfalls identified by experts help mitigate risks.
• Businesses also become aware of emerging competitors or a shift in customer requirements. 
• With sharp data insights, businesses get the privilege to make better choices. 
• For example, an expert can make a dashboard that tracks KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) related to cyber security attacks. 

Thus, you can monitor risks and take steps to mitigate them with the help of a consultant.

4. Increased ROI

Consultants help businesses make informed decisions that lead to optimal resource allocation. Improved business outcomes eventually maximize the return on investment (ROI.)

• Businesses can facilitate operations, downsize costs and boost productivity as consultants help find bottlenecks.
• They help boost sales and customer trust by understanding the market trends and customer behaviors.
• Experts visualize data that reveals profitable areas of your business. 

Data visualization specialists have expertise in making data more accessible, actionable, and operational. By leveraging their knowledge, businesses can gain tangible business value.

5. Tailored Solutions

Data visualization consultants understand your business and data. They bring clarity according to your specific business goals and challenges. 

• With numerous visualization tools available, such as Tableau and Power BI, experts help you find the one that best fits your data and budget. 
• By keeping future data growth in mind, they create visualizations that can integrate with your system.
• Experts understand the importance of the target audience. They create visuals that are easy to understand by the target audience.

Thus, the experts provide tailored solutions for impactful data visualization and create visuals that meet your unique requirements.

Of course, data visualization consultants are experts in their field. But how do you know if they are well-versed in your business? 

So, before hiring an expert, ask these top 10 questions. 

1. Can the consultant walk you through the process of understanding a business? 
2. How does the consultant translate a client's business goals into data visualization strategies?
3. Does the expert have a project example that showcases the skills and knowledge?
4. What data visualization tools is the consultant proficient in?
5. What is the process of selecting a tool for a specific business?
6. How does the consultant perform data cleaning and transformation before creating visuals? 
7. What is the consultant's way of communicating with an organization's necessary teams or members?
8. Does the consultant provide tailored solutions?
9. Is there transparency when it comes to both technical and non-technical decision-making?
10. How does the consultant ensure the security and privacy of data during the entire process?

These intuitive questions can help you assess the consultant's approach, expertise and communication style. 

Hiring a data visualization consultant brings many benefits to your business. The experts partner with you and understand your data. They ensure that you make smarter choices with your data. 

If you want clarity with your data, our experienced consultants at Augmented are here to help. Feel free to contact us today.