Visualization and Delivering Data to Enhance Situational Awareness

Visualization solutions can enable better and faster decision making

Critical decision making requires access to information. Organizations rely on data visualization to present a common operating picture for more efficient assessment, faster analysis and improved responses. It can also play an essential role in enhancing surveillance systems that use cameras, as they generate large amounts of data that can be difficult to analyze manually.

Data visualization has evolved considerably since its beginnings. Early systems were as simple as line graphs and bar charts that were primarily used to display statistics to help people understand complex numerical data. The advent of the internet led to a proliferation of data visualization tools and the development of interactive and real-time visualizations.

One of the major developments in recent years has been the introduction of interactive and dynamic visualizations, allowing users to explore data in real time and gain insights that were previously difficult or even impossible to realize through traditional static charts and graphs.

Another key development has been the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence into data visualization tools, which allows users to generate predictive models and perform advanced data analytics. 

There are numerous benefits to seeing a comprehensive view of operations through modern data visualization tools. Organizations can make better decisions when they have a more complete and more accurate picture of their operations. By presenting data in an easy-to-understand format, modern visualization tools allow decision makers to identify patterns, trends and anomalies that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Leveraging Data to Improve Operations 

Data visualization tools can help organizations improve operational efficiencies by identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies and potential areas for improvement. For example, a manufacturing plant might use data visualization to track its production process and identify where delays occur, allowing for adjustments and increased productivity.

Current data visualization tools communicate complex ideas and information to a broad audience using a visually appealing format and delivering a comprehensive view of operations. They allow organizations of all sizes to share insights with stakeholders and customers in an informative way, increasing engagement and enabling decision-makers to quickly comprehend situations.

Visual quality, 24/7 reliability, intuitive user interfaces and good workspace ergonomics all play a part in ensuring that crucial data is available and readily actionable. A key component of visualization for monitoring and collaborating across an enterprise is the use of video walls, which are found extensively in public safety, commercial enterprises, defense, energy, transportation, education, infrastructure and military applications. Typical installations include such sites as control rooms, command centers, process control systems, security operations centers, traffic management centers and emergency operations centers.

Effective visualization solutions combine data from various sources, reliably and securely disseminating mission-critical information to multiple destinations across an enterprise and between organizations, from a video wall in a control room to a computer monitor across a campus or a cell phone anywhere in the world.

There should be a modular network of decision support components and systems, such as an AV-over-IP platform that excels even in bandwidth-constrained environments, KVM-over-IP, recorders, desktop multiviewers and video wall processors to meet any requirement.  

Finally, simpler, unified control can be achieved by consolidating multiple keyboards and mice into a single keyboard and mouse for all applications. This results in improved operational efficiency, streamlined workflow and reduced operator fatigue.