Visualize - Data Visualization Overview

Transform your IoT data into actionable insights with ControlCom Connect visualization tools. Create real-time dashboards and interactive diagrams to monitor your devices, assets, and infrastructure.

Introduction

After you've Connected your devices, Collected data through the Edge Server, Stored it in the Timescale database, and Analyzed it with Platform Explorer, the Visualize stage allows you to create compelling visual representations of your data. ControlCom Connect provides two powerful visualization tools to help you monitor and understand your IoT infrastructure.

Visualization makes complex data accessible and actionable by presenting it in formats that are easy to understand at a glance, whether you need real-time monitoring dashboards or detailed system architecture diagrams.

Video Overview

Watch this comprehensive overview to understand the visualization capabilities available in ControlCom Connect:

Follow along with the video walkthrough above, or continue reading for detailed information on each visualization type.

Visualization Types

ControlCom Connect offers two complementary visualization tools, each designed for specific use cases:

Platform Dashboards

Platform Dashboards provide real-time and historical data visualization through customizable widgets and layouts. Dashboards are ideal for monitoring current system status, tracking key performance indicators, and analyzing trends over time.

Key Capabilities:

• Real-time data displays with automatic updates
• Historical trend charts and graphs
• Customizable widget library (gauges, charts, status indicators, etc.)
• Multi-device and multi-variable monitoring
• Responsive layouts for any screen size
• Role-based sharing and permissions

Best For:

• Operations monitoring and control rooms
• KPI tracking and performance dashboards
• Trend analysis and historical comparisons
• Executive summaries and reporting
• Mobile monitoring on tablets and phones

Learn more about Platform Dashboards → | Create Your First Dashboard →

Platform Diagrams

Platform Diagrams provide SCADA-like one-line diagram functionality for visualizing system architecture, electrical distribution, and equipment interconnections. Diagrams overlay live data directly onto your system drawings.

Key Capabilities:

• One-line electrical diagram creation
• Standard electrical symbols (IEEE/IEC)
• Real-time data overlays on diagram elements
• Interactive components with drill-down capabilities
• Custom symbol library and graphics
• Alarm indicators on affected equipment
• Multiple diagram types (electrical, mechanical, process)

Best For:

• Electrical distribution systems
• Generator and utility monitoring
• Equipment interconnection documentation
• Control system architecture
• Facility layouts and floor plans
• Process flow visualization

Learn more about Platform Diagrams →

When to Use Each Type

Both visualization types are powerful, but they serve different purposes. Here's how to choose the right tool for your needs:

Choose Platform Dashboards When:

• You need to monitor multiple metrics and KPIs in one view
• Historical trends and comparisons are important
• You want mobile-friendly responsive layouts
• Users need different views based on roles or responsibilities
• You're creating executive summaries or high-level overviews
• The focus is on data values and trends rather than physical relationships

Choose Platform Diagrams When:

• You need to show physical or logical system architecture
• Equipment interconnections and relationships are important
• You're working with electrical distribution systems
• SCADA-like one-line diagrams are required
• Facility layouts or equipment locations need visualization
• Process flows and system topology are being documented
• The focus is on how components relate to each other

Use Both Together:

Many users combine dashboards and diagrams for comprehensive monitoring:

• Dashboards for high-level metrics and KPIs
• Diagrams for detailed system architecture and troubleshooting
• Link from dashboard widgets to related diagrams for drill-down analysis
• Use diagrams in control rooms with dashboards for operations teams

Getting Started

To begin visualizing your data:

Step 1: Choose Your Visualization Type

Decide whether you need a dashboard, diagram, or both based on your monitoring requirements and the guidance above.

Step 2: Access the Visualization Tools

From the ControlCom Connect platform:

• Navigate to Visualize > Dashboards for dashboard creation
• Navigate to Visualize > Diagrams for diagram creation

Step 3: Create Your First Visualization

Follow the detailed guides for each type:

• Platform Dashboards Overview - Learn to create dashboards with widgets and real-time data
• Platform Diagrams Overview - Learn to create one-line diagrams with live data overlays

Step 4: Connect to Your Data

Both visualization types allow you to:

• Select devices and variables from your organization
• Configure display formats and units
• Set up color-coded thresholds for visual alerts
• Choose update frequencies for real-time monitoring

Step 5: Share and Collaborate

Once created, you can:

• Share visualizations with team members
• Set role-based access permissions
• Create organization-wide monitoring views
• Export or embed visualizations as needed

Prerequisites

Before creating visualizations, ensure you have:

• Connected devices to your organization via Edge Server
• Collected data from those devices
• Stored data in the Timescale database
• Optionally Analyzed your data in Platform Explorer to understand what to visualize

Start visualizing your IoT data today by exploring the detailed guides for Platform Dashboards and Platform Diagrams.