Navigating the Challenges of Data Visualization in Life Sciences: Key Insights

Visualizing complex biological data is foundational to modern research and an essential part of managed IT services for life sciences. Before we dive into common challenges, here’s a quick overview from Scott Scheirey on how life sciences teams can streamline their workflows using AWS-based solutions.

Data visualization is crucial in life sciences, where scientists rely on visual representations of data to make informed decisions. However, many organizations lack the IT infrastructure to properly support these visualizations. In this blog post by Scott Scheirey, Scientific Partner Advisor of PTP, we'll explore common issues and how to overcome them using AWS tools and scientific computing IT support designed specifically for research and bioinformatics workloads.

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Overview

Visualizations like volcano plots, violin plots, and spatial maps are essential tools for computational biologists and data scientists. These help make sense of raw datasets from genomics, proteomics, and imaging workflows. To support these needs, organizations often require IT services for biotech labs and robust cloud infrastructure designed for high-performance analytics.

In a recent discussion with a client, Scott identified a recurring pain point: it’s often not the visualizations themselves that are problematic, but the backend infrastructure. Supporting pipelines require open-source tools, cloud-native platforms, and reliable IT services for CROs and regulated research environments.

Challenges with Data Retrieval and Transfer

Retrieving and transferring data from storage platforms like AWS S3 and Amazon Glacier can present delays and complications. Life sciences teams frequently use ELNs such as Benchling for data entry, but when analysis tools are disconnected from core infrastructure, it creates bottlenecks. That’s where managed cloud services for life sciences come into play, ensuring smooth, automated data flow.

PTP helps clients build data strategies that align storage platforms, visualization tools, and lab systems—minimizing inefficiencies and improving compliance.

Choosing the Right Visualization Tools

Tools like Amazon QuickSight, Spotfire, and Tableau are widely used in biotech. Each serves a different use case, from rapid dashboards to in-depth visualizations. Selecting the right tool is key—and it’s where biotech IT support from providers familiar with research workflows is essential.

PTP’s approach integrates IT consulting for life sciences with long-term scalability in mind, ensuring that your workflows can grow alongside your data and research demands.

Overcoming the Challenges: Key Takeaways

1. Evaluate Your Infrastructure: Ensure your IT infrastructure for life sciences companies is reliable, scalable, and optimized for bioinformatics workloads.

2. Streamline Data Transfer: Partner with a managed IT provider for biotech companies that can align your ELN, storage, and analysis tools.

3. Choose the Right Tools: Select platforms that meet current needs and integrate with the broader IT environment. PTP provides MSP services for lab compliance and visualization scaling.

4. Plan for the Future: Use flexible platforms and workflows that can evolve. Whether you’re a startup or established firm, outsourced IT services for life sciences help support long-term innovation.

If you're interested in learning more about data visualization in life sciences and how to streamline your workflows, check out PTP on the AWS Marketplace and their Cloud Ops for Life Science Startups. With the right approach and support from scientific computing IT support experts, you can overcome these challenges and focus on advancing research.