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Engineering the Future: The Impact and Potential of Data-Centric Approaches

By Dick Weisinger

Data-centric engineering sits at the interface of data science and engineering, combining mathematical modeling with the latest advances in big data and Artificial Intelligence. This approach is dedicated to the transformative impact of data science for research and practice across all areas of engineering. It improves the reliability, resilience, safety, efficiency, and usability of engineered systems.

Data visualization plays a crucial role in this process. Techniques such as line plots, bar plots, histograms, and scatter plots are commonly used to make complex data understandable. These techniques help in identifying patterns, distributions, correlations, and spotting outliers in complex datasets.

Sharing engineering data across a company is a high priority but can be challenging due to the complexity of the data and the proprietary software used for building and working on the models. However, new technologies are simplifying the mechanics of data-sharing across and between organizations, all while preserving privacy. “Simply put, data gains value when it is shared. Gartner predicts that by 2023, organizations that promote data-sharing will outperform their peers in most business metrics”.

Companies are exploring opportunities to create seamless, secure data-sharing capabilities that can help them monetize their information assets. Vertical platforms have formed within individual industries to share data and provide solutions to targeted needs. For example, Airbus’s Skywise and Penske’s Fleet Insight provide benchmarking and other services using aggregated data from airlines and logistics providers, respectively.

The future of data-centric engineering is promising. Machine learning pioneer Andrew Ng argues that focusing on the quality of data fueling AI systems will help unlock its full power. He advocates for “data-centric AI,” which he describes as “the discipline of systematically engineering the data needed to build a successful AI system”.

The shift towards data-centric engineering is already underway, with significant implications for businesses and industries. As we continue to improve our ability to visualize and share complex engineering data, we can expect to see further advancements and efficiencies in the field. The future of data-centric engineering is not just a possibility; it’s a reality that’s unfolding right before our eyes.

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