A system is provided for analyzing metabolomics data received from an analytical device across a group of samples. The system automatically receives a data matrix corresponding to each of the samples, wherein the data matrix includes rows corresponding to each of the samples and columns corresponding to a group of ions present in the respective samples. A processor is provided for determining a characteristic value corresponding to at least one of a group of components present in the samples, wherein the components are made up of at least a portion of the group of ions, using at least one of a correlation function and a factorization function. A user interface is in communication with the processor for displaying a visual indication of the characteristic value such that a user may receive a visual indication of the types of components present in the samples.