Data recording systems (including flight data recorders and health and usage monitoring systems) generate encoded digital files capturing system states, subsystem performance, structural loads, and other parameters. This information is extremely useful, but it is often stored in closed/proprietary file formats. RMCI has developed a universal data decoder technology called Intelligent Data File Interpretation™ (IDFI™). The IDFI™ software uses novel algorithms to quickly and efficiently decode these complex data files into common, usable formats. It is faster and more effective than manual format discovery, and it significantly reduces the labor required for data translation. It also eliminates the need for expensive single-format decoding tools and reduces risks associated with format changes. By increasing the accessibility of data, the IDFI™ tool will significantly improve program efficiency and performance for any organization with closed-format binary data.