Business is a dynamic field and hence since the time of globalization and technology advancement data has emerged as one of the most important strategic business resources. Specifically, business analytics tools can be used when trying to draw meaning out of immense raw data. Such tools help to identify patterns, predict and plan for the future, and manage the organization based on the data collected. Below are seven incredible business analytics tools that you should consider bringing to your business intelligence arsenal.
Tableau
Tableau is among the most used and effective business analytics tools in the present time. This tool is considered highly intuitive and convenient to use, with the possibility of developing outstanding visuals. Using Tableau, a user is able to extract data from other programs such as other spreadsheets, other sources of databases, cloud service providers, and Installment Business Software to then create dashboards and reports. One of the major features that can be considered as a clear advantage is the drag-and-drop solution that enables even those who do not have any knowledge of programming languages to create quite rich, frequently complex visualizations.
Tableau possesses capability to process data in real time and offers high end analytical features is the reason why Tableau is endowed as the choice of organizations. It features an extensive chart, map, and Graph library that helps users to visualize the patterns in the data better. Moreover, Tableau also provides strong collaboration tools; this makes it easy for the teams to share the findings and ideas as well as work on the projects related to data analysis.
Power BI
There is another tool to carry out business analytics called power BI which is developed by Microsoft and which is also very popular these days. Power BI connects directly to other products which include excel, azure, and SQL server making it an all rounder business analytics tool. That is why it is loved by professionals due to easy navigation and qualitative data representation.
Power BI is a tool that enables users to develop and design simple and interactive dashboards and reports on the performance of the businesses in a single click. The descriptive functions created through artificial intelligence, including natural language processing and machine learning, improve the analysis function of the tool. It also offers many options of data connectivity, which allows users to transfer data from other applications and analyze results in real-time mode.
Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a business intelligence and analytics application that is self – service providing capabilities. It enables the user to wander in the data and build one’s own visualization. The areas of functionality that we can discuss as key characteristics of Qlik Sense are: Associative data model; Connection of two or more dimensions; Data instincts; Data storytelling.
Another aspect that can be pointed out about Qlik Sense is the robust data acquisition tools. It also supports most types of data sources such as databases, clouds, and big data platforms, to name a few. From a client’s perspective, the tool is mobile-friendly, which allows users to view the analysis on any screen size and from any location. On the social aspect, Qlik Sense also has powerful collaboration and shared components that let the teams work in an optimal manner.
SAS Business Intelligence
SAS Business Intelligence is a single package whereby an organization can find a variety of tools to address its needs. SAS BI is one of the powerful reporting tools that provide features of statistical analysis and extensive forecasting methods. Presently the tool is equipped with facets such as data visualization, customized reporting, and analysis mechanisms.
SAS BI is a strong tool for performing analytical computations on large volumes of data, which makes it suitable for large companies. The primary functionality of the tool as an application consists of a drag-and-drop feature and pre-designed templates to contribute to report and dashboard generation. Furthermore, SAS BI is extensible with other SAS products so users can take advantage of the coherent BI system.
Looker
Looker is a new generation business analytics tool that is centered around discovery of data. Looker was later on acquired by Google Cloud and is used in giving organizations a single solution for report generation and other analysis needs as well as the ability to make special designed dashboards. This distinguishes the tool concerning data modeling since users can follow metrics and dimensions in a consistent manner across the organization.
Due to Looker’s browser-based UI and its sleek responsive design one can access Looker from any device. It supports almost all types of data sources such as SQL databases and big data platforms cloud services. Another major advantage of Looker is that it has a very strong API that makes it easy for it to fit into other organizations’ applications. The features of sharing tools in a collaborative manner enable different teams to share information and work in unison.
Domo
Domo is an online business intelligence tool that provides all the necessary tools for the processing and analysis of information, as well as for the creation of reports and other materials for shared use. Due to its simple design and great data merging abilities, it is widely used by various companies. By showing Domo’s compatibility to connect with multiple sources of data and retrieve data in one location, this becomes Domo’s point of sale.
Using Domo, one is able to build dashboards and reports through which such KPIs can be viewed in real-time all in a relatively interactive fashion. Such decision-making includes the use of the tool’s Forecasting capability, analytics and machine learning capabilities. For flexibility in data visualization and easy collaboration Domo also provides deep integration across many social collaboration applications. To sum up, the utility of the platform’s mobile app means that the clients will be able to obtain various types of data while on the move, thus making the platform appropriate for contemporary business environments.
Google Data Studio
Google Data Studio is an interface with which one can create business intelligence reports applying information visualization techniques. This integration with other Google products like Google Analytics, Google Sheets, Google BIQ makes it useful when working with other Google applications. Data Studio is generally easy to use and does not require prior programming knowledge because it has a graphical user interface and elements like drag-and-drop.
Google Data Studio also allows its users to connect to different data sources and build their own and unique visualizations. Charting options and data manipulation capabilities of this tool are rather versatile, so the users will be able to get what they actually require. Data Studio has features to allow multiple users to collaborate on the same report and share it with other users. Its real time data enhances the benefit aspect in that the user will always be in possession of the most current data.
Conclusion
All in all, business analytics tools belong to the scope of tools that can be vital for organizations aiming at effective data management. Tableau, Power BI, Qlik Sense, SAS Business Intelligence, Looker, Domo, and Google Data Studio show different functionality and options to solve various business challenges. For this reason, the utilization of these tools would enable the business to gather insight, make the right decision and hence, grow.
No matter the business size of the firm, there is a business analytics tool that is most suitable for your needs and goals. All these tools have their own advantages that is why before making a choice general requirements should be estimated. Applying suitable business analytics tools is the key to unlock the potential and bring the change in the way businesses function in the modern world.
