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It’s difficult to imagine decision-making process without data. Current business uses BI tools that can change «rules of play». The main tools’ benefit, besides data analysis, is the ability to make in-depth insights and organize effectively specialists’ work to optimize business activities.

BI tools are designed to help organizations in decisional process. Every tool has its own unique traits and abilities. But there are some factors that promote a successful integration with the company.

1. Data storage

Regardless of the fact that many companies already have cloud or local data warehouse at the time of BI tool implementation, the presence of a dedicated cloud solution not to come amiss. Such option can massively simplify an integration process for a company that works with limited data warehouse.

Tableau – this platform offers the most limited data storage solution that can be deployed only from Salesforce cloud solution;

Power BI – data storage can be deployed from local servers and using Azure Microsoft cloud solution;

Qlik Sense – this platform allows to deploy data storage from private, public cloud, local servers or three variants combination. The benefit is cloud independence that allows to use different cloud solution.

2. Embedded analytics

BI tools are often integrated in mature companies with developed and optimized workflows. An ability to implement analytical mechanisms into business applications and systems promotes workflow issues minimization.

Tableau – dashboards can be embedded throughout the workflow, but other metrics and individual values are not available for embedding;

Power BI – almost every qualification user has a possibility to embed different objects. But this tool doesn’t prioritize API, so users can have difficulties with setting up;

Qlik Sense – this tool allows to embed metrics, individual values, numbers, entire and partial dashboards within edge devices, portals and workflows. Another Qlik Sense benefit is API prioritizing that provides free start.

3. Use cases

Users need to have a possibility to use BI tool on any application or process for any goals and in any context (research, visualization, report generation and other necessary tasks).

Tableau – this tool covers several use cases that are related to visualization;

Power BI – this tool provides more comprehensive offer using Microsoft products;

Qlik Sense – one interface for all use cases allows users to familiarize themselves quickly. Also, it helps to maintain efficiency throughout the workflow.

4. Data accessibility

Data access doesn’t have to be limited to just a few users. However, the opposite situation when many people can correct the content without proper verification is also unacceptable.

Tableau – a workbook is created by user on his hard drive and after sent to a single server IT double check;

Power BI – authors have self-service access, other users can also explore the content but with limited interactivity. The completed content is sent to a central server for validation and after it is available for circulation;

Qlik Sense – this tool provides end-users with more options. Authors, end-users and other participants between them work on the same server. This enables IT department to validate content of its own and manage content without the intermediate steps.

5. Work mechanism

BI tools provide deep analysis and understanding with the help of powerful data analysis software. The main goal is to provide the most effective solution that will drive business growth.

Tableau – it works on SQL database using query-based approach;

Power BI – it also works on SQL database and provides solutions from query-based searches;

Qlik Sense – an associative approach is one of the tool’s benefits. Explored data sets are broader, users can identify connections and patterns that can be missed in a typical data engine.

Using BI tools in business activities particularly Qlik Sense, companies get big possibilities for business improvement. They can identify connections and patterns, assess risks and define new development options.