With time, dealing with massive amounts of data has become a prerequisite for businesses-hailing from literally all sectors. From midsized and growing ventures to corporate entities operating across the globe, we have to deal with data obtained from multiple sources. The collected data (from offline and web sources) is analyzed, and the insight obtained helps those fathom lots of things related to operations. This also makes it easier for businesses to develop strategies. However, to analyze data and gain insight, they need to use specialized BI and data visualization applications.
Picking the apt BI and data visualization tool
The reality is the BI and data visualization sector is growing fast. Nowadays, you can pick from a lot of BI applications that also pack in advanced data visualization features. Some of the popular options are Power BI, Tableau and Qlik Sense. While Microsoft Excel is not exactly a dedicated BI tool, it does have some data visualization capabilities. A veteran data visualization company can help you utilize such applications in the best manner.
Before you can pick from these popular and widely used BI applications, it is necessary that you know their basics and analyzes how they fare in several key aspects.
Power BI is a powerful and versatile BI and data visualization platform. Offered as a Cloud service, it was initially unveiled as an add-on to the company's popular spreadsheet tool Excel. Over time, it has evolved into a standalone BI tool with advanced data visualization capabilities. It comes in various versions, and the tool offers superb integration with various Microsoft and third-party applications and online services. It also has robust analytics and reports creation features. You will need to hire a veteran power bi consultant to leverage the full power of the application.
Tableau is another popular contender that is used extensively for data analysis and visualization needs. Unveiled in 2003, it is liked a lot by users for its extensive security options and a good level of customization. The UI is also user-friendly, and the drag-and-drop working mechanism works in its favour. Tableau comes in a lot of versions, including Tableau public which costs nothing. Hiring a tableau consultant is recommended to utilize the potential of the platform.
Qlik Sense is the adaption of QlikView, which simplifies the process of creating visualizations from a wide range of data sets. It is offered in a cloud format. The platform is liked for its advanced analytics features. There are three versions to pick from. It also relies a lot on AI technologies. You can check the free trial version before licensing the tool. It's one drawback is it runs only on windows.
Excel is not exactly a BI tool, but it does have some data visualization features embedded. Small-sized entities often use Excel for data visualization needs. Since it comes as a part of the widely used MS Office pack, using it is a no-brainer.
Comparing the popular BI tools
- Data Connectivity
A BI tool must have the capability to import data from multiple sources. Power BI links with many Microsoft and Third party services by default but lacks support for direct SAS linking. Tableau fares well in this department, too but lags behind Power BI in 3rd party app inking. Qlik Sense supports some data sources natively but lags behind two other rivals. It still lacks support for linking with eCommerce and payment processing tools.
- Data Management
All these BI tools excel in the data management segment. Power BI has its Query Editor, while Tableau offers Tableau Prep. Qlik Sense uses AI technologies and analytics for data handling. Its powerful cognitive engine automates data handling workflow.
- Dashboards and Data Visualization
When picking a BI tool, you have to analyze the data visualization capabilities. Power BI has intuitive and highly customizable dashboards, and these are ideal for report generation. Tableau has useful Dashboard Starters, and both tools support animations. Qlik Sense apps offer video player visualization and support animations. It lets you embed YouTube videos.
- Reporting
When it comes to creating and sharing reports from data, all three tools score quite well. They all support ad hoc and scheduled reporting. Power BI has a dedicated Report Server, and its reports can be shared even with those who do not have the tool installed, which is bliss. Qlik Sense lacks default Automatic report delivery, unlike Power BI. Tableau races ahead with its native subscription-based report delivery feature.
- Pricing
Power BI and Tableau have free versions, while Qlik Sense has none. However, the latter offers a trial version for free. The licensed versions of Power BI and Tableau are on the costlier side. The free versions of Tableau and Power BI, however, do not skimp on features.
- Security and tracking
When you use a BI and data analysis tool, the security of data is of utmost importance. Power B features a handy activity log. It also comes with data encryption. Tableau offers LogShark and TabMon- 2 open-source tools to assess usage and performance of Tableau Server. Qlik Sense offers advanced Telemetry Logging and Content Security policies to thwart Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
- Advanced Analytics
These three tools let you perform advanced data analysis using statistical functions and Ai-powered simulations. Power BI uses EM algorithms and supports predictive modelling forecasting. Tableau supports R and Python for advanced analytics. Qlik Sense scores well in this department, and it supports PMML through sync with the KNIME Analytics Platform. Its R plugin enables users to use bi-variate linear analysis.
- IoT Analytics
IoT is an emerging branch of technology, and modern BI tools support IoT analytics. Power BI blends with Azure IoT Hub and Azure Stream Analytics. Tableau does support data syncing with IoT devices. Qlik Sense comes with a powerful Qlik Data Integration Platform.
- Mobile App
All three BI tools have mobile apps. Power BI features an intuitive mobile application that has many handy features. Tableau's mobile app is nifty though it lacks support for Collaboration and does not support Tableau Public version. Qlik Sense mobile app is feature–rich.
Is Excel well suited for Data visualization?
Excel is basically a spreadsheet application with some handy data visualization features. It is not good for coping with real-time unstructured data. It fares badly when dealing with data formats like JSON. While you can technically develop dashboards in Excel, they are largely static. This is an area where the mainstream BI tools race ahead. They let you create dynamic and interactive dashboards. Excel lacks support for real-time data refresh as well. It does link to external data sources through plug-ins, but tools like Power BI can accomplish that natively.
Excel does support cloud access, but it is meant primarily for individual use. Most modern BI tools foster collaboration, and they are offered as SaaS models. When it comes to processing large chunks of Data, Excel is slower than Power BI. To ensure you can use Excel as a data visualization tool, it is better to hire an excel consulting company.
Picking the apt data visualization tool
For basic data visualization needs, Excel can be used, but it is not recommended for large or growing companies with advanced analytics and real-time data sharing needs. Power BI is well suited for companies that use a lot of Microsoft applications already. Tableau is also versatile as a BI tool. Qlik Sense is also pretty good, but it is limited to windows only.