With the advent of the era of big data, the demand for data has shifted from an "IT-led reporting model" to a "business-led self-service analysis model", and visual BI tools have also emerged. Faced with so many visual BI tools, what criteria should we use to filter out the most suitable visual BI tools for enterprise business?
The first key factor is to be familiar with your users, otherwise you may end up just buying a few sets of BI tools and data visualization software, and not playing their full role, or even useless. Many types of visual analysis products, including some from larger suppliers. They are very versatile, but do you need these features? Has anyone in your staff actually used these features?
The second key factor is: How do you want the IT team to participate in the use of the BI system and the process of data visualization development and reporting. It enables business users to analyze data flexibly and strongly supports people in all departments to build their own reports. It is still hoped to enhance the functional support for end users to do visual analysis and visualization, because this can eliminate IT bottlenecks and shorten the decision-making process. It makes sense for employees to manipulate data by themselves, and they can generate the visual reports they need.
The visual analysis market is still forming, and there are various opinions in the industry. If the rumors support their product, it will always be the case. Deliberate buyers must analyze the mist of all hype when evaluating and choosing the right data visualization technology. In fact, another important factor to measure the pros and cons of a visual BI tool is its function in big data analysis. For example, Smartbi supports self-service data analysis, which is completely oriented to business personnel. You can quickly generate charts by simply dragging dimensions and indicators with the mouse. Point-and-click data preprocessing, intelligent chart recommendation, no need to write expressions throughout the process, and zero learning costs. Moreover, Smartbi supports custom dimensions and indicators, which can be switched with one key, flexible and simple analysis method, which is convenient for users to conduct guessing and verification data exploration.
Of course, cost is the third key issue. The upfront cost is usually easy to explain. People involved in the technology evaluation and selection process also need to weigh the long-term cost of ownership before deciding which BI and data visualization analysis product to buy. BI visualization tools are usually very complex and require a lot of investment in development and maintenance over time. Perhaps some companies may hire consultants to help our projects. This model is feasible for large companies for many years, but for small and medium enterprises. It may not be affordable.