Greatest enterprise intelligence software program

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Business intelligence software has become a necessary tool in the age of big data.

Your organization collects tons of data about your customers, your website, and the overall health of the company. However, without BI software, it's nearly impossible to understand this information. This software is in place so that you can analyze various data sets and make data-driven decisions.

For example, you can use BI software to predict consumer buying behavior or to project the financial impact of an operational decision. Instead of waiting for a quarterly or annual report, you can use BI software for real-time data insights.

Because of the complexity of business intelligence software, the vast majority of the tools in this category are designed for large businesses, SMBs, and enterprises.

The top 6 options for business intelligence software

  1. TIBCO Jaspersoft
  2. Entrinsic Informer
  3. Zoho Analytics
  4. Sisense
  5. Chartio
  6. Tableau

How to choose the best business intelligence software for you

Finding the right BI software for your business can be a challenge when you don't know what to look for. I have made a simple buying guide with features, factors, and items to consider when shopping. When comparing solutions and narrowing down your options, consider the following aspects of the BI software:

Data reporting

Remember, the number one reason companies invest in BI software is to understand their data. It is therefore only natural that data reporting itself should be high on our list of factors to evaluate.

The best BI tools turn complex data into easy-to-understand graphics. You can view this information in real-time dashboards or turn it into individual reports.

The ability to share these reports with decision makers, stakeholders, customers, and other members of your team must also be considered. The users who generate the reports are not always the people who understand this information. The reports must therefore be light enough to be understood by the ultimate decision-makers.

Data sources

How will you integrate your existing data into your BI solution? Where is this data located?

Don't make yourself confused. Make sure you find a business intelligence tool that you can use to easily connect to your existing data sources. It's worth noting that not all business intelligence software on the market can be integrated with specific databases. So don't make any assumptions. Always check that your data is compatible with the software in question.

Your BI software should integrate seamlessly with help desk tools, CRM, ERP software, ad networks, and more. The best tools should also provide cross-platform access for every user.

Development tools

Some business intelligence programs also improve the way you collect data.

Your in-house developers or IT department may want to implement custom application development into your processes. Certain tools have pre-built analytics apps that you can use. Other solutions offer developers an open API that makes it easy for developers to customize apps with clear rules.

Setup and deployment

Unlike other types of business software on the market today, BI tools are a bit more complex. Getting started isn't as easy as clicking "Sign In" and you're done.

These solutions are highly customizable and designed specifically for your business. The deployment process can take weeks, depending on the software you choose. You face options for on-premises deployment, hybrid server deployment, desktop software, and cloud software deployment.

Cloud software is a great option for companies on a tight budget. This delivery method makes it easier for smaller businesses to access BI tools. However, large organizations with complex data sets and custom requirements would likely benefit more from on-premise delivery.

user friendliness

Here, too, BI software can be complicated.

If this is your first time using this type of software, don't overwhelm yourself with a solution designed for seasoned veterans.

Think about who will be using the software on a daily basis. Is it your IT team? Sales staff? Product manager? Developers and tech-savvy individuals don't have a learning curve as steep as the average user.

Just make sure you understand the difference between tools that require advanced technical knowledge and software for beginners. Beginners should avoid software designed for data engineers.

The different types of business intelligence software

Business intelligence software can be divided into different categories based on its primary functionality or toolset. Here is a brief overview and explanation of the most common types of BI software currently available on the market.

Data visualization software

As the name suggests, the data visualization software helps you analyze complex data sheets with visual tools. Visual reports are arguably the best way to understand large amounts of data. You can turn large amounts of data into meaningful reports in minutes. This makes it much easier for decision-makers to analyze the findings.

Business process management (BPM)

Business process management software is part of business intelligence. These tools are also a core component of operational management and intelligence.

The BPM software uses automation and improves the efficiency of daily processes. The BI software contains functions for business process management.

OLAP (Online Analytical Processing)

The OLAP software uses tools that can analyze data from various sources. These interactive solutions provide a multi-dimensional view for each user (e.g. different department heads). OLAP tools consolidate and aggregate various operational data.

Embedded BI software

Embedded BI software is exactly what it sounds like. These tools are built right into your process management applications. They can also be embedded in operational portals, websites, portals, and other types of business-related systems.

ETL software

The ETL (extract, transform and load) software combines data from different sources into a single dashboard. Then the software mixes these different data sets and makes them understandable for the end user.

Data mining

You can use data mining tools to identify patterns in your data sets. Data mining software typically uses tools like machine learning and AI to uncover these patterns for data-driven decisions.

# 1 – TIBCO Jaspersoft Review – Best for Embedded Analytics

TIBCO Jaspersoft is a developer-friendly business intelligence solution. The software uses embedded BI, which brings the power of business intelligence directly into your company's applications.

The dashboards are ultimately displayed in the application UI to enhance the end-user experience and improve real-time decision making.

More than 500,000 developers in various industries use TIBCO Jaspersoft to improve applications for millions of users. Here are some of the other reasons this BI tool is so high on my list:

  • Customizable visual reporting
  • Production reporting for mass distribution to the masses
  • Javascript API for embedding
  • Deploy any method with a 100% open agnostic architecture
  • Pre-configured multi-tenancy support
  • Ad hoc self-service reporting
  • Big data connectivity for native reporting and real-time analysis

The tool is unique in that it is designed for developers but improves decision making for end users. Unless you have a technical background, you are not really qualified to provide this yourself.

Try TIBCO Jaspersoft free for 30 days to see if it is right for your business before you buy.

# 2 – Entrinsik Informer Review – Best for multi-department analysis

Entrinsik Informer is ideal for large organizations that collect data from multiple sources and need to understand that information across departments.

The software makes it easy for you to combine data from the cloud, spreadsheets, unstructured web data, traditional databases, enterprise applications, etc. and bring it together into a single source.

It's a popular choice for manufacturing, insurance, sales, education, and government organizations. Notable features and highlights of Entrinsik Informer include:

  • Self-service reporting on demand
  • Powerful data visualizations
  • Ability to evaluate the roles of end users in your company
  • Optimize data workflows
  • Faster access to data with curated subsets of information
  • Aggregated data flows for higher quality data
  • Robust governance and security features, including team roles and custom security levels
  • Flexible architecture for endless expandability

For businesses looking for a quick and easy way to discover smart data, this is the go-to option.

Users across your organization; B. Department heads, business users, industry partners, data scientists, executives, database administrators, etc. can view unique information in Entrinsik Informer based on their needs and roles.

Schedule a free demo to learn more.

# 3 – Zoho Analytics Review – The best for data visualization

More than 500,000 companies and more than 2 million users rely on Zoho Analytics for business intelligence. Well-known brands such as HP, Hyundai, Ikea and Suzuki trust it.

Compared to other solutions on our list, Zoho Analytics is definitely a little more user-friendly. If the BI software just got your feet wet, this tool doesn't have such a steep learning curve.

My favorite part about Zoho Analytics is the visual reporting. Non-technical users can easily navigate the platform to create and view custom reports that are easy to understand. Further functions and advantages are:

  • Ability to embed analytics in your product, website, portal or application
  • Integrates with over 500 ready-to-use tools
  • Secure functions for team collaboration
  • Augmented Analytics with AI
  • Mix data from multiple sources into individual dashboards
  • Assess the health of your entire company in every department
  • Customize reports using the drag and drop dashboard
  • White-labeling functions with the possibility of completely re-branding the portal
  • Powerful HTTP-based web APIs for scalability and extensibility

With the Zoho Analytics app, available on iOS and Android, you can even access your BI reports on the go.

Zoho Analytics is the best beginner-friendly BI software on the market right now. Plans start at $ 22 a month and are free to try for 15 days.

# 4 – Sisense Review – The best BI software for complex data

Sisense is one of the most popular BI tools on the market today. It is used by developers, business leaders, product managers, and data professionals alike.

Over 10,000 companies trust the software, including well-known brands such as GE, Verizon, Motorola, Wix, Hewlett Packard and the Salvation Army.

Sisense offers industry-specific solutions in categories such as retail, healthcare, government, manufacturing, marketing, supply chain management and more. They also have solutions that are tailored to specific departments in your company.

Notable highlights of Sisense include:

  • Ability to create powerful analytics applications
  • Self-service analysis for every user
  • Cloud-native data analysis
  • Ability to embed analyzes with full customization
  • Deployment on premise, in the cloud, or hybrid deployment on Windows or Linux
  • Integrate Sisense seamlessly with your existing tools and branding
  • Secure access to information at the object, data and system level

Users of all technical abilities can use Sisense to turn complex data sets into interactive dashboards. Check out the demo and request a free quote to get started.

# 5 – Chartio Review – Best for simple charts and dashboards

Chartio is a cloud-based BI solution. Users with different technical backgrounds can analyze data from business applications.

The tool makes it easy for you to simplify data with charts and dashboards for more informed decisions.

Below are some of the top reasons your company should consider using Chartio for Business Intelligence:

  • Easily share graphics in embedded web pages, Slack, PDFs, and more
  • Tools for product managers, sales teams and customer success
  • Self-service functionality for all users (C-Suite, sales staff, etc.)
  • Easily search data with Visual SQL
  • Connect all data from multiple sources (Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, etc.)
  • Create and save custom designs
  • Collaboration and team chat tools

Chartio also offers exceptional support. You see yourself as a strategic partner for your success. They offer you live training, extensive documentation and access to experienced data consultants.

Plans start at $ 40 per user per month. You can test Chartio for 14 days free of charge with a non-binding trial version.

# 6 – Tableau Review – Most Versatile BI Software

Tableau is an industry leader in business intelligence. The software is trusted by individual analysts, small teams, large organizations, and everything in between.

They offer a wide range of BI tools including Tableau Desktop, Tableau Online, Tableau Server, Tableau CRM, embedded analytics, server management, data management, and more. The list goes on and on.

In addition to the extensive product range and use cases, Tableau also offers industry-specific solutions and tools based on various types of technology. This makes Tableau the most versatile software in this category.

Tableau's key features include:

  • Cross-platform support (desktop, browser, mobile) and embedded analytics
  • Team collaboration tools
  • Advanced analysis in a powerful visual interface
  • Easy to organize resources and content
  • Centralized data sources and custom permissions
  • Multiple deployment options (cloud, local, hosted, Windows, Linux, Mac, multi-tenancy)
  • Actionable insights in real time
  • Easily connect to data from multiple sources (Google Analytics, Salesforce, etc.)
  • Ability to assign your data

Overall, Tableau is robust and feature-rich. The only real downside is that with so many features it can be difficult to figure out. However, it can still be used by developers and non-technical users.

You can try Tableau for free with a 14-day trial version.

Summary

Business intelligence software has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years. When your organization is ready to take your data analytics to the next level, I strongly recommend investing in a BI solution.

Which business intelligence tool is the best?

Just use the buying guide I covered at the beginning of this article to narrow down your options. Then start exploring the top tips listed above.

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