Decisions made by leaders have a substantial impact on their business. The chosen orientations must therefore be the subject of in-depth reflection considering as many factors as possible.
The process of sorting and analyzing valuable data constitutes business intelligence or BI.
Today, many vendors offer organizations to make their job easier with specialized software. Browse our ranking of the ten best business intelligence software.
What is business intelligence software?
Business intelligence, also known as BI, refers to the processes and technologies that allow a company to collect, store, manage and analyze data from different sources to understand its activities better. And, more generally, the market in which it operates.
The objective of business intelligence is therefore twofold: on the one hand, it makes it possible to make more informed decisions by providing managers with a global and clear vision of the company’s activity.
on the other hand, it allows them to understand market trends better and adapt their strategy accordingly.
To achieve these objectives, business intelligence software provides users with various data analysis and visualization tools, such as interactive dashboards, personalized reports, etc.
They also allow them to collaborate effectively by providing a centralized space where all users can access data and analysis.
The ten best business intelligence software
1. Microsoft Power BI
The giant Microsoft is at the top of the list with its Power BI tool. The latter has several top features. First, users can optimally compile and materialize their data.
This is particularly possible thanks to the visual report creation module. Several sources can thus be processed, from sensors on the production line to social network statistics, for example.
Microsoft Power BI is both malleable and highly functional. It is straightforward to associate it with other applications like Excel.
The generated dashboard is customizable and easy to read. It is, therefore, a natural ally that should greatly help decision-making.
The software is also available in desktop and mobile versions and includes several SaaS options. It is also the best solution for information sharing and collaborative work.
2. tableau
Many companies rely on tableau, which has become very popular among professionals. This software has several data display options.
Users can build a dashboard consisting of graphs, diagrams or even curves. A reporting tool with increased connectivity. It can easily be combined with other applications or instruments for measuring or collecting information.
Tableau stands out for its ergonomics and ease of use. Even without a lot of computer knowledge, employees can benefit significantly from it.
Drag and drop the desired elements to generate powerful analysis support. Medium and large companies that collect many data should bet on Tableau. Other than that, customer support is also very responsive.
3. Oracle Business Intelligence
Analyzing a large data packet requires a powerful tool. With this in mind, companies can turn to the software giant Oracle.
The American publisher offers a genuinely comprehensive toolbox dedicated to business intelligence. Users thus make more appropriate strategic choices thanks to various functionalities, from the most basic to the most advanced.
The information collected for analysis can be from external sources or other Oracle solutions. In addition, a dashboard can be created with several display modes to meet all needs.
It is also necessary to mention the presence of agents integrated into Oracle BI. These automation programs allow you to program actions based on configured events.
Access to various information for all players is also effortless. Many other possibilities are to be expected.
4. SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence suite
Before setting up an action plan, it is essential to have as much data as possible. But in addition, managers and managers in companies must also know how to interpret them to be able to take advantage of them.
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Suite is precisely the ideal tool for this purpose. It is an analysis and reporting software supporting users in the decision-making process.
Various modules are available through a complete suite of ergonomic and high-performance digital solutions. Assessing risks and prospects is facilitated by the options for creating dashboards.
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence can integrate seamlessly with other applications.
Information-sharing between the employees and stakeholders concerned is both fluid and secure. SAP customer service is available and responsive to any feedback.
5. Microstrategy
Data analysis has become essential to be able to guide its business strategy. Thus, all valuable sources must be used to identify opportunities and threats.
The use of a tool like MicroStrategy is strongly recommended to facilitate the reading of the collected statistics.
We are talking about business intelligence software allowing a personalized display of data. Users can thus view general or targeted information in graphs, tables, etc.
Collaborators can work together and in real-time with the help of the integrated instant messaging module. The tool is also accessible via the web, desktop or mobile application.
MicroStrategy is modular and can be associated with other solutions, especially with multiple sources.
Organizations can count on a very secure solution. The tool’s designers have integrated concern for the latter’s privacy policy.
6. Domo Business Cloud
Domo Business Cloud is, as its name suggests, business intelligence software hosted in the Cloud. Its main asset is undoubtedly its interactivity, and the vast possibilities offered to users. Statistical reports can be created from more than 300 ready-to-use templates.
Configuring custom dashboards is extremely simple. However, it is not a complete reference. It is not necessary to have skills in computer code to handle it.
On the other hand, using languages such as CSS, JavaScript or HTML offers more latitude to professionals.
In addition, a connection between Domo Business Cloud and more than 1000 third-party applications or data sources is possible.
The tool is more convenient and compatible with smartphones and other mobile devices such as tablets. A free trial period is offered to make it easier to get started.
7. Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a digital business intelligence tool that was created in 2014. It is a title that succeeds Qlik View from the same publisher. Several improvements have been made over its predecessor.
Companies and freelancers use the software today to visualize different types of data.
Users can generate dashboards to read the statistics useful to their activity more efficiently. Like other BI platforms, it is a natural ally helping to make the right decisions.
Several databases can thus be connected to Qlik Sense for maximum productivity gains. The drag-and-drop principle dramatically simplifies the task of users.
Thanks to its “responsive” architecture, mobile device access is possible. Machine learning and integrated AI also support professionals for even more performance.
8. Datapine
Currently, to boost a company’s growth, it is necessary to exploit a maximum of data relating to its activity. The goal is to have visibility of the market situation and the best opportunities to seize.
It is also a way of determining a complex event’s risks and possible causes. The analysis phase of the information collected is, however, not an easy task. This is why you have to turn to software like Datapine.
On the market since 2012, the main features of the German business intelligence solution are available on a self-service basis. However, the paid options are more advanced.
In particular, users can make advanced decisions thanks to the prediction modules. Regarding sources, Datapine can pull data from several other platforms (social media, CRM, etc.).
No need to have specific coding skills to create precise and personalized reports.
9. Sisense
The job of a data analyst can seem complicated, especially for those who don’t like to manipulate numbers.
Fortunately, with business intelligence solutions like Sisense, exploiting large masses of data becomes possible. Its user interface is ideally suited to professionals who do not necessarily have in-depth computer skills.
Ergonomics and fluidity are at the rendezvous. A few clicks are enough to make visual reporting. Sisense’s integration module makes it possible to extract statistics from various platforms. Their representation can then be done in several forms in a single dashboard.
This is SaaS software, fully connected. The processing of tasks is done quickly and methodically.
Following the publisher’s acquisition of Periscope Data, several advanced analytical modules have recently been added. However, you have to be prepared to pay to enjoy it.
10. Looker
Looker closes this ranking by integrating a list of tools that are all as powerful as each other. Nevertheless, it is essential to emphasize that this business intelligence solution has belonged to Google since 2019.
The application offers the possibility of consulting real-time data in easy-to-understand forms. Furthermore, users here benefit from a simple interface that can be handled even by non-computing novices.
The American search engine giant’s platform provides an overview of the state of its business. Statistics of sales, visits or even impressions are accessible and materialized in multiple graphic forms.
The sharing of information can be done between his team members via a simple link. Looker is one of the references suitable even for small structures. However, the prices are still relatively high.
What are the benefits of business intelligence?
- Business intelligence software benefits companies that want to understand their business better and make more informed decisions.
- First, they provide a global and consolidated view of data from different sources, allowing users to understand business activity better and make decisions accordingly.
- Second, the data analysis and visualization tools provided by BI software allow users to understand the data better and make more informed decisions.
- Finally, BI software allows users to collaborate effectively by providing a centralized place where all users can access data and analytics.
read more: The 16 best collaborative work tools
What are the main types of business intelligence software?
There are different types of business intelligence software, each tailored to specific needs. The main types of BI software are:
- Business intelligence platforms
- Business intelligence platforms are integrated solutions that allow users to collect, store, manage and analyze data from different sources.
- They also provide a variety of data analysis and visualization tools, such as interactive dashboards, custom reports, and more.
- Predictive analysis tools
- Predictive analytics tools are software that helps users better understand data and make more informed decisions by applying advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning.
- Reporting and visualization tools
- Reporting and visualization tools are software that allows users to generate interactive reports and dashboards from collected data.
- They also help to better understand the data by providing advanced analysis and visualization tools.
- Collaboration tools
- Collaboration tools are software that allows users to collaborate effectively by providing a centralized space where all users can access data and analytics.
- They also make it possible to chat online, share files and work on joint projects.
- Data management tools
- Data management tools are software programs that allow users to efficiently manage collected data and reduce the time and cost associated with processing and analyzing it.
- They also provide various tools for users to manage better data, such as data cleaning tools, data integration tools, etc.
What are the criteria for choosing business intelligence software?
When choosing business intelligence software, it is essential to consider the following criteria:
- Compatibility with existing data and applications: This will allow users to easily access data and use the analysis and visualization tools provided by the software.
- Ease of use: The business intelligence software will be used by different users with different levels of expertise. It should provide an intuitive user interface that allows users to navigate the various features easily.
- Flexibility: It must be adapted to the changing needs of the company. The software should offer various tools and features that allow users to adapt to changes quickly.
- Costs: It is essential to compare the prices of different business intelligence software before choosing the best one for your business. It would help if you estimated the total cost of the software, including licensing, maintenance, and support costs.
- The quality of support: The software must offer full technical support allowing users to solve problems quickly.
How much does business intelligence software cost?
Business intelligence software costs vary by vendor, license type, and company size. Licenses typically range between €500 and €30,000 per user per year.
Companies can also choose to subscribe to a monthly or annual subscription to access the software’s various features. Subscription costs usually vary between €100 and €500 per month.