So you’re interested in how to get started in data analytics for your business? It’s a smart choice – companies who make the best use of their data have been shown to achieve 2.5x better business outcomes across the board. But where to begin?
To help you make the best decision for your business, here are five things to look out for when considering getting started with a new data analytics solution, according to the data experts at Vizlib.
What to look for in a user-friendly data analytics solution
Vizlib knows data analytics. Our feature-rich, intuitive Qlik Sense solutions empower organisations to extend their analytics capabilities and uncover meaningful insights faster than ever before.
Here’s our guide to the five essential things any data analytics tool needs in order to be seamless to set up for your business, and intuitive and simple for your teams to use. Before you decide on any data analytics solution, ask yourself – can it do all this?
1. Features
The features that come with any data analytics are key to whether it’s user friendly – or not. These are the main features you’ll want to look for and compare when deciding on the right tool for your business.
- Implementation speed – How quickly can you get up and running?
- Simple interface – How easy to use and familiar feeling are the dashboards and controls?
- User-friendly data modelling and visualisation capabilities – Can users explore data independently, collaborate, converse and share instant insights?
- Convenient remote or mobile working options – Is the solution Cloud based and set up for modern flexible working?
- Intuitive dashboards and reporting UX – Can users easily customise their experience?
- Robust security standards – Is the solution secure? (Also be sure to check whether providers meet regulatory requirements for your geographical location.
- Ongoing support from provider – Will your business need this?
2. Users
Consider who will be using any data analytics platform you choose. If you’re looking for a user-friendly solution, it’s probably because you have non-technical employees and stakeholders who all need to be able to make sense of usable data.
To get the most value from your data, analytics need to involve everyone in the business – from the C-suite to customer-facing teams. So think about how data analytics applies to different roles across your organisation.
Data analytics solutions that provide intuitive visualisation tools that can present data in an engaging, usable way have the power to drive a data-driven culture – and benefit your whole business. User-friendly data visualisations can upskill and empower non-technical employees to better understand and act on the data that’s relevant to their areas of expertise.
3. Costs
Before choosing any data analytics solution, you should be fully aware of the costs. Different analytics tools will have different pricing structures.
In general, there are three main cost implications to consider:
- Hidden charges – Avoid these (or at least be sure you know what they are).
- Subscriptions and user limits – Will everyone who needs it have access?
- Onboarding fees – How much will it cost to get started?
And remember, be sure to also look ahead and understand how these costs might change as you scale-up and grow your business.
4. Data integration
Before you make a decision, it’s important to understand where your business is now. What are the IT systems and infrastructure you currently use?
Once you’re sure about what you already have, you can ask yourself whether any potential new data analytics platform can easily connect with your existing systems – as well as any third-party data sources you might use.
5. Scalability
Your decision to get started with data analytics may well have been prompted by a pressing business need. But, while your business may have short-term priorities when it comes to using data analytics, you need to remain forward-looking when deciding which platform will work for you long term.
Whichever solution you’re considering, remember it needs to be implemented with scalability in mind. As your business grows, your data analytics capabilities need to be able to grow with you – larger datasets may need to be processed, and new data sources integrated into your analytics. Ask yourself whether your potential solution can accommodate that.
Get started with user-friendly data analytics
Vizlib builds value-added data visualisation products that work seamlessly with Qlik Sense – industry-leading data analytics trusted by over 38,000 customers and top analysts. And we tick every box of the five-step checklist above.
With simple setup and intuitive, easy-to-use dashboards, it’s easy to get started in data analytics with Vizlib. Our flexible price plans, with cloud-based scalability, mean Vizlib grows with your businesses.
If you’ve decided your business needs data analytics, get started today with Vizlib’s free trial. Supercharge your business with access to all Vizlib extensions for up to five users. No time limit. No credit card needed.
