Consider how easy it is to add new users to your BI tool and how easily they can access the data they need. Pay attention to whether there are different account types, whether there are separate author, editor, or viewer user accounts. Check whether multiple users can collaborate on the same dashboard. Adopting a self-service BI tool can be a great way to make your business more data-driven.
This is especially true for small businesses that may not have the staff required to implement a traditional BI strategy with a dedicated data team. The easier it is for users to get used to the BI tool, the faster your business can use and act on data.
Another important aspect when choosing a business intelligence tool is the type of deployment. Traditional BI software requires on-premise deployment, including hardware setup and software installation. Modern business intelligence follows a cloud-based delivery model. Cloud-based BI tools don’t require special hardware configurations, and in some cases, only an online connection. Because resources can be accessed remotely, a cloud-based BI strategy can be deployed faster and can easily adapt to the data needs of the enterprise. This scalability makes it easier to perform complex analysis. While on-premise deployments offer some minor advantages in terms of customizability, it is most beneficial to stick with a cloud-based BI solution. Application Support
Every BI application has its own learning curve, which can take time to overcome. This is an important consideration if you want many people, especially those without much technical or analytical experience, to actively use the software. Check what resources each BI tool offers for using its product (documentation, tutorials, FAQs, etc.). Certain providers may also offer active support hotlines that provide direct assistance to customers with specific questions.
Use the BI tool in product testing to see if it meets your needs. Before and during testing, plan several use cases and try to implement them in your product. In addition to whether the product’s features actually solve your problem, pay attention to where you are stuck and how the BI tool’s support resources can help you. Other users may also encounter these problems after purchasing the product, so the type of support you need should be a factor in choosing a BI tool.
Implementing business intelligence requires more than just choosing the right tool; it also requires the right support from the company and its employees. To ensure that the information you return is valuable to your business when investing in a BI strategy, consider the following tips: