Self-service BI refers to the ability for non-technical users to get accurate analytics and insights directly from BI tools without involving (and waiting for) IT. They help users understand the state of the business. These insights inform an organization’s strategic and day-to-day business decisions.īI tools are software platforms used to investigate data sets and communicate insights through charts, graphs, maps, reports, and dashboards. What Are Business Intelligence Tools?īusiness intelligence is the combination of software and services that turn raw data from internal and external systems into actionable insights. Let’s explore the importance of business intelligence tools and figure out which one works best for you. You need BI tools that allow you to be agile and successful. Why? Because the technical debt is not worth it. If you are using one of “those” (I’m looking at you Birst, Domo, SAP Business Objects, Microstrategy, etc.), I suggest re-evaluating your choice. Platforms outside this group have not been able to keep up with the market and/or are not extensible enough to provide the nimbleness most companies need. Today we will focus on the top six BI platforms that are worth considering: The 2021 Gartner Magic Quadrant provides a detailed matrix with narratives on the feature sets of all major tools in the industry. You know your organization needs better analytics for decision-making, but you don’t want to choose a tool that will cause more problems than solutions. Yet, selecting a BI tool is a daunting task. The paradigm shift to self-service Business Intelligence (BI) is tantalizing. You know it is time to move away from the archaic model of calling IT for reporting needs.