business analytics

Best business analytics tools to choose from in 2025

Business analytics tools make a lot of promises, but how can you be sure it’s the right fit for your business? 

As data leaders, it is your job to find an analytics solution that empowers your team to access actionable insights. If your current tools aren’t cutting it, it’s time to search for other alternatives.

What are business analytics tools?

Business analytics tools enables organizations to analyze data, uncover insights, and make data-driven decisions that drive performance and growth. By integrating multiple data sources, it provides real-time insights, predictive capabilities, and actionable recommendations to optimize operations.

With so many options available, choosing the right business analytics software can be overwhelming. We've done the digging, so you don’t have to. Here’s a list of 8 best business analytics tools:

8 best business analytics tools to choose from in 2025

1. ThoughtSpot

We may be biased, but we’re confident that ThoughtSpot is the best business analytics solution, and we’re ready to show how it’s more advanced than any other tool on the market. By harnessing the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT and Google PaLM, ThoughtSpot’s AI-powered, search-based interface empowers business users to build interactive visualizations and uncover anomalies. It also provides easy-to-understand summaries that help you tell compelling data stories.

ThoughtSpot stands out with its search-driven business analytics, enabling users to ask questions in natural language and receive instant answers, making data exploration accessible to any business users. Whether you are from marketing, sales, or operations, ThoughtSpot simplifies tracking critical KPIs and exploring data without compromising on security or compliance. Its Liveboards provide real-time visualizations, allowing teams to monitor performance metrics and pivot their strategies based on up-to-the-minute insights.

Hear it from one of our trusted customers - Matthew Day, former CIO at Langs Building Supplies:

“Our users know how to Google search and ask questions in plain language to find something. ThoughtSpot simulates that same style of interaction between users and data.”

Matthew Day

Core features: 

  • AI-powered search and natural language query: ThoughtSpot’s standout feature is the AI-driven natural language search. Users, regardless of technical expertise, can type questions in plain English (like “What were our sales last month?”), and ThoughtSpot immediately generates visualizations and reports. This reduces the need for complex queries and makes data accessible to all team members, not just data scientists or IT.

  • Real-time insights with Liveboards: Liveboards in ThoughtSpot allow users to create and interact with live, real-time dashboards. You can apply filters, drill down into data, and see updates instantly. This is perfect for business teams that need up-to-date information to make decisions on the fly. For instance, marketing teams can track campaign performance in real time, adjusting strategies as needed.

  • Embedded analytics: ThoughtSpot’s embedded analytics product empowers businesses to integrate interactive dashboards directly into their apps, products, or websites, eliminating the need to build from the ground up. This seamless integration enables external users to interact with data, enhancing customer-facing applications and internal business systems alike. It’s ideal for SaaS platforms or enterprises that want to provide data insights as part of their user experience.

  • AI-driven recommendations and anomaly detection: ThoughtSpot’s AI algorithms not only help users find insights but also recommend next steps, such as predicting sales trends or highlighting anomalies in the data that may indicate problems or opportunities. For example, if a retail company’s sales suddenly drop, the system could flag the anomaly and help them investigate potential causes.

  • Multiple data source integration: ThoughtSpot connects with top cloud data warehouses such as Snowflake, Google BigQuery, and Databricks, providing users with seamless access to a wide range of data sources. This allows organizations to gather insights across departments and data silos without heavy data engineering.

Pros:

  • Easy for non-technical users to access insights with plain English queries.

  • AI-driven suggestions and anomaly detection help users find insights they may have missed.

  • Integrates seamlessly with top cloud data warehouses for quick data access.

Cons:

  • May require training for advanced features.

See how ThoughtSpot can drive data fluency across your organization—sign up for a 30-day free trial

Reviews

Check out these ThoughtSpot reviews from G2, where users share their firsthand experiences and the value they’ve gained from the platform.

We connect ThoughtSpot to our community to track engagement. Without ThoughtSpot, we wouldn't have access to this level of analytics, as it isn't provided to us by our platform. I love the variety of ways there are to slice and dice the data.

Catherine K

TS is a great, intuative tool to consume data with the end goal of presenting information in an easy to understand format. This tool prioritizes have answers at your fingertips which allows for free form business conversations to pull in data backed proofs. The Data Lake TS can pull from is very impressive, easily able to span across many parts of the business.

Kevin C

I like how intuitive simple queries can be to create. Sometimes, it is as straightforward as just typing in the question you want to answer with your data - especially since the AI-Answer functionality has been available.

Jeremy H

Pricing

14-day free trial

  • Essentials: $1250 /month (20 users)

  • Pro: Custom

  • Enterprise: Custom

2. Mode

Mode is a business analytics software that offers a drag-and-drop interface to help users explore complex datasets and find granular insights. Seamlessly connect data from multiple sources and build dashboards that help you keep track of real-time KPIs. With Mode, business users create insightful reports and share their data stories with the team to drive better understanding. Meanwhile, power users can dig deeper with advanced analytics capabilities to illuminate hidden trends. 

Here’s what Alex Netsch, VP of Revenue Operations at Rippling, has to say about Mode helping the company build a single, company-wide source of truth:

“Once you build the infrastructure, you can create a self-serve data culture by educating teams on how to ask a good question and answer it themselves. It’s critical to not just rely on the data team to do the work. We use Mode as the source of truth for general BI - things like how many customers we have, how much ARR, what we closed this month vs. last month, etc.” 

Alex Netsch
Mode as business analytics tool

Core features: 

  • SQL, R, and Python integration for power users: Mode provides users with access to more advanced tools like SQL, R, and Python. Analysts or data scientists can write custom queries, run more advanced analyses, and leverage notebooks to dig deeper into datasets. This dual approach—easy for business users, powerful for data experts—gives Mode a unique advantage.

  • Collaboration features and source of truth: With Mode, companies can set up a single source of truth by combining data from various sources, making it easier for all teams to work from the same set of insights. Teams can also collaborate by sharing reports and data stories, ensuring everyone is aligned on key metrics and KPIs.

  • Real-time KPI monitoring: Mode allows businesses to create dashboards that track important KPIs in real-time. The tool integrates with multiple databases to pull in live data, ensuring that the information on dashboards is always current. This is perfect for fast-moving environments like sales teams needing to monitor weekly revenue targets. 

Pros

  • Mode includes a SQL editor, enabling advanced users to perform complex queries and data manipulations.

  • Users can access live data and create up-to-date reports, ensuring that decisions are based on the most current information.

  • The platform allows teams to collaborate by sharing reports and insights, facilitating better communication and decision-making.

Cons

  • While the basic features are user-friendly, more advanced functionalities may require a deeper understanding of SQL and data analysis, which could be a barrier for some users.

  • Although Mode offers various visualization options, users may find customization capabilities somewhat limited compared to other tools.

Reviews

Explore what real users have to say in these G2 reviews, where Mode's impact on everyday workflows and decision-making shines through.

The best thing which I like about the Mode is that we can create visualization and reports from the result of SQL Queries. The best feature of Mode is that we can make different types of visualization in Mode itself, and we don't need any other tool for quick insights.

Sahil K

I like Mode because it's a versatile tool to use, and provides me with the information required about our customers' orders. The filtration options are amazing. I can filter with the customer's e-mail, name or order number!

Stephan R

As an analyst, I find it extremely useful that in every mode chart the Raw data behind the bar graph , the line graph is just a click away and this makes it very easy to look at individual cases from a large dataset and then analyze them on a qualitative basis.

Aasish V

Pricing

14-day free trial

  • Studio - Custom

  • Pro - Custom

  • Enterprise - Custom

Build interactive visualizations with an intuitive interface by signing up for Mode’s free 30-day trial!

3. Tableau

Tableau is a legacy business intelligence and analytics tool launched in 2003 and then acquired by Salesforce in 2019. Known for its advanced analytical capabilities, Tableau allows analysts to prep data and organize it for visualization with a drag-and-drop interface. The company also has AI tools that help users in data preparation and analysis.

 

Tableau

Core features: 

  • Dashboard creation: Tableau enables users to create interactive dashboards that combine multiple visualizations, charts, and data sources into a cohesive view. This feature allows users to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and gain insights at a glance. Dashboards can be customized to display relevant data for different stakeholders, making it easier to communicate findings.

  • Advanced visualizations: The platform offers a variety of advanced visualization options, such as scatter plots, heat maps, and tree maps, allowing users to represent complex data in meaningful ways.

  • Report sharing: Tableau simplifies the process of sharing reports and dashboards with stakeholders. Users can publish their work to Tableau Server or Tableau Online, enabling others to access and interact with the visualizations through a web browser.

  • Trend analysis and report sharing: Tableau's trend analysis capabilities allow users to visualize data trends over time, helping them identify patterns and forecast future performance. Users can create time series analyses and incorporate reference lines to highlight significant changes. Additionally, reports can be easily shared with team members or exported in various formats, including PDF and Excel.

  • Viewing on different devices: The platform is designed to be responsive, allowing users to view dashboards and reports on various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. 

Pros:

  • Offers interactive dashboards that enhance data analysis.

  • Provides extensive customization options for visualizations.

  • Integrates with numerous data sources.

Cons:

  • The complexity of features can be challenging for new users.

  • Performance may suffer with very large datasets.

  • High licensing costs can be a barrier for small to medium-sized businesses.

  • Limited customization options for visualizations compared to some competitors.

Reviews

Get a sense of how Tableau is being applied across industries by exploring user reviews on G2, highlighting both the pros and the cons.

“I appreciate Tableau's user-friendly interface and the versatility it offers in creating detailed, interactive dashboards. The seamless data integration with multiple sources and the ability to drill down into data have greatly improved my data analysis workflow. While Tableau is powerful, the pricing can be prohibitive for smaller businesses or individual users.”

Anirudh K

The drag-and-drop interface of Tableau is user-friendly especially for individuals lacking extensive technical knowledge. Users only need to choose the fields and data points from their datasets to quickly generate charts, graphs, and dashboards. Tableau can be costly, particularly for startups. Even with its flexibility, the licensing model still adds costly, especially when you extend usage across teams or a complete company.

Disha M

The best feature that we like about Tableau is the flexibility of creating dashboards with multiple data streams. Even though it can hanlde a resonable amount of data but it still gets jittery when it has to handle large data sets. The basic features are fairly easy to adapt but the advanced features are a bit tricky to grasp.

Pricing

14-day free trial

  • Tableau Creator - $75.00/user/month

  • Tableau Explorer - $42.00/user/month

  • Tableau Viewer - $15.00/user/month

4. Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense is a unified BI platform that helps users explore and analyze data. The platform is known for its data modeling capabilities and flexible deployment options. Users can deploy it on-premise or in the cloud and connect it to multiple sources for data-driven decision-making. This business analytics software equipped with ML capabilities, users can get recommendations, build visualizations, and gain access to insights. 

Qlik Sense

Core features: 

  • Flexible deployment options: Qlik Sense provides various deployment choices, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid setups. Organizations can select the option that best suits their infrastructure and security requirements.

  • Intuitive interface for reporting and dashboard creation: The user interface of Qlik Sense is designed to be user-friendly, enabling users to create reports and dashboards easily. Features like drag-and-drop functionality and templates allow users to visualize data without needing extensive technical skills.

  • ML capabilities: Qlik Sense includes machine learning capabilities that assist in data analysis. These features automate tasks, identify patterns, and provide recommendations based on historical data, helping users uncover insights that may not be immediately obvious.

  • Real-time data monitoring: Users can monitor data in real-time, tracking metrics and KPIs as they occur. Access to up-to-date information facilitates timely responses to changes in the business environment.

Pros:

  • The design is straightforward, making it easier for non-technical users to create reports and visualizations.

  • Qlik Sense connects with various data sources, enabling efficient consolidation and analysis of data from different platforms.

  • Users can track metrics in real time, allowing for prompt responses to changes in business conditions.

Cons:

  • While basic functions are easy to use, advanced features may require more training and experience to utilize effectively.

  • The licensing and operational expenses can be high, which might be a barrier for smaller organizations.

  • Customizing certain visualizations may be restricted compared to other business intelligence tools.

Reviews

Explore how Qlik Sense fits into users’ workflows by checking out their feedback on G2.

It has been a powerful tool where we can connect to the data source so that it returns information and data that is analyzed more quickly in order to generate more detailed reports more easily. Although its service and function is perfect, its prices are too expensive.

Steven M

Powerful data modeling and rapid dashboard delivery which doesn't require a data warehouse or data cubes in place. The tool could be expensive and you have to pay separately for different capabilities. For instance have to buy addon for just the alerting feature. Similarly for a large audience or ability to publish the visualizations publicly could be expensive.

Ahmed S

Qlik Sense is a platform that allows you to consolidate and share information very quickly. It should improve the way you can create reports and visuals, it still doesn't have the flexibility of Qlik Desktop or Power BI.

Edurado P

Pricing

30-day free trial

  • Qlik Sense Business - $30/user/month

  • Qlik Sense Enterprise SaaS - Variable

5. Domo

Domo is a cloud-based business analytics platform that lets you transform raw data into interactive visualizations. With AI capabilities, the platform allows you to ask complex questions, make future predictions, and perform what-if scenarios. The low-code interface allows users to connect data from multiple databases, build dashboards, and embed analytics. 

Domo

Core features: 

  • Data preparation: The platform includes tools for cleaning and organizing data from various sources. Users can transform raw data into a usable format, ensuring it is accurate and consistent for analysis. This feature helps create reliable reports and dashboards.

  • Low-code interface for creating dashboards and reports: A low-code interface is available that enables users to build dashboards and reports without needing extensive coding skills. With drag-and-drop functionality, custom visualizations and layouts can be designed quickly.

  • AI-assisted insights: Artificial intelligence is integrated to aid data analysis. Users receive AI-generated insights that help identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. This feature provides recommendations based on data, supporting the decision-making process.

  • Live data analysis: Access to real-time data analysis allows users to monitor metrics and performance indicators instantly. This ensures that current information is available, enabling quick responses to changes in business conditions.

Pros

  • The platform is designed with a low-code, drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users with varying technical skills.

  • Domo provides live data monitoring, allowing users to make decisions based on the most current information.

  • The integration of AI helps in identifying trends and generating actionable recommendations, enhancing the decision-making process.

Cons

  • Domo can be relatively expensive compared to other business analytics tools

  • Customization features for visualizations may be more limited than those offered by competitors.

  • Some users report slower performance when dealing with extremely large datasets or complex queries.

Reviews

Check out user feedback on G2 for Domo, with detailed reviews that provide a clear picture of how the platform performs in practice.

I appreciate Domo's robust data visualization and real-time updates. It consolidates data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of email performance. The customizable dashboards and detailed reports help communicate insights effectively and drive data-driven decisions. omo has a steep learning curve for new users and integrating it with niche third-party tools can be challenging.

Luke D

What I like most about Domo is how it helps teams see data easily and make quick choices. The visuals are nice, and it’s simple to use! Some BI tools have things that Domo doesn’t. Plus, some might be cheaper.

Leonardo D

If you can get the data, you can do pretty much anything you want to with it. There are seemingly infinite ways to manipulate the datasets and plenty of card options to build. Sharing dashboards and cards in the proper way is a little difficult. Often times, you end up having to share a dashboard, a card, a dataset, and and number inbetween in order for someone to have full access to the data you are trying to present.<br>

Micheal D

Pricing

30-day free trial

  • Standard - Custom

  • Enterprise - Custom

  • Business Critical - Custom

6. Power BI

Power BI is Microsoft’s data visualization and business analytics tool that comes with a drag-and-drop interface to allow users to extract insights and gain data context. It connects with all Microsoft products and offers AI capabilities to help users with dashboard building. Power BI users can clean data, define relationships, and create dimensions for better exploration. 

Power BI

Core features: 

  • Data preparation: The platform includes tools for cleaning and organizing data from various sources. Users can transform raw data into a usable format, ensuring it is accurate and consistent for analysis. This feature helps create reliable reports and dashboards.

  • Low-code interface for creating dashboards and reports: A low-code interface is available that enables users to build dashboards and reports without needing extensive coding skills. With drag-and-drop functionality, custom visualizations and layouts can be designed quickly.

  • AI-assisted insights: Artificial intelligence is integrated to aid data analysis. Users receive AI-generated insights that help identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. This feature provides recommendations based on data, supporting the decision-making process.

  • Live data analysis: Access to real-time data analysis allows users to monitor metrics and performance indicators instantly. This ensures that current information is available, enabling quick responses to changes in business conditions.

Pros

  • The platform is designed with a low-code, drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users with varying technical skills.

  • Domo provides live data monitoring, allowing users to make decisions based on the most current information.

  • The integration of AI helps in identifying trends and generating actionable recommendations, enhancing the decision-making process.

Cons

  • Domo can be relatively expensive compared to other business analytics tools

  • Customization features for visualizations may be more limited than those offered by competitors.

  • Some users report slower performance when dealing with extremely large datasets or complex queries.

Reviews

Take a peek at G2 reviews for Power BI to discover how users are integrating it into their workflows and their honest thoughts.

Power BI has a user-friendly interface, powerful visualization capabilities, and the drag & drop feature. The most helpful feature is Power Query's robust data modeling and transformation tools streamline data cleaning and automation. Power BI has occasional performance issues with large datasets. Additionally, advanced features might require a steep learning curve for new users.

Ranjan K

I like Microsoft Power BI Desktop because It provides intuitive data transformation and cleaning tools, making it easy to connect to various data sources and shape data. Mastering the various features and functionalities may require time and effort, especially for new users. Also, working with large datasets have occasionally reported performance issues, such as slow query execution or longer loading times.

Akshay P

Power BI seamlessly integrates with Excel, Azure,powerApps, Dynamics 365, and other Microsoft products. But, the DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) which is used to creating complex calculations in Power BI needs a deep learning curve for the new users. It heavily relies on it's cloud services for sharing and collaborations which poses a challenge for the organization.

Robin M

Pricing

  • Power BI Desktop - Free

  • Power BI Pro - $10/user/month

  • Power BI Premium per user - $20/user/month

  • Power BI Embedded - Variable

7. MicroStrategy

MicroStrategy is another business analytics software that offers compatibility with multiple data sources. Users can connect to cloud warehouses, build dashboards, share reports, and embed analytics in apps to streamline workflows and analyze large datasets. Microstrategy recently announced a set of AI features powered by OpenAI that helps users get more insights about their existing KPIs. 

MicroStrategy

Core features: 

  • Multi-cloud connectivity: MicroStrategy supports integration with various cloud platforms, allowing users to connect and access data from multiple cloud environments. This enables organizations to leverage existing cloud investments and manage data more effectively. Users can pull data from sources like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, facilitating comprehensive analysis across different data sources.

  • AI/ML features: The platform incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities to enhance data analysis. These features assist users in automating insights, identifying patterns, and making predictions based on historical data. AI-driven functionalities help in anomaly detection and offer recommendations for data-driven decision-making.

  • Interactive dashboards and reporting: MicroStrategy provides interactive dashboards that allow users to visualize data dynamically. These dashboards support real-time updates and enable users to drill down into specific metrics or dimensions for detailed analysis. The reporting capabilities facilitate the creation of customized reports, making data consumption more straightforward and actionable.

  • Embedded analytics: MicroStrategy allows organizations to embed analytics within their applications or websites. This enables businesses to integrate data visualization and reporting functionalities directly into their workflows, providing users with access to relevant insights without switching between different tools.

Pros 

  • MicroStrategy can connect to various cloud platforms, providing flexibility in data management and integration.

  • MicroStrategy supports embedding analytics into applications, enhancing user experience, and making insights readily available.

  • It offers advanced analytics features, enabling users to perform in-depth data analysis and gain actionable insights.

Cons

  • The platform can be complex to navigate, especially for users without technical backgrounds, which may require additional training.

  • The tool may require significant computing resources, which can lead to performance issues if not properly managed.

  • New users might face a steep learning curve.

Reviews

Check out user reviews of MicroStrategy to gain a better understanding of its practical use cases.

MicroStrategy excels in providing a comprehensive and scalable BI solution. Its powerful data visualization and reporting capabilities allow for deep insights into complex datasets. The platform's robust analytics and the ability to integrate with various data sources make it a standout tool for enterprise-level business intelligence. The learning curve can be steep for new users, and the interface might feel outdated compared to other modern BI tools.

Manikar U

I like that it is easy to filter and click through different pages. The integration into PowerPoint is great. The biggest downside is the speed. It is so painful to wait so long just to add different columns. It also takes a while to refresh.

It is much more than a BI, its ability to write back, its connectivity allows you to develop wonderful end-user deliverables. It is not very friendly, mainly in version migrations

Ana Carolina

Pricing

30-day free trial

  • Other plans - Custom

8. Metabase

Metabase is an open-source business analytics tool that lets users write queries, build visualizations, and embed analytics into applications or websites. With features like drill-throughs, filters, and custom clicks, you can spot anomalies, analyze trends, and get insights. The platform also offers an SQL query builder and editor that allows power users to run multiple queries and generate reports. 

Metabase

Core features: 

  • Query builder: The query builder allows users to create queries through a graphical interface, enabling them to select tables, fields, and conditions to generate data outputs. This feature is designed for non-technical users to extract insights from data without needing extensive technical knowledge.

  • SQL editor: The SQL editor enables users to write and execute raw SQL queries directly. This feature allows for complex queries and detailed customization, offering flexibility for advanced data exploration.

  • Data modeling: Data modeling allows users to define relationships between different data tables, creating a unified view of the data. This feature helps in organizing data meaningfully, making it easier to analyze and derive insights.

  • Embedded analytics: Metabase supports embedded analytics, enabling users to integrate visualizations and reports into their applications or websites. This feature allows for sharing insights with external users or clients within the primary application context.

Pros

  • As an open-source tool, Metabase allows organizations to customize and extend its features according to their specific needs.

  • Users can quickly set up Metabase and connect it to various data sources, reducing the time needed to start analyzing data.

  • The platform enables users to create interactive dashboards and visualizations that facilitate data storytelling.

Cons

  • Metabase may lack some advanced analytics capabilities found in more comprehensive BI tools, which could be a limitation for data-heavy organizations.

  • As data volume increases, users might experience slower performance, particularly in complex queries or large dashboards.

  • The platform offers basic data preparation features, but it may not provide the depth required for complex data transformations compared to dedicated ETL tools.

Reviews

Read what users have to say about Metabase, sharing their thoughts on how it supports their data initiatives and where it falls short.

We particularly like the fact that all sorts of data and can be in 1 place and can be organized into folders, and that data can be translated into visual reports. As it is with usual DB and Analytics platform - it can be intimidating especially if user has no technical knowledge on alaytics and integration creation which leads to additional step internally if something needs to be configured etc.

John Epok P

There lots of features like daily alerts, dashboards settings with various formating options and visualization tools and UI is very user friendly. No suggestive keywords or query completion prompts from their end. limited use of SQL functions.

Indranil

Metabase features a straightforward user interface that enables users to explore and analyse their data without the need for in-depth technical expertise or programming skills. Although Metabase provides a number of basic and intermediate data analysis functions, some users might find that it lacks more complex capability, such as machine learning or predictive modelling

Vishal C

Pricing

  • Open Source - Free

  • Starter - $85/month + $5/user (First 5 users included)

  • Pro - $500/month + $10/user (First 10 users included)

  • Enterprise - Custom

Benefits of business analytics tools

Business analytics software offers significant advantages for organizations looking to harness their data for better decision-making and improved performance. Here are some key benefits:

  • Empower business users: Modern business analytics tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces that allow employees at all levels to analyze data without requiring technical expertise. This democratizes access to insights, enabling faster, data-driven decisions across the company.

  • Real-time insights: Companies can analyze data as it’s generated, providing immediate insights into operations, customer behavior, or market trends. This is especially valuable for industries where quick responses can lead to competitive advantages, like retail and finance.

  • Process optimization: Business analytics tools help identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in operations, leading to streamlined processes and reduced costs. For example, in manufacturing or supply chain management, real-time analytics can optimize resource allocation and improve productivity.

  • Scalability: As businesses grow, their data needs evolve. Scalable business analytics platforms can handle increasing data volumes and complexity, ensuring that companies continue to gain valuable insights as they expand their operations.

  • Collaboration across teams: Business analytics software fosters collaboration by providing a shared platform where teams can access and analyze the same data. This unified approach ensures that departments such as marketing, sales, and finance can work together effectively, driving more cohesive strategies.

How to choose the right business analytics tools

Selecting the right business analytics software is crucial for maximizing the value of your data and empowering your teams to make informed decisions. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a solution:

1. Identify your business needs

Start by evaluating your specific business requirements. Consider the types of data you work with, the level of analysis needed, and the end users—whether they are non-technical business users or data scientists. Defining these needs will help you focus on tools that align with your goals.

2. Ease of use

A user-friendly interface is essential, especially if non-technical users will be leveraging the software. Look for platforms that offer intuitive, self-service features, so employees across all departments can access and analyze data without heavy reliance on IT or data teams.

3. Integration capabilities

Your business analytics software should integrate seamlessly with the systems and databases you already use. Whether it's a CRM, ERP, or marketing automation tool, strong integration capabilities ensure you can pull data from multiple sources for comprehensive analysis.

4. AI capabilities

Evaluate the software's AI features, such as natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. These capabilities can enhance data analysis by providing predictive insights, automating data preparation, and enabling users to interact with data using conversational queries.

5. Real-time and predictive analytics

Consider whether your organization needs real-time insights or predictive analytics to stay ahead in a competitive environment. Tools like ThoughtSpot offer AI-driven predictive insights, allowing companies to anticipate future trends and act proactively.

6. Customization and scalability

Choose a platform that can be customized to fit your unique business processes and can scale as your company grows. If you're a fast-growing company, selecting software that scales with your data needs is critical to ensure long-term usability.

7. Collaboration features

Ensure the software has robust collaboration capabilities, enabling multiple teams to share insights and reports easily. This fosters a more data-driven culture across departments like marketing, sales, and finance, encouraging cohesive decision-making.

8. Security and compliance

Data security is a top priority. Make sure the software adheres to industry regulations, especially if you're in highly regulated industries like finance or healthcare. Look for features like role-based access, encryption, and audit trails to protect sensitive data.

9. Cost vs. value

While it's tempting to go for the most affordable option, the real value lies in how well the software meets your needs and helps drive business outcomes. Balance cost with the software’s ability to deliver meaningful insights, scalability, and ease of use.

10. Support and training

Vendor support and training are essential to ensure successful implementation and user adoption. Check for available resources such as online tutorials, customer support, or even custom training programs that help your team get the most out of the tool.

Keep a pulse on important metrics with a true self-serve solution

While the business analytics solutions we have explored above offer unique capabilities, only one solution supports a true self-service analytics use case. ThoughtSpot’s AI-Powered Analytics solution lets everyone leverage data and build successful strategies. Sign up for our no-commitment, 14-day trial and usher in a new era of data analytics.