7 Data Analysis Tools for Smarter Decision-Making

Successful businesses use data to drive their decision-making. If businesses fail to leverage the vast amount of available data, they could miss critical opportunities to make informed, strategic decisions.

Accessing data is just the beginning. To stay competitive, businesses need powerful data analysis tools that enhance speed, accuracy, scalability, and real-time insight. Using a data analysis tool streamlines the process of collecting, interpreting, and applying data so you’re not making predictions based on guesses. The right tool can replace guesswork with evidence-based strategies and drive consistently better outcomes.

Top features to watch for when choosing data analysis tools include AI empowerment, customizable data visualizations and integrations. This blog will uncover seven data analysis tools that can help you make smarter decisions.

1. Microsoft Power BI

Microsoft Power BI is a great tool to start with. It turns your data into easy-to-understand visuals so you can quickly review important information and generate relevant reports. The drag-and-drop dashboards are especially handy with Power BI, and the platform incorporates AI features to help you seamlessly identify patterns. You can also integrate Power BI with Excel and Azure, which is a plus if you’re already using these tools in your workflows.¹

2. Tableau

Next is Tableau, the business intelligence and analytics software that also excels at data visualization. Automation fuels quick visual overviews and helps business leaders break down what it all means with summaries. You can view trends with real-time data streaming, and Tableau also provides a host of powerful integrations, including with single sign-on providers.²

3. Google Looker Studio (Formerly Data Studio)

Google Looker Studio, which is completely free, converts your data into dashboards you can fully customize, giving you more control.³ If your business already relies on Google tools, such as Sheets, Ads or GA⁴, this tool may be a safe bet. Google Looker Studio seamlessly connects with these other systems. As with Google’s other tools, this data analysis platform is straightforward and clean.

4. SAS Visual Analytics

SAS Visual Analytics is an enterprise-grade solution that offers advanced reporting, governance, visualizations and self-service options for your business.⁴ Its data cleansing tools help you prioritize data quality, and its AI capabilities power self-service data planning. SAS Visual Analytics’ predictive modeling and interactive visual reporting tools are standouts as well.

5. IBM Cognos Analytics

Another data analytics platform that successfully incorporates AI is IBM Cognos Analytics, which uses the latest AI technology to help with data preparation and evaluation.⁵ Conduct natural language queries, interact with data visualizations however you choose and pull the insights you need to improve your decision-making. With IBM Cognos Analytics, you’ll have a much more efficient, smarter way to make your data work for you.

6. Qlik Sense

Qlik Sense offers a unique associative analytics engine that allows for in-memory data exploration. The software has built-in AI and machine learning capabilities that provide augmented analytics, so all professionals, regardless of their experience with data analysis, can improve their decision-making processes. Qlik Sense also offers self-service business intelligence features and real-time insights interpreted through automated, interactive dashboards.⁶

7. Zoho Analytics

Last but not least is Zoho Analytics, a great option for businesses looking for something robust yet affordable. Generative AI assists the software to help you connect your data, augment your data analysis and view reports and dashboards that intuitively break down the information for you.⁷ Zoho Analytics has an Ask Zia feature—an analytical assistant powered by AI which speeds up business insight generation and forecasting with natural language processing.⁸

Key Data Analysis Features to Compare

You can’t go wrong with these seven data analysis tools to improve your business’s decision-making processes. When you’re reviewing your options and watching demos, pay especially close attention to these features:

• Ease of use: You need an intuitive system that’s fully functional and fast for your desired purposes. A demo of the product can be a good way to see just how easy or clunky the platform is to navigate 
• Data connectivity: Review how each piece of software connects with your data, considering how factors such as real-time updates, integrations and security play a role
• Pricing: Of course, cost will be a factor. Establish a goal for how much you want to spend on your data analysis, as the options are wide-ranging, and some are even free. Consider signing up for a free trial to test out different platforms
• AI capabilities: AI is now a key tool in data collection and analysis. Go with a tool that supports your decision-making with AI-powered features that can enhance your insights
• Collaboration: Working with others on your data insights may be a top priority, so don’t forget to assess your software’s collaboration capabilities. It should be seamless to work and connect with others on your data
• Deployment options: You must also consider how the software is deployed—whether in the cloud or on-premise. Consider your goals and ensure the tool you choose meets these needs

Data analysis and tools that make the process easier are key to understanding your business and making accurate predictions for the future. Whether you’re seeking an online data analysis tool for your marketing ROI analysis, financial forecasting or operational KPI tracking, find the platform that has all the features you need in one place.

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