The evolution of technology and the web has cast a deep impact on the business landscape across the world. Nowadays, businesses are relying a lot on digital technologies and numerous online tools to cater to customer needs better and stay ahead in the race. Regardless of the sector, businesses need to deal with large amounts of data. Analysis and processing of data have become a part of their operations. To ensure gigantic amounts of data can be compiled and analysed well, businesses resort to using specialised BI and data visualisation solutions. A majority of brands rely on Microsoft Power BI in this regard.
Basics of Power BI
Power BI is a popular and widely used BI and data visualisation tool used by businesses of varying sizes and kinds. It is used by small and midsized companies, but a lot of MNCs and tech giants have also embraced Power BI over the years. The tool is offered in many versions, and the feature set is impressive. The all-inclusive software package not only helps businesses in gathering and analysing large volumes of data, but they also get ample data sharing options. Power bi is not hard to learn, but big companies using the tool usually opt for the services of power bi consultants.
How can big businesses gain by using Power BI?
Power BI is a versatile tool. It comes with a plethora of inbuilt tools and components that can be ideal for data analysis, visualisation and report generation. Using the tool can prove to be beneficial for businesses in numerous ways.
- Businesses can use the tool to use data obtained from multiple sources to generate visually impressive and insightful reports. They can, for example, create reports on metrics like employee performance per quarter, per department and sales in various markets, quarter-wise. Such reports can then be shared with relevant employees and vendors. In fact, the tool can also be used to analyse vendor performance. These can be very useful for large-sized businesses.
- Microsoft has kept the tool scalable and flexible. So, it can be used by small entities with limited budgets. On the other hand, large businesses with a huge workforce can also gain from using the tool. The premium version of Power BI is a subscription-based service, and it is useful for large-sized entities. They can choose the number of users and opt for a licensing model matching their needs. Besides, the pro and premium versions of Power BI come with additional features and enhanced data limits. These are really advantageous for large businesses.
- Power BI comes with support for various Microsoft and third-party software solutions. This is a boon for companies that already use a lot of such applications and cloud services for their operational needs. It integrates very well with Excel, for example. Importing data sets from Excel and some other applications into Power BI is a breeze. So, businesses using other applications do not usually run into data sharing or support issues by choosing Power BI. However, they may have to seek the expertise of veteran Power BI developers if any software compatibility issue arises.
- Power BI, especially the Pro and premium versions, come with immense data processing prowess. These versions can cope with massive amounts of data every day. So, they fit the bill for large companies that need to collect and process mammoth amounts of data from various online sources on a daily basis. Power Bi does not slow down while processing such data.
- In large enterprises, employees use various types of devices running different OSes. The nice thing about Power BI is that it runs on the most popular web access devices and PCs, as long as there is a stable internet connection and the subscription is active. So, large companies with diverse IT hardware setups can utilise the tool and adapt it to the workflow. The employees on the move can utilise the mobile app of Power BI and share data and reports without hassles. The main workforce can make use of the Pro and Premium versions as well.
- When using a BI and data visualisation tool, no business can afford to overlook the aspect of data security nowadays. Dealing with a large volume of crucial company and customer data is something they can’t take lightly. So, using a BI tool with adequate safety measures in place is a necessity. In this regard, Power BI ticks the boxes and comes laden with ample user security measures embedded. To boost the default security measures in Power BI, hiring veteran Power BI consulting services is recommended.
- Power BI has a sleek and intuitive UI, and that can be customised easily, too. The learning curve is not high and so training the employees how to use the tool for various needs is not hard. This can be a boon for an organisation where the workforce is huge, and the management seeks a BI tool that is easy to deploy and train. In fact, those who have used Microsoft applications can pick up nuances of Power BI without many hardships.
Features of Power BI that are loved by businesses
Microsoft has made Power BI laden with a truckload of features to cater to user needs. The periodic updates also add new features. Some of the most widely used and popular features of the tool are:
- Superb integration with Excel and other MS Office applications.
- Useful ad hoc mode.
- The ‘Get Data‘ feature for creating reports sans third-party tools and writing queries.
- Support for databases like Oracle, Azure SQL etc.
- Refresh feature for automated dataset update.
- Data set filtration for enhanced data visualisation.
- Fully customizable dashboards.
- DAX Data Analysis.
- Natural Language Question and Answer.
Importance of hiring a suitable Power BI consultant or analyst
Power BI is simple to learn and use, but Microsoft has added so many features to the platform over the years. For large enterprises, seeking the expertise of a veteran Power BI analyst or consultant is a prudent step. A Power BI development agency can help its clients in extracting the most out of the tool. These analysts can also develop client-specific data visualisation and BI strategies. Their expertise and assistance help big companies in utilising the tool in the right way. In the long run, they can save a lot of time and make the right business decisions.
Summing it up
Power BI comes with plenty of inbuilt features that make it well suited for various businesses, including enterprise users. To leverage the advanced features of the tool, enterprises typically seek assistance and services from Power BI consultants. However, large companies should be careful about hiring suitable Power BI consultants or agencies. They should assess such consultants on aspects like expertise and reputation, clientele, feedback of clients etc.