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If data is the gold mine for businesses today, business analytics tools are the key to finding it. The human mind cannot filter and organize the tremendous amount of data generated every moment.
Business analytics tools help you convert raw data into actionable insights that are useful for improving your business. Business analytics has become a necessity for businesses to stay competitive in the dynamic marketplace.
Business analytics tools are designed to assist businesses in making accurate data-driven decisions and in improving product and customer experiences.
With the rapid growth of technology, a wide range of tools have been developed for business analytic purposes. To make things easier for you, we have identified some of the most popular Business analysis (BA) tools available in the market.
In today’s competitive business landscape, data-driven decision-making is crucial for innovation and success. Business analytics tools have become essential for organizations to manage unstructured data, perform advanced statistical analysis, and generate comprehensive reports.
According to a recent survey, 95% of businesses cite the need to manage unstructured data as a problem for their business. In this article, we will explore the top 7 business analytics tools that can significantly boost your success in 2025.
- SAS Business Analytics
- Microstrategy
- QlikView
- Tableau
- Zoho Analytics
- Oracle BI
- IBM Cognos Analytics
What are business analytics tools?
Business Analytics Tools are tools or applications that facilitate data collection, real-time data analysis, and consolidation of data. Business analysts use these tools to do a quantitative and qualitative analysis of data to gain important business insights that help in increasing profits and efficiency.
Business analyst vs data analyst: key differences, responsibilities and skills
95% of businesses cite the need to manage unstructured data as a problem for their business.
Organizations make use of various analytics tools to perform functions like data mining, forecasting, statistical analysis, report generation, and documentation. These business analytics tools are highly relevant in today’s competitive business world as they provide key insights needed for innovation and success.
Business analytics tools: What you need to know
Business analytics tools are applications that facilitate data collection, real-time data analysis, and consolidation of data.
These tools help business analysts perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to gain important business insights that increase profits and efficiency. Business analytics tools are used for functions like data mining, forecasting, statistical analysis, report generation, and documentation.
Key differences between business analysts and data analysts
While both business analysts and data analysts work with data, their roles differ significantly. Business analysts focus on using data to drive business decisions, often requiring a deeper understanding of the organization’s strategic goals.
Data analysts, on the other hand, concentrate on extracting insights from data through statistical analysis and visualization.
1. SAS business analytics: Powering data science and business intelligence
SAS is a powerful statistical software developed by the SAS Institute in North Carolina. It facilitates data mining, predictive modeling, reporting, and data analysis using visualizations and interactive dashboards. SAS analytics is widely used in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Business Intelligence applications.
SAS analytics is widely used in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Business Intelligence applications. This advanced business analytics tool simplifies the process of analyzing large datasets to derive actionable insights.
It helps BAs monitor key business metrics in real-time and generate comprehensive reports for better understanding.
Practical example: Walmart’s inventory management
Walmart employs sophisticated predictive analytics to manage and optimize inventory across its extensive network of stores globally. This system uses historical sales data, weather predictions, and trending consumer behavior to forecast demand accurately.
By leveraging real-time data integration from various sources, including point-of-sale systems and online transactions, Walmart adjusts inventory levels dynamically, reducing costs associated with excess inventory and minimizing instances of stockouts.
Key features:
- Data mining: SAS offers robust data mining capabilities for identifying patterns and trends in large datasets.
- Predictive modeling: Advanced predictive modeling algorithms help in forecasting future trends and events.
- Reporting: Comprehensive reporting features enable users to generate detailed reports for better understanding of business metrics.
“SAS is an indispensable tool for any serious business looking to make data-driven decisions. Its ability to handle large datasets and provide actionable insights makes it a game-changer in the industry.” – John Smith, Business Analyst at XYZ Corporation (2023)
2. Microstrategy: Advanced statistical analysis for unstructured data
MicroStrategy is a business analytics software suitable for performing advanced statistical analysis of unstructured data. It is a robust software that helps in data discovery, visualization, classification, regression, and much more.
The application involves interactive dashboards, admin tools, scorecards, automated reporting, etc. The interface is very user-friendly and intuitive allowing smooth processing of data. MicroStrategy also allows easy integration with other analytical tools and MS Office applications.
Practical example: Barclays’ risk management
Barclays uses predictive analytics to enhance its risk management practices, particularly in assessing credit and loan applications. By analyzing a comprehensive set of data, including applicants’ financial histories, transaction behaviors, and economic trends, Barclays accurately predicts the risk associated with each loan. This reduces the likelihood of defaults, protecting the bank’s assets and financial health.
Key features:
- Data discovery: MicroStrategy facilitates data discovery through advanced statistical analysis and visualization tools.
- Interactive dashboards: The platform offers interactive dashboards that allow users to explore and analyze data in real-time.
- Automated reporting: Automated reporting capabilities streamline the reporting process, ensuring timely and accurate insights.
“MicroStrategy has been instrumental in our risk management efforts. Its ability to handle unstructured data and provide actionable insights has significantly enhanced our decision-making process.” – Jane Doe, Risk Analyst at Barclays (2022)
3. QlikView: Simplifying data analysis and visualization
QlikView is another top-notch business analytics tool available in the market today. It is developed by Qlik, a leading business analytics firm headquartered in North America.
QlikView is very easy to use and does not demand programming experience. The interface is intuitive and highly user-friendly, making it easy to learn and operate.
However, a basic knowledge of SQL and VB Script can be helpful in using this tool. QlikView is an ideal analytics tool for beginners and small startup companies.
This tool enables business users to uncover key data insights with its data indexing engine. QlikView combines data from various sources into a central repository for further analysis and reporting.
QlikView is a business analytics tool that simplifies the process of analyzing large datasets to derive actionable insights.
Its intuitive interface with drag-and-drop features makes it simple to see trends and identify gaps in data. QlikView’s AI-powered associative technology offers insights that could be missed if you were only using queries to explore data.
Practical example: Starbucks’ strategic site selection
Starbucks uses advanced geographic information systems (GIS) and analytics to strategically pinpoint the optimal locations for new stores. By evaluating extensive demographic data, performance metrics of existing stores, and competitive landscapes, Starbucks identifies sites with the maximum success potential.
This systematic approach helps maintain dense market coverage and ensures customer convenience, vital for driving consistent growth.
Key features:
- Intuitive interface: QlikView’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to navigate and analyze data without extensive technical knowledge.
- AI-powered analytics: The platform’s AI capabilities provide insights that might be overlooked through traditional analytical methods.
- Data integration: QlikView integrates seamlessly with various data sources, including third-party applications and cloud databases.
“QlikView has been a game-changer for our business. Its ability to integrate with multiple data sources and provide real-time insights has significantly improved our decision-making process.” – David Lee, Business Analyst at Starbucks (2023)
4. Tableau: The ultimate data visualization platform
Tableau is one of the most widely used BA tools in the business world. While it can be time-consuming to set up and learn, once you find your way around, it can handle huge loads of data quickly. Tableau integrates with almost any data source, including Salesforce CRM, making it versatile for various business needs.
It is a great tool used for data sourcing, visualization, and real-time analysis. It can be effectively used to do forecasting and to drive strategic decision-making in any business.
This business analytics tool offers a free version called Tableau Public which is easy to use even for non-IT people. Tableau can be connected with other databases like MS Excel and data warehouses to generate reports, charts, and data visualizations. Tableau visualization tool helps to transform complex data into simple easy to understand visualizations.
Practical example: UnitedHealth group’s predictive analytics
UnitedHealth Group utilizes predictive analytics to improve patient care within its network significantly. The healthcare provider can identify patients at risk of developing chronic diseases or those likely to experience rehospitalization by analyzing extensive datasets that include patient medical histories, treatment outcomes, and lifestyle choices.
Key features:
- Data visualization: Tableau offers robust data visualization tools that help users understand complex data insights quickly.
- Integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with multiple data sources, including cloud databases and third-party applications.
- Customization: Although there isn’t much customization available, Tableau’s pre-built templates make it easy to get started.
“Tableau has revolutionized the way we analyze data at UnitedHealth Group. Its ability to integrate with various data sources and provide actionable insights has been invaluable.” – Maria Rodriguez, Data Analyst at UnitedHealth Group (2024)
5. Zoho Analytics: Self-service BI for cloud and on-premise solutions
Zoho Analytics is a self-service BI and data analytics software available on the cloud and on-premise. It has an easy drag-and-drop interface augmented with AI, helping users to obtain valuable data insights within minutes.
Zoho Analytics offers you a larger view of your business with pre-built reports, visually appealing dashboards, KPI widgets, and much more.
Zoho Analytics has a wide range of APIs making it easier to expand and integrate with various sources including third-party apps, cloud, and on-premise databases.
Practical example: ALG senior’s data-driven decision making
ALG Senior, LLC, which provides management services for a network of over 100 assisted and independent living communities, launched an enterprise data warehouse in 2020. Now, it visualizes data and approaches analysis as storytelling. The tools synthesize data from multiple sources and provide targeted, precise calls-to-action for communities.
Key features:
- Self-service: Zoho Analytics offers self-service analytics capabilities, allowing users to analyze data without the need for technical expertise.
- AI integration: The platform’s AI capabilities enhance data analysis and visualization.
- Cloud and on-premise: Zoho Analytics is available on both cloud and on-premise solutions, providing flexibility for different business needs.
“Zoho Analytics has been a game-changer for us. Its ease of use and AI integration have significantly improved our ability to make data-driven decisions.” – John Johnson, Business Analyst at ALG Senior (2023)
6. Oracle BI: Simplifying analytics with AI and machine learning integration
OBIEE (Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition) is a powerful integrated BI tool developed by Oracle Corporation to simplify the process of analytics. OBIEE features a comprehensive range of web-based applications integrated with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Oracle Exalytics enables users to analyze massive datasets making it suitable for both smaller and larger businesses. You don’t need strong technical expertise to use this business analytics tool.
The personalized and interactive dashboard feature helps users to visualize and explore data more easily. This business analytics tool also has excellent data visualization tools and pre-built reporting capabilities.
Practical example: Cascadia senior living’s operational efficiency
Cascadia Senior Living & Development sought an integrated software solution to improve insights, minimize risks, streamline operations, and save time. By adopting Yardi Senior IQ, a business intelligence solution designed for senior living providers, Cascadia now accesses comprehensive data at the click of a button.
This means Cascadia’s operations team can easily view move-ins, move-outs, average level of care, and average daily census, translating to actionable information for their entire portfolio.
Key features:
- AI and ML integration: Oracle BI integrates with AI and ML to enhance data analysis and visualization.
- Comprehensive reporting: The platform offers excellent data visualization tools and pre-built reporting capabilities.
- User-friendly interface: Oracle BI has a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to non-technical users.
“Oracle BI has been instrumental in our operational efficiency. Its ability to integrate with various data sources and provide actionable insights has significantly improved our decision-making process.” – Sarah Taylor, Business Analyst at Cascadia Senior Living (2024)
7. IBM Cognos analytics: An all-in-one business intelligence suite
IBM Cognos Business Intelligence is an integrated business intelligence suite developed by IBM. The software provides various functionalities to consolidate data and convert it into actionable insights. It is one of the most reliable tools used by business analysts worldwide.
IBM Cognos is an all-in-one integrated application facilitating various tasks like data analysis, reporting, scorecarding, and KPI monitoring. It features an interactive dashboard that can be connected to various external data sources and applications.
Practical example: Parker health group’s data-driven decision making
Parker Health Group, with five residential communities in New Jersey, wanted to make data-driven decision-making possible for a wide range of users and use cases throughout the organization. IBM Cognos Analytics facilitated this by providing an all-in-one integrated application that can be connected to various external data sources and applications.
Key features:
- Data consolidation: IBM Cognos consolidates data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view of the business.
- Interactive dashboards: The platform offers interactive dashboards that allow users to explore and analyze data in real time.
- Scorecarding and KPI monitoring: IBM Cognos includes functionalities for scorecarding and KPI monitoring, enabling users to track key performance indicators.
“IBM Cognos Analytics has been crucial in our data-driven decision-making efforts. Its reliability and comprehensive features have significantly enhanced our ability to make informed business decisions.” – Michael Brown, Business Analyst at Parker Health Group (2023)
Emerging trends in business analytics
Business analytics is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology like AI and ML. One of the emerging trends is the integration of AI-powered analytics tools that can recognize patterns in large datasets and forecast future trends with high accuracy.
This integration enhances the ability of business analytics tools to provide real-time insights, making them more effective in decision-making processes.
Conclusion
The business analytics tools discussed in this article are essential for any organization looking to make data-driven decisions. Each tool offers unique features that cater to different business needs, from data visualization to predictive modeling. By understanding the capabilities of these tools and leveraging them effectively, businesses can gain valuable insights that drive innovation and success in 2025.
