Data Analysts use a variety of software tools to analyze and visualize large stores of data. These tools can be leveraged to track many types of business activity, from historic sales trends to current inventory, and used to process this information and draw insights from it. Data analytics software allows users to display the results of a data query using a visual dashboard, which can be customized to display specific representations in distinct visualizations. Tools like Excel, Qlik, Tableau, SAS, Power BI, Apache Spark, and Zoho Analytics are among the most popular data analytics software tools in 2021.
Excel
Nearly everyone working in data analytics uses Microsoft Excel to handle large datasets. Excel, which is part of the Microsoft Suite, has a variety of useful applications across industries. The spreadsheet function enables users to make calculations, apply graphic tools, and create PivotTables. Because of its simple interface and ease of use, Excel remains the industry-standard for spreadsheets and the most relied-upon tool for analyzing and presenting data.
Although Excel can be used for a multitude of tasks, its most common uses are:
- Financial analysis
- Charting
- Data entry
- Accounting
- Data management
- Programming
- Time management
Currently, more than 750 million people worldwide use Excel for their daily business needs.
Qlik
Qlik is a business intelligence tool that’s used for data analytics and integration, and the process of transforming raw data into valuable knowledge. Its ad hoc query tools provide quick decision-making options based on easily accessible information.
Qlik is a complete data analytics platform that includes an associative analytics engine, a high-performing cloud platform, and cutting-edge AI capabilities. It allows users to transform raw data into actionable outcomes so that organizations can make better business decisions.
Qlik has many helpful features, such as:
- Largely automated data association
- Fast speed of operation and implementation
- Data compression capabilities
- Secure workspace
- Consistent reporting
- Multiple kinds of data representations
A variety of companies and educational providers around the world, such as Siemens Healthineers and the University of Virginia, use Qlik for their data visualization needs.
Tableau
Tableau is the fastest-growing data visualization tool on the market. It is typically used for business applications and allows users to simplify raw data into a format that’s easy to access and understand by those working at any level of an organization. Even non-technical Tableau users can create customized dashboards and worksheets with the help of this versatile tool.
Some of Tableau’s most useful features for data analytics include its capacity for data blending, real-time analysis, and data collaboration. Because Tableau doesn’t require programming skills or technical expertise to operate, users of all backgrounds can easily work with this software. It can be installed directly onto one’s hardware from a web download and be operational in just twenty minutes.
Thousands of companies and organizations use Tableau for data analytics and visualization, including Wells Fargo, Nike, Coca-Cola, and Skype.
SAS
SAS is one of the most popular statistical software packages used in the world of academia as well as across industries. This command-driven software package is commonly used for data visualization purposes, as well as statistical analysis and business intelligence.
This system was designed to handle data from a variety of sources. Because the SAS platform is independent, it can run on either Linux or Windows operating systems.
SAS is written in the C language. In addition to its use as a programming language, SAS can also be used as a graphical interface. In the field of data analytics, SAS is a valuable tool for reporting, retrieving, and analyzing statistical data, as well as executing SQL queries. SAS software allows users to perform statistical analysis, manage, extract, modify, and transform data, which is useful for quality improvement, business planning, project management, and operations research.
Some of the benefits of using SAS include its:
- Extensive collection of statistical algorithms and methods
- Large online community
- Versatility of applications across industries
- Customizable options for analysis and output
- High-quality graphics
On the 2020 Fortune 500 list, 91 of the 100 top companies use SAS, including Nestle, Discover, and Honda.
Power BI
Power BI is a suite of Microsoft business analytics services, apps, connectors, and data visualization products that can be used to extract meaningful information from raw data. Power BI’s clear and easy-to-use interface makes it easy for users to manage, collate, and analyze data. Users can then design their own dashboards and reports, and use the insights gleaned from datasets to create charts, graphs, and other data visualizations that can be shared within organizations or on websites to provide a snapshot of what’s happening at the business. Power BI was constructed using Microsoft Excel as a foundation, which makes it easy for those with Excel training to easily transition to using Power BI.
Power BI also offers access to powerful AI capacities. Those working with Power BI can perform image recognition, design machine learning models, execute text analytics, and even integrate with Azure Machine Learning. In addition, Power BI provides users with the ability to customize app navigation using the “app navigation experiences” feature, as well as to tailor security features to their needs in order to ensure their information is kept safe and private.
Power BI is used by many companies around the world, from Walmart to Apple to Exxon Mobil Corporation.
Apache Spark
Apache Spark is a unified analytics engine that was designed to handle large-scale data processing. This high-performing tool allows users to quickly write apps using SQL, R, Python, Scala, and Java. Its 80-plus operators simplify the process of building parallel apps. Apache Spark’s extensive libraries include MLib, SQL, GraphX, and Spark Streaming. These libraries can be combined into the same app. In addition to its ability to access hundreds of diverse data sources, Apache Spark can run on Apache Mesons, Kubernetes, and Hadoop. It can also operate in the cloud or as a standalone.
Companies like TripAdvisor, Groupon, and eBay, Inc rely on Apache Spark for handling their datasets.
Zoho Analytics
Zoho Analytics is a self-service BI and analytics platform that incorporates a drag-and-drop user interface. This tool also allows users to analyze data efficiently and cost-effectively.
The majority of Zoho users rely on this platform to create dashboards. Zoho has many data visualization tools and options, such as charts, Pivot Tables, KPI widgets, customized dashboards, and summary views, which make it a valuable resource for those working in data analytics. In addition, Zoho’s AI-powered assistant enables users to ask questions and receive comprehensive answers delivered to them in the report form.
There are many benefits to using Zoho. Most users consider it to be easy to use. Tasks can be automated to cut down on time and cost. Its pricing system is transparent, and packages are largely affordable.
Some of Zoho’s other remarkable features are its:
- Capacity for collaborative analytics
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS
- Smart modeling capabilities that enable connection to relevant data tables
- Cross-functional analytics capabilities
Zoho is used by a variety of organizations and companies for their data analysis and visualization needs. Companies like Tesla Energy, Suzuki, and Ticketmaster are just a few Zoho users.
Which Data Analytics Software Tool is Right for You?
In order to decide which data analytics tool or tools are right for your professional needs, it’s important to consider a few questions:
- Do those using the tool have extensive knowledge of data science and other technical fields?
- Is the cost of the software within budget constraints?
- How supportive is the community?
- Will the software tool interoperate with the existing storage infrastructure and database?
- Is the vendor an established brand with a proven track record or a new name?
- Will the software be able to handle a potentially increasing number of queries over time?
Hands-On Data Analytics Classes
Are you interested in learning more about data analytics? If so, Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes are a great starting point. Courses are currently available in topics such as Excel, Python, and data analytics, among others skills necessary for analyzing data.
In addition, more than 130 live online data analytics courses are also available from top providers. Courses range from three hours to six months and cost from $219 to $27,500.
Those who are committed to learning in an intensive educational environment may also consider enrolling in a data analytics or data science bootcamp. These rigorous courses are taught by industry experts and provide timely instruction on how to handle large sets of data. Over 90 bootcamp options are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students looking to master skills and topics like data analytics, data visualization, data science, and Python, among others.
For those searching for a data analytics class nearby, Noble’s data analytics Classes Near Me tool provides an easy way to locate and browse the 400 or so data analytics classes currently offered in the in-person and live online formats. Course lengths vary from three hours to 36 weeks and cost $119-$27,500.