The business intelligence market has exploded in recent years. However, it is essential to be aware of the difference between the conventional BI tools that are stand along, embedded and that those that insert insights in existing applications. Subsequently, if you intend to incorporate an embedded BI software in your product, for instance, you should bear in mind that not all BI tools are developed similarly. Here are some of the things you need to take into account before selecting the ideal embedded BI tool for your business:
- Data Connection And Blending
It is always essential to select an analytics tool easily blended to a wide range of data sources. In essence, you should go for analytics software that integrates easily to multiple data sources and relational databases, web services, and cloud apps. On the same note, you should select an analytics tool that can enable you to use your raw data without necessarily resorting to redundant data investments or proprietary layers.
- Tailor-Made User Experience
The uniqueness of embedded analytics emanates from the ability to blend it with your existing applications. Preferably, you will present a tailor-made user interface to align your analytics to your other existing applications. As a result, other users will not notice where applications end or where your power bi embedded begins. This ability, also known as white labeling, can enable you to integrate third-party visualizations as well as controls. Similarly, you will also be able to execute global branding using, for instance, custom themes, CSS, and JavaScript, and extend capabilities and attend to unique needs using plug-ins.
- Self Service
An embedded BI software can be beneficial to ender users due to the ability to translate substantial datasets into actionable data and present the information in the context of applications they already use. In essence, the ideal embedded BI software should empower users to obtain what they need. The benefits you are likely to derive in this sense include keeping users in your application and minimizing the frequency of ad hoc supplications from users.
- Write-back
If your embedded BI tool is only able to read but unable to write from a database, it might generate unreliable data. To get seamless analytics, you should consider looking for a solution that enables users to report back to the database. As such, you will be better placed to minimize problems that range from duplicate entries to outdated information. A solution that allows write-back can also ensure that your analytics becomes more sophisticated since other applications can support analytic outputs. The additional benefit of write-back functionality includes minimizing time wastage because users do not need to update entries manually by going back to the database, thus saving the time you are likely to spend cleaning up data.
Conclusion
The final decision on what to use will ultimately depend on the needs of your business and how you intend to leverage BI insights. Whether it be tools specifically designed for a particular industry, like retail or healthcare, or general-purpose software with more features than meets the eye – there’s no one size fits all solution when it comes to embedded BI. Make sure you do your research before making any decisions so that you can find something that suits both your budget and requirements.
