Qlik Sense vs Business Objects: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
When it comes to Business Intelligence (BI) tools, Qlik Sense and Business Objects are well-established names that organizations consider for data visualization and reporting. Both platforms are designed to facilitate data-driven decision-making, yet they differ in functionality, user interface, and integration capabilities.
Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses looking to implement the right BI solution for their needs. This comparison will provide an overview of Qlik Sense and Business Objects, highlighting key features and use cases.
In the following sections, we'll also explore how Sourcetable offers a contemporary approach to BI tasks with a spreadsheet-like interface that automatically syncs with your data, presenting an alternative to traditional tools like Qlik Sense or Business Objects.
What is Qlik Sense?
Qlik Sense is a data analytics tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide fast and advanced insights. It features associative analytics which enables users to explore data and discover hidden insights. The tool is designed for self-service visualization, allowing users to create interactive dashboards and engage in search and natural language interactions with data.
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Qlik Sense is a data analytics tool that utilizes artificial intelligence to provide fast and advanced insights. It features associative analytics which enables users to explore data and discover hidden insights. The tool is designed for self-service visualization, allowing users to create interactive dashboards and engage in search and natural language interactions with data.
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Key Features of Qlik Sense
- Advanced and predictive analytics capabilities.
- Automated insight generation and data preparation processes.
- Integration with a wide array of data sources.
- Accessibility from anywhere on any device.
- Embeddable in other applications with a complete set of APIs.
- Offers data prep and connectivity options.
Qlik Sense is trusted globally, with over 40,000 customers relying on its capabilities for their data analysis needs. Its flexibility and ease of use make it an essential tool for businesses seeking to leverage their data for informed decision-making.
What is Business Objects
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence is an on-premise suite designed for data reporting, visualization, and sharing within the framework of SAP’s Business Technology Platform. It serves as the on-premise BI layer, enabling organizations to transform data into actionable insights.
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SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence is an on-premise suite designed for data reporting, visualization, and sharing within the framework of SAP’s Business Technology Platform. It serves as the on-premise BI layer, enabling organizations to transform data into actionable insights.
This suite offers real-time business intelligence that is accessible anytime and anywhere, promoting increased user autonomy. It supports personalized and dynamic information consumption, streamlining the process for users to derive meaningful insights from their data.
- On-premise BI layer for SAP’s Business Technology Platform
- Centralized suite for data reporting and visualization
- Transforms data into actionable insights
- Real-time business intelligence
- Available anytime, anywhere
- Increased user autonomy
- Simplified, personalized, and dynamic information consumption
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Key Features of Qlik Sense
Associative Analytics Engine |
Qlik Sense's unique associative analytics engine enables deep data exploration and instant insight discovery. It supports interactive data visualization and allows users to perform instant calculations. |
Augmented Analytics |
Embedded AI and ML form the foundation of Qlik Sense, offering augmented analytics capabilities such as AI-powered insights, predictions, and automated insight generation. |
Self-Service Analytics |
Users can access self-service analytics for data visualization, preparation, and dashboard creation without the need for coding expertise. |
Data Integration and Preparation |
Qlik Sense provides comprehensive data prep and integration capabilities, enabling efficient combination and connectivity of diverse data sources. |
Advanced and Predictive Analytics |
Advanced analytics features include predictive analytics and AutoML, facilitating the creation of machine learning models directly within the platform. |
Interactivity and Mobility |
With its highly interactive interface and mobile capabilities, Qlik Sense allows users to access and analyze data anytime, anywhere. |
Automation and Alerting |
Event-driven actions, alerting, and automation are built into Qlik Sense, enabling timely responses to data-driven alerts. |
Collaboration and Sharing |
Collaboration is enhanced through features like notes, discussion threads, and the ability to share reports, fostering a collaborative data analysis environment. |
Customization and Extensibility |
Qlik Sense is fully customizable with open APIs, allowing for the development of custom applications, visualizations, and extensions. |
Scalability and Performance |
The platform is designed for high performance scalability and works with a wide array of data sources, apps, databases, and cloud services. |
Data Governance and Management |
Qlik Sense ensures centralized management and governance, delivering a secure and controlled data analytics environment. |
Key Features of Business Objects
Reporting and Analysis |
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence suite is equipped with robust reporting and analysis tools that enable users to perform ad hoc queries and generate BI reports, aiding in the understanding of trends and root causes within the data. |
Data Visualization and Analytics |
With a suite of data visualization and analytics applications, users can create compelling visualizations, dashboards, and custom applications designed to assess risk, enhance efficiency, and uncover opportunities. |
Office Integration |
The suite features seamless integration with office applications, facilitating a more efficient workflow for users who rely on office tools for business processes. |
Data Manipulation |
SAP BusinessObjects provides users with the ability to filter and manipulate multidimensional data, helping to identify trends and outliers and to make more informed decisions. |
Benefits of Qlik Sense for Business Intelligence
User-Friendly and Powerful Analytics
Qlik Sense is recognized for its self-service visualization solutions, which are both user-friendly and powerful. This combination allows for efficient reporting and insightful data analytics, catering to a variety of skill levels within an organization.
Affordability and Cost-Effectiveness
At $30 per user per month, Qlik Sense is a relatively affordable option for businesses looking to leverage advanced BI tools without incurring excessive costs.
Enhanced Data Literacy
Designed with the purpose of improving data literacy, Qlik Sense enables users across an organization to interpret and utilize data more effectively, thus optimizing decision-making processes.
Device Compatibility and Mobility
With its responsive design and mobility feature, Qlik Sense ensures accessibility on a wide range of devices, supporting business intelligence tasks on-the-go.
Security and Collaboration
Qlik Sense's flexible and comprehensive security feature safeguards data while its centralized hub facilitates collaboration and information sharing among team members.
Customization and Extensibility
Qlik Sense's open APIs allow for extensive customization, enabling users to tailor analytics solutions, develop custom apps, and create new visualizations to meet specific business requirements.
AI-Powered and Mobile-Friendly
As an AI-powered and mobile-friendly tool, Qlik Sense delivers advanced analytics capabilities, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of business intelligence efforts.
Disadvantages of Qlik Sense for Business Intelligence
Performance Issues with Large Data
Qlik Sense performance degrades when processing large data sets, which can impede analytics and reporting operations that require handling extensive volumes of data.
Cost Concerns for Teams
The expense of Qlik Sense can be prohibitive for larger teams, as well as for some smaller teams, affecting the scalability and accessibility of the tool for varying business sizes.
Limited Data Export Functionality
There are limitations in exporting information to Excel from Qlik Sense, potentially disrupting workflows that depend on seamless data transfer to spreadsheets.
Additional Expenses for Extensions
Extra costs for add-ons and plugins with Qlik Sense add to the total cost of ownership, impacting budget allocations for businesses seeking comprehensive analytics tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qlik Sense
What are the payment options available for Qlik Sense training?
You can pay for training with a credit card, Training Card, or invoice.
How can I determine which Qlik Sense training courses are suitable for my role?
You can take training recommendations to find which courses to take for your role.
How can I verify my registration status for a Qlik Sense training course?
You can check your registration status on the My Training page.
Can I use a Training Card to pay for Qlik Sense certifications?
Training Cards cannot be used to pay for certifications.
Is there an expiry date for the Training Card I purchased for Qlik Sense training?
You have 12 months from the purchase date to use the Training Card.
Use Cases for Qlik Sense
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Improving efficiency, customer service, and sales as demonstrated by Dominos
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Creating a company-wide portal for analytics as utilized by Intuit
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Enhancing operational success in the retail sector, as shown by Urban Outfitters
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Reducing the cost and effort to convert loan prospects as achieved by Integra
Advantages of Business Objects in Business Intelligence
User-Friendly BI Applications
BusinessObjects provides intuitive business intelligence applications, enhancing user adoption and productivity.
Enterprise Reporting Management
Organizations can efficiently manage their Enterprise Reporting needs with BusinessObjects, streamlining reporting processes.
Ad-hoc Query Capability
BusinessObjects supports ad-hoc queries, allowing for flexible data exploration and analysis.
Robust Data Analysis
With robust data analysis features, BusinessObjects enables comprehensive examination of business data.
Cost Efficiency
The platform reduces total cost of ownership, making it a cost-effective solution for business intelligence.
Productivity in BI
BusinessObjects increases productivity in business intelligence tasks, maximizing resource utilization.
Operational Stability and Efficiency
It enhances operational stability and efficiency, ensuring reliable business intelligence operations.
Scalability and Flexibility
As a scalable and flexible BI platform, BusinessObjects adapts to growing business needs.
Disadvantages of Business Objects
High Deployment Costs
Business Objects is expensive to deploy, posing a significant upfront investment.
Upgrade Challenges
Upgrading Business Objects is a difficult process, often leading to complexities and potential downtime.
Data Migration Complexities
Migrating data to Business Objects is notably problematic, exacerbating general data migration difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Objects
How do I use the basic features of BusinessObjects?
FAQs explain how to use BusinessObjects features, including navigating the user interface, creating reports, and analyzing data.
What are some tips for using BusinessObjects more effectively?
Some FAQs provide tips for using BusinessObjects, such as best practices for data visualization, optimizing performance, and personalizing your workspace.
How can I troubleshoot common issues in BusinessObjects?
There are FAQs about troubleshooting that help resolve common problems, such as connectivity issues, report errors, and login difficulties.
Where can I find step-by-step guidance on specific BusinessObjects features?
Additional how-tos provide step-by-step guidance for various features of BusinessObjects, helping users with detailed instructions on complex tasks.
Use Cases for Business Objects
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Enterprise Reporting
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Dashboard Creation
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Self-Service BI
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Predictive Analytics
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Operational Monitoring
Why Sourcetable is a Better Alternative for Business Intelligence
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Simplified Reporting and Data Analytics
Sourcetable offers an intuitive spreadsheet-like interface for business intelligence, which is more accessible than the complex interfaces of Qlik Sense and Business Objects. This simplification of the user interface makes it easier for users to navigate and generate reports, enhancing productivity.
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Unified Data Synchronization
Unlike Qlik Sense and Business Objects, Sourcetable syncs data across all services, providing a centralized view of information. This eliminates the need for multiple tools and streamlines the data analysis process, saving time and reducing complexity for businesses.
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Reduced Learning Curve
The familiar spreadsheet format of Sourcetable reduces the learning curve for new users, in contrast to the advanced features and functionalities of Qlik Sense and Business Objects that may require specialized training.
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Increased Accessibility
With its cloud-based platform, Sourcetable allows users to access their data and reports from anywhere, at any time, offering greater flexibility over Qlik Sense's and Business Objects' traditional deployment models.
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Optimized for Collaboration
Sourcetable's design is optimized for collaboration, enabling teams to work together efficiently on data analysis tasks without the need for extensive configuration or set up, which can be more complex in Qlik Sense and Business Objects.
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Comparison Between Qlik Sense and Business Objects
Both Qlik Sense and Business Objects are data analytics tools used for business intelligence. They offer features that enable organizations to perform data analysis and visualization, making them valuable for decision-making processes.
Both Qlik Sense and Business Objects are data analytics tools used for business intelligence. They offer features that enable organizations to perform data analysis and visualization, making them valuable for decision-making processes.
Data Visualization and Dashboards
Qlik Sense and Business Objects provide robust data visualization capabilities. They allow users to create interactive dashboards that can be used to discover insights and present data in a comprehensible manner.
Self-Service Analytics
These platforms support self-service analytics, enabling users of varying skill levels to explore data, create visualizations, and generate reports without extensive technical knowledge.
Integration and Data Connectivity
Both tools integrate with multiple data sources, offering the ability to work with a broad range of data types. This integration is key for organizations that require a cohesive view of data from different systems.
Advanced and Predictive Analytics
Qlik Sense and Business Objects have capabilities for advanced and predictive analytics. They provide functionalities for more sophisticated data analysis, including forecasting and trend analysis, which can be leveraged for strategic planning.
Reporting
Reporting is a common feature, with both platforms allowing for the generation of reports that can be distributed within an organization. These reports can be scheduled and formatted in various ways, including PDF and Office formats.
AI and ML Features
The use of AI and ML technologies is evident in both Qlik Sense and Business Objects. These technologies automate the insight generation process and enable predictive analytics, enhancing the overall analytical capabilities of the platforms.
Collaboration
Collaboration features are present in both tools, facilitating teamwork and shared analysis. Users can collaborate on dashboards, share insights, and make data-driven decisions together.
While both Qlik Sense and Business Objects have these similarities, they also have unique features and may be chosen based on specific organizational needs and preferences.
Qlik Sense vs Business Objects
Analytics Approach
Qlik Sense employs an associative analytics engine, enabling users to explore data freely without the limitations of query-based analytics. In contrast, Business Objects primarily uses a query-based approach, which may limit the discovery of insights to predefined queries and reports.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Qlik Sense integrates AI and ML for augmented analytics, offering features such as AI-powered insights, predictions, automated insight generation, and AutoML. Business Objects has traditionally not been as focused on AI and ML in its analytics offerings.
Interactivity and User Experience
Qlik Sense is known for its highly interactive visualizations and dashboards, while Business Objects provides a more static reporting experience. Qlik Sense also supports natural language interaction, augmenting the user experience further.
Data Integration and Preparation
Both tools offer data integration capabilities. Qlik Sense provides a wide range of data prep and integration features, supporting hundreds of data sources. It emphasizes self-service data preparation, which is not as prominent in Business Objects.
Deployment Options
Qlik Sense is available both as a SaaS or on-premises solution, catering to different business needs, including those of highly regulated industries. Business Objects, while also offering flexibility in deployment, has been traditionally more focused on on-premises solutions.
Collaboration and Mobility
Qlik Sense facilitates collaboration and is built for mobile, ensuring access and shared insights across devices. Business Objects also offers collaboration features, but Qlik Sense emphasizes a seamless experience on mobile devices.
Customization and Extensibility
Qlik Sense has a complete set of open APIs, allowing for custom app development, embedding analytics, and extending functionality. Business Objects provides customization options through its SDK, but Qlik Sense's open APIs offer more flexibility for developers.
Customer Base
Qlik Sense is used by over 40,000 customers worldwide, a testament to its scalability and adaptability across industries. Business Objects also has a substantial user base but with different usage patterns owing to its traditional BI focus.
Comparison of Qlik Sense, Business Objects, and Sourcetable
Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a comprehensive data analytics and visualization tool that utilizes AI and ML to provide augmented analytics, associative exploration, and interactive dashboards. It's designed to be user-friendly for all skill levels, offering a cloud-based SaaS deployment or an on-premises solution, catering to a wide range of industries, including highly regulated ones. Qlik Sense integrates with a multitude of data sources, supports active analytics, predictive analytics, and has advanced alerting and action capabilities. It is used by over 40,000 customers worldwide.
Business Objects
Business Objects, now part of SAP, is a business intelligence platform offering robust reporting, interactive analysis, and data visualization capabilities. It is known for its strong enterprise reporting, allowing for detailed and formatted reports. Business Objects integrates well with other SAP products, making it a preferred choice for existing SAP customers. It mainly targets enterprise-level analytics needs and emphasizes on structured, traditional data reporting.
Sourcetable
Sourcetable is a spreadsheet-like data analytics tool that allows users to connect to various data sources and perform analytics within a familiar spreadsheet interface. It is designed to simplify data analysis by offering a user-friendly platform that doesn't require complex setup or deep technical knowledge. Sourcetable focuses on making data accessible and actionable for users who are accustomed to spreadsheet applications.
Contrasts and Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable
What is Sourcetable and who typically uses it?
Sourcetable is a spreadsheet application that replaces workflows typically done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools. It is used by growth teams and business operations folks who need to centralize, analyze, and model data that updates over time.
Do I need to know how to code to use Sourcetable?
No, coding is not required to use Sourcetable. Users can query data and build live models that automatically update without any coding knowledge.
How often does Sourcetable sync data from third-party applications?
Sourcetable syncs data from over 100 applications and most databases, with data integrations updating every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.
How much does Sourcetable cost?
Sourcetable costs $50 per month for the starter plan and $250 per month for the pro plan. All plans include a 14-day free trial period, and additional seats cost $20 per month per user.
Can Sourcetable access data from third-party applications?
Yes, Sourcetable allows users to access data from most third-party applications and syncs this data for real-time reporting and analysis.
Qlik Sense Pricing Overview
Qlik Cloud Analytics Plans are structured with an annual billing cycle. The Premium plan serves as an advanced offering, with pricing initiating at $2,700 each month. For larger-scale needs, Enterprise plans are available, starting with a data analysis capacity of 500GB per year. These plans encompass all features available in the Premium plan, ensuring a comprehensive analytics solution.
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Qlik Cloud Analytics Plans are structured with an annual billing cycle. The Premium plan serves as an advanced offering, with pricing initiating at $2,700 each month. For larger-scale needs, Enterprise plans are available, starting with a data analysis capacity of 500GB per year. These plans encompass all features available in the Premium plan, ensuring a comprehensive analytics solution.
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Premium Plan
- Annual billing cycle
- Starting price: $2,700/month
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Enterprise Plan
- Includes all Premium features
- Data capacity: Starting at 500GB/year
Business Objects Cost Analysis
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Initial and Ongoing Costs
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence (BI) offers a starting annual price of $14,000 and a monthly option starting at $75. Comparatively, it is less costly than alternative BI tools such as Tableau and Domo.
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Cost Comparison with Other BI Tools
- SAP BusinessObjects BI is more affordable than many other products in the BI market.
- Specifically, the cost is lower than that of Tableau and other similar BI products.
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Additional Considerations
- While cost-effective, SAP BusinessObjects BI has some limitations, such as dashboard views, query combinations, and a lack of integrated data masking solutions.
- The tool does offer good customer service despite these limitations.
Conclusion
In comparing Qlik Sense and Business Objects, it is evident that each offers distinct advantages for business intelligence. Qlik Sense provides intuitive data visualization and exploration, while Business Objects offers robust reporting and analysis capabilities.
For those seeking a more streamlined business intelligence solution, Sourcetable may present an appealing alternative. It simplifies the process by synchronizing real-time data across various services into a spreadsheet interface that many users find familiar and easy to use.
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