Tableau vs QlikView: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Choosing the right business intelligence tool is crucial for effective data analysis and reporting. Tableau and QlikView are leading platforms in the BI space, each offering distinct features and capabilities.
This comparison will delve into the key differences between Tableau and QlikView, assessing their data visualization, ease of use, and overall performance.
Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a contemporary alternative with its spreadsheet-like interface that seamlessly syncs with your data, potentially streamlining your business intelligence tasks.
What is Tableau?
Tableau is a leading visual analytics platform established in 2003. Originating from a Stanford computer science project, Tableau aims to enhance data accessibility through advanced visualization techniques. Its creation was driven by the development of VizQL, a proprietary language that enables users to transform data into visuals using a drag-and-drop interface.
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Tableau is a leading visual analytics platform established in 2003. Originating from a Stanford computer science project, Tableau aims to enhance data accessibility through advanced visualization techniques. Its creation was driven by the development of VizQL, a proprietary language that enables users to transform data into visuals using a drag-and-drop interface.
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Users and Applications
Tableau services a diverse range of users, including analysts, data scientists, students, teachers, executives, and business users. Its tools support these users in becoming more data-driven by simplifying data exploration and management.
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Features and Impact
By accelerating the process of discovering and sharing insights, Tableau facilitates a faster decision-making process. It is recognized for disrupting the business intelligence sector with user-friendly, visual analytics. Tableau's platform is renowned for its power, security, and flexibility.
What is QlikView?
QlikView is a guided analytics solution that enables rapid development and delivery of analytics applications and dashboards. It is designed to facilitate an associative data experience, allowing users to explore and interact with data without being confined to predefined paths.
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QlikView is a guided analytics solution that enables rapid development and delivery of analytics applications and dashboards. It is designed to facilitate an associative data experience, allowing users to explore and interact with data without being confined to predefined paths.
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Key Features
- Associative engine that generates new data views on-the-fly.
- Ability to compress data and store it in-memory for quick, efficient data exploration.
- Support for multiple users to concurrently explore in-memory data.
- Direct connection capabilities to various data sources.
- Delivers an associative experience across all data used for analysis.
- Does not restrict users to pre-defined drill paths or pre-configured dashboards.
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Key Features of Tableau
Analytics and Business Intelligence |
Data Stories - Automated explanation of data trends and changes. Explain Data - AI-driven insights into data points. Forecasting & Predictive Modeling - Predictive analysis capabilities. Geospatial Analytics - Location data analysis and mapping. |
Data Management |
Tableau Catalog - Data management tool for data discovery. Metadata API - Access and manage metadata programmatically. Prep Conductor - Data preparation and automation. |
Database Connectivity |
ODBC Connector - Connectivity to various data sources via ODBC. Data Connect for Tableau Cloud - Simplified data connection for Tableau Cloud. |
Performance and Scalability |
Hyper - High-performance data engine technology. Resource Monitoring Tool - Monitor and manage server resources. Workbook Optimizer - Analyze and improve workbook performance. |
Collaboration and Sharing |
Slack Integration - Collaboration through Slack integration. Exchange - Share and discover dashboards and data sources. Tableau Cloud - Cloud-based analytics platform. |
Advanced Features |
LOD Expressions - Advanced calculations on data. Quality Warnings - Data quality alert system. Einstein Copilot for Tableau - AI assistance for analytics. |
Visual Analytics |
VizQL - Visual query language for interactive visualizations. Unified Tooltip - Streamlined tooltip interface. Zoom and Pan Controls - Detailed data exploration tools. |
User Experience Enhancements |
Tableau Accelerator - Pre-built dashboards for quick deployment. Image Role - Enhanced image management within data visualizations. Join Step - Simplified data joining in Tableau Prep. |
Data Customization and Control |
Bins - Grouping of continuous data into discrete bins. Keep Only - Data filtering option to focus on selected items. Nested Projects - Organize workbooks and data sources hierarchically. Year Over Year Growth - Calculation and comparison of yearly growth. |
Key Features of QlikView
Associative Engine |
The associative engine is the cornerstone of QlikView, enabling its unique data discovery capabilities. |
Intuitive Visual Discovery |
Intuitive visual discovery allows users to easily interpret data through QlikView's advanced visualization tools. |
Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense Integration |
Qlik Cloud Analytics extends QlikView's capabilities with a cloud-based SaaS deployment, while Qlik Sense facilitates on-premises data analysis. |
Enhancement of Human Intuition |
Both Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense enhance human intuition with AI-driven insights, transitioning users from passive to active analytics. |
Advantages of Using Tableau for Business Intelligence
Interactive Dashboards and Real-Time Analysis
Tableau transforms textual and numerical data into interactive dashboards, facilitating real-time analysis. This allows businesses to make informed decisions rapidly.
User-Friendly Interface
Operating Tableau does not require technical skills, making it accessible for users with varied expertise. Its ease of use ensures a smooth learning curve.
Cost-Effectiveness
As a low-cost solution, Tableau provides an affordable option for businesses looking to leverage data analytics without significant investment.
Mobile Accessibility
Tableau's mobile-friendly design ensures access to business intelligence on-the-go, enhancing flexibility and responsiveness.
Customer Support and Resources
With quality customer service and extensive resources, Tableau supports its users through any challenges, fostering a supportive user community.
Data Handling Capabilities
Tableau excels in data blending, which allows for more comprehensive analytics by combining data from multiple sources.
Tableau Disadvantages in Business Intelligence
Steep Learning Curve and Training
Tableau requires significant training to fully utilize its capabilities, presenting a steep learning curve. This can hinder productivity and increase the time to value for businesses.
Cost Implications
The high cost of ownership, complex pricing, and the necessity to purchase Tableau Desktop alongside Tableau Cloud make it an expensive solution, particularly for organizations where cost is a barrier.
Integration and Customization Limitations
Integration challenges with other business systems and limited customization options restrict Tableau's flexibility. This can lead to scaling issues and affect seamless data management.
Administrative and Performance Challenges
Tableau is challenging to administrate, with performance and usability limitations. Additionally, its data management features demand extensive setup, lacking efficient tools like PowerQuery for data cleaning.
Collaboration and Iteration
There are limits on collaboration and iteration within Tableau, which can stifle team synergy and the evolution of business intelligence projects.
Customer Support and Usability Concerns
Declining quality in customer support and usability limitations, such as formatting and email alert issues, detract from the overall user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tableau
What is Tableau Reader and what can it do?
Tableau Reader is a free application that allows users to open and interact with data visualizations built in Tableau. It can open Tableau workbooks, revert them, publish and export workbooks, interact with views, and be used with presentations. Additionally, it can be set to a preferred language.
Does Tableau offer APIs and developer tools?
Yes, Tableau provides several APIs and developer tools, including the Tableau Connector SDK, Tableau Embedded Analytics Playbook, Tableau Extensions API, Tableau Hyper API, Tableau JavaScript API, Tableau Metadata API, Tableau Python Server (TabPY), Tableau REST API, Web Data Connector SDK, and Tableau Webhooks. They also offer a Tableau Developer Program and Tableau Developer Tools.
How can I participate in the Tableau community and collaborate with others?
You can participate in the Tableau community by joining the Tableau Community Forums. Additionally, Tableau has a GitHub presence where developers can collaborate and share resources.
Use Cases for Tableau
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Budget planning and spend
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Sales/quota tracking
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Employee satisfaction
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Security patch compliance
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Hardware/software asset inventory
Advantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence
Enhanced Data Interpretation
Qlikview's dynamic dashboards facilitate quick and efficient data analysis, aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
Collaboration and Decision Making
With features that support teamwork, Qlikview enables effective collaboration, allowing for shared insights and collective data-driven decisions.
Implementation and Usability
The simplicity of Qlikview's design allows for easy implementation and adoption within organizations, minimizing training time and costs.
Security and Performance
Qlikview provides robust data security measures, ensuring sensitive information is protected. Its in-memory technology and data compression contribute to its high-speed performance.
Data Visualization and Analysis
Superior data visualization capabilities in Qlikview enhance user experience and analytical precision, supported by the powerful QIX Engine.
Cost-Effectiveness
Being a cost-effective solution, Qlikview ensures that businesses can leverage high-quality business intelligence without excessive investment.
Disadvantages of Using Qlikview for Business Intelligence
Inefficiency in Real-Time Data Analysis
Qlikview may not be the ideal solution for real-time data analysis, which can be a significant drawback for businesses requiring instantaneous data processing and reporting.
Technical Expertise Requirement
Developing applications in Qlikview necessitates a considerable level of technical expertise, potentially creating a barrier for businesses without the necessary in-house skills.
Integration Challenges
Embedding Qlikview into other software systems can be cumbersome, limiting its utility in environments where seamless integration is crucial.
Customer Support Concerns
The quality of customer support is a critical consideration, and Qlikview may fall short in offering adequate assistance to its users.
Outdated Tools and Interfaces
Qlikview's potential use of older tools and interfaces can detract from user experience and hinder productivity.
Cost Considerations for SMEs
The cost of implementing Qlikview may be prohibitive for small to medium-sized enterprises, making it a less attractive option for businesses with limited budgets.
User Feedback and Ratings
Poor ratings in surveys may reflect user dissatisfaction, which is an important factor for businesses to consider when choosing a business intelligence tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Qlikview
How much memory does QlikView use when running a script compared to working in the layout?
QlikView uses 3-4 times as much memory when running a script as when working in the layout.
Can QlikView handle large datasets and how much data can it manage?
QlikView can handle a few million rows of typical transaction data on a PC with 512MB of RAM and up to one billion rows of transaction data on large servers.
Can QlikView automatically join fields and how does it handle fields with different names?
QlikView can automatically join fields with the same name and can join fields with different names using an alias or AS statement.
What are some of the ways QlikView can be shared with others?
QlikView can be shared with others using QlikView Server or QlikView Publisher.
Is it possible to control access to a QlikView document?
QlikView can limit who can use a document using section access.
Use Cases for Qlikview
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Improving efficiency, customer service, and sales as demonstrated by Dominos Pizza
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Simplifying analytics through a company-wide portal like Intuit
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Boosting operational success in the retail sector as seen with Urban Outfitters
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Lowering costs and reducing effort in the loan conversion process, as utilized by Integra Financial
Why Sourcetable is the Preferred Business Intelligence Tool
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Streamlined Data Management
Sourcetable offers a spreadsheet-like interface that simplifies data syncing across various services, addressing the complexity of managing multiple data sources and platforms.
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Intuitiveness and Accessibility
With its intuitive design, Sourcetable caters to users seeking an accessible and user-friendly alternative to complex platforms such as Tableau and Qlikview.
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Efficient Reporting and Analytics
Sourcetable's approach to reporting and data analytics streamlines these processes, making it a practical solution for businesses prioritizing efficiency.
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Consolidated Business Intelligence
Businesses benefit from Sourcetable's consolidated view of data, which contrasts with the diverse deployment options and intricate capabilities of Tableau and Qlikview.
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Tableau vs QlikView: Similarities
Visual Analytics Platforms
Both Tableau and QlikView are visual analytics platforms. They allow users to create visual representations of data to aid in understanding and problem-solving.
Data Deployment Options
Tableau and QlikView offer flexibility in deployment options. They can be deployed in the cloud or on-premises, catering to various business requirements and preferences.
Intuitive Interfaces
Each platform is designed with an intuitive interface, making it easier for users to navigate and use the software effectively, even without deep technical skills.
Community Support
Both platforms have active communities. These communities provide a network for users to connect, share insights, learn, and find inspiration for their data projects.
AI/ML Capabilities
Tableau and QlikView incorporate AI and ML capabilities to enhance data analysis, offering more advanced insights and predictive analytics to users.
Governance and Data Management
They provide governance and data management capabilities to ensure that data is accurate, secure, and used responsibly within organizations.
Collaboration Features
Both platforms emphasize collaboration, allowing multiple users to work together on data analysis projects, improving efficiency and decision-making processes.
Tableau vs. QlikView
Deployment and Integration
Tableau offers flexible deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, and integration with Salesforce CRM. QlikView primarily focuses on on-premise deployment, though cloud-based options are available through Qlik Sense, a related product.
Community and Support
Tableau boasts a community with over a million members, providing a vast network for connectivity and shared learning. While Qlik also has a strong user community, it does not explicitly report a community of this scale.
User Interface and Experience
Tableau is known for its intuitive interface, simplifying the data analysis process for users of all skill levels. In contrast, QlikView often requires more technical skill to navigate and utilize its full capabilities.
Data Analysis Approach
Tableau transforms how people use data for problem-solving by allowing users to analyze data without interrupting their flow of analysis. QlikView uses associative data modeling, which is powerful but can have a steeper learning curve.
AI and Machine Learning
Tableau has fully integrated AI/ML capabilities, enhancing data exploration and analysis. QlikView also offers AI features, but these are more prominent in Qlik Sense than in QlikView itself.
Capabilities Beyond Software
Tableau extends beyond software learning to encourage asking questions with data, emphasizing a problem-solving approach. QlikView focuses on deep analytics but may not emphasize this exploratory aspect as strongly.
Comparison of Tableau, Qlikview, and Sourcetable
Tableau
Tableau is a robust visual analytics platform with a primary focus on helping users see, understand, and act on data. Its capabilities are designed to accelerate innovation, improve operations, and enhance customer service for organizations of all sizes. The platform can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or integrated with Salesforce CRM. Tableau stands out with its strong community of over a million members and its fully integrated AI/ML, governance, data management, visual storytelling, and collaboration features. It is recognized for its intuitive interface, allowing for a seamless flow of analysis without interruption.
Qlikview
Qlikview is another prominent business intelligence and visualization tool known for its associative model which helps in uncovering data relationships across various sources. It offers interactive guided analytics and dashboard applications. Qlikview's in-memory data processing allows for fast data manipulation and real-time insights. Similar to Tableau, Qlikview also provides AI/ML capabilities but has a different approach with its unique Qlik Associative Engine. The platform supports on-premises deployment and is geared towards users who prefer self-service BI tools.
Sourcetable
Sourcetable is a relatively newer player in the data analytics space. It is designed to simplify data analysis and focuses on providing businesses with a straightforward spreadsheet interface to work with data. Sourcetable might not have the same level of advanced analytics capabilities as Tableau or Qlikview, but it caters to users seeking an easy-to-use platform without a steep learning curve. It's positioned for those who are comfortable with spreadsheets but require additional functionality for data analysis and visualization.
Contrast
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sourcetable
What is Sourcetable and who typically uses it?
Sourcetable is a spreadsheet application that allows users to access data from most 3rd party applications, query data, and build live models that automatically update. It replaces workflows done in Excel, Google Sheets, and Business Intelligence tools. Growth teams and business operations teams typically use Sourcetable.
How much does Sourcetable cost and is there a trial available?
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.
Do I need to know how to code to use Sourcetable?
No, no coding is required to use Sourcetable.
How often does Sourcetable sync data from applications and databases?
Sourcetable syncs data every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.
Can I start creating reports quickly with Sourcetable?
Yes, users can start creating reports with Sourcetable within minutes.
Tableau Creator Subscription Cost
Tableau Creator is available at different price points depending on the billing cycle and currency. When billed annually, the cost is $75, €75, or £60 per user per month. If opting for a monthly billing cycle, the price increases to $105 per user. In some regions, the annual billing cost is 9,000 per user per month. The subscription includes Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep Builder, and a Creator License for either Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud.
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Tableau Creator is available at different price points depending on the billing cycle and currency. When billed annually, the cost is $75, €75, or £60 per user per month. If opting for a monthly billing cycle, the price increases to $105 per user. In some regions, the annual billing cost is 9,000 per user per month. The subscription includes Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep Builder, and a Creator License for either Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud.
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Subscription Benefits
Tableau's subscription licenses grant users access to the software for a specified time frame and include maintenance. This maintenance ensures that Tableau remains up-to-date with the latest features and security updates, provided at no extra cost within the subscription.
Qlikview Pricing Plans
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Standard Plan
The standard plan mandates a minimum of 20 full users. It offers features such as 25 GB/year of data analysis, integration with hundreds of data sources, interactive data visualizations, dashboards, AI-driven augmented analytics, team collaboration tools, and around-the-clock customer support.
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Premium Plan
Including all standard features, the premium plan extends data analysis capacity to 50 GB/year, adds functionalities for automated report creation, predictive analytics with machine learning, no-code automation, and enhances data governance.
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Enterprise Plan
The enterprise solution scales up data analysis to 500 GB/year and provides all premium features. It is designed to cater to larger organizations needing extensive data handling and personalized service engagement through a customer success plan.
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Additional Features
- Automated report compilation
- Additional data source connections
- Predictive analytics with machine learning
- No-code automation builder triggers
- Enterprise-grade data governance
- Personalized customer success plan
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Usage Notifications
Qlikview proactively alerts users as they approach their data capacity limits, allowing them to manage their usage effectively.
User Reviews of Tableau
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Cost and Pricing Structure
Reviews frequently highlight Tableau's high cost, with many noting the pricing is complex and escalates as the need for features increases. This complexity in pricing has led some users to underestimate their total investment to access the full suite of features. Particularly, smaller companies find Tableau to be an expensive option.
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Product Functionality and Integration
Tableau is recognized for its ability to connect to large datasets and create visualizations, but users report mixed performance when integrating with other tools. The necessity of additional tools for modern data analysis suggests that Tableau alone may not suffice for iterative data analysis, adding to the overall cost and complexity.
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Cloud-Based Solution and Usability
Tableau Cloud, as a fully-hosted, cloud-based solution, requires the purchase of Tableau Desktop for full functionality, which can be a barrier for some users. Reviews also indicate that despite its enterprise features, Tableau presents a steep learning curve and is difficult for beginners to master, with limitations in customization and performance.
User Reviews and Ratings of QlikView
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Overall Impressions
QlikView, a business intelligence and data visualization software, has an overall rating of 4.3. It is praised for its functionality, with a rating of 4.5, and is recognized for its ability to integrate multiple data sources for complex reporting.
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Usability
Users find QlikView to have a good balance between usability and performance, with a 4 rating for ease-of-use. However, it is noted that the user interface can be clunky and it may be less user-friendly with certain data sources.
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Support and Community
Customer support and value for money both receive a 4 rating, reflecting solid support and reasonable cost for its features. QlikView boasts a wide user group over the internet and provides a support forum, which can be particularly great for students and those implementing business intelligence.
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Performance and Limitations
The software performs well in terms of speed and in-memory processing, but experiences a slowdown with heavy data volumes and a delay in real-time data sync. Users also note that QlikView's data visualization options are not best in class and it does not allow write back to the database or exporting of a list of all currently licensed users.
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Comparisons and Recommendations
While QlikView is highly valued for its data visualization and dashboarding capabilities, it is considered not as good as other tools like Qlik Sense, Tableau, or PowerBI. Despite this, QlikView provides a ton of value, is easy to implement, and is versatile enough for automating report distribution and creation.
Conclusion
Tableau offers robust data visualization capabilities, while QlikView excels at data integration and handling complex data models.
Sourcetable, on the other hand, simplifies business intelligence by providing real-time data synchronization across various services within a user-friendly spreadsheet interface.
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