Tableau vs Zoho Analytics: A Comparative Analysis
Introduction
Choosing the right business intelligence tool is crucial for effective data analysis and reporting. Tableau and Zoho Analytics are prominent players in the BI tool market, each with unique features and capabilities.
While Tableau is renowned for its advanced visualization and robust data handling, Zoho Analytics offers a user-friendly platform with collaborative features. This comparison will delve into the specifics of both to aid in an informed decision.
Additionally, we'll explore how Sourcetable provides a modernized, spreadsheet-like interface that syncs with your data as an alternative to using Tableau or Zoho Analytics for business intelligence tasks like reporting and data analytics.
What is Tableau?
Tableau is a visual analytics platform that revolutionizes how data is utilized across industries. Established in 2003, it emerged from a Stanford University computer science project focused on enhancing data accessibility through visualization techniques.
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Tableau is a visual analytics platform that revolutionizes how data is utilized across industries. Established in 2003, it emerged from a Stanford University computer science project focused on enhancing data accessibility through visualization techniques.
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Core Functionality
At the heart of Tableau's functionality is VizQL, a proprietary technology that allows users to interact with data through a simple drag-and-drop interface. This innovation has been pivotal in making data exploration and management more intuitive and efficient.
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Users and Applications
Tableau serves a diverse user base, including analysts, data scientists, educators, students, executives, and various business professionals. It equips them with tools to become more data-driven and agile in their decision-making processes.
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Impact on Business Intelligence
The platform has been a disruptive force in the business intelligence domain, offering powerful and secure analytics capabilities. Tableau's flexibility and ease of use facilitate faster discovery and dissemination of insights, thus enhancing organizational performance.
What is Zoho Analytics?
Zoho Analytics is a data analytics platform that enables users to connect to various data sources, prepare data for analysis, and create visual representations of data insights. It provides the capability to generate numerous reports and dashboards for in-depth data analysis.
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Zoho Analytics is a data analytics platform that enables users to connect to various data sources, prepare data for analysis, and create visual representations of data insights. It provides the capability to generate numerous reports and dashboards for in-depth data analysis.
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Key Features
- Data connectivity and preparation for comprehensive analysis.
- Advanced data visualization options for creating impactful reports.
- Extensive report generation with over 50 million reports.
- Compatibility with multiple data sources.
- Over 500 built-in application integrations.
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Key Features of Tableau
Data Analysis and Visualization |
Tableau provides advanced data visualization tools with features like VizQL for converting data queries into visuals. The Unified Tooltip enhances user interaction with data points. For geospatial data, Geospatial Analytics offers mapping capabilities. Zoom and Pan Controls improve navigation within visualizations. |
Performance and Scalability |
Performance is bolstered by Hyper, Tableau's data engine technology, ensuring rapid data processing. Resource Monitoring Tool and Workbook Optimizer are available for performance management and optimization. |
Data Preparation and Management |
Data preparation is facilitated by features such as Join Step and Keep Only. Prep Conductor allows for the automation and scheduling of data prep workflows. The Tableau Catalog ensures data is managed and curated efficiently. |
Data Connectivity |
Tableau supports a wide range of data connectors, including the ODBC Connector and integration with Data Connect for Tableau Cloud. The Metadata API provides access to metadata for developers. |
Advanced Analytics |
Tableau's advanced analytics features include Forecasting & Predictive Modeling and Explain Data, which offers AI-driven explanations of data points. Data Stories provide automated insights in narrative form. |
Collaboration and Sharing |
Slack Integration enhances team collaboration. Tableau Cloud offers cloud-based sharing and collaboration. Einstein Copilot for Tableau assists users in analytics workflows through AI recommendations. |
Customization and Development |
Custom solutions can be built using Table Extensions. Developers can leverage Nested Projects for project organization and LOD Expressions for custom calculations. |
Data Governance |
Data governance is enforced through Quality Warnings and Exchange, a platform for sharing curated data sources and dashboards. |
Key Features of Zoho Analytics
Data Integration and Preparation |
Zoho Analytics offers extensive data integration capabilities, supporting over 250 data sources. Connectors facilitate data integration from a variety of files, feeds, web URLs, databases, and business applications. The platform includes Zoho DataPrep, an app designed for data preparation and management, which automates the cleansing, transformation, and enrichment of raw data. |
Visual Analysis Tools |
The platform provides a suite of visualization tools, including charts, widgets, pivot, summary, and tabular views. Zoho Analytics dashboards are dynamic and interactive, allowing for drill downs, viewing underlying data, and applying contextual filters. |
Augmented Analytics |
Zoho Analytics enhances data analysis with augmented analytics features, such as ML/AI-powered transforms for data enrichment. It intelligently suggests data cleansing options and allows for effective dataset management with categories, custom tags, data quality indicators, and data readiness assessments. |
Collaboration and Data Storytelling |
Collaborative analytics enable teams to work together on data insights, while data storytelling features help in presenting data in a compelling narrative format. |
Mobility and Embedded BI |
Users can access analytics on the go with mobility features, and embedded BI allows for the integration of analytical capabilities into other applications. |
Security, Governance, and Deployments |
Zoho Analytics ensures data security and governance with robust measures in place. The platform supports various deployment options to meet different organizational needs. |
Extensibility and Elasticity |
The system is designed for extensibility, allowing users to scale and customize their analytics experience. Its elasticity ensures that it can adapt to fluctuating data volumes and user demands. |
Advantages of Using Tableau for Business Intelligence
Interactive Data Visualization
Tableau transforms textual and numerical data into interactive dashboards, streamlining business reporting and analytics.
User-Friendly Interface
With its ease of use and no need for programming skills, Tableau allows users to focus on data analysis without technical barriers.
Mobile Accessibility
Tableau's mobile-friendly design ensures access to data analysis and reporting on-the-go, enhancing real-time decision-making.
Cost-Effectiveness
As a low-cost solution, Tableau provides an economical option for businesses seeking powerful data analytics capabilities.
Customer Support and Resources
Tableau's quality customer service and extensive resources facilitate a supportive environment for users.
Community and Real-Time Analysis
With a robust fan base and real-time analysis features, Tableau fosters a collaborative community and immediate data insights.
Data Blending
Tableau excels in data blending, allowing for comprehensive insights from various data sources.
Disadvantages of Using Tableau for Business Intelligence
Cost Implications
Tableau's high cost of ownership and complex pricing structure present financial challenges for businesses. The requirement for significant training further adds to the expense. Tableau Cloud's expensive nature, coupled with the necessity to purchase the Desktop version for full functionality, makes it a less appealing option for cost-conscious organizations.
Usability and Performance Concerns
With a steep learning curve, Tableau demands substantial training to utilize its full capabilities, potentially hindering productivity. Performance and usability limitations, along with scaling issues, can affect the efficiency of business intelligence processes.
Integration and Customization Limitations
Tableau's limited integration with other business systems and restricted customization options for visualizations impede seamless operations. The lack of a data cleaning tool like PowerQuery and the extensive heavy lifting required for data management make Tableau less competitive against other ETL tools.
Collaboration and Formatting Hurdles
Limited formatting and customization options, combined with email alert layout limitations, can impact the presentation of data analytics reports. Additionally, the platform limits iteration and collaboration, which are crucial for dynamic business environments.
Administrative and Support Challenges
Challenges in administrating Tableau, coupled with the decline in customer support quality, can lead to longer resolution times for technical issues, further complicating the use of Tableau as a business intelligence tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tableau
What is Tableau Reader?
The Tableau Reader is a free application that allows users to open and interact with views in Tableau workbooks. It supports features like reverting to the original workbook, publishing, exporting workbooks, and is useful for presentations. Users can also set a preferred language in the Tableau Reader.
Can I develop custom connectors for Tableau?
Yes, Tableau provides a Tableau Connector SDK that allows you to develop custom connectors to integrate with Tableau for your specific data sources.
Does Tableau offer APIs for developers?
Tableau offers a range of APIs for developers including the Tableau Extensions API, Tableau Hyper API, Tableau JavaScript API, Tableau Metadata API, and Tableau REST API, enabling extensive customization and integration capabilities.
What resources are available for Tableau developers?
Tableau offers numerous resources for developers such as the Tableau Developer Program, Tableau Developer Tools, Tableau GitHub, Tableau Community Forums, and Tableau Embedded Analytics Playbook.
Can I use Python with Tableau?
Yes, Tableau has a Tableau Python Server (TabPY) that allows you to execute Python code and perform advanced analytics within Tableau.
Use Cases for Tableau
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Sales/quota tracking
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Resource allocation
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Budget planning and spend
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Security patch compliance
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Campaign engagement
Advantages of Zoho Analytics for Business Intelligence
Data Visualization
Zoho Analytics provides excellent data visualization capabilities, enabling users to represent complex data clearly and effectively.
Custom Dashboards
Users can create custom dashboards, allowing for personalized and relevant reporting suited to specific business needs.
Deep Analytical Inquiries
The software excels in facilitating deep analytical inquiries, making it suitable for detailed data analysis tasks.
Collaboration Features
Zoho Analytics is designed with collaboration in mind, enhancing productivity among team members.
Cross-Platform Consistency
It offers a consistent user experience across platforms, ensuring seamless operation for users on various devices.
Integration Capabilities
The platform's ability to integrate with other solutions streamlines business processes and data management.
Scalability
Zoho Analytics is scalable, adapting to the growing data analysis needs of businesses.
Disadvantages of Zoho Analytics
Limited Customer Support
Online reviews frequently highlight the inadequacy of Zoho Analytics' customer support. This can lead to frustration and delayed resolution of issues.
Complex Documentation
The platform's documentation and tutorial videos are often criticized for being unclear and overly technical, posing a challenge for users seeking guidance.
Integration Difficulties
Users encounter challenges when attempting to integrate Zoho Analytics for white label or embedded applications, complicating its use in such scenarios.
Cloud-Based Constraints
As a cloud-based solution, Zoho Analytics may not align with the preferences or requirements of businesses seeking on-premises solutions.
Limited Accounting Features
Zoho Analytics lacks robust accounting features, which can be a significant drawback for businesses needing detailed financial reporting and analysis.
No Calendar Views
The absence of calendar views in Zoho Analytics can be a limitation for those who prefer visualizing data and schedules in a calendar format.
Inadequate Mobile App
The mobile application for Zoho Analytics is considered inadequate, potentially hindering access to data and analytics on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zoho Analytics
What is Zoho Analytics and what are its key features?
Zoho Analytics is an on-demand reporting and business intelligence solution that offers a 'Spreadsheet-like' interface with drag & drop reporting features. It supports a wide range of reporting capabilities, including importing data from various formats, cloud storage, and Web URLs, and integrating with numerous Zoho products and popular business applications like Google Analytics and Salesforce CRM. It also provides advanced data blending, SQL querying, sharing, exporting, and publishing of reports.
How does Zoho Analytics support data integration?
Zoho Analytics integrates with over 10 Zoho products and 25+ popular business applications. It allows for importing data from different file formats, cloud storage, Web URLs, and over 500+ apps via Zapier. Additionally, it provides advanced analytics connectors and APIs for adding, updating, and querying the database, which can be used in any programming language with client libraries available for Java and Python.
Can I share and collaborate using Zoho Analytics?
Yes, Zoho Analytics allows users to share data and reports in read or read-write modes. Users can also join tables, create and share reports, allow others to edit, create reports, upload data, and embed reports and tables into web pages.
Is Zoho Analytics secure and customizable?
Zoho Analytics ensures data security by storing data in highly secure data centers. It also supports Logo Rebranding and White labeling solutions for customization, including a white labeled version for ISV integration.
What kind of support does Zoho Analytics offer?
Zoho Analytics offers telephone and chat support, along with user community forums for its users to discuss and resolve issues. It also has an extensive range of FAQs and resources available for self-service.
Use Cases for Zoho Analytics
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Create a department wise employee count report
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Generate a report comparing employee hours logged against individual jobs
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Analyze monthly time logs for employees
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Assess estimated hours versus actual hours logged by employees
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Monitor billable status of jobs for specific employees
Why Sourcetable is a Superior Choice for Business Intelligence
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Streamlined Data Integration
Sourcetable offers an efficient solution for data integration by syncing data from multiple services into a user-friendly spreadsheet interface, reducing the complexity of data management.
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Intuitive Interface
With a spreadsheet-like interface, Sourcetable simplifies the user experience, making it accessible to users familiar with traditional spreadsheets, thus lowering the learning curve.
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Enhanced Reporting and Analytics
Sourcetable's approach to reporting and analytics is designed for ease of use without sacrificing depth, allowing for quick insights and decision-making.
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Cost-Effective Solution
For businesses looking to optimize their BI tools, Sourcetable provides a cost-effective alternative by eliminating the need for extensive training or specialized staff.
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Collaborative and Scalable
The platform enables collaboration across teams with its spreadsheet-like model while offering scalability to adapt to growing data needs.
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Comparison Between Tableau and Zoho Analytics
Visual Analytics Capabilities
Both Tableau and Zoho Analytics offer visual analytics platforms that allow users to see and understand their data through visual storytelling.
Deployment Options
Tableau and Zoho Analytics can be deployed in the cloud, providing flexibility for organizations of all sizes.
Integration with CRM Systems
Tableau offers native integration with Salesforce CRM, akin to how Zoho Analytics integrates with Zoho CRM, facilitating seamless data analysis within the CRM ecosystem.
Community Support
Tableau has a community of over one million members, similar to Zoho Analytics which also fosters a community for user engagement and support.
Data Management and Governance
Both platforms provide governance and data management capabilities to ensure data integrity and compliance.
AI/ML Integration
Tableau and Zoho Analytics have integrated AI/ML capabilities to enhance data analysis with predictive insights.
Tableau vs Zoho Analytics
Deployment Options
Tableau offers flexibility with deployment options, including cloud, on-premises, or natively integrated with Salesforce CRM, catering to various business needs. Zoho Analytics primarily focuses on cloud-based services, with limited on-premises deployment.
Community Support
Tableau boasts a community of over a million members providing a network for connection, learning, and inspiration. Zoho Analytics has a user community, but it is not emphasized to the same extent as Tableau's.
Data Analysis and Visualization
Tableau is renowned for its intuitive interface and visual storytelling capabilities, while Zoho Analytics provides a deep analytics platform with strong reporting features.
AI/ML Integration
AI and ML capabilities are fully integrated into Tableau's platform, enhancing data analysis and insights. Zoho Analytics also offers AI features, but the integration and capabilities may differ.
Data Management and Governance
Tableau emphasizes governance and data management, ensuring secure and efficient data usage. Zoho Analytics includes data management features, but the approach and tools may vary.
Intuitiveness and Usability
Tableau is designed to be intuitive, allowing users to analyze data without interrupting their flow of analysis. Zoho Analytics also values user experience but has a different approach to data exploration.
Tableau vs Zoho Analytics vs Sourcetable
Deployment and Integration
Tableau offers versatile deployment options including cloud, on-premises, and native integration with Salesforce CRM. Zoho Analytics primarily provides cloud-based services with options for private hosting, while Sourcetable is a cloud-based spreadsheet platform that integrates with various data sources.
User Community and Support
Tableau boasts a large community with over a million members, providing a rich source of learning and inspiration. Zoho Analytics also has a user community, but it is not specified to be as extensive. Sourcetable's community scale and involvement are not detailed.
Analytical Capabilities
Tableau has deep analytics with fully integrated AI/ML capabilities, governance, and data management, as well as visual storytelling and collaboration features. Zoho Analytics also provides AI-driven analytics, but with an emphasis on ease of use for non-technical users. Sourcetable focuses on the simplicity of a spreadsheet interface with data analysis capabilities.
Product Intuitiveness
Tableau is known for its intuitive, AI-powered analytics platform designed to help users see, understand, and act on data. Zoho Analytics also aims for an intuitive experience but caters more to users seeking straightforward analytics tools. Sourcetable capitalizes on the familiar spreadsheet format for ease of use.
Organizational Scale
Tableau supports organizations of all sizes, from large corporations like Whole Foods Market and Dubai Airports to smaller businesses. Zoho Analytics caters to a broad range of businesses as well, offering scalable solutions. The scalability of Sourcetable for different organization sizes is not clearly stated.
Focus and Philosophy
Tableau focuses on empowering users to solve problems with data and to ask questions seamlessly during analysis. Zoho Analytics emphasizes an easy, self-service model for business intelligence. Sourcetable aims to combine the simplicity of spreadsheets with powerful data integration and analysis.
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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, Sourcetable does not require coding. Users can query data and build live models that automatically update without coding knowledge.
How often does Sourcetable sync data from applications and databases?
Sourcetable syncs data from over 100 applications and most databases every 15 minutes on the regular plan and every 5 minutes on the pro plan.
What are the pricing options for Sourcetable?
Sourcetable costs $50 per month for the starter plan and $250 per month for the pro plan. Each additional seat costs $20 per month, and all plans come with a 14-day free trial.
How quickly can I start creating reports with Sourcetable?
Users can start creating reports with Sourcetable within minutes of getting started.
Tableau Creator Subscription Cost
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Annual vs. Monthly Billing
Tableau Creator is available for $75 per user per month when billed annually in the US. In Europe, the cost is €75 per user per month, and in the UK, it's £60 per user per month for annual billing. If customers choose monthly billing, the cost increases to $105 per user per month. Additionally, the annual cost for Tableau Creator is 9,000 per user in certain regions.
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Included Features
Subscribers of Tableau Creator receive access to Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep Builder, and a Creator License for Tableau Server or Tableau Cloud. This package provides a comprehensive set of tools for data analysis and visualization.
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Subscription Licenses and Maintenance
Tableau subscription licenses are time-based, giving users access to the software for a set period. These licenses include maintenance, ensuring that the software remains up-to-date. Maintenance is included in the subscription cost, with no additional fees.
Zoho Analytics Cost
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Free Plan
Zoho Analytics offers a free plan that includes 2 users, 10,000 rows, and unlimited reports and dashboards.
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Paid Plans
Paid plans offer additional features over the free plan. For higher requirements, custom plans and additional add-ons for rows and users are available.
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Trials and Subscriptions
- 15-day free trial available for paid plans.
- No credit card required for the trial.
- Month-to-month subscription.
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Additional Costs
- Prices include local taxes.
- Plan-based usage applies to REST-style Web APIs.
- Additional API units can be purchased.
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Support Options
Basic and classic support plans are offered.
User Reviews of Tableau
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Cost and Pricing Structure
Tableau is often cited as an expensive solution, with reviews highlighting its high cost, especially for smaller companies. Users find the pricing complex and note that expenses can accumulate when scaling, potentially leading to underestimating the total cost for the full feature set.
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Learning Curve and Usability
Users report that Tableau is difficult to learn, with a steep learning curve. Mastery of the software’s extensive enterprise features takes significant time, contributing to its challenging usability.
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Functionality and Integration
Tableau is praised for its robust data visualization capabilities and the ability to connect to large data sources. However, there are performance and usability limitations, particularly when connecting to other tools. The software also has limited formatting and customization options.
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Tableau Cloud and Additional Tools
Tableau Cloud, being fully-hosted and cloud-based, requires the purchase of Tableau Desktop for full functionality. Reviews suggest that Tableau does not support iterative data analysis and often requires additional tools for modern data analysis.
User Reviews of Zoho Analytics
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Overview of User Sentiments
Users across various industries have shared their experiences with Zoho Analytics, highlighting the tool's ease of use, affordability, and powerful features. Zoho Analytics is recognized for its robust data handling capabilities, helping businesses efficiently manage and report on significant volumes of data.
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Specific Testimonials
- Christianne Bradley from the Los Angeles Times describes Zoho Analytics as an "easy to use, affordable and powerful reporting tool."
- Amy Milligan of Worldwide Express appreciates the interface and robust features for quick and efficient data management.
- Shaheed Fazal from Interchem finds Zoho Analytics to be user-friendly and more powerful than competitors.
- Daniele Poggio of Aqualibria mentions the ease of use once the foundational principles are understood.
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Support and Performance
Users have expressed satisfaction with Zoho Analytics' support staff, citing their helpfulness with specific use-cases. The software is noted for its excellent up-time, maintaining speed and responsiveness even when managing up to 2 million records.
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Global Reach and Features
Zoho Analytics is used by businesses in over twenty countries to enter and analyze large datasets. It provides smart solutions for creating dashboards, accessing data tables, and generating pivot charts and reports.
Conclusion
Tableau offers powerful data visualization tools while Zoho Analytics provides a user-friendly platform with AI-driven insights.
Both platforms have their distinct advantages, with Tableau being favored for its advanced capabilities and Zoho Analytics for its ease of use and integration with other Zoho products.
Sourcetable introduces a simplified business intelligence solution by allowing real-time synchronization of data across various services into a straightforward spreadsheet interface.
Try Sourcetable
Simplify your BI tooling with a spreadsheet that syncs with all your data.
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