Tableau V/S Power BI: The data visualization Leaders vie for data analysts’ attention

We are visual creatures. We see colors, patterns, and shapes to make sense of the world that we live in. In an age where data is overflowing from all corners of the world, it helps to simplify it into images that we can easily consume.

This is where data visualization steps in, and it is more than just bar graphs or pie charts. It’s almost an art of putting form to functionality. 

Why is it necessary?

Data visualization allows one to take the data back to a point where convoluted problems can be made easy and interesting to solve. One can arrive at a solution only when complex data is made understandable. There are numerous large databases for one single product, but how does one decide on an actionable point?

In that complex data, there is a story waiting to be discovered and told. To present that story, one requires a knack of presenting it in an interesting way while balancing factual data points and weaving a well put together scenario that enables business. 

What are the challenges?

Despite data visualization being the most effective way of understanding data, it comes with its drawbacks. Here are some of the most pressing ones.

• Differences in the level of understanding

Even in organizations spread worldwide, data is still represented in the form of bar graphs and is rarely interactive. It may be necessary for more complex visualization to increase data literacy, reduce waste of resources, and benefit business effectively.

• A dearth of skilled personnel

A shortage of data scientists and skilled resources who can feed the right data to the right people continues to be a big challenge. At present, most data visualization experts are freelancers, and dedicated teams have only just begun to crop up in organizations.

• Data is collected without a plan or with a bias

Establishments spend an inordinate amount of their time and resources in cleaning and processing data instead of visualizing it. The other concern is that any bias in data becomes a hurdle in making correct visualizations for decent predictions.

What are the tools that help in troubleshooting them?

Although there is various data visualization software available in the market, Tableau and Microsoft Power BI appear on the leaderboard as popular tools preferred by data visualization practitioners. Tableau, established almost a decade before Power BI, remains one of the most used platforms. However, Power BI has successfully played catch up in the last three years and made a place for itself replacing Qlik.

Tableau and Power BI: Which offers better usability?

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With Tableau and Power BI being the top tools used for data visualization for a while, let’s take a look at which software offers the most optimum ease of working and suits best to the practitioner’s abilities based on the following parameters.

1. Cost

Power BI, a service made and provided by Microsoft, has a simple pricing model that reflects the same approach employed in Microsoft Office 365. On the other hand, Tableau assumes a deeper usage level at $500 per user/per year with virtually no limit on data. Tableau also goes well beyond a simple per-user subscription model to provide a wide range of licensing options based on the specific roles individuals play within an organization. 

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2. Easy to use

Power BI has a slight edge over Tableau in terms of its user interface that has roots in Microsoft Office 365, which most end-users are already familiar with and do not need to make additional payments for as it’s a part of the Microsoft stack offering. That also means, no additional licensing (only for advanced users) is required. 

However, Tableau is an independent platform and enjoys a certain popularity among novice users as it is quite easy to navigate. When it comes to drilling down into data, Tableau provides some notable advantages. It is investing in natural language capabilities specifically designed for BI use cases; it facilitates deep exploration with advanced analytics and provides a community environment where easy accessibility is paramount. Also, the turnaround time for Tableau is rather swift in comparison, Power BI may take almost the same time as the task. 

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3. Market share

A total of 25,109 companies are using Microsoft Power BI, which is almost half compared to Tableau, which boasts of 49, 366 customers. Also, last year, Salesforce, a cloud-based software company, expanded by acquiring Tableau for $15.7 billion. Tableau Software Inc. has achieved revenue growth of 14.1 % and improved market share to approximately 12.19 %.

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Pros and Cons of Power BI and Tableau

As some of the most popular software for data visualization, users need to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of both software to explore the difference between Power BI and Tableau. 

• Advantages of Power BI

Microsoft Integration: Since Microsoft has developed Power BI, the tool is compatible and integrated with Excel, SharePoint, SQL Server, Azure and other Microsoft products for smooth functioning. 

Usability: PowerBI offers an intuitive learning curve for new users and is easy to navigate for those familiar with Microsoft 365. It allows for the quick creation of dashboards and reports, even by those who might not have technical expertise.

Affordability: When it comes to Tableau vs Power BI, Power BI offers a free version as well as a low-cost plan. Businesses can get different subscription plans according to their size and needs. Power BI offers an entire range of features at a much lower price. 

• Disadvantages of Power BI

User Interface: The interface is much more cluttered with bars and icons that often block the view of crucial information, reports and dashboards.

Limited data connectivity: Power BI has a tough time handling relationships between complex tables. The process is time-consuming, and one might have to create new fields only to join tables.

Restriction of features: There are several limitations while using the free version, including limited data capacity and limited features.

• Advantages of Tableau

High Performance: Tableau offers users advanced data visualization and data transformation abilities. Moreover, it has a faster data processing power for large data sets. 

Customization: The tool also provides various visualization tools such as graphs, charts, and more for easier analysis of data and more customization features.

Increased Data Connectivity: The tool provides flexibility when choosing data sources and allows multiple connections to various data sources for informative reports.

Community support: Users can approach the active Tableau community for tips, resources and help with a promise of finding a solution to most problems.

• Disadvantages of Tableau

Expensive: It can be expensive to implement Tableau, especially for smaller companies where the decisions are taken with an eye on the finances. When it is about choosing between Power BI or Tableau, the cost is a major concern.

Steep learning curve: Beginners need to have proper training in programming languages and data analysis to effectively use Tableau. It is also more challenging to grasp than Power BI. 

Microsoft Integration: Tableau uses a single sign-on process to integrate with Microsoft products like Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Flow.

Correct data visualization and the impact on business

Data visualization is a great way for companies to communicate information, both internally and externally. It’s a tool for businesses to become storytellers. To navigate raw data, it is imperative to find the needle in the haystack. Also, charts and maps can help businesses efficiently evaluate their employees’ sentiments and take appropriate action to create a more enjoyable work experience.

Visualization tools automate the process of organizing information, which helps businesses make faster decisions. For most companies, sales and marketing departments rely on the fast turn around of data visualization tools. A well-defined business case is capable of giving you, as a data visualization practitioner, the necessary insights into what your client’s needs are. 

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Sources:

Technology Advice | Experfy.com | The Innovation Enterprise | Tableau.com | Medium.com |  It Business Edge | Encorebusiness.com | Pubs Online | SelectHub | Technology Advice | Medium.com | Data Flair Training | Data Chant | Appsruntheworld.com | 360suite.io | Appsruntheworld.com | Medium.com | CSI Market