5 things that can help your Analytics & BI iniciative

#1 - Understand your data environment

Take a few minutes to understand your data model and what your environment is capable of.

You dont want to end-up waiting your visualization to query a table with billions of rows in a environment that will takes hours to return.

#2 - Analytics tools does not make miracle (yet...)

Most recent analytics tools have a lot of capabilities, numerous charts and so on.

Although they can't guess what is your mind, they are here to help you!

So, if it seems too complicated to materialize in a visualization what you have in mind, try to start from a simple one and use the power of the tool to improve it until it looks like you had in mind.

And be aware: each tool has its particularity: in one tool the chart may be green and in the other it is blue.

Be ready to adapt as much as possible.

#3 - Share your expectation with the appropriate people

Is your visualization slow? Did you check your generated query? Does the IT, which created your data environment, knows how you planned to use the data and your performance expectation?

Sometimes you may want to have results in a few seconds and the IT thinks minutes are fine. So, talk to them.

#4 - Use the best of what you have and add value

Self-service data preparation tools are meant to prepare your data.

Data visualization tools are good in display data and enhanced insights.

Do not try to invert the roles.

If more than one tool is needed to do the whole job, mix the tools and use the best of each one.
In other words, create synergy with your tools.
 

#5 - Think out of box and have a open mind

Working a long time with the same tool or visualization may lead you to miss great insights and opportunities.

Try to do the things in differents ways and do not be chained to the same work method.

There is always a new technology that will helps you. So, don't be afraid to check what's new.