Power BI vs InsightData: build it yourself or start with smart BI right away?
When you're looking for a solution for data analysis and KPI reporting, Power BI is often one of the first tools that pops up. It is powerful, affordable and widely applicable. But is it also the right choice for an SME without an internal BI team? That depends on your expectations. If you prefer to get started with ready-to-use dashboards right away, you should look at InsightData: a provider of pre-configured business intelligence apps built on Qlik Sense technology.
In this article, we compare Power BI with InsightData's BI solutions, taking a deeper look at technology, cost, ease of use, deployment speed, and support.
What is Power BI?
Power BI is Microsoft's self-service business intelligence solution. The tool allows you to convert raw data into interactive dashboards and reports. Power BI is particularly popular in companies that already work in the Microsoft ecosystem and has a large community and plenty of training materials.
Benefits of Power BI:
- Extensive visualization options
- Seamless integration with Excel, Teams, SharePoint
- Low entry cost
- Build your own dashboards as you like
Cons:
- No sector-specific templates or KPI structures
- Technical learning curve in DAX, Power Query and data models
- Reporting quality depending on the BI knowledge within the team
- A lot of freedom means the risk of inconsistent KPI definitions
- ERP integrations are often customized
- Self-service is often overrated and is not feasible in practice for many SMEs
What is InsightData?
InsightData provides business intelligence apps specifically for SMEs in sectors such as finance, transport, construction, wholesale, supply chain, production and e-commerce. Their apps run entirely on Qlik Sense, but are pre-configured with sophisticated KPIs, analysis capabilities, data source links, filters, and visualizations. Think of a cockpit that works immediately after connecting to your ERP system.
Benefits of InsightData:
- Built on Qlik Sense technology (fast associative engine, powerful filtering)
- Ready to use: only configuration required, adapted to the needs of your organization
- Cheaper than standard Qlik Sense license
- Long list of existing links such as accounting packages and ERPs: Navision, Business Central, SAP, Odoo, Exact Online, Teamleader...
- Understandable dashboards for non-analysts
- Support from specialists with knowledge of your sector
Cons:
- Less suitable for companies with a large internal BI team that wants to build everything themselves
Technological basis: Power BI vs InsightData
InsightData apps run on Qlik Sense, a technology that stands out for:
- The associative data model structure (you can filter in any direction)
- In-memory processing, so fast response
- Dynamic filtering without predefined joins
Where Power BI is more relational, Qlik Sense allows you to discover connections without a pre-defined structure. As a result, InsightData's dashboards are not only fast, but also intuitive for end users without technical knowledge.
Ease of use and target group
Power BI is ideal for companies with tech-savvy employees who want to build their own reporting. The freedom is great, but it also requires a lot of time and knowledge.
InsightData focuses on companies that want to use reporting without spending months building it. The apps are designed for end users such as business owners, financial managers, operational managers... who want to get a quick insight without having to delve into formulas or data models.
Price comparison: surprisingly different
Power BI has a low entry cost per user per month. But don't forget that you also:
- need external consultants for integrations and data models
- must define and maintain the KPIs yourself
- must design your own visualizations
InsightData works with a subscription plan that includes everything:
- Access to the apps
- Maintenance, support, and updates
- Links to your software
That is why InsightData is cheaper than Qlik Sense itself and often also than Power BI, especially when you include the time and cost of a customized development process.
Deployment speed
With Power BI, you start from a blank canvas. You have to determine your KPIs, set up a data model, write formulas, develop visualizations and test all of this with real data. Count on several weeks to months.
With InsightData, the app is ready immediately after connecting to your ERP. The dashboards are immediately filled with your own data, and KPIs such as gross margin, DSO, inventory rotation and EBITDA are already present. Adjustment is possible, but the basics work immediately. Typical implementation lead time is 4 to 6 weeks.
ERP integrations: customization vs plug and play
Power BI has no standard integrations for ERP systems. Links with Business Central, Odoo or Exact often require scripts, API configuration or consultancy.
InsightData has over 50 ERP, CRM and TMS links that are pre-configured. As a result, you don't lose time with technical integration. Everything works via direct connections or automatic data extractions.
Support and maintenance
Power BI is a self-service tool. You won't get immediate help from Microsoft with issues or questions. InsightData, on the other hand, offers:
- Continuous support by BI-Solution architects
- Automatic updates to your apps
- Monitoring data flows
- Adjustment to changed ERP structures
InsightData also offers self-service BI, so it offers the best of both worlds.
Who is which tool suitable for?
Company with internal BI team: Also for PowerBI, InsightData can be used as a jump start.
SME without technical BI knowledge: Slow and error-prone with PowerBI, while InsightData has ready-to-use and understandable solutions
SME with Adsolut/Navision/Business Central, Exact.. or other ERP: requires customization with PowerBI, Plug-and-play connection with InsightData
Quick start with operational dashboards: Long start-up process with PowerBI. Active at InsightData in days
Decision: Power BI vs InsightData
Power BI is a rock-solid tool if you have the time and knowledge to get started. InsightData, on the other hand, is a smart choice if you want to take advantage of the power of Qlik Sense without the build-up process. Thanks to pre-developed dashboards, integrations and lower costs, as an SME, you get faster returns and fewer headaches.
So the key question is: do you want to build, or do you want to get insights? With InsightData, you can already check your numbers tomorrow. With Power BI, you need to start building today.
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