Qlik Sense claims to be the best solution for those looking to transition “from passive to active analytics.” Is this actually the case, though, or are there better cloud analytics tools for your team to use instead?
If you’re on the fence about trying Qlik Sense, this straight-talk business intelligence review can help you make an informed decision. It breaks down Qlik Sense, its key features, and its pros and cons.
What Is Qlik Sense?
Qlik Sense is a modern and highly dynamic cloud analytics platform (available as an on-premise, fully cloud-based, or hybrid solution). It offers detailed insights and predictions to help people of all skill levels review data and use it to make intelligent decisions.
With Qlik, users gain access to a powerful, one-of-a-kind Associative technology that empowers them with hyperfast and contextual calculations at scale. The platform also uses AI to help users understand and utilize data effectively while minimizing cognitive biases and improving data literacy.
Qlik Sense Capabilities
What makes Qlik Sense different from other cloud analytics tools? The following are some of its distinctive capabilities:
Self-Service Visualization
Its users can quickly load, visualize, and explore data sets of various sizes. They can also ask questions and use the platform’s various tools to find answers.
Because all visualizations are interactive and updated instantly based on the current context, users can trust that they’re getting the most up-to-date and relevant information.
Interactive Dashboards
Qlik Sense users can create, share, and distribute interactive dashboards efficiently with fellow team members, executives, leaders, and others. All dashboards are interactive as well, so if something stands out, users can easily engage and learn more.
Search and Conversational Analytics
Qlik Sense’s search and conversational analytics make it easy for users to interact with data and generate valuable insights. Search-based visual discovery generates relevant analyses and insights, and conversational analytics provide a fully interactive natural language processing experience.
Alerting and Automation
Qlik Sense uses alerting and automation features to help users react immediately whenever their data changes. These data-driven alerts ensure everyone stays in the loop and allow them to be more proactive about taking action.
Reporting
Users can easily create in-depth reports with its flexible design and formatting features. They can also schedule reports to be distributed, choose from various sharing methods, and customize files for different recipients.
Qlik Sense Mobility
Many users appreciate its mobility and responsive design. They can access it via iOS and Android apps from any location and even interact with it when they’re offline.
Custom and Embedded Analytics
Qlik Sense features a complete set of open APIs. These APIs enable users to customize analytics solutions, develop custom apps and new visualizations, and embed interactive analytics within other applications and processes.
Advanced Analytics
You don’t have to be a data scientist to use or benefit from Qlik Sense’s advanced analytics. Users can easily explore calculations and predictions with the platform's easy-to-navigate interface.
Qlik Sense Pros
Qlik Sense is a popular business intelligence and data analytics tool for many teams. Here are some of the most significant benefits it offers:
Affordable Price Point
It costs $30 per user per month. While it’s not the cheapest solution on the market, it’s also not the priciest, especially for smaller teams seeking a robust data analytics tool. Enterprise pricing is also available upon request.
Qlik Sense Free Trial
Users also get a free 30-day trial to see if they like Qlik Sense before they start paying for it. This free trial length is beneficial because it gives people time to experiment with various features and incorporate Qlik Sense into their daily workflows.
Improves Data Literacy
Qlik Sense is designed to improve data literacy for all users, regardless of their previous skill sets and analytics backgrounds. Even those who are new to the analytics world can use the platform’s augmented graphics and discovery features to gather insights and comprehend data.
Compatible with Numerous Devices
It’s important to note that it is compatible with a wide range of devices, from desktop and laptop computers to tablets and smartphones. It also features iOS and Android apps, so users can access it on mobile regardless of their preferred device type.
Easy Collaboration and Information Sharing
Qlik Sense provides users access to a convenient, centralized hub that makes it easy for them to collaborate and share information, including data, reports, and applications.
Custom Application Development Options
With Qlik Sense’s self-service creation and embedded analytics features, users can easily create custom apps, spreadsheets, visualizations, and more - even if they don’t have a robust technical background.
Fast Search Results and Responses
The highly interactive nature of Qlik Sense helps to educate users and keep them informed about a wide range of topics. The robust search features also empower users to learn more and get relevant responses quickly.
Flexible and Comprehensive Security
Many users also appreciate its flexible and comprehensive security features. It’s designed to protect their and their client’s data and provide peace of mind to all who interact with it.
Cloud-Based, On-Premise, and Hybrid Options
It is also highly flexible. Users can choose from cloud-based, on-premise, and hybrid options based on their needs and preferences.
Qlik Sense Cons
Of course, this will not be a good fit for everyone. The following are some potential drawbacks to be aware of before you invest in it:
Slows Down When Processing Large Data Sets
Like many data analytics tools, this one has a tendency to slow down when it’s processing large data sets. These slowdowns can be frustrating, especially for teams that frequently work with large data sets and need a highly efficient solution.
Qlik Sense May Be Too Expensive for Large Teams
The $30 per user per month price point isn’t unreasonable compared to some other data analytics platforms. However, it could be too high for some teams, especially larger ones and those with tight budgets.
Not All Information Downloads to Excel
Some users have complained about the process of downloading information from Qlik Sense to Excel. They’ve noted that only the data gets downloaded, whereas colors, fonts, etc., do not, which can be frustrating when you’ve spent time creating a highly customized report.
Add-Ons and Features Cost Extra
Some users also don’t like that they have to pay for certain add-ons and plugins that enhance the tools’ capabilities. They feel that its price is high enough and should have those features built-in already.
Bottom Line - Is Qlik Sense Worth It?
Qlik Sense is a powerful, AI-powered tool that can help users of all backgrounds and skill levels interact with and learn from data. It offers a wide range of features and tools and is especially popular because of its self-service visualization solutions.
The Qlik Sense platform is also mobile-friendly, flexible, and relatively affordable, although the per-user price may make it more expensive for some teams. Some users are also frustrated that they have to pay for plugins and add-ons that provide extra features.
For teams that regularly work with large data sets, the fact that Qlik Sense tends to slow down when processing them could be frustrating. However, this problem is common for many data analytics tools, and the power and capabilities of Qlik Sense may make up for temporary slow-downs.
A Qlik Sense Alternative Worth Exploring: DashboardFox
Looking for a robust alternative to Qlik Sense? Consider DashboardFox, a powerful business intelligence platform with a range of features to meet your analytics needs. Here's why DashboardFox stands out:
Self-Hosted: DashboardFox is installed on your private server and none of your data is hosted in the cloud or shared with an external vendor. For organizations looking for that extra layer of security, DashboardFox shines as a self-hosted server application. Users simply log in via a web browser, and you’re able to brand the interface to match your company, not the Qlik’s.
Cost-Effective: With a one-time payment method, DashboardFox offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on features and functionality. It provides an exceptional return on investment for businesses of all sizes. Pay once, use forever and each year you decide to pay a much smaller, optional maintenance to continue receiving product updates and support.
Comprehensive Features: DashboardFox offers a comprehensive suite of features at no additional cost, including robust security, mobile interface, interactive dashboards, email scheduling, and easy integration with other applications through its open API.
Exceptional Support: DashboardFox provides reliable customer support and scalability as your business grows. You can count on their assistance whenever needed, ensuring a smooth analytics experience.
Consider exploring DashboardFox as a strong alternative to Qlik Sense. Its seamless transition, cost-effectiveness, fast performance, comprehensive features, and excellent support make it an attractive choice for businesses seeking a reliable business intelligence solution. Unlock the power of data-driven decision-making with DashboardFox.
If you want to learn more about how DashboardFox can change the way you do business, feel free to schedule a meeting with us and we’ll answer all your questions. Take it to the next level too as you avail of our free live demo sessions to see us walk the talk.