Data analysis is increasingly essential to the business industry. Data analysts use various software tools to automate processes, generate valuable reports, and visualize data that helps businesses establish better data-driven business plans. As a data analyst or business owner, it is important to understand the data analyst tools suitable for your business needs.
There is no single perfect tool for data analysis, so it is important to understand a variety of them. In this article, you will see the comparison between several data analyst tools, including their pricing details and purposes. Some of these tools also offer a free and open-source version of their product. Read on and discover the perfect data analyst tool for you.
The 10 Best Data Analyst Tools
- ER/Studio
- erwin Data Modeler
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft SQL Server
- MySQL Workbench
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- SAS Visual Analytics
- Tableau
Your organization’s data is vital to success. From marketing insights to customer relationship management to traditional business intelligence, you always seem to be gathering more information. And that information matters. All that insight helps you make informed decisions about the next steps for your organization and projects.
Without accurate data analysis, you could leave yourself up to taking guesses.
While gathering all that data may be an expedited and automatic process, reviewing and analyzing all that info may not be as easy. The process of data analysis brings meaning to the facts and figures and allows those involved to make calculated decisions.
To assist with the process, you can access a wide range of tools and resources that can do a bulk of the hard work for you.
What Are Data Analyst Tools?
Data Analyst tools are software used to gather, manage, and analyze data and trends that help businesses gain valuable business insight. It helps business owners and executives establish data-driven decisions and perform advanced analytics processes. These tools allow the data analysts to accurately interpret and present data.
These tools offer numerous benefits for data analysis. They also provide easy-to-use graphs and maps for data visualization and offer features used in database management, forecasting, statistics, and business intelligence.
A data analysis tool assists in a powerful process that involves gathering, cleaning, organizing and providing visual support from a data warehouse or other data sources.
The key benefit of using a tool like this is the convenient and quick transfer of vague information into natural language that’s easy to understand and apply to a situation. The process is similar to that of business analytics.
Through this process, a data analysis tool removes irrelevant information that shouldn’t belong in a data set. It can also take into account both quantitative and qualitative analysis in developing a robust collection of data to draw conclusions from.
What Are the Main Types of Data Analyst Tools?
Data Analyst jobs are becoming more complicated and critical in the business industry. To ensure the accuracy and efficiency of data analysis, plenty of data analyst tools are available in the market that provides an intuitive interface used for complex and simple analysis. This section features the most popular types of data analysis tools.
Business Intelligence Tools
Business intelligence tools are used to process and analyze a collection of data for more accurate and better business decisions. This tool generates meaningful insights and delivers analytical findings through dashboards, reports, graphs, or charts that help business analysts and business users create more effective strategic planning.
Examples of Business Intelligence Tools
- Tableau
- Microsoft Power BI
Predictive Analytics Tools
Predictive analytics is a strategy for forecasting outcomes and predictions. Data analysts use predictive analytics tools to determine possible outcomes such as trends and potential risks through data and statistics. In this way, businesses can mitigate those risks, create possible solutions, and gather actionable insights through predictive modeling.
Examples of Predictive Analytics Tools
- SAP Analytics Cloud
- IBM SPSS Statistics
Data Modeling Tools
Data modeling enables you to determine how the collected data should be stored. Data modeling tools make it possible to store data with less human error. These tools help to create database designs for more accurate data structures. They represent the flow of data and how datasets are connected to one another.
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Examples of Data Modeling Tools
- ER/Studio
- erwin Data Modeler
Data Visualization Tools
Data visualization tools deliver a visual representation of data. Data analysts can understand and analyze complex data trends and patterns through data visualization tools using maps, charts, or graphs. These tools enable them to input, visualize, and manipulate a large amount of data. Information can be easily comprehended, which helps data analysts quickly create meaningful insights.
Examples of Data Visualization Tools
- SAS Visual Analytics
- Microsoft Excel
SQL Consoles
Structured Query Language, commonly known as SQL, is a programming language that manages data in multiple databases. It allows analysts to retrieve and manipulate specific data in relational databases. SQL consoles are becoming more popular in data analytics since they are able to execute complex data analysis and data manipulation.
Examples of SQL Tools
- MySQL Workbench
- Microsoft SQL Server
Data Analyst Cheat Sheet: A Tabular List of Data Analyst Tools
| Tool | Uses | Companies That Use It | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ER/Studio | Data modeling, data architecture | Intel, Lenovo, JPMorgan Chase, National Grid | ER/Studio Data Architect: $1,470.40 per user ER/Studio Business Architect: $920.00 per user |
Personal and Commercial |
| erwin Data Modeler | Data modeling, database design | LPL Financial, Puma, Honeywell, Inspire Brands, RentPath | Price available upon request | Personal and commercial |
| IBM SPSS Statistics | Predictive analytics, statistical analysis, data mining | Facebook, Nike, Cox Communications, Zendesk Inc. | $113.85 per month | Personal and commercial |
| Microsoft Excel | Data visualization, data management, data entry, financial analysis, accounting | Samsung Electronics, Total, Dell Technologies, AXA Group | $159.99 per month | Personal and commercial |
| Microsoft Power BI | Business intelligence, data visualization | Walmart, Apple, Samsung Electronics, 20th Century Fox Film Corp, 7-Eleven | Power BI Pro: $9.99 per user, per month Power BI Premium: $20 per user per month Power BI Premium: $4,995 per capacity per month |
Personal and commercial |
| Microsoft SQL Server | SQL consoles, database management | Microsoft, Accenture, Stack Overflow, Alibaba Travels | Subscription: $1,418 per license Enterprise: $13,748 per license |
Personal and commercial |
| MySQL Workbench | Data modeling, SQL consoles | NASA, US Navy, Bank of America, Citibank, Netflix | MySQL Standard Edition: $2,000 per year MySQL Enterprise Edition: $5,000 per year MySQL Cluster CGE: $10,000 per year Open Source: Free |
Personal, commercial, open source |
| SAP Analytics Cloud | Predictive analytics, business intelligence, digital boardroom | CVS Health, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, McDonald’s | $25 per month | SaaS |
| SAS Visual Analytics | Data visualization, data mining, data modeling | Quick Services, Edison International, Royal Bank of Scotland, Seacoast Bank | $8,000 per year | Commercial |
| Tableau | Business intelligence, data visualization, real-time analytics, data blending | Coca Cola, Nike, Citigroup, The DarkStar Group, LinkedIn, Amazon, Ferrari, Adobe | Tableau Creator: $70 per month Tableau Explorer: $42 per month Tableau Viewer: $15 per monthTableau Public: Free |
Personal, commercial, and open source |
The Best Data Analyst Tools, Explained
In this section, a detailed explanation of each tool is provided, including the pricing options. This information will help you learn more about each tool and assess which tools are best for you.
ER/Studio
- Type: Data Modeling Tool
- Companies That Use ER/Studio: Intel, Lenovo, JPMorgan Chase, National Grid
- ER/Studio Cost and Availability: ER/Studio Data Architect: $1,470.40 per user, ER/Studio Business Architect: $920.00 per user
ER/Studio is a data modeling tool developed by IDERA that helps data architects and modelers design database architecture. It enables users to easily analyze, update, and enhance existing databases. It offers powerful data modeling features such as business data objects and macros that allow users to create data models.
erwin Data Modeler
- Type: Data Modeling Tool
- Companies That Use erwin Data Modeler: LPL Financial, Puma, Honeywell, Inspire Brands, RentPath
- erwin Data Modeler Cost and Availability: Price available upon request
Erwin Data Modeler is a data modeling tool used to create and conceptualize data models. It allows data analysts to generate entity-relationship, diagrams, and reports to visualize data. Erwin Data Modeler offers a Community Edition for students and beginners to freely use the limited features of the software.
IBM SPSS Statistics
- Type: Predictive Analytics Tool
- Companies That Use IBM SPSS Statistics: Facebook, Nike, Cox Communications, Zendesk
- IBM SPSS Statistics Cost and Availability: Monthly Subscription: $113.85 per user
IMB SPSS Statistics is statistical software designed for statistical analysis of data. It is used to solve business problems through predictive analysis. These tools allow data analysts to create predictions and conclusions using statistics. IBM SPSS works on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
Microsoft Excel
- Type: Data Visualization Tool
- Companies That Use Microsoft Excel: Samsung Electronics, Total, Dell Technologies, AXA Group
- Microsoft Excel Cost and Availability: $159.99 for commercial use
Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet application used for data visualization and management. It covers essential features that help users analyze data more efficiently such as pivot tables, macro programming, charts and graphs, and formulas. It is one of the desktop applications that is widely used for data organization and analysis.
Microsoft Power BI
- Type: Business Intelligence Tool
- Companies That Use Microsoft Power BI: Walmart, Apple, Samsung Electronics, 20th Century Fox Film Corp, 7-Eleven
- Microsoft Power BI Cost and Availability: Power BI Pro: $9.99 per user per month, Power BI Premium: $20 per user per month, Power BI Premium: $4,995 per capacity per month
Microsoft Power BI is a business intelligence tool that offers cloud-based business intelligence called Power BI Services, a desktop application called Power BI Desktop, and a BI mobile app. These elements of Microsoft BI let you generate insights and visualize and analyze data through advanced analysis processes.
Microsoft SQL Server
- Type: MySQL Console
- Companies That Use Microsoft SQL Server: Microsoft, Accenture, Stack Overflow, Alibaba Travels
- Microsoft SQL Server Cost and Availability: Subscription: $1,418 per license, Enterprise: $13,748 per license
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) software product used to create and maintain the database. It allows users to retrieve data from the database and generate reports for analytical purposes. Microsoft SQL delivers a wide range of business intelligence analytical applications and database management tools.
MySQL Workbench
- Type: MySQL Console
- Companies That Use MySQL Workbench: NASA, US Navy, Bank of America, Citibank, Netflix
- MySQL Workbench Cost and Availability: MySQL Standard Edition: $2,000 per year, MySQL Enterprise Edition: $5,000 per year, MySQL Cluster CGE: $10,000 per year, Open Source: Free
MySQL Workbench is a popular tool that helps analysts manage MySQL databases. It enables users to build applications that use data tables and provides the environment for data modeling and architecture. It is a powerful tool for creating ER models, designing and manipulating relational databases, and executing SQL queries. This is available on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows operating systems.
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SAP Analytics Cloud
- Type: Predictive Analytics Tool
- Companies That Use SAP Analytics Cloud: CVS Health, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, McDonald’s
- SAP Analytics Cloud Statistics Cost and Availability: $25 per month
SAP Analytics Cloud is an all-in-one data analytics tool and a cloud-based platform that covers predictive analytics, interactive visualization, and business analytics in the cloud environment. It covers ad hoc, forecasting, KPI monitoring, and business planning. It also allows users to monitor and access data using a mobile app. Data analysts can visualize, create a business plan, and make conclusions through SAP Analytics Cloud.
SAS Visual Analytics
- Type: Data Visualization Tool
- Companies That Use SAS Visual Analytics: Quick Services, Edison International, Royal Bank of Scotland, Seacoast Bank
- SAS Visual Analytics Cost and Availability: $8,000 per year
SAS Visual Analytics is a self-service analytics tool that provides an interface for data visualization. It helps users build reports and dashboards to determine relationships between data for better business insights. It also allows them to view and interact with data using smartphones. These tools also offer the SAS visual data builder used for data mining and exploration.
Tableau
- Type: Business Intelligence Tool
- Companies That Use Tableau: Coca Cola, Nike, Citigroup, The DarkStar Group, LinkedIn, Amazon, Ferrari, Adobe
- Tableau Cost and Availability: Tableau Creator: $70 per month, Tableau Explorer: $42 per month, Tableau Viewer: $15 per month, Tableau Public: Free
Tableau is a type of tool that is used for data visualization and data extraction in the business intelligence industry. It helps analysts understand data and gain meaningful insights by simplifying large and complex data. This software has a free version called Tableau Public that allows users to freely create data visualization or use Tableau online.
Why Data Analyst Tools Are Important
Data analysts make it easier for businesses to generate proper judgments and insights in order to make better business decisions. These tools help achieve one main goal—increase the business’ profitability. Data analyst tools help users assess the customers’ behavior, market conditions, current trends, and the financial status of the business.
The business process is becoming more complex as technology continues to evolve. Data collection and analysis play an important role in understanding the business process and creating effective strategic plans. Data analyst tools provide important information from hard data that creates a solid foundation for business plans.
Bonus: Top 5 Data Analysis Tools to Support Your Organization
When it comes to choosing the right data analysis tool for your data needs, there are several options to choose from.
The decision comes down to what kind of data you have coming in, who you have on your data analysis teams, and what your overall organization’s goals and reach are. Some platforms may offer free basic plans that increase in price as you look out for additional features and services available.
Zoho Analytics
With a user-friendly interface and visualization tools, Zoho Analytics can be a great resource in managing your data for meaningful insights. The tool is compatible with a variety of platforms, including both desktop and mobile resources for maximum ease of use. Transform your data set that’s seemingly too vast into meaningful insights that’s easy to understand and applicable in making the next steps.
Tableau Public
KNIME
This free resource rooted in an open-source platform allows you to maximize your data and its implications. The tool works by connecting with machine learning and other libraries to follow along with statistical models.
Data analysis can involve a lot of programming and technical knowledge. But with KNIME, you can set up visualization and reporting resources without having to take a deep dive into deeper aspects of programming. It’s an easy-to-use platform that is conducive to data scientists and other business analysts at all levels.
Microsoft Excel
From spreadsheets to pivot tables to detailed equations, Microsoft Office’s Excel resource is a versatile and multi-functional tool that can do wonders for your data sets. Excel can also be very helpful in data analysis. While it’s only limited to 1 million rows, which can seem inadequate for big data, Excel’s familiarity and convenience may make it a highly valuable tool.
Google Data Studio
If you utilize a lot of Google Suite applications, their Data Studio analysis tool can be a great addition in your already set workflow. Weave in your website information and tracking through Google Analytics and track your marketing efforts through GoogleAds.
With this tool, you can build custom dashboards based on which Google app you’re using. Pay attention to those trends that matter most to you as you track conversion and retention. Know where your customers are struggling and how you can make improvements based on analytics.
Conclusion: Analyze Your Data For Informed Success
The data you gather has immense value in mapping out your next steps as an organization. With data analysis tools like these, you can get to using that priceless information to make a significant difference for your organization.
Data Analyst Tools FAQ
According to PayScale, the average annual salary of a data analyst is $62,505 or the equivalent of $22.05 an hour. Like most job positions, payment varies based on the working experience of the employee. An entry-level data analyst position earns an annual salary of $57,229. Those with one to four years of working experience earn an average salary of $61,918 per year, while those with five to nine years of experience earn an average yearly salary of $70,153.
To become a data analyst, you must develop the required education and skills for this position, especially the essential skills needed for using data analysis tools. Although a bachelor’s degree can give you an advantage in getting a data analyst job, you can still develop and acquire the required skills by enrolling in bootcamps and courses that provide you with hands-on experience in data analysis.
Several important skills you must have to use data analyst tools effectively are presentation skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, and communication skills. You must be knowledgeable in interpreting and manipulating data to successfully deliver effective results by using advanced tools.
Yes, using data analysist tools is an effective way to increase business performance and optimize operation. Through the data collected from the market trends, business owners are able to increase an organization’s efficiency.
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