What are the most important features and functions to look for in a self-service BI tool?

1 Data connectivity and integration

A self-service BI tool should be able to connect to various data sources, such as databases, files, cloud services, web applications, and APIs. It should also be able to integrate and blend data from different sources, and handle data quality, security, and governance issues. A good self-service BI tool should offer a user-friendly interface for data preparation, transformation, and modeling, as well as support for data cataloging and lineage.

3 Data visualization and presentation

A self-service BI tool should allow users to create and customize various types of data visualizations, such as charts, graphs, maps, dashboards, and reports. It should also provide features such as annotations, tooltips, legends, and color schemes. It should also support data storytelling, which is the ability to convey insights and narratives through data visualizations. A good self-service BI tool should enable users to communicate and share their findings with different audiences, in different formats and devices.

4 Collaboration and feedback

A self-service BI tool should facilitate collaboration and feedback among users and stakeholders. It should provide features such as comments, annotations, ratings, alerts, and notifications. It should also allow users to share and publish their data, visualizations, and insights with others, either internally or externally. A good self-service BI tool should foster a data-driven culture, where users can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and improve their outcomes.

5 Scalability and performance

A self-service BI tool should be able to handle large volumes and varieties of data, and deliver fast and reliable results. It should also be able to scale up or down according to the changing needs and demands of the users and the business. A good self-service BI tool should leverage cloud computing, in-memory processing, and distributed architectures to optimize its performance and availability.

6 Ease of use and customization

A self-service BI tool should be easy to use and customize for different users and scenarios. It should provide a user-friendly interface, with drag-and-drop functionality, guided workflows, and smart suggestions. It should also allow users to customize their data, visualizations, and insights according to their preferences and goals. A good self-service BI tool should offer a balance between simplicity and flexibility, and between automation and control.