Delivering quality data visualizations are a critical part of our business strategy, and the right tool can provide valuable insights into complex data sets. Microsoft Power BI is a popular choice that we set up for many companies, but it’s not always the best solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore why working a custom software solution to build a data visualization process is a better choice than using Power BI.
- Cost – One of the most significant drawbacks of Power BI is its cost. While there is a free version available, the paid plans can quickly become expensive, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Doing a custom software solution can provide a cost-effective solution that is tailored to your specific needs, without any unnecessary features or expenses. Additionally, if a business needs to access data from multiple sources or requires more advanced analytics features, the cost of Power BI can quickly become prohibitively expensive.
- Data Privacy – Data privacy is becoming increasingly important, and businesses need to ensure that their data is protected. When using Power BI, you are relying on a third-party to store and manage your data, which can be a significant concern for some businesses. Working with a custom software company provides more control over your data, ensuring that it is stored and managed in a way that meets your specific privacy requirements.
- Flexibility – A custom software solution provides greater flexibility than Power BI, particularly when it comes to accommodating multiple data sets and user roles. For instance, a custom solution can be built to segregate data based on the type of user accessing it, ensuring that sensitive data is only available to authorized individuals. This level of flexibility is not always possible with Power BI.
- Integration – Integrating Power BI into existing workflows and systems can be a complex and time-consuming process. A custom software solution can be designed to seamlessly integrate with your existing systems, ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible. This also provides more control over the implementation process and reduces the risk of data loss or errors during the transition.
In conclusion, while Power BI is a popular tool, it’s not always the best choice for every business. A custom software company can provide a cost-effective, flexible, and privacy-focused solution that is tailored to your specific needs. With greater control over your data and the ability to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, a custom solution may be a better long-term investment for your business.