What is Qlik Sense?

Qlik Sense is a modern data analytics platform designed to empower users across all skill levels with advanced insights and analytics capabilities. It leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to transform raw data into actionable insights, enabling organizations to make informed decisions swiftly. Qlik Sense is renowned for its powerful associative analytics engine, which allows users to explore data freely and uncover insights that might otherwise remain hidden.

The platform is built to cater to a wide range of analytics needs, from self-service visualization to advanced predictive analytics, making it a versatile tool for businesses looking to harness the full potential of their data.

Features

Qlik Sense boasts a rich set of features that enhance its usability and effectiveness in data analytics:

1. Powerful Visualization and Dashboards

• Interactive Dashboards: Users can create and share interactive dashboards that provide real-time insights into business performance.
• Customizable Visualizations: The platform offers a variety of chart types and visual elements that can be tailored to meet specific analytical needs.

2. AI-Powered Active Analytics

• Augmented Analytics: Qlik Sense incorporates AI and ML to automate insight generation, making it easier for users to derive meaningful conclusions without needing extensive data science expertise.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Users can interact with data using conversational queries, making data exploration intuitive and straightforward.

3. Self-Service Visualization

• Data Discovery: Users can load, visualize, and explore data independently, allowing for a more democratized approach to data analytics.
• Real-Time Contextual Updates: As users make selections or adjustments, every chart and visualization updates instantly to reflect the current context.

4. Advanced and Predictive Analytics

• Qlik AutoML: This feature allows users to create machine learning models and predictions without needing coding skills, democratizing access to advanced analytics.
• Real-Time Calculations: Users can ask unique questions and get instant answers, enabling quick decision-making.

5. Alerting and Action

• Data-Driven Alerts: Users can set up alerts based on data changes, ensuring they are notified of significant developments in real time.
• Event-Driven Actions: Automate routine tasks and trigger actions based on specific data events, enhancing operational efficiency.

6. Mobility

• Responsive Design: Qlik Sense is built for mobile devices, allowing users to create and explore analytics anytime, anywhere.
• Offline Analysis: Users can perform fully interactive analysis even without an internet connection.

7. Custom and Embedded Analytics

• Open APIs: Qlik Sense provides a complete set of open APIs for rapid development of custom applications and visualizations.
• Embedded Analytics: Organizations can integrate Qlik Sense analytics within their existing applications and workflows, enhancing usability.

8. Data Preparation and Connectivity

• Comprehensive Data Integration: Qlik Sense supports connectivity with hundreds of data sources, enabling users to combine data from various platforms seamlessly.
• Data Catalog: A self-service catalog helps users find and trust the right data for their analyses.

9. Collaboration Features

• Narrative Context: Users can add notes and context to analytics, facilitating discussions and collaborative decision-making.
• Discussion Threads: Engage with team members around specific data points to enhance collaboration and insight generation.

Use Cases

Qlik Sense is applicable across various industries and use cases, including:

1. Business Intelligence

Organizations can utilize Qlik Sense to analyze business performance metrics, track KPIs, and make data-driven decisions to optimize operations.

2. Healthcare Analytics

Healthcare providers can leverage Qlik Sense to analyze patient data, improve service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency in real-time.

3. Financial Services

Financial institutions can use Qlik Sense for risk analysis, compliance monitoring, and performance tracking, enabling them to make informed financial decisions.

4. Supply Chain Management

Companies can analyze supply chain data to identify bottlenecks, optimize inventory levels, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.

5. Marketing Analytics

Marketing teams can track campaign performance, customer engagement, and market trends, allowing them to refine strategies and improve ROI.

6. Manufacturing Insights

Manufacturers can use Qlik Sense to monitor production processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality through data-driven insights.

7. Retail Analytics

Retailers can analyze sales data, customer behavior, and inventory levels to optimize product offerings and enhance customer experiences.

Pricing

Qlik Sense offers flexible pricing models to accommodate different organizational needs. While specific pricing details may vary based on licensing and deployment options, the general structure includes:

• Client-Managed Pricing: Ideal for organizations that prefer an on-premises solution, especially in highly regulated industries.
• Cloud Analytics Pricing: A cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) model that provides all the capabilities of Qlik analytics in a scalable and accessible format.

For precise pricing information, organizations are encouraged to contact Qlik directly to discuss their specific requirements and obtain tailored quotes.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing Qlik Sense to other analytics tools, several unique selling points distinguish it from the competition:

1. Associative Analytics Engine

Unlike many traditional analytics tools that rely on query-based approaches, Qlik Sense’s associative engine enables users to explore data freely in all directions, providing deeper insights and a more comprehensive understanding of data relationships.

2. Augmented Analytics Capabilities

Qlik Sense stands out with its integrated AI and ML capabilities, allowing users of all skill levels to benefit from advanced analytics without needing extensive training or expertise.

3. User-Centric Design

The platform emphasizes self-service visualization, enabling users to create their own reports and dashboards without relying on IT, fostering a culture of data literacy across organizations.

4. Real-Time Data Processing

Qlik Sense provides real-time data updates and alerts, ensuring that users are always working with the most current information, which is crucial for timely decision-making.

5. Robust Collaboration Features

Qlik Sense's built-in collaboration tools facilitate discussion and decision-making among team members, enhancing the overall analytical process.

6. Comprehensive Data Connectivity

The platform supports a wide range of data sources, making it easy for organizations to integrate and analyze data from various platforms without limitations.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Qlik Cloud Analytics and Qlik Sense?

Qlik Cloud Analytics is a cloud-based SaaS deployment of Qlik's analytics solutions, while Qlik Sense is an on-premises solution designed for organizations that prefer a client-managed offering, especially in regulated industries.

2. What data sources does Qlik Sense integrate with?

Qlik Sense can connect and combine data from hundreds of data sources, including applications, databases, cloud services, and files, providing flexibility in data analysis.

3. Does Qlik Sense have Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities?

Yes, Qlik Sense has AI technology built into its foundation, which includes features like Insight Advisor for automated insights, natural language interaction, and predictive analytics through Qlik AutoML.

4. How much does Qlik Sense cost?

Pricing for Qlik Sense varies based on deployment options. For client-managed pricing, organizations should contact Qlik directly. Pricing details for Qlik Cloud Analytics can be found on the pricing page of Qlik's website.

5. What makes Qlik Sense more than just another visual analytics tool?

Qlik Sense offers a comprehensive suite of analytics capabilities that go beyond simple visualization. It supports a full range of analytics use cases, from self-service visualization to advanced predictive analytics, all within a single platform.

6. How does Qlik Sense support data literacy across organizations?

By enabling self-service visualization and providing intuitive tools for data exploration, Qlik Sense empowers users at all skill levels to engage with data confidently, fostering a culture of data literacy within organizations.

In conclusion, Qlik Sense is a powerful and versatile analytics platform that stands out for its unique features, extensive use cases, and commitment to democratizing data insights. Its AI-driven capabilities, real-time analytics, and user-friendly design make it a preferred choice for organizations looking to harness the power of their data effectively.