A well-planned requirements process will ensure you choose a BI tool that’s compatible with your current technology and scalable for future needs. You can achieve this by documenting your data processing, latency and transformation needs. Plus, you can compare vendors better by defining governance, security and compliance needs ahead of the decision-making phase. We have a rich library of crowdsourced, analyst-curated and peer-vetted requirement templates based on our years of experience helping software buyers. Start your checklist today with our Business Intelligence Requirements article.

Robust data integration — supporting SQL, NoSQL and cloud sources — along with real-time analytics and in-memory processing should be at the top of your list. Ensure your preferred tool offers customizable dashboards, API integrations, encryption and role-based access control. Additionally, robust BI platforms support enterprise SSO, comply with standards like GDPR and HIPAA, and include logging and auditing features for continuous security monitoring. Read our Critically Important BI Features article for more information.

Deploying a data tool can be challenging because it requires handling data quality and integration issues — especially with legacy systems — and optimizing ETL processes for real-time analytics. Additionally, configuring performance tuning and granular security measures requires iterative testing and refinement. Working with an implementation partner can make deployment and adoption much easier, especially if your organization lacks in-house technical expertise.