7 Best Data Visualization Tools in 2019

Data visualization allows marketers to physically see and communicate with their target audience. Marketers typically have all the same information via text, but turning it into a visual aid can allow companies to make business decisions much faster. Simple aids like pie charts or line graphs can take thousands of pieces of information and compress them all down into something legible.

Creating these visuals on your own can take more time than reading through the slog of information. The good news is that technology has created data visualization tools for marketers to easily pour their data into and create the visuals for them.

There are open-source data visualization software, apps for mobile devices, tools available for free and much more when you start finding the need to get your hands on one of these programs. If you’re currently shopping around, here are a few of the best ones available.

1. FusionCharts

FusionCharts is entirely JavaScript-based, with availability on mobile devices. Since it shares a customer base with Apple, Google, Facebook, Intel and other giant companies, you’ll have access to direct support from the developers and comprehensive tutorials. FusionCharts is even available through an indefinite free trial for developmental reasons.

2. Tableau

Tableau is one of the most powerful, secure and flexible analytics platforms in the industry. Available in mobile apps, desktop programs, servers and everything in between, Tableau has been in this game long enough to know what marketers need. They use proprietary programs to identify all the problems marketers face firsthand. Tableau’s server option starts at $12 a month, but the desktop program is available for $70 a month. They also offer a 14-day free trial.

3. Sisense

Sisense is an outstanding analytics platform for big businesses. Working with NBC, General Electric, Rolls-Royce and many more, they offer powerful reporting and fast dashboards. The interface is easy to learn and use while remaining flexible. However, the price is a little costly. You can only get a real price through a quote based on your specific needs, but one can expect $160 a month at most.

4. IBM Cognos Analytics

IBM is known worldwide for being a technological innovator. Their analytics program is entirely self-service, allowing you the freedom to complete any task at your pace. Uniquely, Cognos Analytics uses artificial intelligence to make everything even smoother. Pricing starts at $70 a month.

5. Grow BI Dashboard

Grow Business Intelligence Dashboard is all about self-serving analytics and reports for their customers without being expensive. Recommended with five stars from GetApp, Capterra and other review sites, Grow can help centralize data in real time. What’s more, as of right now, Grow is free. You can either opt to get the demo version or jump straight into the indefinite free trial.

6. Nexla

Nexla puts a focus on API integration, database connections and FTP servers. They allow data sharing rather than focusing solely on the organizational aspect, yet remain secure the entire time. Nexla is flexible, but easy to use, making it an excellent all-around visualization tool. The free trial lasts for 15 days, after which users can request a customized price quote.

7. Corporator

Corporator differs from the others on this list because of how straightforward it is. The interface is flexible enough without making anything complicated. Corporator focuses on strategic management and key performance indicators to get their mission across. They offer a free trial upon request, as well as quotes based on your business.

Benefits of Visual Tools

Some of the benefits for using visualization tools in business for data may be obvious, but if you’re on the fence about whether or not you need one, here are some things to think about. For instance, 84 percent of businesses find data integral to their core operations, while 95 percent of United States organizations use data for decision-making. Without visualization tools, most of the data will be too comprehensive to be useful.

Even if you are using data without visual aids, you may find they’ll work wonders in propelling your business forward. One customer mapping image could be the foundation of a sales plan, communications improvements, managing referrals in call centers, or any number of things you can imagine.

If you can create a dream with data, you can follow through with visualization tools.

The Future of Visualization

While some may find typical pie charts obvious, other businesses may not know they need such tools until it’s too late in the game. Regardless, the advancement of visual tools doesn’t stop here.

As technology advances, so do businesses. Even touchscreens have completely changed the game on data visualization. Whatever’s coming next, whether it’s an advancement related to instant 5G or the rise of personalized advertising, we’ll know soon enough.