This is Power BI: explained in 4 themes

Power BI is a comprehensive Business Intelligence tool. While the possibilities are endless, we'll explain the 4 main themes, so you get a clear picture of exactly what the tool is, and can do.

1. True self-service

Power BI is a self service Business Intelligence tool. This means that any user can immediately (and eventually with proper training) start using it on their own. That is because every financial is familiar with the trusty Microsoft environment and Excel functionalities. You also don't need an IT specialist or BI professional to implement this tool within the organization. You download Power BI and can get started right away. This makes Power BI an intuitive and user-friendly tool for both financials, and management.

2. Automatically unlock all data

No more downloading all the data every month from all your software packages. With Power BI, you unlock both financial and operational data automatically from a variety of sources. These can be local databases such as SQL databases, as well as cloud (online service) systems such as Dynamics 365 or Salesforce. Power BI already has links to hundreds of different data sources, and Microsoft is expanding this list every month. After the source data are linked once, they refresh automatically, so you are looking at the most recent data every time.

3. From raw data to powerful visual reports

Power BI processes raw data into logical and readable data. You can use calculations to add additional data, modify your own data, make it readable, and create relationships between different data sources. Once your dataset is complete, build powerful visual dashboards and reports. You can get started right away with available dashboards (solution templates) or create your own with the extensive library of visuals to use (graphs, tables, charts, gauges, etc). Present the data of interest to your organization and customize it to your liking. For example, at a glance, see the turnover of different departments, the margin per product or the time records of your staff.

4. Fully in control of the information flow: automatic sharing, management secured

In most organizations, steering information is still shared by mail, in Excel, Word, PowerPoint or PDF. In this way, there is really no management over who gets to see what information. You share Power BI dashboard with individuals and with groups within the organization. By cleverly organizing groups (in departments or teams, for example), and linking a set of dashboards to them, the entire group always has the same (steering) information. You can view those dashboards on any device: desktop, smartphone or tablet. Everyone gets to see the information that matters to them. Still want to present on paper? Not a problem. With 1 click of a button you can export dashboards to beautiful Powerpoint presentations; in Powerpoint, just click on one of the charts and the appropriate dashboard opens automatically. You are and remain completely in control of the flow of information.

"Power BI makes data insightful for the entire organization."

In a nutshell, Power BI is a revolutionary Business Intelligence tool that provides data visibility across the organization. You can now link operational data to your financial data to make connections and present real insights with visual reports. Plus, any financial can get started with it thanks to its user-friendly interface. These are the main reasons to get started with Power BI:

• Power BI works as an extension of Excel and is the best BI tool for anyone used to working with Microsoft products.
• It is Business Intelligence made possible for SMEs.
• You don't need IT or BI knowledge.
• Power BI desktop and apps are free to download. A pro license of €9.40 per month (excluding VAT) gives you access to group sharing within your organization.
• It is the definitive tool to create a visual overview and insight of your business figures.
• All your data is visible and shareable in real-time: on desktop, smartphone or tablet.

See how we can help you with our Power BI Consultancy here.