5 Key Embedded Analytics Questions to Ask Solution Providers for 2021

Embedded analytics questions to ask solution providers is an annual sneak peak at the top-of-mind concepts to consider during product evaluation. For more, consult our Buyer’s Guide for Embedded Analytics Software.

Cue the process of seeking out, evaluating, choosing, purchasing, and deploying a BI and data analytics solution. Solutions come in a variety of flavors—ranging from traditional enterprise reporting to data visualization and dashboard options. Each features a particular set of capabilities, strengths, and drawbacks. Choosing the right vendor and solution is a complicated process—one that requires in-depth research and often comes down to more than just the solution and its technical capabilities.

To help you evaluate prospective data analytics and BI tools, these are five embedded analytics questions to ask solution providers during product evaluation. If you find these questions helpful, check out our Buyer’s Guide which features a comprehensive overview of the market and full, one-page profiles of the top-8 offerings, as well as our ‘Bottom Line’ analysis.

1. Why do you want to invest in embedded BI?

There are two main scenarios for which an organization seeks out embedded analytics. The first is that they are looking to reduce the time and resources spent on delivering reports required by their customers. Secondly, companies sometimes look to differentiate their core product by adding analytics. Embedded BI provides a way for companies to reduce churn and increase engagement.

2. Do you build or buy?

There are two options when it comes to deploying an embedded analytics solution, as organizations can either choose to build their own in-house product or purchase one from a third-party provider. Developing a platform from scratch could take a long time and cost a pretty penny. From a development standpoint, visualization tools don’t require an extreme amount of work, but a great BI tool is about more than just looks; it has to perform.

3. Are there limits to embedding analytics into existing applications?

Embedded BI products have very few limitations and are often more powerful than standalone tools. Functionality like machine learning, natural language processing and AI can be found within the new, more modern generation of embedded platforms while these capabilities are often not part of standalone solutions.

4.What should buyers be aware of during the vendor selection process?

The buying process can be complex due to the fact that it is different than purchasing a standalone tool. Users that have only deployed a traditional BI or data analytics product are cautioned to look past colorful charts and data visualizations. Buyers need to consider the long-run far beyond the initial installation process, especially when it comes to product maintenance, making changes across instances, and providing a simple but customized experience to the end-user.

Does embedded BI help you achieve your business objectives?

There a wide variety of great embedded business intelligence solutions that focus on a specific use case or niche in the market. However, just because a specific set of capabilities works for one organization does not necessarily mean it will do so for another. The first step in the vendor selection process is to identify those providers whom offer products for your environment specifically. This ensures the best-fit and an excellent launch point for installation and deployment.