A variety of BI platforms and AI tools are available to help mid-market businesses implement AI-driven analytics. Some notable tools and technologies include:
- Microsoft Power BI with AI features: A popular, cost-effective BI platform that integrates with Azure AI services. Power BI offers AI visualizations, natural language Q&A, and even built-in machine learning models for predictive analytics. It’s known for easy integration with Microsoft Office and a low per-user price, making it attractive to mid-market firm
- Tableau (with Einstein AI): A leading BI and data visualization tool that now includes AI capabilities after Tableau’s integration with Salesforce. Tableau’s Ask Data feature lets users query data in plain English and get instant visual insights. It also supports predictive modeling and can be enhanced with Salesforce’s Einstein AI for automated insights.
- Qlik Sense: A BI platform known for its associative analytics engine and AI-powered insight suggestions. Qlik’s augmented intelligence features help users discover hidden relationships in data and get AI-generated insights, complementing its powerful interactive dashboards. Mid-market companies appreciate Qlik’s user-friendly interface combined with advanced AI analytics under the hood.
- Sisense: An end-to-end BI and analytics platform designed to embed AI into business workflows. Sisense offers features like AI-driven trend forecasting and anomaly detection, and it allows businesses to infuse analytics into their own applications or products. It’s often cited as a good fit for mid-sized organizations looking to customize and integrate BI deeply into their operations.
- Zoho Analytics: A BI tool tailored for small and mid-size businesses, known for its affordability and ease of use. Zoho Analytics includes an AI assistant named “Zia” that can generate reports, insights, and even predictions based on natural language questions. It’s a cloud-based solution that provides advanced analytics without the need for extensive technical expertise, aligning well with mid-market resource constraints.
(Other notable mentions: IBM Cognos Analytics with Watson, Google Looker, Domo, and ThoughtSpot are also leveraged by many mid-market firms for AI-enhanced BI. These tools offer capabilities ranging from conversational analytics to embedded AI forecasts. The best choice depends on each company’s specific needs, existing systems, and budget.)