What BI tools are essential for an entry-level position?
If you are interested in pursuing a career in business intelligence (BI), you might be wondering what BI tools you need to master for an entry-level position. BI tools are software applications that help you collect, analyze, and visualize data to support business decisions and processes. In this article, we will discuss some of the most common and essential BI tools that you should be familiar with as a beginner in the field.
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Brian Julius6x Linkedin Top Voice | Lifelong Data Geek | IBCS Certified Data Analyst | Power BI Expert | DAX Heretic | Data Mad…
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Matías Sánchez CabreraHumanizando datos con Datalized.cl
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Esther Reginald YeboahI share my journey into Data Analytics, Data Science, and AI Engineering here, with an 80% Africa-biased point of view.…
The first step in any BI project is to identify and access the data sources that are relevant to your business problem or question. Data sources can be internal or external, structured or unstructured, and vary in size and format. Some examples of data sources are databases, spreadsheets, web pages, APIs, social media, and text files. You should be able to connect to different data sources using various methods, such as SQL queries, ODBC drivers, RESTful services, or web scraping.
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La mayoría de los programas de formación en temas de datos te enseñan Python. Pero desde mi punto de vista lo más importante que tiene que dominar alguien que está recien partiendo es SQL. SQL te da independencia para conseguir tus datos y te ayuda a entender como funciona el sistema (por las relaciones entre tablas). Ambas son habilidades muy poderosas para trabajar eficientemente en equipos de BI.
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Mastering data sources is crucial for BI success. In an entry-level BI position, proficiency in accessing diverse data is vital. Identify and connect to relevant data sources—internal or external, structured or unstructured. Examples include databases, spreadsheets, web pages, APIs, social media, and text files. Develop skills in using methods like SQL queries, ODBC drivers, RESTful services, or web scraping to seamlessly connect with various data sources, laying a strong foundation for effective BI analysis.
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Para ser capaces de obtener información de la mayor cantidad de fuentes de datos que podamos necesitar, hay que combinar el aprendizaje de herramientas específicas que nos permitan acceder a ellos (como Power BI, Qlik, Tableu, etc.) y lenguajes como SQL, Phyton y R.
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Identifying essential data sources - internal databases, websites, APIs, social media, spreadsheets, and text files - is the first step in effective Business Intelligence (BI). It is critical to efficiently connect these using SQL, ODBC, RESTful services, or web scraping. This preliminary stage establishes the framework for a thorough study, allowing organizations to make educated decisions based on a thorough understanding of operations, market trends, and consumer behavior. In today's data-driven world, integrating these disparate data sources is critical.
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Bi Tools Essential for Entry Level Postion are 1. Microsoft Excel 2.SQL 3. Power BI / Tableau /Alteryx You can learn the basics of all on Youtube for Free
The next step is to prepare the data for analysis and visualization. Data preparation involves cleaning, transforming, integrating, and enriching the data to make it suitable for your BI objectives. Some common tasks in data preparation are removing duplicates, handling missing values, standardizing formats, merging tables, creating calculated fields, and applying filters. You should be able to use tools like Excel, Power Query, Alteryx, or Python to perform data preparation efficiently and accurately.
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In my experience, Power Query is a great place to start. A good grasp of this tool will decrease the amount of code you need to run in DAX. The best part is that most problems you may want to solve can be addressed with just a few clicks. For example, filtering out specific words from a long string (text).
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Mastery of Power Query is a great skill for entry level BI roles for two reasons - its ubiquity, as part of both Excel and Power BI, and its immense power and flexibility for data preparation and data modeling. Gil Raviv, who led the integration of Power Query into Excel 2016 estimates that 50% of data cleaning/prep problems can be addressed solely through use of the Power Query UI. By learning how to apply lightweight editing to the underlying code in the formula bar, Raviv states this proportion rises to approximately 2/3, and by learning how to code in the M language within PQ and apply recursion and advanced iterator functions, he claims 99.9% of data problems can be addressed using PQ - a tool that sits on nearly everyone's desktop.
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Una vez identificado donde están los datos relevantes, e idealmente que estos datos ya estén centralizados en un datewarehouse, es hora de prepararlos para el analisis. Este paso generalmente tiene que ver con cruzar tablas, limpiar datos, aplicar lógicas de negocios y calcular KPIs. Todo realizable en SQL, directamente desde una herramienta de visualización o a través de vistas / vistas materializadas. En esta etapa recomendamos usar DBT como una herramienta para preparar los datos para analistas y herramientas de visualización. Con DBT puedes versionar este proceso, documentarlo para trabajar en equipo y traer buenas practicas de desarrollo de software como aplicar tests.
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In an entry-level BI role, mastering data preparation is essential. This involves cleaning, transforming, and enriching data for analysis. Tasks include removing duplicates, handling missing values, standardizing formats, merging tables, creating calculated fields, and applying filters. Proficiency in tools like Excel, Power Query, Alteryx, or Python is crucial for efficient and accurate data preparation. Developing these skills ensures you can harness the full potential of data for meaningful BI insights.
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Finding joy in dealing with messy data from various sources before designing fancy dashboards is a crucial detail for a fulfilling BI career. Understanding, cleaning, and making necessary transformations to data from different datasets is often the most time-consuming step in projects. Being conscious of the time spent here is important.
The core of BI is data analysis, which is the process of exploring, interpreting, and discovering insights from the data. Data analysis can be descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, or prescriptive, depending on the level of complexity and sophistication of the BI solution. You should be able to use tools like SQL, R, Python, or SAS to perform various types of data analysis, such as aggregation, segmentation, correlation, regression, classification, clustering, or optimization.
The final step is to present the data analysis results in a clear and compelling way. Data visualization is the art and science of creating charts, graphs, dashboards, and reports that communicate the data insights effectively and efficiently. You should be able to use tools like Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or QlikView to create and customize data visualizations that suit your audience and purpose.
In addition to the specific tools for each step of the BI process, you should also be familiar with some of the popular BI platforms that integrate and automate the whole process. BI platforms are software solutions that provide end-to-end capabilities for data sourcing, preparation, analysis, visualization, and delivery. Some examples of BI platforms are Microsoft BI, Oracle BI, SAP BI, or IBM Cognos. You should be able to use these platforms to create and manage BI projects, collaborate with other users, and share and distribute BI outputs.
Besides the technical tools, you should also have some general skills that are essential for any BI position. These skills include business acumen, analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. You should be able to understand the business context and goals of your BI projects, apply appropriate analytical methods and techniques, solve data-related challenges, communicate your findings and recommendations, and work well with others in the BI team and the business stakeholders.
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Creo que la habilidad no técnica más importante para cualquier profesional del mundo de los datos es la comunicación efectiva. Poder comunicar y socializar los aprendizajes del analisis de datos son fundamentales para que el conocimiento no se pierda. Estos insights también pueden evolucionar al ser claramente explicados con personas de negocios dentro de la organización. Comunicar aprendizajes con la organización es fundamental para hacer un buen trabajo como Data Analyst
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Starting a career in data analytics, especially in Business Intelligence (BI), it's best to begin with SQL. SQL is fundamental, the core language for interacting with databases. It's essential to grasp how data is structured and managed. Once you've got SQL down, move on to a BI tool like Power BI for data visualization. Power BI is great for turning complex data into clear, actionable insights. As for Excel, it's useful, but you can learn it on the fly. It's more intuitive and can be picked up as you progress. But remember, SQL is the cornerstone. Master it first, then dive into BI tools, and use Excel as a supplementary skill. This approach sets a strong foundation in the BI field.
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The most important skill for an entry level BI position is SQL. Period. It’s foundational to gathering and cleansing your data and has carryover to syntax used on front end tooling like PowerBI or Tableau.
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Vou citar habilidades não técnicas, além das pontuadas, do meu dia a dia e, que entendo serem importantes para todo profissional de inteligência de negócios: 1 - Comunicação 2 - Engenharia de requisitos 3 - Matemática 4 - Estatística descritiva 5 - Visão detalhada dos processos de negócio 6 - Qualidade de software 7 - Testes 8 - Storytelling e visualização da informação Essas habilidades são essenciais a todo o momento, no cotidiano do trabalho em Business Intelligence!
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Develop essential BI skills, including understanding key performance indicators (KPIs), dashboard creation, and report generation. Knowledge of business processes and the ability to translate business requirements into actionable insights is vital. BI is booming: The BI field is rapidly expanding, offering a wealth of promising career opportunities for skilled individuals. Essential skills: Hone your data analysis, problem-solving, communication, and data visualization abilities to excel in BI. Get your foot in the door: Build relationships with BI professionals and actively seek out mentorship to gain valuable industry insights. Remember to tailor these points to your specific BI expertise and career goals.
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“Se vc não sabe para onde vai, qualquer caminho serve”. Já dizia o gato de Alice no país das maravilhas! Em business intelligence isso JAMAIS pode acontecer! É premissa básica ter o conhecimento acerca do caminho a se seguir. George Polya, um matemático, escreveu em 1945 um livro intitulado “How to solve it?” que, em português foi traduzido para “A arte de resolver problemas”. Mesmo não sendo uma arte, como propõe a tradução brasileira, devemos entendo que existem processo e técnicas, que segundo Polya são: 1 - Compreensão do problema (O que?) 2 - Planejamento (Como?) 3 - Execução 4 - Avaliação de resultados Esses pilares sustentam o desenvolvimento do seu BI e as técnicas podem ser encontradas na Eng. de Requisitos! Tmj!
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Falou tudo... Não importa a ferramenta... Elas vêm e vão... Cada empresa escolhe a sua e depois trocam... Resolva problemas... Entregue informações úteis...
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Any data visualization tool can be helpful as long as the visualizations are produced in a structured way. Here are few things to elevate your reports: - Put the most important KPIs on top of the report - With reporting, less is more. Try to keep less, but engaging and relevant visuals that narrate a story - Use colours sparingly. A rainbow themed report will take away from the essence of your message, use colours to draw attention to the figure.
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A Business Intelligence vai muito além de ferramenta, é um conceito que busca trazer inteligência para o negócio, assim o primeiro Bom conhecimento é como fazer perguntas. Ferramentas como o 5W2H é uma boa ajuda, existem bons livros na literatura de como podemos levantar requisitos de uma boa forma. A matriz de dados também é muito usada para situações de projetos de BI. Depois de saber fazer as melhores perguntas, será possível identificar a melhor ferramenta para resolver o problema levantado através de BI.
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Cloud Platforms:Cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, as many BI tools integrate with these services. Coding Skills: Basic programming skills can be advantageous like Python or R for more advanced analytics. Industry-specific Knowledge: Tailor your skills to the industry you are entering. Understanding specific industry trends and challenges to provide meaningful insights. Communication Skills: Are crucial in BI roles. Practice translating complex technical concepts into clear, non-technical language for diverse audiences. Continuous learning to stay updated on the latest BI tools and trends. Networking with professionals in the field, both online and offline, can provide valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
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