The world we live in is moving at a breakneck speed and data is one of the most important assets that any business and indeed organization can have. However, that is not enough because you can have data but without a proper understanding of said data, it is almost useless.
The real value therefore lies in understanding that data and using it to gain a competitive advantage through smarter decisions and enhance business operations. There are many AI-driven tools that have been developed to help businesses keep up with the fast pace of the digital world today and make smarter data-driven decisions; one of such tools is Power BI.
You can visit https://www.theknowledgeacademy.com/ for more information on this tool.
Much as this tool is very powerful, it is one that requires some skill-set to use effectively and that is why we have Power BI experts or consultants. In this article, we will examine the need for these professionals and why you need them to unlock valuable insights from your data.
What is Power BI?
This is a business analytic tool that was developed by Microsoft to help organizations with information management. With it, they can visualize data, share insights and insert collaborative reports and dashboards into websites or apps. So, whether an organization needs to track sales performance or monitor marketing campaigns, they have real-time information that is available for making informed decisions. This also goes for every other aspect of business.
Who Are Power BI Consultants?
These are data experts that are skilled in the use of Power BI for the transformation of raw data to collaborative, intuitive and easily understood reports and dashboards. These experts combine the following skills: – Data analysis, domain knowledge, business intelligence and visualization to provide insights for data-driven decisions that align with the goals of the organization or business
They help companies and organizations to go beyond the surface with their reporting and also create a culture where strategies are developed based on pertinent information.
Why Hire Power BI Consultants?
The following are some reasons why you need to hire these experts: –
Expertise and Experience
These professionals have in-depth technical knowledge and practical experience with integration of data, modeling and model integration. You can click here for more detail on this. They know how to connect information from various sources, organize them and then create powerful visuals that are unambiguous and easy to understand. Thanks to their expertise, businesses can get accurate reports on time and customized to the specific needs of the company.
Customized Solutions
We can all agree that every business has its unique need and as such a one-size-fits-all is not always the best approach. That is why these consultants do not just use a generic template but they customize the dashboards and reports to align with the objectives, KPIs and workflow of the company.
Faster Implementation
Going the DIY route with Power BI can lead to a ‘penny wise, pound foolish’ situation with less-than-ideal results. But with consultants, they know the shortcuts, best practices and pitfalls to look out for, which help you achieve a more efficient execution of your project within a desirable time frame.
Data Governance and Security
Power BI consultants will help you set up the right models for data governance, access controls and user permissions. These ensure that business information that are sensitive are protected and shared securely in compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Other benefits you get from hiring these experts include training and support and scalability
Key Services Provided by Power BI Consultants
Power BI has at its center data and its management; but that is not all that there is to it. Reputable companies like Imenso and others provide Power BI development services in all its ramifications. So, when you hire a consultant from any of these reputable companies, you are assured of the following services: –
- Data Integration – This involves the connection of data from various sources like SQL server, Excel, Google Analytic, Salesforce and others.
- Data Modeling – This is the structuring of data so that it can support fast and easy analysis.
- Dashboard Development – This has to do with the creation of engaging and interactive dashboards that are customized for specific departments or user roles.
- DAX Formulas and Custom Visuals – This entails the development of custom metrics and visuals with the use of Power BI DAX (Data Analysis Expressions).
- Embedded Analytics – This means the integration of Power BI dashboards into portals that customers interface with or company apps.
- Migration Upgrades – This involves moving from excel or outdated report creation tools to a centralized solution.
- Performance Tuning – This entails enhancing the reliability and speed of the dashboard to deliver better user experience.
Hiring Models: Full-Time, Part-Time, or Project-Based?
Seeing the wide range of services provided by these experts, we can agree that hiring them is worthwhile. This then brings us to the issue of the hiring model; should they be hired full-time, part-time or per project? The answer we say is found in the requirement of your business. Below are some examples of the hiring models to use and why/when: –
- Full-Time – This is best for businesses that require long-term analytics or have large-scale data projects.
- Part-Time – This is good for companies that need ongoing support or periodic improvements or for training purposes.
- Project-Based – This is useful for one-off reporting or dashboard or implementations.
How to Choose the Right Power BI Consultant
The following are quick tips for hiring the right Power BI consultant: –
- Check Their Portfolio – Find out their past clients and assess whether work they’ve done is similar to what you are looking to do.
- Check Certification – One certification that you should look out for is Microsoft certification. Visit https://businessanalyst.techcanvass.com/ for more details.
- Asses Their Communication Skills – This is very important as it will come in handy in the translation of complex data into easy-to-understand reports.
- Ask for Pilot or Trial Project – Start out small so that you can evaluate their competence before signing up for a long-term/ major project
- Read Testimonials/Reviews from past customers.
Conclusion
There are tasks that companies can assign in-house staff to and there are some that needs to be left to experts; implementation of Power BI is one of such tasks. We have discussed the basics of this subject, what businesses stand to gain by hiring consultants and also tips on how to hire the right consultant. Take out time to do your due diligence so that you can get the best value for your time and money.