When it comes to tools for business analysts, not all software is created equally. To help you build the perfect software stack that will have you working more efficiently than ever, the team at zenphi has pulled together the 10 best tools on the market today for business analysts. From no-code automation, project management, and wireframing to real-time collaboration, these are the tools you need to know.
The Best Data Visualization and Wireframing Tools for Business Analysts
Tableau
Overview: Tableau is a data visualization tool for business analysts and anyone wanting to project and analyze business data.
What businesses is it for? Tableau is versatile enough to work for most businesses and industries, with the additional benefit of not being tied to any one software service.
What does it cost? Tableau requires individual licenses for every team member, with a limited free trial available.
Where to get it: https://www.tableau.com/
Microsoft Power BI
Overview: Power BI is a data visualization platform from Microsoft. In it, Business Analysts—or any users—can build custom boards using any data sources they like.
What businesses is it for? Power BI is well suited to all industries and businesses, however, it is designed to work optimally with Microsoft 365.
What does it cost? Power BI is available for free, with additional functionality available from US$13.70 per month.
Where to get it: https://powerbi.microsoft.com/
Balsamiq
Overview: Balsamiq is a simple online tool for designing and sharing wireframes.
What businesses is it for? Balsamiq is great for all industries and business sizes. The power of the platform is its accessibility, meaning BAs with little experience in design can prototype their ideas to present.
What does it cost? Balsamiq starts from US$9 per month with a 30-day free trial.
Where to get it: https://balsamiq.com/
Dataddo
Overview: Dataddo is a no-code data integration platform designed to connect to any analytics and business data and deliver them to any BI app, database, or storage.
What businesses is it for? Dataddo is great for businesses of all sizes, from small to enterprises.
What does it cost? Dataddo offers limited functionality for free, then has paid plans starting from US$129 per month.
Where to get it: https://www.dataddo.com
The Best Project Management Tools for Business Analysts
Trello
Overview: Trello is a web-based collaboration and project management platform that features boards, lists, and cards that allows one to organize and prioritize tasks in an intuitive and visual way.
What businesses is it for? It is suitable for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.
What does it cost? There is a free plan to start with, with plans offering additional functionality starting from US$5 per month.
Where to get it: https://trello.com
Jira
Overview: Jira is a project management tool designed for the agile workflow.
What businesses is it for? While Jira is most commonly used by tech teams, it’s a good choice for any business running the agile workflow.
What does it cost? Jira is free for teams of up to 10 users with paid plans starting from US$7.75 per month.
Where to get it: https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
Notion
Overview: Notion is a powerful task and project management tool for both individual Business Analysts and wider teams. Choose from a range of templates—like Kanban boards—or create your own from scratch.
What businesses is it for? Notion is suitable for all industries and business types.
What does it cost? Notion uses a “freemium” model, where up to 10 users are free.
Where to get it: Download here: https://www.notion.so/product
The Best Collaboration and Automation Tools for Business Analysts
Google Workspace
Overview: Google Workspace is a powerful suite of tools that can help business analysts simplify their workflow, save time, and collaborate with colleagues more effectively. With easy-to-use tools like Sheets, Docs, Drive, Slides, Gmail, Calendar, and more, Google Workspace makes it easier than ever to stay organized and up-to-date with important tasks.
What businesses is it for? Google Workspace is a great option for businesses of all sizes, providing a comprehensive set of features and services that can be tailored to meet their unique needs.
What does it cost? It depends on the plan you choose and the number of users. Prices start at just $6 per user per month.
Where to get it: https://workspace.google.com
zenphi
Overview: Zenphi is the only no-code automation tool built to work with Google Workspace. Using a powerful workflow, you can automate anything from document approval using GoogleDocs, to your helpdesk ticketing system.
Zenphi is much more than just an automation tool – it provides comprehensive data tables, dashboards, and other reporting tools to help you stay on top of your processes. Moreover, it has out-of-the-box integration with all the tools you use every day like Jira, Trello, Hubspot, and more!
What businesses is it for? Zenphi is built for flexibility, working well with businesses of all types and sizes using Google Workspace.
What does it cost? You can create your first automated workflow in zenphi and familiarise yourself with the platform for free. Plans with additional functionality start at US$99 per month.
Where to get it: https://zenphi.com/
The Best Strategy Tools for Business Analysts
Alignment
Overview: Alignment is a #1 Strategy Platform and SWOT Analysis template.
What businesses is it for? Alignment is a tool that can be used by all industries and types of businesses.
What does it cost? Alignment offers a free-forever plan, and additional functionality starting from US$4.95 per month.
Where to get it: https://www.alignment.io
Conclusion
These 10 tools are essential to consider for any business analyst. They allow you to quickly and efficiently get your work done and provide powerful ways to analyze and visualize data. With these tools in your arsenal, you’ll be able to make the most of your time and maximize your productivity.
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