Does Data Analysis Have to Be So Hard?

Traditional IBM i data access methods help you get the data—but they can’t help you do much else. And when you’re using an outdated tool like Query/400 or SQL/400 your results can be hard to analyze.

Data analysis shouldn’t be so hard.

You need the ability to visualize data, uncover trends, and assess data to make smart business decisions... simply and easily. The good news? Data analysis can be clear, actionable, and flexible, and here’s how.

1. Clear: Visualize Data and Actually Understand It

Your numbers are telling a story. As data is collected in larger and larger quantities, the story grows more complex. Looking at data stacked in rows and columns, it can be difficult to find the story behind all of those numbers.

Here’s how to make your data clear and easy to understand:

• Data visualization turns your data into something that’s much easier to understand. Dashboards make it easy to look at data at a glance and make informed decisions. Graphical elements, like gauges, graphs, and charts make it easy to look at information and know instantly what’s going on behind it.
• Dashboards also make it simple to give business users information they can understand. These users don’t need to see backstage; they just need to know how the data applies to the business.

2. Actionable: Uncover Trends to Make Decisions

The whole point of gathering data is to get information you can act on. Getting that data into the hands of those who need it in a timely fashion is paramount.

You can’t depend on old data when it's decision-making time. You need up-to-the-minute data so your business can act on it.

Here’s how to make sure you’re acting on current data:

• It’s important to choose a tool that allows you to get the data quickly. After all, you can’t act on the data if you don’t have it.
• It’s also important to be able to use live data in your analysis. If the data isn’t live, it might not be accurate, and it could easily mislead important business decisions.

With the right tool, you’ll be able to look at visual data that updates in real-time. Timely data will ensure that you can take appropriate action and propel your business forward.

3. Flexible: Assess Data the Way You Want It

Flexibility is a must when it comes to analyzing data. You might prefer to look at it on the green screen, GUI, or even a dashboard—while your users probably want it in the format they trust most: Microsoft Excel.

Here’s how to look at the data the way you want it:

• Ability to export and analyze data in Microsoft Excel is essential for flexible data analysis. You shouldn't have to jump through any hoops to get your data in Excel. It should just take a couple clicks. Then you can give users the power to drill down into the detail and make comparisons directly in Microsoft Excel.
• Achieve flexible data analysis with multiple interfaces. Dashboards can be viewed in a GUI or browser interface. Plus, when a dashboard is available in a browser, you can make informed business decisions on the fly—no matter where you are.

With Sequel Data Access, data analysis on IBM i is easy. You’ll get data that’s clear, actionable, and flexible—every time.