FCS Express vs. SAP Crystal vs. Sisense for Cloud Data Teams

Generation of templated reports is the strong suit of SAP Crystal. Allows users to change formats in templates bases on requirement with minimal effort. Automated report delivery requires the user to be aware of sql which cannot be expected from all users. Should support more document export formats and improve the UI for SAP B1 Users

Incentivized

Sisense for Cloud Data Teams is suited so well for our project that works with lots of data and needs some ways to share data internally or externally with our clients. It's very easy to pull out the data from the sense in best and in a suitable format and moreover a huge number of options are available there to represent the data. All features of this Sisense for cloud data teams software can be taken advantage of if you have a team who are well versed in data analytics, data management, and programming.

Incentivized

• Great visualization for static format & precise tasks: For presentation to senior management /ex-co/vendors where concise decisions need to be made, Crystal is a nice choice to slide data into presentable views.
• Diverse data source connect: We have used it to write reports using data from DB2, SQL, Progress, Excel spreadsheets, XML data, Access, and Lotus Notes databases. It can also be used to join different database types together in one report.
• It uses the "recurring bands" structure for page layout which is efficient and fungible for generating different types of reports. Crystal doesn't require that we set up a metadata layer before creating reports and provides direct access to tables and dimensions.

Incentivized

• Rapid deployment of polished T-SQL-based data visualization charts and dashboards. Periscope supports a variety of database technologies, and allows users to write custom queries to display data.
• Included caching to reduce server load.
• Outstanding customer service/support, with expert advice as needed.
• Constant updates and new features.
• Built-in SQL formatters take the pain out of manipulating date/time objects.

• Crystal Reports charting engine is ok but compared to some other visualization products available it is behind the times.
• Crystal Reports uses a proprietary format for its data storage, using an open format (like XML) would be much better
• You cannot add add a structured table object to the page layout, you can only use lines and boxes

Incentivized

• Some of the dashboards can be slow to load; especially when they have lots of features and widgets.
• The software could be made a little easier for people that don't have a data or programming background.
• It is pricey so not a great option for small companies or research/home projects.

Incentivized

We have been using this product for so many years and it has truly become a cornerstone to our business processes when it comes to developing and distributing information via reports. We currently have over 500 reports developed to date over about 30 systems and that will continue to grow as user needs change.

Being able to get up and running quickly is a key asset. There's plenty of advanced features to master that are surprisingly difficult in others tools (or just missing from other tools altogether). The UI can feel a bit dated at times but its usability isn't affected. Any issue you have can usually be resolved by searching in the user community

Incentivized

If you know SQL or are somewhat data-savvy, you'll feel right at home with Sisense for Cloud Data Teams. However, like most other BI tools, it is a little challenging to use for users that are non-technical. The graphs and charts are very visually appealing, and there's lots of customization and export options.

Incentivized

SAP Crystal report is very supportive in daily need of reports or any organization. Basic functionality of operational reports detailing the Sales Order details or PO in a manner which can be used very easily. A readily available solution for delivering any customized need in terms of pixelated reporting can be met easily with the tool

The user interface is just amazing and it's really very easy to use and navigate, even for a newbie. Mostly it provides us the accurate data.

Incentivized

Trainer was patient and thorough in going through the basics and willing to answer questions by email after the initial training

Incentivized

Just like any other implementation: When designing the differing reports, get end users' input, make sure to design the reports so that they display the information that the company requires, in the best and clearest way possible.

Test, test, test, revise when needed, and, particularly, do sufficient training so users are comfortable using Crystal Reports!

Incentivized

For standard pixel perfect reporting, our company still uses Crystal Reports. It allows us to continually provide standard reporting to our clients. For dashboards, we are moving towards Microsoft Power BI. Power BI allows similar collaboration, but generally has better features for dashboards. Power BI also allows us to publish multiple reports and dashboards into a single app for our end users.

Incentivized

Periscope is far more robust than these two similar products. For a start up just getting going they are fine alternatives, but as your business scales Google Charts becomes a hassle to manage and Keap becomes too much of a generalized product. While your business increases it is generally best to get multiple specialized pieces of technology to help you maintain integrity in your data, and Periscope Data allows. Worth the money.

Incentivized

• Time and cost savings achieved by automation of report creating across many data sources we maintain.
• The ability to drill down into granular details of the data leads to a better understanding of the business procedures.
• Well-presented reports are invaluable for getting new clients on board.

Incentivized

• Very positive - has allowed us to glean insights quickly and in real time.
• Definitely helpful for evaluating performance of accounts and employees.
• Versatile - we even use it with recruiting metrics, our software team uses it to test feature deployment.

Incentivized