A BI tool that actually delivers!
Updated April 13, 2016

A BI tool that actually delivers!

Timothy Humphreys | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Cloud

Overall Satisfaction with Birst

Pros

  • Dashboard presentation and updates. Allows the user to "run" varying reports and see data based on comprehensive prompts. Reduces the time necessary to run "more" reports. Saves time, improves accuracy and consistency in reviewing data.
  • Designing reports. Simple reports take minutes yet offer extreme flexibility when used within the dashboard. Reduces response time to internal and external clients.
  • Data Management. The process to setup and manage data requires planning and accuracy. Because of this, data is stable.

Cons

  • Copying Dashboard Prompts (filters). While the product has very flexible prompts and the ability to add them readily, you can not copy prompts from one dashboard page to another. You have to either copy the dashboard or manually add the prompts.
  • User Management: The system provides a robust set of security layers for data, users, etc. For user security, the process requires more screens than it appears to need.

QlikView - on the face, similar system design, agnostic data sources,
Cognos - previous experience
MS Reporting Services - fit with internal systems/tools/environment.

After using multiple BI and reporting tools, Birst has become our go to system for any analytics. With the system's abilities and flexibility, the system is unparalleled in today's market for our needs.
I have yet to find a perfect BI or reporting tool. After 20+ years of performing/managing BI and analytics, the Birst product provides us with:
  • Flexibility in design
  • Speed to deployment
  • Customer and technical support
  • Financial value and ROI
  • Comprehensive solution with scalability
We learn more every day with the product as well as receive alternate ideas and support. I have no regrets selecting the Birst product and would do so without hesitation again.

Using Birst

  • Dashboard view of pharmacy utilization trends for clients
  • Analytics for key performance indicators
  • Auditing of pharmacy utilization on behalf of clients

Evaluating Birst and Competitors

Using multiple tools such as MS Access/Excel, raw Sql Server.

Birst Implementation

We are a small shop so the resources were limited. We did not plan as well for the implementation as we should have. That said, we should have received more support from Birst to ease some of the implementation pains we encountered. From the sales pitches, you have expectations that start up and use will be simple. Though many facets are simple, a better implementation plan should have been provided.
  • Implemented in-house
  • Professional services company
We utilized an individual consultant from Fact Effect in coordination with Birst to move us forward with the implementation.

Birst Training

  • In-person training
  • Self-taught
I have attended two different training sessions. The first one was my initial training on the system. It was well paced, clear and concise. If there were questions that were not able to be answered by the instructor, he took down the question and actually followed up and provided us a response quickly.

The second session was specific to the dashboard and report design components. This training was very good though there were some attendants who had little or no experience and their questions slowed the class.
Yes and no. Some aspects of the reporting and dashboard were easy to learn on your own.

The data management side was another issue. There is no way I would have been able to setup the data side without training and assistance. This may be more of knowledge issue on my end, but even with others, the data/back end side required training.

Birst Support

First, Birst is the most responsive support group I have used or honestly managed. They document and respond quickly. Are they perfect? No, but that does not mean they do not actively work with you to address my issues. My biggest challenge is understanding some of the support team's accents. Luckily, they are very patient with me asking them to repeat their response.
Yes - When needed, Birst has internal support as well as qualified third party vendors available if/as needed. We have used this support option for part of our development and were pleased with not only the support from the vendor and Birst.

Using Birst

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