Item: IBM SPSS Statistics
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use IBM SPSS to view and analyze raw survey data. It's an integral tool for quantitative data analysis. It allows us to see the data simultaneously in its numeric code form and the data labels, whereas looking at raw data in [Microsoft] Excel you must choose one or the other. It allows you to run a quick analysis and easily set up the data for a more robust and user-friendly analysis in other research software.

Pros and Cons

Allows you to view data in both its numeric and labeled form
Runs quick frequencies and crosstabs
Ability to write syntax for repetitive tasks

Licensing is a nightmare - whether purchasing a new license or trying to transfer an existing license to a new computer, it's a very difficult process.
[IBM SPSS] has a steep learning curve.
[Because it is a] data intensive program, [it] sometimes slows your computer down and crashes.

Return on Investment

IBM SPSS Statistics is a critical tool for our business. I'm not sure what the ROI would be, but it would be detrimental to our business if we did not have it.

Operational Impact

We wouldn't be able to operate without IBM SPSS. The alternative would be viewing and analyzing the raw data in [Microsoft] Excel, which would add a significant amount of time and headache to our operations. It's hard to say exactly how much time and efficiency it saves because it's a tool I've used my entire career and initially learned in college, so I've never known what it's like to not have this tool.

Business Impact

Again, this question is hard to answer because we've always used IBM SPSS. It's a must-have tool for us and I've never experienced "life" without it. We have [increased efficiency] by combining [IBM] SPSS with other tools, such as Alteryx and Q Research Software. Using these combinations of tools has allowed us to [increase our efficiency] in our processes that wouldn't be possible otherwise, but [IBM] SPSS is the foundation (that is, we start with [IBM] SPSS and then import that data into tools such as Alteryx and Q [Research Software]).

Alternatives Considered

Q Research Software

We actually use both Q Research Software and IBM SPSS. We started using Q [Research Software] about 5 years ago and initially thought it would replace [IBM] SPSS. While you technically can view .sav files directly in Q [Research Software], we found that the two softwares are good at different things. [IBM] SPSS is better at viewing the raw data as a whole (e.g. in spreadsheet format) and looking at data on the respondent level. Q [Research Software] is great at running complex analyses very quickly and in a user-friendly format. We use the two programs in tandem - we start with [IBM] SPSS where we format, check, and run high-level analyses. We, then, import that data into Q [Research Software] where we can create crosstabs and run more detailed analyses.

Key Insights

Do you think IBM SPSS Statistics delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with IBM SPSS Statistics's feature set?

Yes

Did IBM SPSS Statistics live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of IBM SPSS Statistics go as expected?

Would you buy IBM SPSS Statistics again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Q Research Software, Alteryx, Qualtrics XM for Strategy and Research

Likelihood to Recommend

Overall, I would recommend [IBM] SPSS because there is no other tool I'm aware of that allows you to view raw data and run a quick analysis as easily. It's an essential tool for any market research professional. That being said, there is a steep learning curve and you must have a strong understanding of statistics in order to really get a lot of use out of it. The licensing is also a nightmare and we have had issues with both purchasing new licenses and transferring existing ones to new computers. That being said, the program is so integral to our day-to-day work that I would still ultimately recommend it.

Users and Roles

4 - All four individuals at our organization use IBM SPSS Statistics, from the business owner to our project coordinator. We primarily use it for analysis and reporting, but really anyone who needs to look at the raw data will be using SPSS to do so.

Support Headcount Required

2 - Being a small business, we all wear many hats. The business owner and myself are the ones to typically troubleshoot issues or answer other questions about the software, as we have used it the longest. Typically support is only needed when updating a license (e.g. installing on new computer or upgrading to a new version of SPSS).

Business Processes Supported

Viewing raw data
Coding open-ended responses
Analyzing data

Innovative Uses

Calculating or generating new variables
Using syntax to automate processes
Creating respondent scorecards to generate personas

Future Planned Uses

Not sure

Likelihood to Renew

IBM SPSS Statistics is a critical to the success of our business. It's the gold standard for viewing and analyzing survey data, and we have no intention of finding a different tool.

Support Rating

The only times I've ever had to contact support has been when updating a software license. The product is locked down to ensure that you don't install it on more computers than allowed, and we've had issues in the past with transferring licenses to new computers or when upgrading to a new version of the software. The support team has always been able to help, but it's frustrating to have to wait to get it up and running. Its been a while since we've had an issue like this though, so they may have resolved the issues around licensing.

IBM SPSS Statistics Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Premium Support

Not that I'm aware of. As far as I know, IBM SPSS Statistics does not offer premium support for an additional fee.

Bug Resolution

Usability

IBM SPSS Statistics has a steep learning curve. Once you learn how to use it, things are much easier and make sense, but it can take a while to feel comfortable with it. It's also a memory-intensive software that can be slow to respond and crash on occasion, and recently we've had issues when doing simple tasks like relabeling variables, where everything you type immediately disappears until you click on the cell in a certain way and then it magically works again.

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Feel confident using Familiar	Unnecessarily complex Difficult to use Slow to learn

SPSS - The Good and the Bad

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with IBM SPSS Statistics