# Best Data Visualization Tools - Page 23 *By [Bijou Barry](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/bijou-barry)* Data visualization tools and software translate data and metrics into charts and graphs to help companies track business metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time so they can better understand performance and goals. These can be delivered and displayed in various formats, including charts, graphs, reports, and dashboards. These tools help translate quantitative data and metrics into easy-to-understand visualizations. In regards to dashboards, there are various forms of visuals that one can create and view, such as scorecards and easy-to-interpret visualizations of company data to follow the trends and KPIs. Many data visualization software provides drag-and-drop functionality and other non-technical capabilities, so the average business user can build necessary dashboards. However, some do offer the ability to create dashboards using code. [Data visualization](https://www.g2.com/glossary/data-visualization-definition) software can consume data from many sources, including file uploads, databases, and business applications. Connecting certain applications or databases may require some IT involvement or coding knowledge. Dashboards with real-time data are particularly helpful to allow business users to understand business applications and systems, such as [ERP systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/erp-systems) and [CRM software](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm). However, in some cases, one might want to export these visualizations to share them as reports via email or other communication channels. This can be helpful if one is looking to send a targeted overview of data to busy executives or clients. In addition, these tools can be used to craft visualizations, such as charts and graphs, that can be exported in various formats, such as PNG and JPEG, to create content with visualizations of data. This content creation can often be accomplished collaboratively, allowing users to collaborate across devices and device types. Users looking for tools solely focused on diagramming can look to [diagramming software](https://www.g2.com/categories/diagramming) to build flow charts, floor plans, and more. The [best data visualization tools](https://learn.g2.com/best-data-visualization-software) are specifically designed to benchmark and visualize important metrics and are not intended to be used for robust, complicated data analysis. While some data visualization products may offer drill-down or data-joining functionality, their primary purpose is to provide dashboards and visualizations to monitor business-critical data. Users looking for analysis-specific tools should look to [analytics platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms). Analytics platforms, specifically of the self-service variety, can help businesses query and visualize their data without the need for IT support. Finally, business users and developers who are interested in embedding their visualizations in applications can use [embedded business intelligence software](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) to accomplish this goal. To qualify for inclusion in the Data Visualization Tools category, a product must: - Consume data from a variety of sources through file uploads, database querying, and application connectors - Provide visual representation of key performance indicators ## Best Data Visualization Tools At A Glance - **Leader:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Hurree](https://www.g2.com/products/hurree/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Drivetrain](https://www.g2.com/products/drivetrain-drivetrain/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Canva](https://www.g2.com/products/canva/reviews) --- **Sponsored** ### TELUS Trade Promotion Management TELUS Trade Promotion Management’s offerings (formerly Blacksmith Applications) are delivered via a SaaS platform that empowers consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to get the most out of their trade promotions and accelerate trade spend performance across retail and foodservice channels. CPG companies use our offerings to improve trade spend, gain access to new insights and increase efficiency for sustainable business growth. You can rely on our tools and expertise with 25+ years of experience in the CPG industry. With TELUS TPM’s offerings, CPG companies can increase forecast accuracy; plan and approve trade spend; execute promotions; control finances; manage contracts, claims, deductions and analytics; and optimize trade promotions. Learn more at: https://telus.com/tpm Key features & benefits AI assistant Talk to your data like you talk to your colleagues with our AI Assistant. Get help, information and guidance instantly – in plain language. - Provides advanced system guidance: Ask questions and get easy-to-understand answers about promotions, system features and more. - Generates expert insights: Get on-demand and easy-to-understand insights into promotion data with plain-language prompts. Analyze ROI, trade spend and performance metrics. - Enhances user adoption: Skip the training manual and increase your team’s productivity with on-demand assistance. Advanced analytics Transform complex trade promotion data into actionable insights. Key features and capabilities include: - Pre-built dashboards: Get easy access to promotion P&L, forecast accuracy and performance metrics. Enjoy the seamless integration of analytics and core TPM functions. - Custom report builder: Quickly create tailored reports with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface. Dissect your data with advanced filtering, and export and share data insights across your teams instantly. - Advanced data exploration: Filter and analyze data across multiple dimensions with instant results. Generate reports with ease and track performance metrics quickly. - Role-based security: Customize views to ensure data compliance and governance. Enjoy secure data access management and consistent data governance across all users. Enterprise scalability TELUS Trade Promotion Management offers: 1. Support for complex global operations 2. Multi-retailer and multi-channel management 3. Integration with major ERP and data systems 4. Cloud-native architecture for rapid deployment 5. Multi-language and multi-currency support Operational advantages When you choose TELUS Trade Promotion Management’s offerings, you can count on: - Simplicity: Streamline your work with user-friendly software, automation, cloud-based hosting and an intuitive interface. - Support: Access a range of services that are designed to enable your team's success. - Scalability: Grow with our flexible and front-end configurable solutions. - Synergy: Power your processes across your sales journey – whether you’re in retail, foodservice or both. Getting started: 1. Dedicated customer success team with CPG industry expertise 2. Comprehensive training and certification programs 3. Pre-built integrations with major retailers and data providers 4. Best practice templates and industry benchmarks Ongoing support: 1. 24/7 global support with guaranteed response times 2. Regular platform updates and feature enhancements 3. User community and industry events 4. Quarterly business reviews and optimization consulting TELUS Trade Promotion Management enhancements We constantly enhance our products and services – guided by user feedback from our global customer base. Here are the latest changes to TELUS TPM: - AI assistant: Work efficiently, improve adoption, boost engagement and gain access to insights. Analyze your promotion ROI, trade spend and performance metrics in plain language. - Refined user interface: Work seamlessly with our enhanced user interface that was designed for efficiency and ease of use. - Advanced analytics and reporting: Analyze your data in detail with built-in reporting powered by Google Cloud Platform. Easily navigate complex data sets with our user-friendly interface. Use our role-based, self-service dashboards to make more data-driven decisions. - Mobile companion app: Access critical promotion details and approve programs on-the-go with just a few taps. Address issues away from your desk and give your in-field teams more flexibility than ever before. Transform your promotions Gain a competitive advantage with our proven technology and deep CPG industry expertise. Discover how TELUS TPM can elevate your promotional performance. Contact us: https://www.telus.com/agcg/en-ca/contact/sales?userGroup=consumer-goods&solution=trade-promotion-management-software [Visit company website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=208&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=208&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=page_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=208&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=67404&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=208&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fdata-visualization-tools%3Flocale%3Dpt%26page%3D23&secure%5Btoken%5D=f9d9fbb1135438169f073bf7faf1338c17b615b7046041310d36bca03fa22b81&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.telus.com%2Fagcg%2Fconsumer-goods%2Ftrade-promotion-management-software%3Futm_source%3Dg2%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_campaign%3DCG_G226&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) --- ## Parent Category [Business Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/business-intelligence) ## Related Categories - [Analytics Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/analytics-platforms) - [Embedded Business Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) - [Marketing Analytics Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/marketing-analytics) --- ## Buyer Guide ### What You Should Know About Data Visualization Tools ### What are Data Visualization Tools? Data visualization tools are basic analytics platforms for business users to easily consume and interpret data, KPIs, and other critical metrics using dashboards. These dashboards can pull data from a number of sources, including databases and spreadsheets and other applications, such as [CRM](https://www.g2.com/categories/crm) systems and [digital analytics](https://www.g2.com/categories/digital-analytics) tools. Users can build a variety of visuals based on the data sets to easily track and measure important metrics. Such chart types include column charts, bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, tables, general tracking meters, maps for geographical data, and even just raw numbers. Data visualization software is the most simplistic in the business intelligence category of software. They are built to display data in one central location instead of forcing employees to dig through different solutions to find important metrics. Business intelligence platforms, self-service business intelligence software, and embedded business intelligence software all contain more in-depth analytics features, such as drill-downs, and are most often used by analysts or data scientists. But for companies interested in displaying visual analytics dashboards, data visualization tools are the proper applications. Setting up and implementing data visualization tools are relatively straightforward compared to implementing other business intelligence tools. It may require a bit of development knowledge to connect the product to a database or third-party application. However, if a non-developer is interested in building a visualization using a spreadsheet, implementation is basic. Key Benefits of Data Visualization Tools - Turn complex data into easily understandable graphics - Track and visualize live and static metrics - Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Visualize and compare related metrics - Provide various options to communicate complex information ### Why Use Data Visualization Tools? The main reason for using data visualization is to track real-time data, metrics, goals, and KPIs. Businesses frequently set high goals, so tracking each metric as teams and companies progress is essential. By displaying data visualizations of each KPI, businesses can reinforce the importance of these goals and even help prioritize work based on which metrics need the most attention. General business metrics may include web traffic, revenue, and customer acquisition, among others. With data visualization products, it is easy to pull those business metrics from data sources such as digital analytics and CRMs, so that employees do not need to find them on their own. Outside of this initial benefit of using data visualization software, another advantage is that data visualization tools help users easily understand critical business data. By using data visualization solutions, employees and businesses can easily interpret data. It makes the purpose of the information very evident to all users. If employees understand the business data, they can align around long-term goals and improve overall company growth. Critical business data differs among every company and industry, so allowing for extensive customization is beneficial. There is no one-size-fits-all business dashboard; therefore, pulling data from a variety of sources is useful and necessary. When new employees start, it is helpful to understand said critical business data, and with the help of data visualization tools, that understanding is simplified. Data visualization software also allows users to quickly and easily identify trends in business metrics. If certain metrics are not on pace to hit month-end, quarter-end, or year-end goals, companies can see that up front with data visualization tools. Businesses can adjust their strategies and methods for attaining goals based on how KPIs are tracked. Being able to react to data is an important overall strategy for greater business modernization and digital transformation. ### Who Uses Data Visualization Tools? All employees have an opportunity to utilize data visualization tools; however, there are a number of roles that can use the solutions in different ways. For example: **C-level executives –** C-suite employees utilize data visualization software such as KPI dashboards to keep a holistic view of all company goals and how they are progressing. Instead of checking in with every team or digging into disparate software for each KPI, a CEO can track all company metrics in one location. If a CFO wants to observe all financial metrics, data visualization is an option instead of going through accounting and CRM products to find necessary information. Additionally, C-level executives may take dashboards into board meetings to help illustrate how the company is performing as a whole. [**Sales teams**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/sales) **–** There are many use cases for sales teams when it comes to data visualization solutions, and not just to track revenue numbers or how many deals they have closed. Business development teams often connect [sales acceleration](https://www.g2.com/categories/sales-acceleration) tools as a data source to track how many calls each rep is making or how many meetings they are setting up. Sales managers can track individual account representatives’ performances to see how much revenue and deals each of their employees are closing, and how much they have in the pipeline. They may also set goals and determine how they are tracking on a quarterly or yearly progression. Displaying personal metrics with data visualization tools is one method to help motivate sales employees to hit their quotas. [**Marketing teams**](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/marketing) **–** For marketers, data visualization solutions are ideal for recording real-time data regarding customer and prospect interactions. Users can pull specific digital analytics metrics, such as web traffic, and easily visualize progress. Additionally, marketers can see how email campaigns or advertising campaigns are progressing, whether that be open rates or how many impressions Facebook, Twitter, and other social advertisement campaigns are receiving. Businesses benefit by quickly visualizing conversion rates and cost-per-customer acquisition, among many other key marketing metrics. **Customer service teams –** There are a variety of different instances where data visualization software is helpful for customer support teams, whether they be in a [contact center](https://www.g2.com/categories/contact-center) or receiving customer inquiries via a [help desk](https://www.g2.com/categories/help-desk), among other scenarios. Representatives at call centers can visualize the number of calls they have taken that day, how many calls are waiting to be answered, and how long the average call has been, among many other business-critical data points. For support teams that use a help desk, users benefit from data visualization by tracking how many tickets they have resolved and how many are still in their queues. [Customer success](https://www.g2.com/categories/customer-success) teams may choose to measure KPIs such as customer retention or churn rates to ensure they are maintaining the appropriate number of customers. **Human resources teams –** Data is aplenty for recruiters and human resources professionals, so having a single dashboard to display the information is advantageous. [Recruiting](https://www.g2.com/categories/recruiting) coordinators can track how many applications have been submitted for specific roles or monitor how often the career page has been viewed. Other general human resources professionals use it to display [employee engagement](https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-engagement), whether that is an overall satisfaction of work life within a company or a gamification of certain tasks. Even third-party services such as Glassdoor may be a data source for businesses interested in tracking their rating at all times. **Development teams –** If a business is responsible for running multiple applications and needs to track performance in real time, data visualization tools are an excellent way to keep tabs on all of them simultaneously. This allows development teams to react quickly to potential bugs or issues and ensure that performance is trending in the correct direction. Some data sources valuable to development teams include databases, public cloud [infrastructure as a service](https://www.g2.com/categories/infrastructure-as-a-service-iaas) offering, and [application performance monitoring](https://www.g2.com/categories/application-performance-monitoring-apm) software. ### Data Visualization Tools Features While data visualization software might seem fairly straightforward, there are some features that impact the user experience with these tools. The main feature, and often most critical component buyers should look for when purchasing data visualization software, is which data sources the tool can integrate with and pull from. Most solutions can pull from SaaS applications, cloud and on-premise databases, and even solutions built in-house. But, if one of the main reasons for a company purchasing a data visualization software is to track marketing campaigns, but the tool cannot integrate with the marketing automation tool the business is already using, then it defeats the purpose. Tracking real-time data is another important feature of data visualization software. Observing progress and trends in a business’ KPIs in real time ensures that employees can react and improve on strategies and methods. Data visualization vendors often offer mobile functionality, so users can observe and track business metrics regardless of their physical location. In today’s business world, employees are often on the go, so the ability to see dashboards from mobile phones or tablets is convenient. This is important for C-level employees who might not always be in the office. The ability to share [dashboards](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/dashboards) is another important feature of data visualization software. If a sales leader needs to send numbers to a company’s board of directors, easily emailing an entire dashboard is quick and easy. It is also beneficial to be able to share metrics internally with teams via email, if employees are unaware of how metrics are progressing. Other features of data visualization software:[Charts and Graphs](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/charts-and-graphs), [Contact Center](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/contact-center), [Education](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/education), [Finance](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/finance), [IT & Development](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/it-and-development), and [Reports](https://www.g2.com/categories/data-visualization/f/reports). ### Kinds of Data Visualization Tools Some data visualization solutions target specific industries or teams within a company, making them more unique than general data visualization software. A marketing team may opt to use a marketing analytics solution since they only want to visualize and track progress for specific marketing metrics. There are also sales analytics tools that only track sales metrics. Additionally, many software products have some data visualization within them. For example, a CRM or help desk tool might have data visualization features, but they differ in the sense that these are simply features, not the product's main function. ### Software and Services Related to Data Visualization Tools For business users interested in advanced analytics tools that contain more robust features, business intelligence tools are a step up from data visualization. Data analysts or data scientists most often utilize business intelligence platforms. These platforms often require a good amount of coding or query language knowledge to access necessary data and transform it into visualizations. Self-service business intelligence solutions are aimed more at roles outside of analyst or data scientist, and allow users to perform analysis without a deeper knowledge of the back end. [Embedded business intelligence](https://www.g2.com/categories/embedded-business-intelligence) solutions may have self-service aspects, but these solutions embed the business intelligence capabilities within a third-party application. The difference between business intelligence products and data visualization tools is that you can perform drill-downs and dig further into the data, right there in the business intelligence product with interactive data visualizations. Business intelligence tools focus more on exploratory data representations than just the raw data or metrics. Data visualization software is really just to see goals and track metric progress, not to dig into the data further and conduct deeper analysis. For businesses that need to consume large data sets, [big data analytics](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-analytics) solutions may be the best option. These products pull mostly unstructured data from [big data processing and distribution](https://www.g2.com/categories/big-data-processing-and-distribution) systems, such as Hadoop, before putting them into big data analytics tools. These products require heavy development knowledge and are mostly utilized by data scientists at larger companies.