Looker Studio Vs. Power BI for NetSuite

What is a Data Model?

Essentially, a data model organizes the various data types accessed for reporting purposes. Data models are designed around your business needs so you have a structure and set of rules. This setup will act as a road map when delivering the analytics you need.

Data Models and Your NetSuite ERP System

ERP systems are built for the specific purpose of ingesting data and they’re part of a rigid data structure by design. At their core, there’s a General Ledger and Subledger structure - this is built for specific accounting purposes. This ultimately limits the reporting flexibility that your FP&A teams and stakeholders want.

What now? Your teams turn to extracted data sets from more flexible spreadsheets that can have human errors and very little reliability.

In order to get the most from your data visualization software, such as Looker Studio and Power BI with NetSuite, you’ll need an optimized data model. By getting this through a data warehouse, you’ll bypass the limitations of joining tables and directly access certain data sets within the actual systems.

Both Looker Studio and Power BI have robust functionality in blending multiple data sources when accessed through a well-designed data warehouse.

Here’s An Example

What would normally be multiple saved searches in NetSuite can be a consolidated report combining information across NetSuite. This, plus the ability to incorporate third-party data sources (e.g. CRM, eCommerce, etc.) living in the same data warehouse.

Looker Studio Vs. Power BI: Everything You Need to Know

Let’s begin with Looker Studio for NetSuite users

• 100% cloud-based and requires zero license cost, so you get the best bang for your buck
• User-friendly reports and dashboards easily shared via a free or corporate Google account
• Native integration with Google Sheets acts as a “middleware” or connector within Looker Studio
• Ideal for “Google Shops” using Google Workspace; integrates with BigQuery and other productivity tools
• Downside: Data transformation in NetSuite and more complex reporting needs
• Has AI capabilities

Working with a knowledgeable partner and a BI analytics solution designed for NetSuite will give you flexibility in a more affordable manner.

Power BI for a “Microsoft Shop”

• Integrated with Office 365 and Azure, but only the Desktop version is free
• Cloud-based offerings have a per-user fee; sharing reports widely adds cost
• Includes Power Query for built-in data transformation
• Extra features for backend setup and customization come at an additional cost

When it comes down to it, both solutions are suitable for the NetSuite customer looking to enhance their analytics. But they’ll need a reliable data model on the backend. Both have embeddable web links so you can view Looker Studio and Power BI inside your NetSuite dashboard.

To learn more on how GURUS Solutions can help you with your Looker Studio or Power BI connection to NetSuite, request a demo for the BI4NetSuite solution designed specifically for NetSuite ERP.