How to Unlock More Powerful Data Visualizations in Qlik With Vizlib

Data is everywhere, but transforming it into clear, actionable insights is easier said than done. For organizations using Qlik, the platform offers a strong foundation for analysis, but how do you take your dashboards from functional to exceptional? Enter Vizlib from insightsoftware, the game-changing Qlik add-on that empowers users to turn basic dashboards into engaging data stories.

Recently insightsoftware’s Paul Bright joined Kamal Sadik from our partner Acrodata on LinkedIn Live to discuss some of the ways that Vizlib empowers you to create more impactful data visualizations in Qlik. In this guide, we’ll hit some of the highlights from their discussion and walk you through how to use Vizlib to enhance your Qlik dashboards. With this dynamic duo, you can create visualizations that drive better decision-making, foster collaboration, and give your business a competitive edge.

Unlock the Power of Data Visualization with Vizlib Video

Why Vizlib Is Essential for Qlik Users

Before diving into the how, let's focus on the why. Qlik is a powerful business intelligence (BI) tool, but even avid users often find themselves facing limitations with its native visualizations. Issues like lack of interactivity, rigid chart options, and limited built-in collaboration features can make analytics feel more like a puzzle than a tool for insights.

As Bright said on LinkedIn Live, “Qlik’s native line chart has great use cases, but sometimes it’s missing a bit of additional context.” Vizlib provides that additional context and then some more;

• Enhanced visual options: Access a library of 40+ customizable visuals, from advanced charts to interactive maps.

• Collaboration where it matters: Annotate, comment, and even write back directly within dashboards.

• Ease of use: Built with business users in mind, Vizlib requires no coding skills, enabling self-service analytics.

• Seamless Qlik Cloud integration: Whether on-premises or in the cloud, Vizlib integrates effortlessly without sacrificing functionality.

Now, let's explore how to get started.

Transforming Qlik Dashboards With Vizlib

Start With the Basics

If you’re new to Vizlib, setting it up and exploring its features is straightforward:

1. Install Vizlib

Once you've downloaded Vizlib, installation is a seamless process. Simply integrate it with your existing Qlik setup, whether you're using Qlik on-premises or in the cloud. The Vizlib team offers comprehensive support to ensure you're up and running in no time.

2. Familiarize Yourself With the Vizlib Library

The Vizlib Library is your gateway to stunning visualizations. From Sankey charts to Gantt charts, the wide variety of options ensures there's a visualization for every use case.

Pro tip: Start with a few essential visuals to get acquainted, like heat maps or combo charts, then branch out as needed.

Choose the Visualization That Fits Your Data

Every visualization tells a story. The key is picking the right one for the data and narrative you’re focusing on. You can find more than 26 extensions within Vizlib Library—some are upgraded versions of native Qlik visualizations, and some are chart types that don’t exist natively. “The idea here is to just give you a lot more flexibility and creativity of what you can and can't do,” Bright said, “I really recommend for any Qlik user to download a free trial of Vizlib and test it.”

Advanced Charts for Deeper Insights

For example, if you're visualizing a complex sales funnel or resource allocation, a Sankey chart can clearly illustrate the flow and distribution. Vizlib makes it easy for you to customize colors, animations, and additional details like tooltips to make the data more digestible.

Gantt Charts for Project Timelines

For project-heavy industries, a Gantt chart helps track progress, manage dependencies, and identify bottlenecks. Vizlib’s Gantt chart goes the extra step with customization options for zoom levels, critical paths, and real-time updates.

Collaborate Within Your Dashboards

One of Vizlib's standout features is Collaboration. Gone are the days of exporting insights, emailing them to a team, and losing precious context.

Here’s how you can collaborate with Vizlib.

Annotations and Comments

Add comments directly on dashboards or specific data points. Mention team members to notify them, ensuring everyone stays aligned.

Write Back Capabilities

Make adjustments to data directly in your dashboards without the need for external tools. For instance, your team can track KPIs or even update inventory figures on the spot.

Approval Workflows

Streamline decision-making processes with built-in workflows for approvals and notifications, keeping your team both effective and accountable.

Empower Users With Self-Service Analytics

Not every user is a data expert, and that’s okay. As Sadik points out, BI tools like Qlik and Vizlib “give the user more ability to do their own data discovery.”

“Users want to do more with their data,” Bright agreed. “They want to be able to make changes to the data—update data, add data, make comments.”

Vizlib’s self-service module enables users across various departments to explore, modify, and analyze data without depending on IT support.

• Drag and drop features make it easy for team members to build their own reports.

• Templates ensure brand consistency and save time across teams.

• The intuitive interface guarantees that everyone, from analysts to executives, can engage with data meaningfully.

Stay Integrated With Qlik Cloud

If you're transitioning to Qlik Cloud, Vizlib ensures a smooth migration while keeping all your robust features intact. With Vizlib, you can:

• Maintain Qlik’s robust associative engine for seamless data relationships.

• Scale your analytics with ease thanks to Vizlib's compatibility with cloud environments.

• Enhance your dashboards with no additional coding requirements.

Real-World Use Cases for Vizlib

To illustrate Vizlib’s impact further, here’s how organizations across industries are using it:

• Retail analytics. A global retailer improved sales forecasting by visualizing customer segmentation on Sankey charts. With Vizlib, the company identified untapped sales opportunities, leading to a 15% increase in revenue.

• Healthcare. Healthcare teams used Vizlib Collaboration to annotate patient care dashboards. Medical teams had access to complex datasets and reported fewer errors.

• Finance. A multinational company streamlined its budgeting process with Vizlib Writeback, enabling finance teams to update data projections directly, cutting iteration times in half.

Make Better Decisions With Better Data Stories

What makes the difference between a good dashboard and a great one? Engagement. Vizlib empowers Qlik users to transform static dashboards into fully interactive data experiences. By leveraging advanced visualizations, real-time collaboration tools, and self-service capabilities, you can uncover insights faster, streamline decision-making, and enable a truly data-driven culture.

Are you ready to elevate your Qlik experience? Start your free trial of Vizlib today and unlock the full potential of your data.