How can Sisense improve its data preparation tools to streamline the ETL process for non-technical users?

Introduction

To improve Sisense's data preparation tools and streamline the ETL process for non-technical users, we need to focus on simplifying complex data operations while maintaining robust functionality. I'll outline a strategic approach to enhance user experience, increase efficiency, and broaden the tool's accessibility.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at Sisense's position in the BI market, I'm thinking about the current user base and their technical proficiency. Could you provide more insight into the typical skill level of our non-technical users and their primary data preparation needs?

Why it matters: Determines the level of simplification and automation required Expected answer: Varied skill levels, mostly business analysts with basic SQL knowledge Impact on approach: Would focus on intuitive UI and guided workflows for common tasks

• Considering the ETL process complexity, I'm curious about the most common data sources and transformations our users work with. Can you share some information on the typical data integration scenarios our users face?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize which parts of the ETL process to optimize first Expected answer: Diverse sources including databases, APIs, and flat files; common transformations include joining, filtering, and aggregation Impact on approach: Would focus on creating pre-built connectors and transformation templates

• Given the focus on non-technical users, I'm wondering about the current onboarding process and user adoption rates. Could you provide some context on how new users currently learn to use the data preparation tools and any specific pain points in the learning curve?

Why it matters: Identifies areas where we can improve user education and reduce friction Expected answer: Basic documentation and video tutorials available, but users often struggle with complex transformations Impact on approach: Would consider implementing interactive guides and AI-assisted recommendations

• Thinking about the competitive landscape, I'm interested in understanding how Sisense's data preparation tools currently compare to other BI platforms. Can you share any insights on our strengths and areas where we lag behind competitors?

Why it matters: Helps identify unique selling points and improvement opportunities Expected answer: Strong in data visualization, but less intuitive for data prep compared to some competitors Impact on approach: Would focus on differentiating features while addressing usability gaps