“We are currently using Qlik Sense, but Power BI looks more familiar – can we check together if we can use Power BI?”
The question of switching BI tools comes up in almost every company at some point. This is also true for our clients. One of our German pharmaceutical clients is currently using Qlik Sense. End users have expressed a desire to check out Power BI – especially because of its intuitive use and the familiar look and feel of the Office product world.
While you can find many online comparisons of BI tools that list features, compare prices, and weigh strengths against weaknesses, one question often remains unanswered: What is different in the operation and daily use of Power BI? As an end user, analyst, developer, or administrator?
Of course, the decision for or against a BI tool also depends heavily on individual requirements, the long-term company strategy, and the existing IT infrastructure. But to achieve broad acceptance and use of the BI tool, it is important for the users to know: How does the switch from Qlik Sense to Power BI feel? What exactly changes for me personally – and do I find it better than before?
That’s why we took a closer look. As part of the BI tool analysis, we examined the differences from the perspective of four typical user groups: end users, analysts, developers, and administrators.
For each of these groups, we look at four key aspects:
- User Interface
- Data Modeling
- Security Aspects
- Data Integration
Psst… if you want to save 5 minutes of reading time, you can scroll down to a compressed overview table. If you want more information, please stay tuned 😉
1. End Users – Between Freedom and Guidance
“I just want to quickly see what’s going on – without getting lost.”
User Interface:
Qlik Sense offers associative navigation with high flexibility in data exploration – ideal for users who like to explore connections spontaneously and intuitively. Power BI, on the other hand, has a more standardized interface, making these deep insights harder to achieve. However, Power BI scores with a familiar Office-like interface and clear menu navigation. In practice, we have experienced flatter learning curves. The navigation is more guided and less exploratory, which benefits beginners, but Qlik Sense users may find these fixed structures limiting.
Data Modeling:
End users usually operate in the background here. However, they indirectly feel the effects: While Qlik Sense allows dynamic links, the relationships in Power BI are more rigid – leading to more structured but less spontaneous analysis paths.
Security Aspects:
End users notice the difference mainly in access: Qlik Sense regulates this through context-dependent Section Access, Power BI through continuous identification via Azure and Row-Level Security – which often feels more consistent.
Data Integration:
In Qlik Sense, the interplay of data sources is often exploratory and flexible, with data being combined very dynamically. Power BI, on the other hand, relies on predefined paths with drilldowns – less free, but more clearly structured.
2. Analysts – Between Script and Model Logic
“I need control – but also room to think.”
User Interface:
Analysts benefit in Power BI from the Office-inspired environment like in Excel or PowerPoint, but have to live with the loss of associative freedom from Qlik Sense. However, new possibilities arise in designing interactive dashboards on open canvases where visualizations can be freely placed. This is an advantage over the predefined layout in Qlik Sense.
Data Modeling:
Here the difference is fundamental: Qlik Sense thinks “associatively,” Power BI “relationally.” Analysts must plan more precisely in Power BI how tables are linked, while Qlik Sense automatically recognizes and applies this. In Qlik Sense, analysts can thus play more freely with the data, while in Power BI they have to work more structured. However, transparency is greater in Power BI.
Security Aspects:
Analysts who create data models and reports bear great responsibility for implementing security rules in both Qlik Sense and Power BI. In Qlik Sense, they must correctly integrate Section Access into the script, which requires deeper technical knowledge and is sometimes not easy to test. Power BI offers a somewhat more intuitive user interface for setting up RLS – but analysts must be careful not to leave accidental gaps in extensive datasets. The switch thus means a shift for analysts: from complex coding in Qlik to precise modeling and role assignment in Power BI.
Data Integration:
The Microsoft world plays to its strengths: Analysts in Power BI benefit from seamless connections to Azure, Dynamics, or SharePoint. Qlik, on the other hand, remains technology-open – and thus more flexible in heterogeneous IT landscapes.
3. Developers – Between Scripting and DAX
“I want to build things that last – and still be flexible.”
User Interface:
Less important for developers – more important are the underlying engines: Qlik Sense relies on a central script for data preparation, Power BI on Power Query (M) and DAX. The language used thus changes for developers.
Data Modeling:
Power BI requires a clean separation of data preparation (Power Query) and model logic (DAX). In Qlik, everything is done through a continuous script. Developers who like to work in a consistent flow will miss Qlik Sense – but Power BI offers more modular control.
Security Aspects:
The security model is built differently in both tools. In Qlik Sense, security is often directly embedded in the ETL process, linking security and data model closely together. Power BI resolves this at the model level – independent of the actual data preparation. This is clearer and more understandable, but requires more documentation for role and filter logic. Developers must also ensure that security rules are not overridden during data updates.
Data Integration:
For developers, the work changes significantly with the switch. Qlik Sense offers maximum customization through open APIs and custom extensions. Power BI, on the other hand, brings many ready-made connectors and integrations – particularly efficient for standard environments. Developers who love creative solutions might feel restricted in Power BI.
4. Administrators – Between Platform Freedom and Standardization
“I don’t have to touch everything, but I need to understand everything.”
User Interface:
Both tools offer central management interfaces – QMC in Qlik Sense, Power BI Service in the Microsoft universe. The biggest difference lies in the integration into existing platforms. The way of working changes little for administrators, except that Power BI is seamlessly integrated into Microsoft’s cloud ecosystem.
Data Modeling:
Administrators see the biggest difference in performance optimization: Qlik Sense offers the powerful in-memory engine and the direct query method as options. Power BI offers, in addition to the import (in-memory) and direct query mode, aggregation tables to break down large data sets and the direct lake mode in conjunction with MS Fabric. This allows users to work with large data sets stored in data lakes without repeatedly updating the data. It enables users to use Power BI’s advanced reporting and visualization features for dynamically formatted data, thus increasing performance and efficiency.
Security Aspects:
Here, Power BI scores with its deep integration into Microsoft services: Azure Active Directory (AAD) and Microsoft 365 offer significant advantages in user management and security monitoring – all centrally controllable. Qlik Sense requires separate configurations in the QMC – powerful but more complex. In everyday life, Power BI thus reduces administrative effort significantly – especially in large organizations with established Microsoft standards.
Data Integration:
Power BI simplifies many processes through Azure connectivity and Microsoft 365 proximity. Those who already live in the Microsoft world benefit enormously. Qlik Sense remains the more flexible tool when many different systems need to be integrated.
Summary
| User Interface | Data Modeling | Security | Data Integration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endusers | Qlik Sense allows for more flexible exploration, Power BI feels more familiar | Qlik Sense automatically detects relationships, Power BI requires structure | Qlik Sense uses Section Access, Power BI relies on Microsoft ID | Qlik Sense enables spontaneous exploration, Power BI is more guided |
| Analysts | Qlik Sense offers deeper exploratory capabilities, Power BI makes it easier to get started | Power BI with DAX, Qlik Sense with scripting – Power BI requires a different way of thinking | Section Access (Qlik Sense) vs. RLS (Power BI): more vs. less coding required | Qlik Sense is better suited for diverse system landscapes, Power BI is ideal in a Microsoft environment |
| Developers | Qlik Sense uses a layout grid, Power BI’s canvas is more flexible | Qlik Sense uses its own scripting language, Power BI works with Power Query and DAX | Separation of security and data model (Power BI) | Qlik Sense allows for more custom development, Power BI offers more out-of-the-box standards |
| Admins | UI is less relevant, but Power BI integrates more seamlessly into the Microsoft context | Performance tuning: In-memory (Qlik Sense) vs. aggregation-based (Power BI) | Power BI simplifies user management via Azure Active Directory (AAD) | Qlik Sense = more control, Power BI = less maintenance |
Conclusion
Whether Qlik Sense or Power BI – the right choice depends heavily on the usage context, the IT landscape, and internal requirements. For many of our clients, the feature list is not decisive, but the concrete question: How does my daily work change?
A tool change needs to be well planned – also culturally. Those who involve the different user roles early can ensure acceptance and make the best use of both worlds.
Are you thinking about switching your BI tools? Let’s find out together which solution fits your teams, your infrastructure, and your data strategy. 👉 Get your consultation now: sales@lizardis.de
You want more insights?
Check out our other blog articles!
