Qlik Sense
by Qlik · Embedded BI
Associative-engine self-service BI and dashboards for ERP and operational data.
- Works with
- SAP, Oracle
- Deployment
- Cloud, On-premises
- Company size
- Mid-market, Enterprise
- Pricing
- Subscription
- Founded
- 1993
- Headquarters
- King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States (founded in Lund, Sweden)
Overview
Qlik Sense is a self-service business intelligence and data visualization platform built on Qlik's patented Associative Engine, which keeps data associations in memory so users can freely explore in any direction and instantly see related and unrelated values across selections. This differs from query-based tools that follow predefined drill paths, and it is a defining characteristic of the product.
Qlik Sense is available as Qlik Cloud Analytics (SaaS) and as a Windows-based client-managed deployment. It connects to a broad set of sources, including SAP systems (R/3, S/4HANA, BW, BW/4HANA) via dedicated SAP connectors, allowing SAP and non-SAP data to be combined in a single associative model. Data is typically loaded and transformed via Qlik's scripting layer, and apps are distributed through hubs, streams, and embedded objects.
The platform includes augmented-analytics capabilities through Insight Advisor for search-based and conversational analytics and automated insight generation, plus machine learning via Qlik Predict (formerly Qlik AutoML) for predictive analytics and what-if scenarios. Qlik also offers Qlik Application Automation and, in its broader portfolio, data integration and reporting services.
Screenshots & demo
Demo video from the vendor's YouTube channel. Screenshots sourced from Qlik.
Features & capabilities
Associative Analytics & Exploration
Free-form data exploration.
- Patented Associative Engine for in-memory data associations
- Selections highlight related and unrelated (excluded) values
- Associative Insights to surface hidden relationships
- Global search across the entire data model
- Smart visualizations and responsive dashboards
Augmented & AI Analytics
Search-driven and ML insight.
- Insight Advisor for natural-language and search-based analytics
- Automated chart and insight suggestions
- Qlik Predict (AutoML) for predictive models and key drivers
- What-if scenario analysis
- Qlik Answers generative-AI assistant in the broader portfolio
Data Connectivity & Preparation
Loading and shaping ERP data.
- Dedicated SAP connectors (R/3, S/4HANA, BW, BW/4HANA)
- 100+ data source connectors across databases and SaaS
- Qlik load script for ETL-style transformation
- Data manager for visual data preparation
- Combine SAP and non-SAP data in one associative model
Embedding & Extensibility
Embed analytics into apps.
- Qlik APIs and the nebula.js / enigma.js libraries for embedding
- Single integration API and iframe embedding
- Custom visualization extensions
- Mashups combining Qlik objects with custom web apps
- Qlik Application Automation for no-code workflows
Governance & Deployment
Secure, multi-environment delivery.
- Qlik Cloud (SaaS) and client-managed (Windows) options
- Section access for row- and column-level security
- Spaces, streams, and managed app distribution
- Centralized monitoring and governance
- Multi-cloud and hybrid deployment
Reporting & Alerting
Distribution and notifications.
- Qlik Reporting Service for pixel-perfect and tabular reports
- Data alerts on conditions and thresholds
- Subscriptions and scheduled delivery
- Export to Excel, PDF, and PowerPoint
Common use cases
- Combining SAP and non-SAP data in a single associative model for cross-functional analysis
- Free-form exploration of sales, inventory, and finance data
- Self-service dashboards for operational KPIs
- Predictive analytics and key-driver analysis with Qlik Predict
- Embedding interactive analytics into internal or customer applications
- Search-based and conversational analytics for non-technical users
- Governed multi-tenant analytics across business units
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Patented Associative Engine enables exploration without predefined query paths
- Surfaces excluded/unrelated values that query tools typically hide
- Strong SAP connectivity for blending SAP and non-SAP data
- Flexible Cloud, client-managed, and hybrid deployment options
Considerations
- Scripting and data modeling have a learning curve for new users
- Public, list-based pricing is limited; capacity-based plans are quote-driven
ERP integrations
Pricing
Qlik Cloud Analytics is sold via capacity-based and per-user subscription tiers (e.g., Standard, Premium, Enterprise) typically quoted by sales; client-managed licensing is separate. Cost is driven by users, data capacity, and add-on services. Get an independent shortlist with pricing guidance below.
Technical & security
- Hosting
- SaaS (Qlik Cloud) or self-managed (Qlik Sense Enterprise on Windows)
- Data residency
- US, EU, UK, APAC
- Compliance
- SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, GDPR, HIPAA
- Mobile app
- Yes
- Languages
- English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and others
About the vendor
- Founded
- 1993
- Headquarters
- King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States (founded in Lund, Sweden)
- Employees
- ~2,500+
- Ownership
- Private equity (owned by Thoma Bravo)
Alternatives to Qlik Sense in Embedded BI
Qlik Sense — frequently asked questions
What makes the Associative Engine different?
It holds data associations in memory so users can explore freely in any direction, and it highlights both related values and excluded (unrelated) values for a selection, rather than following predefined query paths.
Does Qlik Sense connect to SAP?
Yes. Qlik provides dedicated SAP connectors for R/3, S/4HANA, BW, and BW/4HANA, enabling SAP and non-SAP data to be combined in one model.
Is Qlik Sense available as SaaS?
Yes. It is offered as Qlik Cloud Analytics (SaaS) and as a client-managed Windows deployment, with hybrid options.
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