New Book 'Super Introduction to BI Tool Utilization' Has Been Released

Hello everyone.Will here.

I am pleased to announce that my new book, 'Super Introduction to BI Tool Utilization: Data Aggregation, Analysis, and Visualization with Google Data Portal,' has been published by Shuwa System. It was released on November 23rd!

Book Overview

This book is an introductory guide to learning the basics of data aggregation, analysis, and visualization using Data Portal, a BI tool that can be used for free with a Google account.

Its features includehands-on exercises that follow the book's guide anda systematization of information surrounding data visualization, compiled from the insights of active data analysts.

Focus on Hands-on Learning

When using a tool for the first time, it takes time to get used to where buttons are located. I know many people are interested in BI tools but get discouraged by the stress of learning how to operate them, so I have included basic operation methods and carefully selected analysis and visualization techniques that can be used in the field.

In particular, the analysis methods from Chapter 2-6 onwards are designed to be immediately applicable in the workplace, with a focus on moving back and forth between spreadsheets and Data Portal to quickly view results and make decisions!

Systematizing BI Tool Knowledge

Recently, there has been an increase in books on Tableau and Power BI, and I believe the utilization of BI tools in Japan continues to evolve! However, there hasn't been a book themed around BI tools as a whole since Akio Hirai's masterpiece 'Introduction to BI System Construction Practice' in 2005, and I wanted to summarize the system since the shift to the cloud and self-service BI.

We operate a community calledBI Tool Research Institute and we are active with the desire tosystematize information on BI tools and support as many people as possible in being freed from tool-related troubles and maximizing their decision-making using BI tools.

The background behind making this a book wasthe desire to deliver information to people who cannot be reached through online posts, such as local IT staff and enthusiastic beginners who might browse through bookstores.

The Secret Story Behind the Book's Creation

I had been working on the concept for the book with the author, Mr. Kondo, for over two years. Since I had never written a book before, I approached publishers directly and engaged in various activities. In the midst of this, Ryusuke Shimizu, who also serves as an organizer for the Tableau User Group, introduced us to Shuwa System, which allowed us to publish the book. Thank you, Mr. Shimizu!

Book Production Process

The book's concept and planning underwent about three major refinements. Our editor, Hiroaki Okabe, was always calm and kept us organized.

Originally, we intended to write it as co-authors by dividing the chapters, but we struggled with consistency and differences in nuance, so we decided to have Kei Kondo as the author and myself as the supervisor!

As a result, we were able to incorporate Mr. Kondo's past experiences and essence into the book without restrictions, and I think it was good that we divided our roles!

I intend to take responsibility for growing this book, which was born with the awareness of being a customer success and PR representative who can clearly convey it to people with various backgrounds! Next, I want to write a book on my own, and there are other books I want to publish with Mr. Kondo in this role-sharing arrangement, so publishers, please contact me!

Reservation

Thanks to our friends, we were even able to reach #1 on Amazon's new release ranking. Thank you so much!!

note dream

I believe that the reason I am able to engage in personal activities such as writing books and speaking at events is because I wrote articles on note during my days of obscurity.

I received many opportunities thanks to writing articles about Looker when it first arrived in Japan, as well as articles about requirement gathering. My encounters with Mr. Shimizu and Mr. Kondo were an extension of that.

Since there were few people using note in 2019, I gained about 2,700 followers, which has had a positive impact on my work.

If there is anyone currently hesitating about whether to write an article, I would definitely like to tell you that you should absolutely write one.

Future activities

First, I plan to release a hands-on 'try it out' video on YouTube.

Data Portal is a Google product, andit has frequent UI changes and specification updates.
Furthermore, because there are pop-ups when creating an account for the first time, there is a possibility that absolute beginners may not be able to understand the operations even if they look at the book. I would like tolecture while explaining in a video so that you can deepen your understanding of the hands-on content!

In addition, video courses and collaborations with data-related media are also planned.

Reading circles

If you are promoting data democratization or are a BI tool developer, why not hold a reading circle at your company with users from other departments?

BI tools are easy and perfect for starting data utilization, so I would be happy if more people added data utilization to their skills through this book!

If you hold a reading circle at your company, members of our BI Tool Research Institute can join on the final day to answer questions about the book or address challenges and concerns regarding its use in the field!

I have already received consultations from BI tool promoters at several companies, so please feel free to send me a DM!

Contact: bitoollabo@gmail.com

Promotion

Now on sale at Amazon!

To all publishers

As the BI Tool Research Institute, we still have plenty of content we want to turn into books (such as third-generation BI and visualization research), and we also have plans to publish books on themes like how to launch data organizations and SaaS, so if there is anyone willing to listen to our ideas, please get in touch!