Altair Monarch - Detailed Review
Data Tools
Altair Monarch - Product Overview
Altair Monarch Overview
Altair Monarch is a powerful, enterprise-class self-service data preparation solution that plays a crucial role in the data tools and AI-driven product category.Primary Function
Monarch is designed to connect to multiple data sources, including structured and unstructured data such as PDFs, spreadsheets, cloud-based data, big data, and other formats. Its primary function is to extract, cleanse, and transform data into clean, usable rows and columns without the need for coding. This allows users to prepare data quickly and accurately for analysis and other business purposes.Target Audience
Monarch is targeted at business users and analysts who need to work with diverse data sources. It is particularly useful for organizations that require efficient data preparation for analytics, machine learning, and other data-driven activities. This includes a wide range of professionals, from financial analysts to data scientists, who need reliable and governed data sets.Key Features
Multi-Source Connectivity
Monarch can connect to a wide range of data sources, including PDFs, text files, complex spreadsheets, JSON, XML, big data sources, and relational databases.No-Code Data Transformation
It offers more than 80 pre-built data transformation functions, allowing users to build error-free workflows without any coding knowledge.Components
The solution includes two main components: Monarch Classic and Data Prep Studio. Monarch Classic reads report files and converts them into live data, while Data Prep Studio provides rapid data preparation capabilities with features like drag and drop parsing, report discovery, and real-time data preparation.Automation and Governance
Monarch allows for automated bulk data processing and report distribution through Altair Monarch Server, enabling secure publishing, collaboration, and sharing of data preparation models and datasets.Error Handling and Export
It includes a burster node that can unbundle files, detect errors, and automatically move faulty files for correction. Users can also export data to several file types.Conclusion
Overall, Altair Monarch simplifies the data preparation process, enabling users to focus more on generating value from their data rather than spending time on data collection and organization. Altair Monarch - User Interface and Experience
Altair Monarch Overview
Altair Monarch is renowned for its user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it accessible to a wide range of users, particularly those without specialized IT or programming skills.User Interface
The Altair Monarch application is composed of two main components: Monarch Classic and Data Prep Studio.Monarch Classic
Monarch Classic offers four distinct views:- Report View: Displays a soft copy of the report on screen, allowing users to work with the data directly. This view includes tools for extracting data and creating templates.
- Table View: Allows users to manipulate the extracted data in a table format. Here, you can apply filters, sort fields, auto-size columns, hide or display fields, and perform other data manipulation tasks.
- Summary View: Enables users to create and analyze summaries of the report data. This view allows for summarizing data, adjusting column widths, freezing panes, and customizing the summary’s appearance.
- Export View: Facilitates the creation and management of data exports in various formats such as XLS, XLSX, PDF, and more.
Data Prep Studio
Data Prep Studio is a more modern and streamlined component that offers a drag-and-drop interface for data preparation. It allows users to:- Connect to a wide range of data sources, including spreadsheets, databases, PDFs, and web pages.
- Perform data extraction, cleansing, transformation, and enrichment with ease.
- Utilize over 80 pre-built data preparation functions to automate repetitive tasks.
- Create reusable workflows to streamline data preparation processes.
Ease of Use
Altair Monarch is characterized by its no-code environment, which means users do not need programming or coding skills to use the tool effectively. The interface is visual and interactive, making it easy for users to cleanse, transform, and enrich their data through simple drag-and-drop actions.Overall User Experience
The user experience in Altair Monarch is highly intuitive and user-friendly. Here are some key aspects:- Automated Data Extraction: Monarch can automatically connect to various data sources, extract data, and minimize the need for manual data entry, thus saving time and reducing errors.
- Workflow Automation: Users can create reusable workflows to automate repetitive data preparation tasks, which helps in saving time and effort.
- Conditional Data Processing: The tool supports conditional data processing, allowing users to apply specific rules and conditions to their data transformation processes.
- Auditable Change Histories: Monarch provides clear data lineage and auditable change histories, which helps in building trust in the data and ensuring transparency in data preparation.
Altair Monarch - Key Features and Functionality
Altair Monarch Overview
Altair Monarch is a comprehensive data preparation tool that offers a range of features and functionalities, particularly beneficial for users dealing with diverse and large datasets. Here are the main features and how they work:Data Extraction from Multiple Sources
Altair Monarch allows users to extract data from a wide variety of sources, including structured and unstructured data such as databases, spreadsheets, text files, PDFs, HTML pages, and APIs. This capability is especially useful for combining data from different departments or systems into a single, cohesive dataset.Data Blending and Integration
Monarch facilitates the blending of structured and unstructured data, enabling users to integrate information from various sources seamlessly. This feature is crucial for cross-departmental data integration and comprehensive analysis.Data Cleaning and Transformation
Monarch provides powerful data preparation capabilities, including pre-built functions to cleanse and transform data. Users can apply filters, sort data, calculate new fields, and perform other transformations without the need for coding. This ensures that the data is clean, consistent, and ready for analysis.Drag and Drop Parsing and Extraction
The Data Prep Studio component of Monarch offers a user-friendly interface with drag and drop parsing and extraction features. This makes it easy to load, review, and improve data quality before committing it to the workspace.Real-Time Data Preparation
Monarch allows for real-time data preparation, enabling users to work with data as it is being generated. This feature is particularly useful for applications that require up-to-date information.Export Capabilities
Once the data is prepped, Monarch allows users to export it to various file types, including XLSX, CSV, ACCDB, JSON, and more. Data can also be exported to applications like IBM Cognos Analytics and Tableau Hyper/Server.Report Discovery and Data Combination
Monarch can read report files created in any computing environment, such as print or spool files, and combine this data with database data through external lookups. This feature helps in creating comprehensive reports by integrating data from multiple sources.No-Code Automation
One of the standout features of Monarch is its no-code automation. Users can extract, cleanse, and transform data without any specialized knowledge or training, and without writing any code. This includes over 80 pre-built data preparation functions that make it easy to build error-free workflows quickly.Integration with AI Studio
The Altair Monarch extension for Altair AI Studio integrates Monarch’s data preparation capabilities with AI-driven processes. This extension provides operators such as “Execute Monarch,” “Monarch settings,” and “Open Monarch Workspace,” allowing users to cleanse and manipulate data within the AI Studio environment.Automation and RPA Integration
Monarch can be integrated with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools to automate repetitive and time-intensive processes. This integration helps in automating document processing and data cleaning, freeing up human capital for more strategic tasks.AI Integration
In terms of AI integration, while Monarch itself is not primarily an AI-driven tool, its integration with Altair AI Studio and other AI platforms enhances its capabilities. For instance, the data cleaned and transformed by Monarch can be used to train machine learning models efficiently, as demonstrated in the feature engineering process.Conclusion
Overall, Altair Monarch is a powerful tool that streamlines data preparation, reduces manual effort, and improves the accuracy and readiness of data for analysis and decision-making. Altair Monarch - Performance and Accuracy
Performance of Altair Monarch
Altair Monarch is a highly regarded self-service data preparation solution that excels in several key areas:Data Source Integration
Monarch can connect to a wide range of structured and semi-structured data sources, including PDFs, complex spreadsheets, SQL databases, cloud data, and big data sources. This versatility allows users to unify data from various sources into a single dataset.No-Code Platform
The platform is user-friendly and does not require coding skills, making it accessible to business users without specialized IT or programming experience. This no-code approach enhances efficiency and accuracy in data preparation tasks.Workflow Automation
Monarch offers automation capabilities through reusable models and workspaces, which help in automating repetitive tasks and improving overall efficiency and accuracy.Pre-Built Transformation Functions
With over 80 pre-built data preparation functions, users can quickly and accurately transform data without errors. These functions are accessible via a wizard-driven interface, streamlining the data preparation process.Data Visualization
Monarch allows users to create visualizations such as histograms, pie charts, and bar charts using its dashboards, which aids in better data analysis and decision-making.Accuracy
The accuracy of Altair Monarch is supported by several features:Auditable Change Histories
Monarch provides clear data lineage and auditable change histories, which help build trust in the data by tracking all changes made during the preparation process.Improved Text Extraction
The latest version of Monarch includes an enhanced PDF engine that improves the accuracy of text extraction by identifying graphical elements, such as vertical and horizontal text.Error-Free Workflows
The use of pre-built transformation functions and automation capabilities helps in creating error-free workflows, ensuring that the data is consistent and governed.Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Altair Monarch is strong in data preparation, there are some limitations to consider:Ingestion Pipelines and ETL/ELT Operations
Monarch does not support the creation of comprehensive ingestion pipelines or the execution of large-scale ETL/ELT operations. This limitation makes it less suitable as an all-in-one data management solution for handling extensive datasets or integrating complex systems.Advanced Analytics and Integration
For requirements that extend beyond data preparation to include advanced analytics, end-to-end data integration, or large-scale pipeline orchestration, users may need to consider alternative solutions that offer more comprehensive capabilities. In summary, Altair Monarch is highly effective for self-service data preparation, offering a user-friendly no-code platform, extensive data source integration, and automation features. However, it may fall short in areas requiring advanced analytics, large-scale ETL/ELT operations, and comprehensive ingestion pipelines. Altair Monarch - Pricing and Plans
Altair Monarch Pricing Structure
Altair Monarch Pricing Tiers
- Altair Monarch (Desktop): This version costs $1,995 per user per year. It is a self-service data preparation solution that allows users to extract, clean, and transform data without needing IT support.
- Altair Monarch Server: The server edition starts at $10,000. This tier is designed for more extensive data processing and automation needs, often used in enterprise environments.
Features by Tier
- Common Features: Both the desktop and server versions offer a no-code, self-service data preparation interface.
- They include over 80 pre-built data preparation functions, automated data preparation tasks, and the ability to create custom models and workspaces.
- Users can connect to various data sources, including PDFs, text files, complex spreadsheets, JSON, XML, and relational databases.
Specific to Altair Monarch (Desktop):
- This version is ideal for individual users or smaller teams and provides all the core features for data extraction, cleaning, and transformation.
Specific to Altair Monarch Server:
- This tier is suited for larger-scale operations and includes additional features for centralized management and automation of data preparation workflows. It also supports more advanced automation and distribution of processed data.
Free Options
- Altair Monarch offers a free 30-day trial for both the desktop and server versions. This allows prospective users to test the software before committing to a purchase.
Summary
In summary, Altair Monarch’s pricing is primarily based on the scale of use, with the desktop version catering to individual or small team needs and the server version designed for larger, more complex environments. Both versions come with a free trial to help users evaluate the software.
Altair Monarch - Integration and Compatibility
Altair Monarch Overview
Altair Monarch is a versatile self-service data preparation solution that integrates with various tools and has specific compatibility requirements.Platform Compatibility
Altair Monarch is primarily compatible with Microsoft Windows. It does not support other operating systems such as macOS or Linux.Integration with Altair AI Studio
The Altair Monarch extension is specifically designed to work within Altair AI Studio. This extension provides operators like Execute Monarch, Monarch settings, and Open Monarch Workspace, which enable users to load, configure, and run Altair Monarch workspaces directly from AI Studio. However, it is not compatible with Altair AI Hub.Data Source Integration
Altair Monarch can connect to a wide range of data sources, including structured and semi-structured data. These sources include PDFs, complex spreadsheets, SQL databases, cloud data, big data sources, HTML pages, and more. It supports various file formats such as XLS, XLSX, CSV, JSON, and others. Additionally, it can connect to OLE DB and ODBC compliant data sources.Cloud Integration
While Altair Monarch itself requires a Windows OS, it can be used in cloud environments like Amazon Cloud if a Windows OS is installed on the cloud instances. For example, you can configure Monarch to download reports from AWS S3 storage and upload outputs back to AWS S3.Automation and Enterprise Integration
For enterprise-level automation, Altair Monarch Server is available. This server version automates data transformation, integrates third-party systems, databases, and analytics tools, and streamlines the processing, transformation, and distribution of data. It allows secure publishing, collaboration, and sharing of data preparation models and datasets.User Interface and Workflow
Altair Monarch includes components like Monarch Classic and Data Prep Studio. Data Prep Studio offers a user-friendly interface for rapid data preparation, including drag-and-drop parsing, report discovery, data combination, and real-time data preparation. It also provides features for exporting data to various file types and applications like IBM Cognos Analytics and Tableau Server.Conclusion
In summary, Altair Monarch is a powerful data preparation tool that integrates well with Altair AI Studio and various data sources, but it is limited to Windows OS and can be adapted for cloud use with the appropriate setup. Altair Monarch - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Altair Monarch
When using Altair Monarch, you have several customer support options and additional resources available to help you address any questions or issues you might encounter.Contacting Technical Support
For direct assistance, you can contact Altair Support through various channels:Phone
For users in the US and Canada, you can call 1-800-988-4739 or 1-978-275-8350. For those in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the number is 44 (0) 8081 892481.Phone Support Hours
Support is available Monday through Friday.When contacting technical support, it is helpful to provide as much information as possible, including the product name and version number, registration number, operating system and version, exact error messages, a description of the problem, steps to reproduce it, and your contact information.
Additional Resources
Before contacting technical support, you can refer to several resources to potentially resolve your issues:Documentation
Check the Monarch Server documentation and help files, which may contain the answer to your question.Configuration and Resources
Sometimes, a simple restart or checking your configuration and resources can solve the problem. Also, ensure you are not exceeding the CPU cores allowed by your license.Altair Community
Access the Altair Community for community support and discussions.Self-Help and Learning
Altair provides several self-help and learning resources:Altair Learning Platform
You can use this platform to learn how to use Altair Monarch Data Prep Studio through various tutorials and guides.Altair Monarch Extension Documentation
For users integrating Monarch with other Altair tools, such as Altair AI Studio, there are detailed tutorials and documentation available.General Support Policy
For details about the latest product versions, product development, software releases, and maintenance and support policies, you can contact Altair Support directly.By leveraging these resources, you can efficiently resolve issues and make the most out of your Altair Monarch experience.
Altair Monarch - Pros and Cons
Pros of Altair Monarch
Significant Advantages
Altair Monarch offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for data preparation and analysis:
No-Code, Self-Service Data Preparation
Monarch allows business users to prepare data for analysis without needing IT support or coding skills, reducing the burden on IT departments and enabling non-technical users to handle data preparation tasks efficiently.
Ease of Use
The software features a user-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve, making it accessible even to users without specialized IT skills or programming experience.
Extensive Data Source Compatibility
Monarch can connect to a wide range of data sources, including PDFs, HTML, XPS, spreadsheets, SQL databases, cloud data, and big data sources. It can also extract data from unstructured and multi-structured sources.
Pre-Built Functions
The platform includes over 80 pre-built data preparation functions that help users complete tasks quickly and accurately, such as sorting, removing duplicates, transposing, and pivoting data.
Automated Data Extraction
Monarch automates the process of extracting data from reports, eliminating the need for manual re-keying and reducing errors. This is particularly useful for documents like bills, receipts, and other reports.
Data Lineage and Change History
The software provides auditable change histories and clear data lineage, which helps build trust in the data and ensures transparency in data transformations.
Extensive Customer Support
Altair Monarch offers extensive customer support options and learning resources, which are beneficial for users who need assistance or training.
Cons of Altair Monarch
Drawbacks to Consider
While Altair Monarch has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
Cost
The unit-based licensing model can be expensive, particularly for jobs that run in the Automator. Some customers find the cost too high and wish for a “lite” version with fewer features at a lower price.
Pricing Model Limitations
The pricing structure may not be suitable for all users, especially those with specific or limited needs, as there is no free version available and the cost can be prohibitive for some use cases.
Overall, Altair Monarch is a powerful tool for data preparation, but its cost and licensing model may be a barrier for some potential users.
Altair Monarch - Comparison with Competitors
Altair Monarch Overview
Altair Monarch is a desktop-based self-service data preparation solution that connects to multiple data sources, including structured, unstructured, cloud-based, and big data. It allows users to cleanse, manipulate, and integrate data without coding, featuring data connectors, data cleansing, data profiling, and automation capabilities.Alternatives and Their Unique Features
Databricks Data Intelligence Platform
Databricks offers an open, unified foundation for all data and governance, powered by a Data Intelligence Engine. It simplifies and accelerates data and AI goals, from ETL to data warehousing to generative AI. However, it is noted for being harder to use and having less efficient support compared to Altair Monarch.Microsoft Power Query
Power Query is a data transformation and preparation engine integrated into various Microsoft products. It features a graphical interface and Power Query Editor for applying transformations. While it is powerful, users find it less efficient, harder to customize, and with worse support compared to Altair Monarch.Alteryx
Alteryx provides a single workflow for data blending, analytics, and reporting. It includes tools for spatial and predictive analytics and automated insight generation. However, it is criticized for worse support, less innovation, and less efficiency compared to Altair Monarch.Tableau Prep
Tableau Prep focuses on preparing, shaping, and combining data for analysis. It ensures data sources are clean and organized, saving companies time in data preparation. However, users find it less efficient, with worse support and training compared to Altair Monarch.Dataiku
Dataiku democratizes access to data and AI, enabling enterprises to build their own AI paths. It offers a human-centric approach but is noted for being harder to use and customize, with worse support and training.Astera
Astera is a full-stack, AI-powered data management solution that streamlines all data processes. It features efficient ELT processing, streamlined data preparation, a zero-code interface, and powerful automation capabilities. Astera stands out for its comprehensive range of built-in transformations and AI-powered features like intelligent document processing and natural language queries.Ataccama ONE Platform
Ataccama ONE Platform focuses on enterprise data democratization with automated data quality, MDM, and metadata management. It is better at training but lacks in support, transparency, and innovation compared to Altair Monarch.Informatica Data Integration & Engineering
Informatica Data Integration and Engineering automates routine tasks with low-code/no-code tools, reducing time and resources. It is easier to implement and better at training but less efficient and less inspiring compared to Altair Monarch.Key Considerations
Integration and Scalability
If you need to integrate complex systems or handle large-scale ETL/ELT operations, alternatives like Databricks, Astera, or Informatica might be more suitable.Ease of Use
For users who prefer a more intuitive interface, Tableau Prep or Parseur could be better options, especially if you are dealing with unstructured data like PDFs.Support and Training
If support and training are critical, Ataccama ONE Platform and Informatica Data Integration & Engineering are noted for their better training capabilities, though they may lack in other areas.AI Capabilities
For advanced AI-driven analytics, Tableau with its AI tools like Tableau GPT and Tableau Pulse, or Dataiku with its human-centric AI approach, might be more appealing. Each of these alternatives offers unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to evaluate them based on your specific business needs and requirements. Altair Monarch - Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Altair Monarch, along with detailed responses to each:
What is Altair Monarch and what does it do?
Altair Monarch is a comprehensive, self-service data transformation and process automation solution. It allows users to extract, cleanse, and transform data from various structured and unstructured data sources, such as PDFs, text files, complex spreadsheets, JSON, XML, and more, without the need for coding. This tool helps in automating data extraction, cleaning, and transformation, making it easier to process and analyze data efficiently.
What types of data sources can Altair Monarch connect to?
Altair Monarch can connect to a wide range of data sources, including structured and unstructured data. These sources include PDFs, text files, HTML, MS Excel, MS Access, dBase, XPS, and various other file types. It also supports connections to OLE DB and ODBC sources, as well as cloud-based data and big data sources.
How does Altair Monarch handle unstructured data?
Altair Monarch is particularly adept at handling unstructured data. It can extract data from sources like PDFs, reports, and EDI streams, and transform this data into structured rows and columns. The platform uses a click-based interface and pre-built functions to make this process user-friendly and efficient.
What are the main components of Altair Monarch?
The two main components of Altair Monarch are Monarch Classic and Data Prep Studio. Monarch Classic reads report files and converts them into live data that can be worked with, while Data Prep Studio provides rapid data preparation capabilities, including drag and drop parsing, report discovery, and real-time data preparation.
Does Altair Monarch require coding or specialized knowledge?
No, Altair Monarch does not require coding or specialized knowledge. It is designed as a no-code solution, allowing business users and analysts to extract, cleanse, and transform data without needing to write any code. The platform includes over 80 pre-built data preparation functions to help build error-free workflows quickly.
How does Altair Monarch integrate with other tools like Microsoft Excel?
Altair Monarch complements Microsoft Excel by automating data extraction, cleaning, and transformation from multiple sources, especially unstructured data. It can integrate into an Excel workflow to reduce the time spent on manual tasks, improve data accuracy, and enable more informed decision-making based on clean, structured data.
What kind of automation capabilities does Altair Monarch offer?
Altair Monarch offers significant automation capabilities, including the ability to automate repetitive data cleaning and transformation tasks. The burster node feature, for example, allows users to unbundle files, distribute segmented results, and automatically detect and handle errors in files.
Are there any training or support resources available for Altair Monarch?
Yes, Altair provides various training and support resources for Monarch users. These include training courses, both on-site and web-based, as well as a model building service where experts help create customized models. Additionally, the Monarch Help file and online support are available for step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting.
Can Altair Monarch handle large datasets and big data sources?
Yes, Altair Monarch is capable of handling large datasets and big data sources. It supports connections to big data sources and can process large volumes of data efficiently, making it suitable for complex data needs.
Does Altair Monarch support data profiling and data cleansing?
Yes, Altair Monarch includes features for data profiling and data cleansing. It offers capabilities such as fuzzy matching and analysis to combine disparate data, and it provides tools for automated data cleansing to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Is there a free trial or free version of Altair Monarch available?
Yes, Altair Monarch offers a free trial, allowing users to test the software before purchasing. However, there is no free version available beyond the trial period.
Altair Monarch - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Altair Monarch
Altair Monarch is a powerful and versatile data preparation tool that stands out in the Data Tools and AI-driven product category. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features, benefits, and who would most benefit from using it.
Key Features
- Data Extraction: Altair Monarch allows users to extract data from a wide range of sources, including PDFs, spreadsheets, databases, ERP systems, and even unstructured data like text files and EDI streams. This feature is particularly useful for extracting data from sources that are difficult to access manually.
- Advanced Data Transformation: The tool offers over 80 prebuilt functions to transform, clean, filter, combine, and aggregate data. These transformations can be performed through a simple, graphical interface without the need for coding.
- Process Automation: Monarch automates many data preparation processes, saving time and reducing operational costs. Users can create repeatable processes, which helps in rapid processing of large amounts of data with minimal risk of errors.
- Integration with Other Tools: Altair Monarch integrates seamlessly with other analytics tools and reporting systems, enabling comprehensive data analysis across the organization.
Benefits
- Self-Service Data Preparation: Monarch empowers business users to prepare data for analysis without relying on IT staff, reducing the burden on IT and freeing up resources for more strategic initiatives.
- Ease of Use: The tool features an intuitive, wizard-driven interface that makes it easy for non-technical users to connect to data sources, clean and transform data, and generate reports.
- Cost Efficiency: By automating data preparation tasks, Monarch helps reduce costs associated with manual data extraction and processing.
Who Would Benefit Most
Altair Monarch is particularly beneficial for:
- Data Architects and Engineers: Those responsible for extracting and transforming data from various sources will find Monarch’s capabilities invaluable.
- Business Analysts: Analysts can quickly prepare data for analysis, identify trends, detect anomalies, and predict future results, all of which are crucial for making informed business decisions.
- Excel Users: For users who rely heavily on Microsoft Excel but need to handle more complex data tasks, such as extracting data from unstructured sources or automating repetitive processes, Monarch complements Excel’s capabilities effectively.
Overall Recommendation
Altair Monarch is an indispensable tool for any organization that relies heavily on data-driven decision-making. Its ability to automate data preparation, extract data from diverse sources, and transform it into usable formats makes it a valuable asset. While the licensing model can be expensive for certain use cases, the benefits in terms of time savings, accuracy, and efficiency make it a worthwhile investment for many businesses.
In summary, Altair Monarch is a reliable and efficient data preparation solution that can significantly enhance the data analysis capabilities of any organization, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to streamline their data preparation processes and make smarter, data-driven decisions.