Google Data Studio - Detailed Review
Research Tools
Google Data Studio - Product Overview
Introduction to Google Data Studio
Google Data Studio, now rebranded as Looker Studio, is a free and powerful tool for creating interactive, customizable, and responsive dashboards. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features.Primary Function
Google Data Studio is a Business Intelligence (BI) tool that transforms raw data into strategic information for businesses. It collects data from various platforms, such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, Search Console, and YouTube Analytics, as well as third-party services like Facebook Ads and LinkedIn. This data is then visualized through graphs, tables, charts, and other visual representations to support decision-making and strategy development.Target Audience
Google Data Studio is particularly beneficial for small and large businesses looking to analyze and present their marketing results effectively. It is especially useful for marketers, business owners, and anyone who needs to compile and analyze data from multiple sources to make informed decisions.Key Features
Data Integration
Google Data Studio allows you to connect to multiple data sources using built-in and third-party connectors. This enables you to pull information from various platforms into a single report, making data compilation and analysis more efficient.Data Transformation
The tool transforms raw data into meaningful information by allowing you to add dimensions, apply mathematical functions, and use custom formulas. The Explorer feature acts like a notepad for private data experimentation before creating collaborative reports.Data Visualization
You can create dashboards by dragging and dropping features like graphs, tables, charts, text boxes, and images. The platform offers various templates and customization options, including branding elements, to make reports visually appealing and easy to understand.Real-Time Updates
Google Data Studio reports update automatically, ensuring that the data shown is the latest available. This feature is particularly useful for making decisions based on current information without the need for manual updates.Sharing and Collaboration
Reports can be shared easily with team members or clients, either by exporting them as PDFs or publishing them on the web. The platform also supports controlled access levels, allowing for both collaboration and data security.Advanced Features
Google Data Studio allows for segmentation of data, setting and tracking goals, and creating real-time reports. You can also schedule monthly reports to be sent to your team, enhancing the efficiency of your data analysis and reporting processes.Transition to Looker Studio
It’s worth noting that Google Data Studio has been rebranded as Looker Studio, which offers enhanced features such as improved data modeling using SQL databases, broader compatibility with over 800 data sources, and advanced visualization tools. Google Data Studio - User Interface and Experience
Google Data Studio Overview
Google Data Studio, now known as Looker Studio, boasts a user interface that is intuitive and user-friendly, making it accessible to individuals of all skill levels in data visualization.
Intuitive Design
The interface is clean and easy to use, featuring a toolbar menu that serves as the gateway to various functionalities. When you sign in with your Google account, you are presented with a gallery of dashboards and reports, which helps in getting started quickly.
Key Components
The main sections of the interface include “Reports” and “Data Sources.” The “Reports” section is where you create and manage your dashboards, while the “Data Sources” section allows you to connect to various data sources such as Google Sheets, Google Analytics, and SQL databases like MySQL. This seamless connection is facilitated through Data Studio’s connectors, enabling real-time access to data for live analysis.
Customization and Visualization
The platform offers extensive customization options. You can configure custom reports by adding charts, scorecards, and other elements. Features like calculated fields and filters help refine the data, while options to adjust the color scheme, border, and background color enhance the aesthetics of your reports. This flexibility allows you to create visually appealing and informative dashboards.
Interactive Elements
Google Data Studio includes interactive elements that make your reports dynamic. You can add filters to allow users to segment reports by specific criteria, such as location or device type. Date range selectors enable viewers to adjust the period displayed, making it easy to focus on specific time frames that matter most to their analysis. These interactive features enhance the user experience by providing a more engaging and flexible way to interact with the data.
Responsiveness and Accessibility
Reports in Google Data Studio are responsive and can be optimized for both desktop and mobile devices. The alignment and layout adjustments ensure that interactive dashboards are accessible across all devices, making it convenient to use the tool wherever and whenever needed.
Collaboration and Sharing
Collaboration is streamlined with options to share reports via Google Docs and Google Drive. Stakeholders can share data and insights conveniently, ensuring a secure collaborative environment. You can control which users have viewing or editing privileges for the reports you generate, adding an extra layer of security and control.
Ease of Use
Learning to use Google Data Studio is a straightforward process. The drag-and-drop functionality, combined with pre-built templates and a wide range of visualization options, simplifies the process of building insightful reports. The comprehensive help center and community support further aid in getting started quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Overall, the user interface of Google Data Studio is designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and highly customizable, making it an excellent tool for creating interactive dashboards and reports that facilitate better decision-making.
Google Data Studio - Key Features and Functionality
Overview of Looker Studio
Looker Studio, formerly known as Google Data Studio, is a versatile and powerful tool for data visualization and analysis. Here are the key features and functionalities of Looker Studio, including its integration with AI.Data Visualization and Dashboards
Looker Studio allows users to create interactive and customized dashboards that are easy to read and share. It offers advanced visualization capabilities, enabling users to present data in a clear and engaging manner. This includes various types of charts, tables, and maps that help simplify complex data sets and make trends and patterns easier to understand.Real-Time Analytics
The platform provides real-time analytics, allowing users to visualize data as it updates. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring live data from sources like Google Analytics, YouTube, and other integrated services.Data Integration and Connectors
Looker Studio supports integration with multiple data sources, including Google Sheets, Excel, SQL databases, and over 325 other sources through third-party connectors like Windsor.ai. This integration enables users to centralize their data from various channels into a single platform, ensuring all stakeholders have access to consistent and up-to-date information.Dynamic Controls
Users can insert dynamic controls such as filters, date range selectors, and dimension selectors. These controls allow viewers to interact with the data, filtering and slicing it without needing to update the report itself. This feature enhances the usability and flexibility of the reports.Advanced Formulas
Looker Studio includes advanced formulas that enable users to transform their data as needed. This capability allows for more detailed and powerful reports, providing deeper insights into the data.Community Visualizations and Templates
The platform supports community visualizations and offers a library of pre-built templates. These templates can be customized to meet specific needs, streamlining the reporting process and supporting better decision-making. The dashboards automatically update with the latest data, ensuring decisions are based on accurate, real-time information.AI Integration
Looker Studio is set to integrate Google Cloud’s generative AI capabilities, particularly through the introduction of Duet AI as an AI assistant. This integration aims to automate and streamline complex analytical tasks, making it easier for both technical and non-technical users to perform advanced analyses. The AI integration will lower technical barriers, democratize data analytics, and enable stakeholders at all levels to derive actionable insights from data. Additionally, the integration with Vertex AI will provide enhanced custom AI experiences and advanced machine learning capabilities to unlock new insights and opportunities from the data.Centralized Data Management
Looker Studio allows organizations to centralize their data from multiple sources into a single platform. This eliminates the need for disparate data silos and ensures that all stakeholders have access to consistent and up-to-date information, improving data governance and decision-making.User-Friendly Interface
The platform offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface with a quick learning curve. Its drag-and-drop functionality simplifies complex operations, making it easier for users to perform advanced analytics without extensive technical knowledge.Conclusion
In summary, Looker Studio is a powerful tool that combines advanced data visualization, real-time analytics, and AI integration to provide comprehensive and actionable insights from various data sources. Its user-friendly interface and dynamic features make it an invaluable asset for data analysis and reporting. Google Data Studio - Performance and Accuracy
Performance Issues
Google Data Studio can experience performance setbacks, particularly with large and complex data sets. Here are some notable issues:Slow Speeds and Lag Times
The platform can lag when handling complex queries or large volumes of data, leading to extended lag times in refreshing data. This is especially true when using live connections to data sources, which may not be as seamless as expected.Data Source Optimization
The performance of Google Data Studio is heavily dependent on the optimization of the underlying data sources. Efficient and well-structured queries, avoiding unnecessary joins, and aggregating data at the source can help improve report loading speed.Report Design
Having too many visual elements on a single page can increase rendering time. Breaking down complex reports into multiple pages or dashboards and using aggregated data can help improve performance.Accuracy and Data Blending
Accuracy and data blending are areas where Google Data Studio faces significant limitations:Data Blending Restrictions
Google Data Studio is limited to blending data from only five sources, which can restrict the creation of detailed reports that require more sources. Additionally, defining relationships between different data sets and manipulating data during the blend process are limited, which can impede precise data analysis.Data Consistency
Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of blended data can be challenging. Users need to be cautious about potential data inconsistencies, which can affect the overall quality of insights derived from the dashboard.Real-Time Updates and Automation
Real-time updates and automation are critical for many users, but Google Data Studio has some shortcomings here:Lack of Real-Time Updates
While technically possible to pull the latest data, in practice, obtaining 100% current data can be complicated and time-consuming. This can be a significant issue for applications requiring the freshest data, such as enterprise SEO work.No API for Automation
The absence of an API for enabling true data automation forces users to rely on manual processes or workarounds, which can disrupt reporting workflows.Integration and Customization
Integration with external data sources and customization options also present challenges:Limited Connections
While Google Data Studio integrates well with Google-owned data sources, integrating data from outside sources like Hubspot or Salesforce can be cumbersome and may require third-party solutions and manual workarounds.Customization Limitations
The platform’s usability, while beneficial for simple tasks, can become a hindrance for advanced applications. Customizing visualizations and arranging reports can introduce glitches, and the scope of customizability is often found lacking compared to other business intelligence tools.User Experience
The overall user experience can be affected by these limitations:Report Creation Time
Creating reports can take a significant amount of time, especially when figuring out the best way to display certain metrics. The dashboard can become messy if not managed carefully.Stability and Scalability
For a larger user base, issues with stability and scalability can arise, particularly with large datasets. Users have reported slow speeds and occasional errors, which can impact the overall user experience. In summary, while Google Data Studio offers several benefits such as ease of use and integration with Google data sources, it faces significant limitations in terms of performance, data blending, real-time updates, automation, and customization. These limitations can make it less suitable for advanced analytics and large-scale data handling. Google Data Studio - Pricing and Plans
Google Data Studio Overview
Google Data Studio, now known as Looker Studio, offers a flexible pricing structure that includes both free and paid options, catering to different user needs.
Free Plan
The free version of Looker Studio is highly accessible and free of charge, provided you are using data from Google platforms. Here are some key features and data sources available in the free plan:
- Data Sources: You can connect to various Google services such as Google Analytics, Google Sheets, BigQuery, Google Ads, YouTube Analytics, and more without any cost.
- Report Creation: You can create an unlimited number of custom reports, add interactive chart filters, group data by column, create custom calculated fields, and add notes to your dashboard.
- Accessibility: The tool is available on both desktop and mobile devices, making it easy to access and use anywhere.
Paid Connectors for Third-Party Data
If you need to integrate data from non-Google platforms, such as Instagram ads, Facebook ads, WooCommerce KPIs, or Bing, you will need to purchase third-party data connectors. The cost of these connectors varies, ranging from $20 to $350 per month, depending on the connector you choose.
Looker Studio Pro
For enterprise-level use, Looker Studio offers a paid version known as Looker Studio Pro. Here are the key features and pricing details:
- Features: This plan includes advanced features like team workspaces, automated report delivery, content management with permissions, and technical support from Google Cloud Customer Care.
- Pricing: The pricing starts at $9 per user per project per month for a basic plan. The structure is divided into two components: the Looker license cost for individual users and the platform pricing. However, specific pricing details may require a custom quote based on your unique needs.
Conclusion
In summary, Looker Studio is free if you are using data from Google services, but it incurs costs if you need to integrate data from third-party sources or require the advanced features of the Pro plan.
Google Data Studio - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Seamless Connections
Looker Studio integrates seamlessly with a wide range of data sources, including over 800 different connectors. This allows users to connect to data from Google-affiliated platforms such as BigQuery, Google Analytics, and other cloud sources without the need for coding or software.Integration with Looker
One of the significant integrations is with Looker, a modern enterprise platform for business intelligence and analytics. This integration enables users to access and import governed data from Looker directly into Looker Studio, allowing for the creation of visualizations and dashboards that combine both governed and ungoverned data. This integration ensures that data access is enforced by Looker’s security features, maintaining a single access point for data and enabling administrators to manage both tools effectively.Community Connectors and ETL Tools
Additionally, Looker Studio supports community connectors for non-Google affiliated platforms, although these may offer limited metrics and historical data. For more comprehensive data integration, users can utilize ETL tools like the TapFusion Google Data Studio Connector, which can pull data from various platforms, including advertising, CRM, and eCommerce systems.Compatibility Across Platforms and Devices
Accessibility and Integration
Looker Studio is highly compatible and accessible across different platforms and devices. It can be used as a Google Cloud service, which simplifies product acquisition and integration within a company’s technology stack. This integration ensures that Looker Studio adheres to the same privacy and security commitments as other Google Cloud products, including compliance with standards like SOC 1, SOC 2, SOC 3, and PCI DSS.User-Friendly Interface
Users can access Looker Studio from any web browser, and the tool is optimized for use on various devices, including desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, featuring drag-and-drop objects and a snap-to-grid canvas, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.Real-Time Collaboration and Sharing
Looker Studio facilitates real-time collaboration, allowing users to build dashboards with teammates or people outside the company. Reports and dashboards can be shared easily, and users can embed their reports on web pages or intranets, enhancing the ability to communicate data insights effectively.Conclusion
In summary, Looker Studio offers extensive integration with various data sources, strong compatibility across different platforms and devices, and robust features for real-time collaboration and data sharing, making it a powerful tool for business intelligence and data visualization. Google Data Studio - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Help Center
Looker Studio provides a comprehensive Help Center where users can find detailed guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting tips to address common issues.Community Forum
The Looker Studio Community on Google Cloud is a forum where users can report problems, ask questions, and engage in discussions with other users and product experts. This community is a valuable resource for getting help and sharing knowledge.Issue Tracker
Users can submit feature requests and report issues through the Looker Studio issue tracker. This allows users to vote on existing feature requests and comment on them to help the development team prioritize new features.Cloud Customer Care
For users of Looker Studio Pro, paid technical support is available through Cloud Customer Care. This requires a Standard Support plan, which allows users to open support cases through the Google Cloud Support Console.Additional Resources
Documentation and Guides
Looker Studio offers extensive documentation, including quickstart guides, release notes, and step-by-step tutorials on how to create reports and dashboards. These resources help users get started quickly and make the most out of the platform.Templates and Design Elements
The platform provides a robust library of report templates and customizable design elements. Users can leverage these to create professional-looking reports and dashboards with minimal effort.Training and Labs
Users can participate in labs and training sessions to learn how to create new reports, explore datasets, and use advanced features like BigQuery integration. These labs are designed to help users gain practical skills in using Looker Studio.Cloud BI Customer Council
For those who are passionate about influencing the product’s future, joining the Cloud BI Customer Council offers opportunities to provide feedback, participate in beta features, and interact with the user research teams, engineers, and product managers.Sharing and Collaboration
Looker Studio allows users to share reports with others, either by exporting them as PDFs or publishing them on the web. Users can also schedule reports to be sent automatically to stakeholders, ensuring everyone has access to up-to-date data. By leveraging these support options and resources, users of Looker Studio can effectively manage and analyze their data, create compelling reports, and make informed business decisions. Google Data Studio - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Google Data Studio
Free to Use
One of the significant advantages of Google Data Studio is that it is completely free, with no limits on the number of reports or data sources you can use. This makes it an excellent option for businesses with limited budgets.
Integration with Google Ecosystem
Google Data Studio integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Google Sheets and Google Analytics. This integration allows for easy access to data from these services, making it simpler to create reports and dashboards.
Ease of Use for Clients
While creating reports can be challenging, viewing them is relatively easy. This makes it a great tool for client-facing reports, as clients can easily interpret the data presented.
Access and Sharing Controls
The platform offers built-in access and sharing controls, ensuring that data remains secure and only authorized individuals can access the reports and data sources.
Wide Range of Data Sources
Although there are restrictions on non-Google data sources, Google Data Studio can connect to a variety of Google services and some external sources, making it versatile for reporting needs.
Disadvantages of Google Data Studio
Not a Full-Fledged BI Tool
Google Data Studio is not on par with other Business Intelligence (BI) tools like Power BI or Tableau. It is primarily a reporting tool rather than a comprehensive BI solution.
Restricted Data Sources
While it can source data from Google suites, importing data from non-Google sources can be challenging and may require additional payments or workarounds.
Steep Learning Curve for Creators
Although the tool is easy to use for viewing reports, creating them requires training in data visualization and a creative mindset. This can be a barrier for analysts who are not familiar with data visualization techniques.
No Real-Time Updates
Google Data Studio lacks the feature to keep reports and dashboards updated in real-time, even with live data collections from sources like Google Analytics.
Limited Data Processing Methods
The tool does not include advanced data processing methods, such as the SUMX feature, which is a significant limitation compared to other BI tools.
No On-Premise Deployment
Google Data Studio does not offer an on-premise deployment option, meaning data must be stored in the cloud and is subject to Google’s terms of service and privacy policies.
No API or Automation
The absence of an API makes it difficult to automate tasks such as data extraction and transformation, requiring manual intervention.
By considering these points, you can make an informed decision about whether Google Data Studio meets your specific business needs and whether its advantages outweigh its limitations.
Google Data Studio - Comparison with Competitors
Comparison of Google’s Looker Studio with Other BI Tools
Looker Studio
- Free Tool: Looker Studio is completely free to use, requiring only a Google account.
- Basic BI Needs: It satisfies basic business intelligence needs, including data integration and visualization through connectors to other Google products like Google Analytics.
- Limited Advanced Analytics: It lacks advanced analytics capabilities such as predictions and forecasts, making it less suitable for complex data modeling and machine learning tasks.
Looker
- Advanced Capabilities: Looker is an enterprise-grade tool with advanced data modeling using LookML, and it supports machine learning models for regression, classification, and forecasting. It also integrates well with platforms like Google Analytics 360.
- Cost: It is more expensive, with a cost range of $3000 to $5000 for ten users, and requires technical knowledge in SQL.
- Centralized Source of Truth: Looker serves as a centralized source of truth for enterprises, offering complete customer profiles from online and offline sources.
Alternatives
Datapad
- Ease of Use: Datapad is known for its user-friendly interface and is easier to use compared to Google Data Studio, especially for novice users.
- Customization and Automation: It offers better automation and customization flexibility, allowing for more detailed data analysis and KPI tracking.
Databox
- KPI Tracking: Databox is another alternative that focuses on easy tracking of KPIs and provides a more streamlined experience for data visualization and analysis.
Tableau and Power BI
- These tools are more comprehensive BI solutions that offer advanced analytics, data modeling, and visualization capabilities, similar to Looker but from different vendors. They are often compared to Looker in terms of their advanced features and enterprise use cases.
Infogram, Grow, and Geckoboard
- These tools also provide data visualization and BI capabilities, each with their own strengths in areas such as ease of use, customization, and specific industry applications.
Key Differences
- Advanced Analytics: Looker Studio is not suited for advanced analytics, whereas Looker and other alternatives like Tableau and Power BI offer more sophisticated data modeling and machine learning capabilities.
- Cost and Accessibility: Looker Studio is free, while Looker and many of the alternatives come with a cost, especially for enterprise-level features.
- Ease of Use: Looker Studio and some alternatives like Datapad are designed to be more user-friendly, while tools like Looker require more technical expertise.
In summary, Looker Studio is ideal for basic BI needs and is free, but for advanced analytics and more complex data modeling, tools like Looker, Tableau, or Power BI might be more appropriate. Alternatives like Datapad and Databox offer a balance between ease of use and advanced features.
Google Data Studio - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Looker Studio
What is Google Data Studio (Looker Studio)?
Google Data Studio, now rebranded as Looker Studio, is a web-based data visualization tool that helps users create customized dashboards and easy-to-understand reports. It integrates data from various sources and allows users to visualize this data using graphs, tables, and other visual elements.How do I get started with Looker Studio?
To get started, sign in to your Google account and navigate to the Looker Studio website. Click on the “USE IT FOR FREE” button to begin. You will then need to connect to your data sources, create a new report, and choose the charts and data controls that suit your needs.What data sources can I connect to in Looker Studio?
Looker Studio supports over 800 data sources, including Google Analytics, Google Ads, Google Search Console, YouTube Analytics, BigQuery, PostgreSQL, and many more. You can also connect to social media platforms, databases, and flat files from sources like CSV files or Google Cloud Storage.How do I connect a data source in Looker Studio?
To connect a data source, click on the “Data Sources” button in the menu options and select the desired integration (e.g., Google Analytics). You will then need to authorize the connection between Looker Studio and your chosen data source. For example, if using Google Analytics, you will need to select your Google Analytics account, property, and the specific view you want to get data from.Can I share my reports and dashboards with others?
Yes, you can share your reports and dashboards with others. Looker Studio allows you to export reports as PDFs or publish them on the web. You can also share them directly with your team or embed them on any web page or intranet, enabling real-time collaboration.Are there any templates available in Looker Studio?
Yes, Looker Studio offers a robust library of report templates that you can use to create reports quickly. These templates are grouped based on the data integration you want to use, such as Google Analytics or Google Ads reports. Using a template can generate an entire report for you, saving time and effort.Is Looker Studio free to use?
Looker Studio is available at no charge for creators and report viewers. However, enterprise customers can upgrade to Looker Studio Pro, which offers additional features such as team content management, Google Cloud support, and system administration for a monthly fee per user.How do I customize my reports in Looker Studio?
You can customize your reports by choosing from various chart options like time series, line charts, bar charts, pie charts, tables, geo maps, and more. You can also style and brand your reports to meet custom requirements. The report editor features simple drag-and-drop objects and fully custom property panels, making it easy to design your reports.Can I embed Looker Studio reports on my website?
Yes, you can embed your Looker Studio reports on any web page or intranet. This feature allows you to share your data insights easily with your team or the public, enhancing collaboration and communication.What are the key features of Looker Studio?
Key features include the ability to connect to over 800 data sources, create interactive dashboards and compelling reports, share reports in real-time, and customize reports using drag-and-drop objects and pre-built connectors. Additionally, Looker Studio offers reusable templates and the ability to manage access to reports and data sources at scale.How do I manage access to my reports and data sources in Looker Studio?
Looker Studio Pro offers features like team workspaces and Google Cloud project linking, which help manage access to your reports and data sources at scale. This ensures that the right people have the right level of access to your data and reports. Google Data Studio - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Google Data Studio (Now Google Looker Studio)
Google Looker Studio, formerly known as Google Data Studio, is a highly versatile and powerful data visualization tool that offers a multitude of benefits for various users, particularly in the fields of digital marketing, sales, and business management.
Key Benefits
- Data Integration: Google Looker Studio allows you to combine data from over 1000 different sources, including Google Analytics, Meta Ads, YouTube Analytics, and more. This feature enables a comprehensive overview of your data, making it easier to analyze and report on your campaigns and business performance.
- Customization and Visualization: The platform offers extensive customization options, including over 40 types of visualizations such as charts, graphs, and pivot tables. This makes it easy to create engaging and informative reports that can be shared with team members, clients, or stakeholders.
- Ease of Use: Despite its advanced features, Google Looker Studio is user-friendly and easy to set up, even for those who are not data experts. It provides simple reporting and the ability to create customized reports quickly.
- Automation and Time-Saving: The tool automates the process of updating reports and compiling data, significantly reducing the time spent on manual updates and spreadsheet management.
- Sharing and Collaboration: Reports can be easily shared via email, links, or direct PDF downloads, facilitating seamless collaboration and feedback from team members and decision-makers.
- Branding and Presentation: You can customize reports with your own logo and branding, making them more professional and aligned with your company’s identity.
Who Would Benefit Most
Google Looker Studio is particularly beneficial for:
- Digital Marketers: To track and analyze marketing campaigns, combine data from various ad platforms, and create insightful reports for clients or stakeholders.
- Sales Teams: To monitor sales performance, track customer interactions, and forecast sales trends.
- Business Owners: To gain a comprehensive view of their business performance, make data-driven decisions, and present reports to investors or board members.
Overall Recommendation
Google Looker Studio is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to convert raw data into meaningful, interactive reports and dashboards. Its ability to integrate data from multiple sources, customize reports, and automate updates makes it a time-saving and efficient solution. Given its ease of use, extensive customization options, and the fact that it is free (with a premium version available), Google Looker Studio is highly recommended for anyone seeking to enhance their data analysis and reporting capabilities. Whether you are a marketer, sales professional, or business owner, this tool can significantly improve how you present and analyze your data, leading to better decision-making and more effective communication.