As organizations become more data driven, their analytics requirements grow. The expectation to do more with their data becomes a moving target for them and the applications that serve them. To stand up to the challenge, applications must evolve to accommodate their users and ensure their success. But what do users really want?

Hanover Research recently conducted a survey that investigates the role of analytics from the perspective of knowledge workers, people who handle or use information as part of their jobs. The sample included 1,931 knowledge workers, or end users, from financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing who are familiar with the analytics tools within their applications.

The survey centered on understanding end-user behavior related to analytics, especially as it relates to the following key areas:

• Ways in which knowledge workers use analytics
• Features and functionalities that are most valuable to them
• Strengths and weaknesses of their current analytics solution

This report examines how knowledge workers use analytics and explores their needs and preferences.