From Spreadsheets to Sigma: 5 Things to Know

Sigma offers a cloud-based data analytics platform that combines the familiar spreadsheet interface with the robust capabilities of a data warehouse, appealing to users in marketing, finance, and sales who seek advanced analytical tools beyond traditional spreadsheets like Excel and Google Sheets. By enabling direct connections to live data stored in an organization's cloud data warehouse, Sigma allows users to perform real-time analysis without manual data exports, leveraging the warehouse's scalability for handling vast datasets. Unlike conventional spreadsheets that operate on a cell-by-cell basis, Sigma uses a column-based approach that applies calculations uniformly across all rows, reducing errors and facilitating accurate data analysis. The platform supports grouping and aggregation features, enhancing comparative analytics, and retains the use of popular spreadsheet formulas, making it accessible to users familiar with spreadsheets while eliminating common limitations such as data staleness and row constraints. Companies like E.W. Scripps, Volta Charging, and Clover Networks have adopted Sigma for its intuitive interface and ability to streamline data analysis, enabling teams to maintain up-to-date insights and collaborate effectively without disrupting each other's work.