Sigma vs.
Mode
SQL/Python/R not your Modus Operandi?
From database to visualization, Sigma delivers true self-service, no SQL required

DATA-DRIVEN BUSINESSES USE SIGMA FOR FAST, EASY, AND POWERFUL ANALYTICS





















Sigma vs.
Mode
Feeling the limitations of Mode?
- SQL required
- Parameters must be known in advance
- More overhead required
Sigma delivers true self-service, no SQL or code required.
Sigma
- Allows users to start asking questions directly from tables in their cloud data warehouse.
- Drill anywhere your data allows, without any additional overhead.
- Filters actually filter the data, allowing users to dig in on the same SQL queries Sigma helps them build.
- Empowers anyone who knows how to use a spreadsheet to start analyzing data that previously required SQL.
Mode
- Requires analysts to set up tables in Mode ahead of time leveraging SQL, R, or Python.
- Limited drill functionality requires users to understand SQL to take full advantage.
- Requires analysts to set up parameters for users to directly interact with the SQL queries they wrote, adding time to the analysis process.
- Limits how data consumers can interact with their own data, ultimately meaning more overhead for your analyst team.
Real time support in minutes, not days
Why Companies Choose Sigma Over Mode
A Language and Interface Users Already Know and Love
Sigma allows any user, whether they know spreadsheets or SQL, to start analyzing data the moment they set up their data warehouse connection. Mode requires analysts to start from SQL for every operation, creating a bottleneck every time requirements change upstream. Sigma empowers users to discover answers on their own in a familiar and intuitive UI.
Complex Questions Answered in Minutes
With Sigma's machine-generated SQL, analysts can answer complex questions in minutes. Window functions, User Defined Functions, and sub-selects are created on the fly as users start to interact and ask questions of their data. In Mode, you need dedicated SQL analysts to reach the same results in more time. And if you’re wondering, of course Sigma allows for users to write raw SQL directly against their data warehouse and visualize it if they desire (we just don’t think it’s ever necessary)
A Forward Facing Roadmap With the User in Mind
Sigma's focus has always been on putting the business user first. Cloud warehouse solutions have enabled data at a scale never before possible, but BI tools have had a tough time keeping up. The reality is, the average user is most comfortable in spreadsheets. We built our product with that user in mind. If they can answer questions themselves, it frees up the analyst team to do other vital work that helps your company hum. Mode was born with the data scientist in mind, and while that’s also incredibly valuable, the work they do tends to generate more questions that can be difficult for business users to truly answer in Mode.
Explore our Customer Stories
Additional Resources
We are Sigma.
Sigma is a cloud-native analytics platform that uses a familiar spreadsheet interface to give business users instant access to explore and get insights from their cloud data warehouse. It requires no code or special training to explore billions of rows, augment with new data, or perform “what if” analysis on all data in real-time.