How can my team ask questions of our data in plain English instead of writing SQL?

Three working patterns: connect an MCP server (like Postgres MCP) so Claude or Cursor can query your database conversationally, deploy an open-source text-to-SQL layer like Vanna or a BI tool with a built-in AI analyst like Metabase's Metabot, or upload exports to an AI data analyst like Julius. Accuracy jumps when the tool can see your real schema, so prefer connected tools over pasting CSVs into a chatbot. Keep the connection read-only and define key metrics once, or 'revenue' will quietly mean something different every week.

A quick orientation. The real value is below: resources worth your time, from people who've actually done it.