Custom Reports
Design of Custom Reports
A custom report should do more than display data—it should help people make better business decisions.
The process for designing a useful custom report is similar to selecting software: start by clearly defining the business need, purpose, audience, inputs, outputs and desired outcomes. From there, identify the data sources, business rules, calculations, security requirements and how the information will be used.
Before development begins, a functional design or mock-up can help stakeholders visualize the expected result and confirm that the report will answer the right questions. The requirements can then be translated into technical specifications for the report developer or designer.
A strong report-development process should include:
Defining the business purpose and intended users
Identifying data sources, inputs and required outputs
Documenting calculations, KPIs and business rules
Establishing filters, parameters, formatting and delivery requirements
Addressing security, privacy and user access
Creating and approving a functional layout or prototype
Developing the report against the approved specifications
Validating results against source data and existing/manual reports
Conducting user acceptance testing before release
Documenting ownership, maintenance and future change requirements
Data accuracy is particularly important. Comparing report results against trusted source data or existing reports can identify discrepancies and help establish confidence in the information being presented.
The goal is not simply to build a report that looks good. The goal is to build a report that provides accurate, relevant and actionable information to the people who need it.
Need Help Designing Better Reports?
Whether you need a new management report, operational dashboard, automated report or replacement for a manual spreadsheet, we can help define the requirements, document the functional design, coordinate development and establish testing and validation processes.
Contact us today to discuss your reporting needs and let us help turn your business data into accurate, useful information that supports better decisions.
