InetSoft Webinar: Rich Reporting

This is a continuation of the transcript of a Webinar hosted by InetSoft titled "What's New in BI." The speaker is Mark Flaherty, CMO at InetSoft.

Mark Flaherty: Let’s dive into one of the BI innovations, rich reporting. First think about the benefits, the biggest one is user appeal. This is interesting because sometimes we think in BI that anything to do with making BI prettier or more engaging, it’s just fluff, all you care about is getting to the core data.

But think about BI adoption. If you want to make BI more engaging beyond those power users, you’ve got to make it look nicer. First impressions matter.

The other benefit, besides interface appeal, is that it gives interactivity within a report or within a dashboard in a very simple way. It might be a simple sort or filter. This is good way to get to that iterative approach to self-service BI versus giving users a blank screen and saying “build your own query.”

#1 Ranking: Read how InetSoft was rated #1 for user adoption in G2's user survey-based index Read More

What Is Meant by the Term "Rich Reporting"?

Rich reporting refers to the creation of comprehensive, insightful, and visually appealing reports that deliver value beyond basic data presentation. It combines detailed analysis, dynamic visuals, and interactive features to present information in ways that are both informative and engaging. Rich reporting aims to provide context and clarity, enabling users to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that may not be immediately obvious from raw data. Unlike basic reports, which might simply list data points or offer minimal formatting, rich reporting integrates advanced tools and techniques to make the data actionable and impactful.

A key component of rich reporting is its ability to blend multiple data sources seamlessly. This integration ensures that reports provide a holistic view of the subject matter, rather than isolated snapshots. For instance, a rich report on business performance might draw on financial metrics, customer feedback, and operational statistics, presenting them in a unified framework. This multidimensional approach enhances decision-making by giving stakeholders a more complete understanding of the issues at hand.

Visualizations are another hallmark of rich reporting. Charts, graphs, heatmaps, and dashboards are not only aesthetically pleasing but also essential for translating complex data into intuitive formats. Well-designed visuals help to highlight key insights and trends, making it easier for audiences to grasp the implications of the data. Interactive visualizations, such as drill-down charts or customizable dashboards, further enhance the richness of reports by allowing users to explore the data in greater detail.

Contextual information is another feature that distinguishes rich reporting. Beyond presenting numbers, rich reports include annotations, benchmarks, and narrative explanations to provide context for the data. For example, a sales report might not only show a 20% increase in revenue but also explain how this growth compares to industry standards or historical performance. Such contextual details ensure that readers understand not just what is happening, but why it matters.

Rich reporting also emphasizes accessibility and user engagement. Modern tools allow reports to be distributed across various platforms, ensuring that stakeholders can access them anytime, anywhere. Whether delivered via mobile devices, cloud platforms, or embedded within enterprise applications, rich reports are designed to meet the diverse needs of users. This accessibility encourages collaboration and ensures that decision-makers have the insights they need, no matter their location or role.

Finally, rich reporting often incorporates advanced features like predictive analytics, real-time updates, and automated alerts. These capabilities add a forward-looking dimension to the reporting process, helping users not just understand past performance but also anticipate future challenges and opportunities. By combining technical sophistication with user-focused design, rich reporting sets a new standard for how organizations can leverage data to drive success

What are some of the things that you want to look at that make up rich reporting. The first one is which technology? A rich reporting might use HTML5, like InetSoft's does, which gives animation within a report or a dashboard. That can also include menus, the way you navigate particular content.

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