subject: What Is The Difference Between Dashboard And Reporting Tools? [print this page] When it comes to dashboard and reporting tools, there is a significant difference and you will want to learn what it is. It's important to understand that traditional reporting tools typically just create tables of numbers and statistics, and while they can be effective in certain situations, are becoming unsatisfactory. Dashboard reporting tools are much more interactive and give a much different and sometimes more efficient way to digest the information that is being reported to the business user. If you are looking for modern reporting tools, then what you really want to know about is the dashboard style of visualizing information. By using graphs, charts, and other visual presentation types, you will effectively communicate the information that needs be shared with another person or a team of people.
This is not to say that traditional reporting tools do not have their place or any value, because they certainly do. PDF reports for example, are great for organizing a large batch of information for purposes of mass distribution. The key to truly great presenting is to find updated and visual methods that are combined with traditional reporting tools that have been proven to be effective over the years. A certain amount of change is needed, but it is also a good idea to include some of the older techniques as well.
The chief benefit of dashboard reporting is that it is a quick yet effective overview of key performance indicators, but it is not meant to be a complete and thorough insight into the topic itself. While it may provide new information and understanding, you must also realize that there are still many different aspects that you cannot learn from such quick and flashy presentation techniques. Dashboard reporting usually deals with two types of data, actual and planned. This would for example, be the amount of revenue that has been budgeted for so far, which is planned, and actual results as well.
Two very important issues that are present in most dashboard visualizations are user satisfaction and adoption. These can be two dimensions that are difficult to completely measure, unless of course you have a good way to present the data in such a way that everyone can understand. It can be overwhelming looking at rows and rows of numbers on reports, so introducing a graphic way of presenting data is often necessary.
Despite the spread of dashboard reporting tools in modern businesses today, there are still many different modern tools for reporting that must not be forgotten. It is recommended that you find a proper balance between modern presenting methods and older traditional ones that still very much have a place in the business world today. After a while you will eventually come up with your own combination that is sure to be effective in communicating any and all information you need to get through to your business.
