In every activity where speed increases exponentially, there’s always the need to know if all the systems and sub-systems which affect the speed are running at their desired capacities. More the speed, higher the need. Something similar is the situation with enterprise today where due to varied reasons including digitization and sheer competition, one has to have reports that remain comprehensive yet fast to accesses. And technology lets us have both where it has the following features:
1. Data availability and connectivity
The best reporting tools ought to have the capability to shift raw data into the right silos immediately on receipt. This means two things. One, the right sources in a reporting software that helps to bring in the data, and two, the right systems which integrates various sources of data such that a meaningful whole can be generated with speed and efficiency. With things moving to the cloud at an unprecedented rate, both these issues are practically taken care of. In fact, the best report automation tool these days invariably is cloud-based.
2. Managing available data
Data isn’t like sand which is same through and through. Sometimes it may pertain to a name, at another time it may pertain to a designation, a phone number, likes-dislikes and so on. While there’s no end to the type of data being gathered, what’s important is to have minimum blank spaces in data field so that the final report being generated is completely representational. That said, the system of identifying and filling spaces with the right information happens when fields in the Reporting Software have the ability to ‘interact’ with each other to identify and complete the much-needed information. Managing data is thus of vital importance.
3. Ability to visualize data
Data in tabular form is not the very best when it comes to deriving patterns and identifying situations. For that one needs built-in features in the Reporting Software that easily convert formatted data into easily understandable pie-charts, graphs and other means. Doing so efficiently and effectively is what a reporting software is expected to do with speed and efficiency. Comparisons and decision-making become easy when data is converted into a visualized format. But for that, the software ought to do that efficiently without unnecessary steps.
4. Ability to share data and visualization
Reports are invariably shared by the recipient be it among themselves or between those whose interest is served by reverting to the matter in such reports. It’s thus pertinent that the best demand reporting tools & software MUST have the built-in ability to not only generate efficient reports but also the ability to transmit it to all those in need – including those requesting for its generation, and those whose interest might be served.
5. On-cloud (never a legacy system)
On-cloud is the latest in software usage and has the ability to remain so for the longest period of time. And that’s because the cloud while being connected to the net has the ability to make use of the latest there is in technology. Constant upgradation means its users who need the best demand reports get the best and latest methodology to work on. Another thing. Legacy systems come in the nature of Capex which in most cases put a heavy burden on the enterprise both in terms of heavy initial investment + dedicating a whole department for its upkeep. Cutting the red-tape completely are cloud services like SAAS where expenses are in the nature of revenue which don’t put unnecessary strain on an organization’s budget.
6. Ability to accesses data across gadgets
While it’s good to have a reporting software that’s available on the cloud given that it’s accessible from anywhere, wouldn’t it be better if the reports can be accessed from any device? Smartphone are the smartest of the lot these days. From the looks of it, these smart gadgets shall only get smarter with time. That being so, doesn’t it make sense to have reports that get generated and displayed on mobile phones and tabs so that the need for a PC is reduced?
7. Data security
Reports contain sensitive matters which if it gets leaked can have catastrophic consequences on an organization’s working. For this reason, any report automation tool ought to have the most secure of data security systems which in itself ought to be the latest with the backing of dynamic AI-driven and assisted systems which have the ability to constantly scan and detect intruders and unauthorized users.