Preparing Reports
Subject Title
Short description explaining what the learner will understand after completing this study map.
Reporting Delivery & Timing
Reporting design depends on how data refreshes, when the report represents the data, and how the audience will consume it.
Static reports do not update automatically; dynamic reports can refresh to visualize new data. Either type can represent a point in time, while real-time reporting emphasizes regularly updated information.
Essential Reporting Terms
Tap each card to review the high-value terminology used throughout this study map.
Types of Reports
Different report types serve operational, regulatory, analytical, one-time, and self-service needs.
Static vs. Dynamic Reporting
The key distinction is whether new data can be refreshed into the report and, in some uses, how much interaction the consumer has.
Static Report
Does not update automatically. It is a snapshot of information. Examples include a standalone spreadsheet not connected to a database, a printed report, or a PDF sent by email.
Dynamic Report
Does not update automatically. It is a snapshot of information. Examples include a standalone spreadsheet not connected to a database, a printed report, or a PDF sent by email.
From Development to Production
Before a report or dashboard reaches users, validate the experience, access, approvals, documentation, and licensing.
Self-Service Dashboard Design
Effective self-service reporting gives consumers useful interaction without requiring an analyst to generate every view manually.
Dashboard Interaction Explorer
Explore three techniques used to improve the dashboard experience for consumers.
Key Takeaways
Review the highest-value distinctions and deployment checks before the knowledge check.
Report type and delivery method are separate dimensions: an ad-hoc report, for example, can still be static or dynamic and point-in-time or real-time.
Point-in-time does not automatically mean static. A report can provide daily point-in-time data while remaining dynamic if consumers can refresh it.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding of report timing, report types, self-service features, and production readiness.