Are you looking to request a new report or dashboard for your business or department? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article provides information on how to make this request in an effective way, so that we can get you what you need as quickly as possible.

Reports vs Dashboards: What's the difference?

The first question we'll need answered is whether or not you need a report or dashboard. Reports generally provide a snapshot of data at a certain point in time, while a dashboard is more interactive, allowing you to quickly view different points in time and drill down into the data more effectively. In both cases, data may be presented in a tabular format and include charts and graphs. In general, dashboards require more planning and take longer to create. With that in mind, it’s important to understand which type of output will best meet your needs and goals. 

1. Purpose:
   • Reports are used to provide detailed analysis, context, and insights about a specific topic.
   • Dashboards are designed to provide a quick, high-level overview of key metrics and trends for monitoring purposes.
2. Interactivity:
   • Dashboards often offer interactive features, allowing users to explore data, drill down into details, and customize the view to their needs.
   • Reports may have less interactivity and are generally meant to be consumed as presented.

Understanding your data requirements

Once you’ve determined the type of output required, you should then outline your data requirements. This generally includes what type of information you need, how often it needs to be updated, and any other relevant criteria. When describing the information your want included, be sure to fully write out the name of each field or metric as acronyms often have multiple meanings. Additionally, it may also be helpful for the data team to understand why this request is important in terms of business goals or objectives. There may be better ways or formats to get you the information you need.

Next, you’ll need to consider any potential data sources that could be used to compile the report or dashboard. If you have specific datasets you need, such as sales or customer data, be sure to include the names of these systems as part of your requirements. If you are unsure what sources may need to be included, we can discuss options when we begin working on your request.

Be sure to include all of the information outlined above and provide timelines for when you need the output. This will help ensure that the data team has a clear understanding of what needs to be done and can prioritize accordingly.

Tips for working with your data team

1. Be as specific as possible when making requests so the data team understands exactly what is needed.
2. Include information about the business goals and objectives behind the request.
3. Provide timelines to ensure the data team can prioritize accordingly.
4. Ask questions if you’re unsure of any part of the process. Your data team will answer your questions in a timely manner.
5. Make sure to provide feedback on reports or dashboards so improvements can be made over time.
6. Be clear about any changes required and ensure they are communicated in a timely manner.
7. Give the data team ample time to work on projects. This will help ensure that deliverables are of high quality and meet your expectations.

Following these tips will help you effectively communicate with your data team so you can get the results you need. We look forward to providing the reporting or analytics dashboards that best meet your business goals.