Dashboards and Reports share a lot of similarities, and you’ll find that you can add pretty much the same type of data widget in a report and a dashboard.
The main difference between the two is that a report should be used to write and read reports for specific dates that you set in the creation process, while the dashboard is dynamically updated showing your current stats, and it’s up to the user/viewer of the dashboard to select or change date period.
When to use a Report #
Reports provide users with a comprehensive summary of specific data, presenting a detailed analysis and description of results in a static format. Reports present data for a predefined date range, which is not subject to alteration by users. This fixed timeframe ensures consistency in data representation, making reports suitable for historical analysis and comparative studies. Unlike dashboards that rely on visualizations, reports can include explanatory text that contextualizes the presented data. Users can describe the units, methodology, insights, and conclusions in a narrative format, enhancing the understanding of complex data points.
Reports often follow a predefined template or structure, ensuring consistency across different reports and facilitating easier consumption of information.
Reports can offer a higher level of data granularity, presenting detailed breakdowns and supporting information that might not be feasible in a dashboard format.
When to use a Dashboard #
Dashboards in our system provide users with a dynamic and “real-time” representation of data, allowing them to monitor key performance indicators and metrics in a visually appealing and interactive manner. Dashboards are designed to display the most up-to-date information, and users have the flexibility to adjust the date range displayed on the dashboard, enabling them to focus on specific time periods and perform trend analysis over different intervals.
Dashboards leverage various data visualization techniques, such as charts, graphs, and gauges, to present complex datasets in a comprehensible and user-friendly manner. This visual representation enhances data interpretation and decision-making.