Why bother with embedded ad hoc analytics?

Do your employees waste valuable time creating reports? Are you looking for a way to empower them with the ability to create their own reports without overburdening your IT department?

If so, then you need an embedded ad hoc reporting solution that offers a self-service reporting platform for business users. An embedded ad hoc reporting solution allows business users to create their own reports without having to rely on IT for assistance.

From there, their content is integrated into an existing application or business site. By embedding the reporting functionality into the application, business users can easily view reports and dashboards without having to leave the application they are working in.

Embedded ad hoc reporting solutions offer many benefits, including:

Increased productivity: Business users can create their own reports without having to wait for IT to do it for them. This increase in productivity can lead to more timely decision-making and competitive advantage.

Improved data accuracy: When business users create their own reports, they are more likely to use the most up-to-date data. This can help improve decision-making and avoid costly mistakes.

Reduced training costs: Business users can quickly learn how to create reports with an embedded ad hoc reporting solution. This reduces the need for formal training, which can save your company money.

Improved customer satisfaction: When business users have the ability to create their own reports, they can get the information they need when they need it. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

If you are looking for a way to improve your business reporting, then an embedded ad hoc reporting solution may be the right choice for you. But how can you ensure that you implement such a solution effectively?

Defining ad hoc reporting

So why would you need an ad hoc reporting solution? Ad hoc reporting is defined as a report created to answer a specific business question. It is typically used to generate reports that are not available through traditional reporting methods.

Ad hoc reports are often used to explore data, such as customer behavior or sales trends. They can also be used to troubleshoot problems or to support decision-making. For example, an ad hoc report could be used to investigate why sales have declined in a particular region.

Ad hoc reports are generally created by business users rather than IT staff. This is because they often require a deep understanding of the business question being asked. Business users are typically more familiar with the data than IT staff and are better equipped to create ad hoc reports.

Types of ad hoc reporting solutions

There are several types of ad hoc reporting solutions available on the market. The type of solution you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

On-premise solutions: On-premise ad hoc reporting solutions are installed on a user’s computer or a business’s server. They offer flexibility and allow users to create reports without having to rely on IT for assistance. However, on-premise solutions can be difficult to manage and keep up to date.

Cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based ad hoc reporting solutions are hosted on a central server. They offer the same flexibility as on-premise solutions but are easier to manage and update.

Embedded solutions: Embedded ad hoc reporting solutions use the power of the cloud to integrate into existing websites and applications. By embedding the reporting functionality into an external site, business users can easily create reports without actually accessing their BI tool.

Selecting the right solution for your needs

When selecting an ad hoc reporting solution, it is important to choose one that meets your specific needs. To do this, you will need to consider the following factors:

Data sources: What data sources will you be using? Make sure that the ad hoc reporting solution you select can connect to all of the data sources you need.

User skills: Who will be using the solution? Make sure that the solution you select is user-friendly and can be used by business users with limited technical skills.

Reporting requirements: What types of reports do you need to create? Make sure that the solution you select can generate the reports you need.

Cost: How much are you willing to spend on the solution? Make sure that you select a solution that fits within your budget.

Implementing your embedded ad hoc reporting solution

Once you have selected the right ad hoc reporting solution for your needs, you will need to implement it. Here are some tips on how to do this effectively:

Define the problem you’re trying to solve

The first step is to define the problem you’re trying to solve. What pain points are you hoping to address with an embedded ad hoc reporting solution? Once you’ve identified the problem, you can start looking for a solution that will address those specific pain points. This is essential to ensure that you select the right solution for your needs.

Select the right solution

As we mentioned earlier, there are several types of ad hoc reporting solutions available on the market. To select the right one for your needs, you will need to consider factors such as data sources, user skills, and reporting requirements. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can start evaluating the solutions to see which one is the best fit for your organization.

Implement the solution

Once you’ve selected the right solution, you will need to implement it. This process will vary depending on the solution you’ve selected. However, there are some general steps you can follow to ensure a successful implementation:

First, define the scope of the project. What reports do you need to create? What data sources will you be using? Who will be using the solution? Answering these questions will help you define the scope of the project and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Next, train your users. Make sure that your users are properly trained on how to use the solution. This will help ensure that they can take full advantage of the solution’s capabilities.

Finally, before you go live with the solution, make sure that you test it thoroughly. This will help ensure that there are no surprises when you start using the solution in a production environment.

Once you’ve completed the implementation process, you’re ready to go live with the solution. This is an exciting time for your organization as you start using the new solution to create reports. Remember to monitor the usage of the solution and make sure that your users are taking advantage of its full potential.

Where can embedded ad hoc analysis help?

Sales analysis

If you’re in sales, then you know how important it is to have access to accurate and up-to-date sales data. An embedded ad hoc reporting solution can help you generate reports that give you visibility into your sales pipeline and performance. This information can be used to improve your sales strategies and close more deals.

Customer relationship management

One way to improve your customer relationships is to have visibility into your customer data. With an embedded ad hoc reporting solution, you can generate reports that give you insights into your customer base. This information can be used to improve your customer retention strategies and build stronger relationships with your customers.

Marketing analysis

Marketing campaigns can be expensive, so it’s important to make sure that they’re effective. An embedded ad hoc reporting solution can help you track the performance of your marketing campaigns. This information can be used to improve your marketing strategies and get more bang for your buck.

Financial reporting

If you’re in charge of your organization’s finances, then you know how important it is to have accurate financial data. An embedded ad hoc reporting solution can help you generate reports that give you visibility into your organization’s financial performance. This information can be used to make better decisions about where to allocate your resources.

The bottom line

An embedded ad hoc reporting solution can be a valuable addition to any organization. It can give you visibility into your data and help you make better decisions about your business. To get the most out of an embedded ad hoc reporting solution, you will need to select the right solution for your needs and implement it effectively.