Dashboards vs. Web Reports

A Comparative Analysis

Overview

In today's data-driven world, businesses heavily rely on data visualization tools to make informed decisions.

Two popular tools for data visualization are dashboards and web reports.

While both serve the purpose of presenting data, they have distinct characteristics and are used for different purposes.

Dashboards

A dashboard is a visual display of the most important information needed to achieve one or more specific objectives.

It is tipically displayed and arranged on a single screen so the information can be monitored at a glance.

Dashboards are commonly designed to provide a real-time view of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.

They are often interactive, allowing users to drill down into specific data points to gain deeper insights.

Key Characteristics of Dashboards

• Summary display: Dashboards are displayed on a single wide screen.
• Visual focus: They prioritize visual elements.
• Action-oriented: Dashboards are designed to prompt immediate action based on data insights.
• User-friendly: They are easy to understand and navigate.

Web Reporting

A web report is a document that presents data in a structured format, often including tables, charts, and text.

Web reports are typically used to communicate findings, analyze trends, and provide in-depth information.

They may or may not be real-time.

Key Characteristics of Web Reports

• Detailed analysis: Web reports delve deeper into data, providing detailed explanations and context.
• Historical or future perspective: They can analyze past or predict future trends and performance.
• Formal presentation: Web reports are often designed for formal presentations or distribution.
• Static or dynamic: They can be static documents or dynamic reports that update automatically.

When to Use Dashboards and Web Reports

• Dashboards

  • Making quick decisions
  • Tracking KPIs

• Web Reports

  • Providing in-depth insights
  • Creating formal reports for stakeholders

Example of Dashboard

Click to see dashboard

Example of Web Report

Click to read report

Conclusions

Dashboards are ideal for monitoring real-time data in a summary view so quick decisions can be made.

Web reports are better suited for in-depth analysis and formal reporting.

Contact

Jesus L. Monroy

Economist & Data Scientist

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