Understanding the Report Page: A Comprehensive User Guide

Your Complete Guide to Viewing, Analyzing, and Managing Reports

This guide explains how to use the Report Page to view, analyze, filter, customize, and manage your business reports effectively.

1. Report Page Structure

The Report Page is organized into several key sections that work together to provide a comprehensive reporting experience:

Main Components:

Header Section: Contains the report title, navigation controls, and primary action buttons
Report Filters & Settings Drawer: A collapsible side panel for configuring filters, parameters, and settings
Date Range Filter: Controls for selecting time periods for your report data
Main Content Area: Displays your report data in either table or visualization format
Action Buttons: Quick access to save, schedule, export, and other report functions

Header Section Elements:

Back Button: Returns you to the previous page or report listing
Report Title: Shows the current report name
Action Buttons:
Save: Save the current report configuration
Schedule: Set up automated report delivery
Export: Download report data in various formats
More Actions Menu (⋮): Additional options like sharing, renaming, and deleting

Report Filters & Settings Drawer:

The left sidebar contains three main sections:
Filters: Apply data filters to narrow down your results
Parameters: Configure report-specific settings and parameters
Settings: Adjust grouping, segments, and comparison options

2. How to Filter Data

Filtering allows you to focus on specific data subsets that matter most to your analysis.

Opening the Filters Panel:

Click the "Report Filters" button in the main toolbar
The drawer will open on the left side of the screen
Expand the "Filters" section if it's not already open

Adding Filters:

In the Filters section, you'll see available filter options based on your report type
Click on a filter field to configure it
Choose your filter criteria:
Operator: Select how you want to filter (equals, contains, greater than, etc.)
Values: Enter or select the specific values to filter by
Click "Apply" to activate the filter

Filter Types:

Text Filters: Filter by product names, customer names, etc.
Date Filters: Filter by specific date ranges or periods
Numeric Filters: Filter by quantities, amounts, or other numeric values
Category Filters: Filter by product collections, locations, tags, etc.

Managing Multiple Filters:

You can apply multiple filters simultaneously
Filters work together using "AND" logic (all conditions must be met)
To remove a filter, click the "X" next to the filter or clear its values

Search Functionality:

Use the search bar above the report table to quickly find specific items
Search works across all visible columns in your report
The search filter is applied in addition to any other active filters

3. How to Customize Report Columns

Customizing columns allows you to show exactly the data you need and organize it effectively.

Accessing Column Customization:

Method 1: Through the Settings Drawer
Open the Report Filters & Settings drawer
Look for column management options in the Settings section

Method 2: Through the Setup Menu
Click the gear icon (⚙) or "Setup" button in the toolbar
Select "Manage Report Columns" from the menu

Adding and Removing Columns:

In the column selector, you'll see two lists:
Available Columns: All columns you can add to your report
Selected Columns: Currently displayed columns
To add a column: Click on it in the Available Columns list or drag it to Selected Columns
To remove a column: Click the "X" next to it in Selected Columns or drag it back to Available Columns
Reorder columns by dragging them up or down in the Selected Columns list

Column Types:

Dimension Columns: Categories and groupings (Product, Date, Location, etc.)
Metric Columns: Numerical data (Sales, Quantity, Revenue, etc.)
Calculated Columns: Custom metrics you can create

Table View Modes:

You can switch between two table display modes:

Standard View:
Full column widths with complete data visibility
Each column represents one individual data metric
Best for detailed analysis and data entry
Ideal when you need to see all metrics separately
Provides maximum granularity for sorting and filtering individual metrics

Compact View:
Condensed layout with grouped data columns
Each column can include multiple related data points combined together
Groups related metrics into logical categories such as:
Product Info - Product details, status, vendor, and type
Sales Figures - Net sales, gross sales, total sales, units sold, orders count
Profitability - Gross profit, profit margin, COGs
Adjustments & Fees - Discounts, returns, shipping fees, taxes, duties
Additional Info - Average order value, units per transaction, customer count
Better for viewing more information on smaller screens
Reduces horizontal scrolling by consolidating related data
Provides a more holistic view of your data at a glance
Toggle using the "Compact View" switch in the top-right area

When to Use Each View:
Use Standard View when you need to:
Sort by specific individual metrics
Focus on particular data points
Export data with separate columns
Perform detailed analysis on specific metrics

Use Compact View when you need to:
See related data grouped together
Get a comprehensive overview quickly
Work on smaller screens or mobile devices
Reduce the need for horizontal scrolling
Compare multiple products or entities holistically

Pinning Columns:

Pin important columns to keep them visible while scrolling horizontally
The number of pinned columns adjusts automatically based on screen size
Pinned columns appear with a different background color

4. How to Save as Custom Report

Saving your configured report allows you to reuse your settings and share them with others.

When to Save a Custom Report:

You've applied specific filters that you use regularly
You've customized the columns for a particular analysis
You want to share a specific report configuration with team members
You've created calculated metrics or custom parameters

Saving Process:

Configure your report with the desired:
Filters and parameters
Column selection and order
Date range settings
Sort preferences

Click the "Save" button in the header

Choose your save option:
Replace original report: Update an existing custom report (if applicable)
Save as new report: Create a new custom report

If saving as new:
Enter a descriptive name for your report
The name should clearly indicate what the report shows

Click "Save" to confirm

Custom Report Benefits:

Quick Access: Find your saved reports in the "My Reports" section
Consistent Analysis: Always use the same filters and settings
Team Sharing: Share report configurations with colleagues
Time Saving: No need to reconfigure filters and columns each time

Managing Custom Reports:

Rename: Change the report name through the More Actions menu
Delete: Remove reports you no longer need
Share: Generate shareable links to your custom reports

5. How to Schedule Reports

Scheduling allows you to automatically receive updated reports via email at regular intervals.

Setting Up a Schedule:

Click the "Schedule" button in the header (clock icon)
The Schedule Manager dialog will open

Schedule Configuration:

Basic Settings:
Schedule Name: Give your schedule a descriptive name
Report Title: Confirm the report that will be sent
Recipients: Add email addresses for report delivery

Timing Options:
Frequency: Choose Daily, Weekly, or Monthly delivery
Time: Select what time of day to send the report
Day of Week/Month: For weekly/monthly schedules, choose specific days

Report Format:
File Format: Choose between CSV, Excel, or PDF
Content Options: Select which data to include

Advanced Schedule Options:

Custom Date Ranges: Set dynamic date ranges (e.g., "Last 30 days")
Filter Persistence: Maintain current filters in scheduled reports
Multiple Recipients: Add multiple email addresses
Custom Messages: Include personalized messages with scheduled reports

Managing Schedules:

View Active Schedules: Check your current scheduled reports
Edit Schedules: Modify timing, recipients, or format
Pause/Resume: Temporarily stop and restart schedules
Delete Schedules: Remove schedules you no longer need

6. How to Export Data

Exporting allows you to download your report data for use in other applications or offline analysis.

Export Options:

Click the "Export" button in the header
Choose your export format:
CSV: Best for data analysis in Excel or other tools
Excel: Formatted spreadsheet with styling
PDF: Print-ready format for presentations

Export Process:

Select your preferred format
Choose export scope:
Current View: Export only visible data with current filters
All Data: Export complete dataset (may take longer)
Click "Download" to start the export
Your browser will download the file when ready

Export Considerations:

Large Datasets: May take several minutes to process
Filtered Data: Exports respect your current filter settings
Column Selection: Only selected/visible columns are included
Date Ranges: Current date range settings are applied

Using Exported Data:

CSV Files: Open in Excel, Google Sheets, or import into other systems
Excel Files: Maintain formatting and can include charts
PDF Files: Ready for printing or sharing in presentations

7. How to Sort Data

Sorting helps you organize your data to identify trends, outliers, and patterns.

Accessing the Sort Controls:

Look for the sort control in the top-right area above the report table
The control displays the current sort status (e.g., "No sorting" or "Orders Count")
Click the edit icon (✏️) next to the sort control to open the Edit Sorting dialog

Using the Edit Sorting Dialog:

Primary Sort:
In the "Sort by" dropdown, select the column you want to sort by
Use the arrow buttons to set the sort direction:
Up arrow (↑): Ascending order (A-Z, lowest to highest)
Down arrow (↓): Descending order (Z-A, highest to lowest)

Adding Secondary Sorts:
Click the "ADD SECONDARY SORT" button
A new sort row will appear below the primary sort
Select the secondary sort column and direction
Secondary sorts are applied when there are ties in the primary sort column
You can add multiple secondary sorts for complex sorting scenarios

Sort Management:

Clear Sorting: Click the "CLEAR" button to remove all sorting and return to default order
Apply Sorting: Click "DONE" to apply your sort configuration to the report
Sort Indicators: The current sort column and direction are displayed above the table

Sort Examples:

Single Column Sort: Sort by "Net Sales" descending to see top-selling products first
Multi-Level Sort: Sort by "Product Type" ascending, then "Units Sold" descending to see best sellers within each category
Financial Analysis: Sort by "Profit Margin %" descending, then "Gross Profit" descending to identify most profitable items

Best Practices for Sorting:

Start with Primary Metrics: Choose your most important metric as the primary sort
Use Secondary Sorts Wisely: Add secondary sorts to break ties meaningfully
Consider Data Types: Remember that text sorts alphabetically while numbers sort numerically
Save Sort Preferences: Your sort configuration is saved when you save the report as a custom report

8. Display Modes: Table vs. Visualization

The Report Page offers two main ways to view your data:

Table Mode:

Detailed Data View: See all individual records and values
Column Customization: Add, remove, and reorder columns
Sorting and Filtering: Full control over data organization
Export Friendly: Easy to export detailed data

Visualization Mode:

Chart Display: View data as charts, graphs, and metrics
Chart Types: Line charts, bar charts, pie charts, and big number displays
Visual Analysis: Quickly identify trends and patterns
Presentation Ready: Great for dashboards and presentations

Switching Between Modes:

Use the toggle buttons in the top-right area of the report
Table icon for table mode, chart icon for visualization mode
Your selection is remembered when you save the report

9. Tips for Effective Report Usage

Performance Optimization:

Limit Date Ranges: Use shorter time periods for faster loading
Apply Filters Early: Filter data before adding many columns
Use Appropriate Detail Levels: Choose the right grouping for your analysis

Data Analysis Best Practices:

Start Broad, Then Narrow: Begin with overview data, then drill down
Compare Time Periods: Use date filters to compare different periods
Save Frequently Used Configurations: Create custom reports for regular analysis

Collaboration Tips:

Use Descriptive Names: Name custom reports clearly for team understanding
Share Relevant Reports: Use scheduling to keep teams informed
Document Insights: Add notes about what the data shows

10. Interactive Guide Script

This section provides a voiceover script for an interactive tour of the Report Page.

Introduction: Guide Overview

Voiceover: "Welcome! This guide will walk you through the Report Page. We'll cover how to view, analyze, filter, customize, and manage your business reports effectively using this powerful interface."

Step 2: Understanding the Report Page Layout

Voiceover: "The Report Page is organized into several key sections that work together seamlessly.
At the top, you'll find the Header Section with the report title, back button, and primary action buttons like Save, Schedule, and Export.
On the left side is the Report Filters & Settings Drawer - a collapsible panel containing three main sections: Filters for narrowing your data, Parameters for report-specific settings, and Settings for grouping and comparison options.
In the center, you have the Date Range Filter for selecting time periods, and below that is the Main Content Area where your report data is displayed.
The main content can switch between Table Mode for detailed data analysis and Visualization Mode for charts and graphs."

Step 3: Exploring Key Action Buttons

Voiceover: "The header contains several important action buttons that adapt based on your permissions and report type.
Save: Saves your current report configuration as a custom report for future use.
Schedule: Sets up automated email delivery of your reports at regular intervals.
Export: Downloads your report data in CSV, Excel, or PDF format.
More Actions Menu: Provides additional options like sharing, renaming, and deleting reports.
Report Filters Button: Opens the left sidebar for configuring filters and settings."

Step 4: Filtering Your Data

Voiceover: "Filtering is essential for focusing on the data that matters most to your analysis.
Click the Report Filters button to open the sidebar. In the Filters section, you'll see available filter options based on your report type. Click on any filter field to configure it - choose your operator like 'equals' or 'contains', then enter or select your filter values. You can apply multiple filters simultaneously, and they work together using 'AND' logic. Use the search bar above the report table for quick text searches across all visible columns."

Step 5: Customizing Report Columns

Voiceover: "Now let's explore how to customize which columns appear in your report.
Click the table icon in the toolbar to open the Manage Columns for Report dialog. This powerful interface lets you control exactly which data points you want to see. You'll find a comprehensive list of available columns, each with a checkbox. Checked items will appear in your report, while unchecked items will be hidden.
The columns are organized by type - you'll see options like Product Image, Product details, Product Status, and Product Type for basic information. For sales metrics, you can choose from Orders Count, Units Sold, Net Units Sold, and Gross Sales. Financial columns include Discount Amount, Return Amount, Net Sales, Shipping Fee, and Tax Amount.
To quickly select or deselect all columns, use the Select All Columns checkbox at the bottom. Need even more options? Click the More Columns button to access additional metrics. Once you've made your selections, click Apply Changes to update your report view immediately."

Step 6: Table View Modes - Standard vs. Compact

Voiceover: "The Report Page offers two distinct table view modes to suit different analysis needs.
Standard View displays each metric in its own dedicated column. This traditional layout is perfect when you need to sort by specific values, focus on individual metrics, or export data with separate columns for detailed analysis.
Compact View revolutionizes how you see data by grouping related metrics into logical categories. Instead of spreading information across many columns, it consolidates related data points together. For example, all sales figures like net sales, gross sales, and units sold appear in one 'Sales Figures' column. Similarly, profitability metrics, product information, and fees are grouped together. This view reduces horizontal scrolling, provides a more holistic picture at a glance, and is especially useful on smaller screens.
Toggle between these modes using the Compact View switch in the top-right area of the report."

Step 7: Display Modes - Table vs. Visualization

Voiceover: "The Report Page offers two powerful ways to view your data.
Table Mode provides detailed data views with full column customization, sorting, and filtering - perfect for detailed analysis and data export. Visualization Mode displays your data as charts, graphs, and metrics for quick trend identification and presentation-ready visuals.
Switch between modes using the toggle buttons in the top-right area - the table icon for table mode and the chart icon for visualization mode. Your selection is remembered when you save the report."

Step 8: Sorting Your Data

Voiceover: "Let's explore the powerful sorting capabilities that help you organize your data for better insights.
Look for the sort control in the top-right area above the table - you'll see it displaying the current sort status, such as 'No sorting' or the name of the sorted column like 'Orders Count'. Notice the edit icon (pencil icon) next to this control. Click on this edit icon to open the Edit Sorting dialog.
In this dialog, you'll find a 'Sort by' dropdown menu where you can select any column from your report as your primary sort field. Next to it are directional arrows - use the up arrow for ascending order (lowest to highest) or the down arrow for descending order (highest to lowest).
Need to sort by multiple criteria? Click the ADD SECONDARY SORT button to add another level of sorting. This is useful when you have ties in your primary sort - for example, you might sort by Orders Count first, then by Net Sales for products with the same order count.
To remove all sorting and return to the default view, click the CLEAR button. Once you've configured your desired sort order, click DONE to apply the sorting to your report. Your data will immediately reorganize according to your specifications, making it easy to identify top performers, trends, or outliers in your data."

Step 9: Saving as Custom Report

Voiceover: "Save your configured reports for future use and team sharing.
After setting up your filters, columns, date ranges, and sort preferences, click the Save button in the header. Choose to either replace an existing custom report or save as a new one. For new reports, enter a descriptive name that clearly indicates what the report shows. Your saved reports appear in the 'My Reports' section for quick access."

Step 10: Scheduling Reports

Voiceover: "Set up automated report delivery to stay informed without manual work.
Click the Schedule button to open the Schedule Manager. Configure your schedule name, recipients, and timing options - choose Daily, Weekly, or Monthly delivery with specific times and days. Select your preferred file format: CSV for data analysis, Excel for formatted spreadsheets, or PDF for presentations. You can set dynamic date ranges and maintain current filters in scheduled reports."

Step 11: Exporting Data

Voiceover: "Export your report data for use in other applications or offline analysis.
Click the Export button and choose your format: CSV for Excel compatibility, Excel for formatted spreadsheets, or PDF for presentations. Select your export scope - Current View for visible data with filters, or All Data for the complete dataset. Large datasets may take several minutes to process. Your exported files respect current filter settings, column selections, and date ranges."

Step 12: Advanced Features

Voiceover: "The Report Page includes several advanced features for power users.
Pinned Columns keep important data visible while scrolling horizontally - the number adjusts automatically based on screen size. Search Functionality works across all visible columns and combines with your other filters. Persistent Settings remember your preferences when you save custom reports, including sort orders, column selections, and display modes."

Step 13: Conclusion

Voiceover: "This completes the interactive guide for the Report Page. You now know how to filter data, customize columns, switch between table and visualization modes, save custom reports, schedule automated delivery, and export data for further analysis. These powerful features will help you make data-driven decisions more efficiently. If you need further assistance, please refer to specific feature documentation or contact support."

This guide should help you navigate and utilize the Report Page effectively. For additional help with specific report types or advanced features, please refer to the relevant feature documentation or contact support.

Updated on: 29/05/2025