Dashboard components can be output in a PDF format for sharing outside the product

Description

Enabling dashboards in reporting to be output in PDF format ensures that data can be shared easily both within and outside the organization. This capability transforms static dashboards into shareable and downloadable reports that maintain their visual representation outside the product accessibility.

Example Use Case

Scenario: A finance team at a large corporation uses planning software to track KPIs. They want to share the insights with investors who do not have access to the planning tool.

Solution: The planning software allows users to output their dashboard components in a PDF format. This capability means that the finance team can easily convert their dashboard into a PDF and share it with their investors, who can view the KPIs and insights without needing to navigate any unfamiliar software.

Considerations

Anything output in PDF format will be totally static, meaning that updates to the planning environment will require another export of the PDFs. The data will also lack security protections unless a password is applied, which most of the time is put into the email where the PDF is shared anyway, defeating the purpose. Only output static files from the system if you are comfortable with losing some control.

Questions to Ask a Vendor

• Visual Consistency: Does the conversion process maintain visual integrity and consistency of data representation in the PDF output?
• Audit Trail: Will the system track who / what / when for PDF exports?