Professional Extract Report - Not BI, Not Dashboard, Not Graphic

[TCU81]

I have multiple 25 Mb data structures that I use dynamically filtered Pivot tables to create snapshots of particular customers that serve me well. I want to create "Professional looking" snapshot reports via selection drop down boxes (by region, or customer, or project or multiple) for my customers that contain basic contact information in the header, selected records that from various data structures in record format (Not BI, Not Dashboard, Not Graphic) that reflects the customers activities over several projects. I have thought of looking at Cognos, Access, BIRT, extract to Word, others, but my proficiency is in Excel and am wondering if there is a "Report Generator" type process that would meet my objectives in creating dynamic professional looking reports. Thanks!

 

[Chihiro]

If you are just looking for table type report. Excel is well suited for it (via PowerQuery, PowerPivot or other means).

There are many other options out there depending on your need. Some key aspect to consider are:

• How secure do you need the data to be
• Do you need row level security? Or just table level security?
• Live Stream vs. Scheduled update vs. Snap shot
• Types of data source that you need to connect with

Some of the options are...

1. Excel - Leveraging MS Query, PowerQuery, PowerPivot
2. Power BI - Matrix Report visual
3. PHP based front-end (such as Xataface)
4. NextReport Server & Designer

BIRT, Congos are really over-kill for what you are looking for. Unless you are looking to add data discovery, analysis, BI etc down the line.