Top Dynamics Reports That You Should Be Using

Posted on: October 29, 2024 | By: Page Wildridge | Microsoft Dynamics CRM

When working with Microsoft Dynamics CRM, one of the biggest advantages is the wide range of reporting tools available to help you analyze, interpret, and make informed decisions based on your data. In this blog, we cover the most helpful reports and what they can do for your business. By leveraging these features, you can ensure that your organization stays data-driven, responsive, and aligned with its goals. 

  1. Views: Tailored Record Lists for Focused Analysis

Views are a versatile and easy-to-use tool in Microsoft Dynamics CRM that allows you to customize how you look at your data. Think of Views as dynamic lists of records, filtered and sorted to show exactly what’s relevant to you. Whether you need to check on leads, customer cases, or sales opportunities, Views enable you to quickly pull up a tailored list. What makes Views so powerful is the ability to adjust columns and criteria in real-time. You can filter by almost any attribute and sort the results in any order, making it a go-to tool for everyday reporting needs. 

  1. Charts: Visualize Key Data Trends

Charts in Dynamics CRM provide a quick snapshot of data trends and insights. This makes it easier to spot patterns, outliers, or areas requiring immediate attention. You can use charts to break down data by any field in the system, like sales by region, case resolution time, or lead source conversion rates. Charts are great for users who need an immediate understanding of performance metrics or trends without diving deep into complex data sets. The flexibility of Dynamics CRM charts allows you to drill down into individual data points for further analysis. Whether it’s a bar graph showing sales performance by quarter or a pie chart visualizing customer satisfaction scores, these visualizations give clarity at a glance. 

  1. Dashboards: A Centralized Hub for Key Metrics

Dashboards are a game-changer for users who need a consolidated view of multiple data points at once. With dashboards, you can pull in various reports, charts, and views into a single screen. This offers an at-a-glance overview of the most critical information. Whether you are tracking sales performance, customer service metrics, or marketing campaign effectiveness, dashboards help ensure you are always up to speed. 

What makes dashboards particularly useful is their real-time nature. As soon as new data comes in, your dashboard updates accordingly. This allows you to track progress and make informed decisions on the spot.  

  1. SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) Reports: Advanced and Structured Reporting

For users with more complex reporting needs, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is the go-to tool. SSRS is a Third Party tool that creates reports that are fully customizable. These reports are structured with data from multiple sources. This tool is ideal for generating high-level reports that provide deep insights, such as financial reports, sales forecasts, or customer service performance reviews. 

The power of SSRS lies in its flexibility and depth. You can schedule reports, automate the distribution of insights, and even embed them into dashboards for easy access. For businesses that rely on consistent, repeatable reporting for regulatory compliance or high-level strategic decisions, SSRS is indispensable. 

  1. Data Visualization Tools (Power BI): Make Sense of Complex Data

While views, charts, and dashboards are perfect for everyday reporting, sometimes you need more advanced data visualization to truly understand complex data sets. Tools like Power BI or embedded visuals within Dynamics CRM allow you to create more sophisticated visual reports, integrating external data and offering interactive capabilities. 

These visualizations can highlight trends, outliers, or correlations that might not be obvious from raw data alone. Whether you’re examining customer segmentation, forecasting future sales, or analyzing operational bottlenecks, the right visualization can turn your data into actionable insights. 

Next Steps 

Microsoft Dynamics CRM offers a range of powerful reporting tools designed to help you manage your business data more effectively. Logan Consulting is a proud Microsoft partner. We are committed to helping our clients get the most out of their CRM. Contact us today to speak to an expert.