Reporting tool consolidation

Research indicates that the number of reporting and analytics tools  organizations use ranges between two and ten — sometimes more. Rather than increasing visibility, these tools lead to disconnected systems that create inefficiencies, siloed data, and increased operational costs. It’s no wonder companies are under immense pressure to consolidate reporting tools.

What is tool sprawl

Tool sprawl is what occurs when your organization has too many tools performing the same task(s). While each tool might serve a specific purpose, these tools usually end up overlapping in functionality.

Several things can lead to tool sprawl; however, the most common cause is the rapid adoption of the latest tool without considering long-term strategy. Another frequent cause is departmental silos that lead to redundant purchases.

Why tool consolidation is important: Its benefits

Tool consolidation is the process of reducing the number of separate tools an organization uses, often with the same functions, into a single integrated platform. It offers several benefits, including:

• End-to-end visibility: A single reporting platform provides a 360-degree view of the entire organization’s data and insights. This provides teams and decision-makers with consistent and accurate information, essential for uncovering opportunities and issues.
• Cost reduction: Most reporting tools require purchase, licensing, and maintenance fees. Over time, and with increased tools, this can be quite expensive for organizations. Not to mention that these tools require staff to manage, further inflating operational costs. Consolidating these tools into one platform reduces these expenses and allows organizations to streamline processes freeing up resources.
• Improved efficiency: Juggling multiple tools — switching between them and reconciling data — for IT teams can lead to inefficiencies in time, effort, and redundancies. With a consolidated reporting tool, this becomes a thing of the past as workflows become streamlined with a single, integrated solution.
• Enhanced usability: Where does a supervisor even begin training new team members with a scattered system comprising multiple tools? Tool consolidation simplifies onboarding by offering a unified, intuitive platform that is easier for new users to navigate and understand. This also translates to a better overall experience when generating reports and insights.

Key areas to compare when consolidating tools

Tool consolidation sounds great on paper, especially considering the benefits involved, however, this process requires a strategic approach to implement and get right. The most important step in consolidating tools is choosing the right platform. Here are some factors to consider in the selection process:

Functionality

Does the platform provide the breadth and depth of reporting features the organization needs? A robust platform should support everything from pixel-perfect operational reports to branded customer-facing documents, all while maintaining precision and professionalism.

Usability

Is the platform user-friendly for developers, IT teams, and end users, or will it cause more headaches? One of the reasons why teams consolidate tools is to streamline processes and prioritize ease of use. As such, the platform should have an intuitive interface that simplifies navigation and tasks to increase adoption rates and maximize efficiency. It should also facilitate easy onboarding for new and existing employees. Look for features such as customizable dashboards, clear workflows, and self-service capabilities.

Cost

What is the overall cost of implementing the consolidation platform? When the organization factors in all the costs, including licensing, maintenance, and training, does it make financial sense to consolidate? Or is it cheaper to carry on with the existing situation? These are all questions business leaders should ask to ensure they get long-term value.

Integration

Seamless integration with existing workflows and systems is essential for a platform to pass the test of practical usability. Think about whether the platform will reduce friction between supporting systems or if additional tools will be needed to facilitate integration and bridge gaps. And even if a platform would need more tools, does it support a wide range of connectors and APIs? These are all important considerations for business leaders to evaluate so they don’t get blindsided by implementing a platform that ends up disrupting operations.

Scalability and performance

At some point, an organization’s needs will change or grow. When that happens, is the consolidation platform flexible to accommodate the new reality, such as increased users and data volumes? Researching this is essential to avoid acquiring a platform that doesn’t meet future business needs.

Vendor

Last but not least, consider the provider of the platform under consideration. Does it offer reliable support, security updates, and resources before, during, and after implementation?

How Jaspersoft can help

Tool consolidation is the best thing you can do for your organization. It’s cost-effective, more manageable, productive, and secure. However, not all platforms are built the same — some are superior to others in terms of breadth features and scalable architecture. Jaspersoft is the customizable reporting and analytics platform you need to succeed. Our solution offers flexibility and functionality without compromising on performance. With self-service ad hoc reporting, seamless embedding, all with pixel-perfect precision, Jaspersoft helps you deliver information clearly, quickly and cohesively, whenever it’s needed.

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