Reporting system

A reporting system is a set of technologies, data sources, rules and processes that together ensure reports are prepared and used. It also covers how data is obtained and checked, how indicators are defined and how results are made available to individual users.

What a reporting system consists of

It typically connects source systems, data integration and, where relevant, a data store or model, a reporting application and access management. It also includes rules for data updates, responsibilities and quality control. Individual components can be built with different technologies.

Reporting system versus reporting tool

A reporting tool is usually an application for creating and displaying reports. A reporting system is a broader whole that ensures reports are based on the right data, follow uniform rules and have the required quality.