Custom Reports

Custom reports are user-defined reports with flexible groupings, metrics, filters, and columns. They allow businesses to answer specific questions about time, cost, and revenue data.

Key Characteristics

• Flexible dimensions: Group data by project, member, date, or activity.
• Configurable metrics: Choose which values to display and calculate.
• Saveable: Store report configurations for reuse.

Report Components

Groupings

How data is organized (e.g., by project, member, day).

Metrics

What values are calculated (e.g., hours, billable time, revenue).

Filters

Which data is included (e.g., date range, specific projects).

Additional Columns

Extra fields to display (e.g., start time, end time, notes).

Common Report Types

Project Summary

Group by project to see effort distribution.

Member Timesheet

Group by member and date for payroll preparation.

Billing Report

Show billable hours and revenue by client.

Cost Analysis

Compare cost against revenue for profitability.

Impact on Workforce Planning

For businesses using time tracking software like Sandtime.io:

• Answer specific questions: Shape data around business needs.
• Consistent reporting: Save and reuse report definitions.
• Export flexibility: Send data to Excel, CSV, or print.
• Audit support: Generate compliance documentation.

Best Practices

• Name saved reports clearly to describe their purpose.
• Start with broader groupings, then drill down as needed.
• Use date range presets (This Month, Last Quarter) for recurring reports.
• Export to CSV when further analysis is needed in spreadsheets.
• Review and clean up unused saved reports periodically.

Building a Report

1. Define the question: What do you need to know?
2. Choose groupings: How should data be organized?
3. Select metrics: What values matter?
4. Apply filters: What data should be included?
5. Add columns: What details are needed?
6. Save: Store for future use if recurring.

Common Challenges

Too Much Detail

Over-grouped reports are hard to read. Start broad, then narrow.

Missing Data

Filters too restrictive. Verify date ranges and project selections.

Slow Reports

Large date ranges on detailed reports. Use summary groupings first.

Related Terms

Custom reports display activities, billable hours, cost, and revenue. They pull data from timesheets and projects. Hourly rates determine financial metrics.