Here’s the thing: no amount of best practices, tips, and tricks can ready you for creating your business intelligence report like a BI report example can.
Pushing you to move forward without these examples is a surefire recipe to not only waste your time and resources but also slow decision-making for the reports’ audience.
It’s why we’ve done the legwork for you by reaching out to the experts and talking to them about business intelligence reporting.
So, in this post, we bring you business intelligence reports examples to set you on the straight (and productive) track of creating useful reports.
Overall, here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is a Business Intelligence Report
- Business Intelligence Reports Examples
What is a Business Intelligence Report?
Let’s begin with a quick recap: business intelligence reporting is the process of using business intelligence tools to process data into actionable insights.
The goal? Analyze current and historical data to improve decision-making and, with it, business performance. In fact, a BI report’s role of providing a historical overview of data is the top factor this reporting accomplishes alongside scheduling regular automated reports, our contributors say.
Apart from these two top tasks, a good BI report also visualizes sales and inventory in real-time, transforms various data into a standardized format, pulls data from multiple databases, and automatically shares reports with clients (in that order).
The last two things that a good BI report should do include generating professional reports for clients and reporting on a diverse set of KPIs.

Ultimately, business intelligence reporting is an effective way to provide businesses a competitive advantage.
The question now is: who reads these reports? Mainly, key decision-makers.
Our respondents confirm this agreeing that 66.7% of their readers are managers and owners. 22.2% are also employees while the remaining 11.1% are others.

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Business Intelligence Reports Examples
Now for the business intelligence reports examples that we promised. Here’s a list followed by the details:
- Department-segmented business intelligence report
- Employee performance-based business intelligence report
- Interactive business intelligence report example
- KPIs-based scorecard report example
- Embedded business intelligence reports
- Predictive analytics-based business intelligence reports
- Google Data Studio business intelligence report
1. Department-segmented business intelligence report
“We have different metrics per department, so we segment reports for each department,” writes Jordan Brannon from Coalition Technologies.
Their daily reports dashboard, therefore, shows the following data that Brannon shares:
- “Monthly Revenue and Expenses
- Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) Revenue
- TTM Revenue Retention
- Monthly New Sales Revenue
- Monthly Revenue Retention in %
- Monthly Revenue per Service Line
- Accounts Receivable
- Applicants, New Hires, Terminations
- Lead Volume”
Note that these metrics are useful for different departments.
The accounts receivable data, for instance, is handy for the finance department but other departments can also view it (if needed) as it’s on the same dashboard.
Similarly, lead volume is important data for the sales department but stakeholders can also view it for a quick idea of how healthy the sales pipeline is.
Interested in collecting data to create such a business intelligence report? Brannon explains their process that you can swipe: “We collate data and organize them in a manner that is actionable to us. Our analysis is straightforward: we look at the trend on a monthly and sometimes, rolling 6-month basis so that we can benchmark our performance against historical data.”
Related: 100+ Free Business Dashboard Examples and Templates
2. Employee performance business intelligence report example
“At Spyic, we keep track of employee performance. To make it easier to track performance, we use business intelligence reports to find trends in our business data,” highlights Spyic’s Katherine Brown.
Such reports help the team offer as good customer service as they can, says Brown.
Hence, a business intelligence report example of an employee-focused report according to Brown is one that shows:
- “The number of new customers who came into our company every month over the last year
- How many employees are now servicing
- Employees’ average revenue per customer and how much that has increased each month over time
- How many sales reps have onboard and their average revenue per rep.”
Brown adds, “We use this report to determine which sales teams are performing well and which ones aren’t. We can also see any overlap in the clients our sales reps are servicing, which could help us consolidate them under one person, so we don’t duplicate work or miss opportunities to upsell.”
Such a report is useful for both customer service and sales teams. In fact, tracking each rep’s performance does the clients they serve is a great way for sales managers to grow sales by:
- Setting effective sales goals for each rep and
- Encouraging them to build relationships with clients to cross-sell and upsell them.
Now for how you can create such employee-centered BI reports. Brown shares two things that work: presenting data that is consistent and presenting it in a format that’s easy to use.
“Once we get the data, it’s up to us to get it into the format that will make it easy to use in the reports.
Brown lays out their process in three steps:
- Step 1: “It starts with making sure all of our data is consistent. If we collect data from multiple sources, we ensure that they’re consistent in how they record the information in their systems.”
- Step 2: “Then we make sure that all of the information is neatly organized in an easy-to-read format so that it’s easy to understand at a glance. We perform this task by creating tables and charts, and other visual aids to show our data.”
- Step 3: “Once we’ve organized all of our data, we run our reports and then use these reports to track performance over time. We can also use the information to identify areas where we’re doing well and those where we’re not to adjust accordingly,” Brown explains.
3. Interactive business intelligence reports
At Whizlabs, the team prefers interactive reports. But they’re not alone.
Our respondents share they’re largely dependent on interactive reports themselves as 44.4% of their reporting happens on interactive dashboards. Others, 27.8% each use embedded analytics and static reports.

Circling back to Whizlabs, Girdharee Saran from their team points out: “We usually prefer and use BI reports that have interactive elements and which provide historical and real-time data.”
Here’s a business intelligence report example that Saran shares from one published in the
Microsoft Power BI communities:

“The Coronavirus Outbreak Report JCH displays the real-time Covid-19 propagation globally,” Saran comments. “It is an interactive and insightful dashboard with various sections wherein you will find live updates of COVID cases country-wise. It is updated on a daily basis.”
“The key highlight of this report is the ability to fetch real-time data and it provides an interface,” Saran goes on. “So, I personally feel that for our business such a BI report theme is very useful.”
Want to create an interactive BI report? Replicate what Saran’s team does: “We follow the typical approach to produce or generate BI reports using raw data. These include:
1. Collecting and loading the raw data.
2. Transforming the raw data manually.
3. Testing the transformation with manual queries.
4. Building the BI reports.”
4. KPIs-based scorecard report example
“A scorecard is a type of BI report that presents a detailed overview of different KPIs of a firm,” explains Eva Lerma of My Travel Tripod.
“The KPIs are listed in a table format, and there are green, yellow, and red status icons and trend lines to indicate how each KPI measure is progressing with regard to business targets and objectives.”
These status icons are quick performance indicators, telling the report’s readers how well each KPI is doing at one glance.
As Lerma highlights this report is useful as it “shows organizations their overall progress towards different goals. This allows them to better analyze which metrics need improvements and work on them.”
Needless to say, the better and easier it is to analyze data, the better decisions managers, owners, employees, and the rest can take.
To this end, Lerma recommends data analytics tools such as Google Analytics for you to create this type of business intelligence report. According to Lerma, the tools help process data into usable information.
“These tools are capable of processing huge amounts of data and presenting it in various formats like pie charts, bar graphs, and pictograms,” Lerma shares. “Business users have the option of choosing their preferred formats according to the needs of the business.”
5. Embedded business intelligence reports
Vicky Cano from MealFan shares this example, writing: “Embedded business intelligence reports integrate the BI capabilities within the products, applications, and processes.”
“This reporting method lets employees, suppliers, and employers access important information in the same workflow rather than switching applications and wasting time,” Cano comments.
Much like the colored status buttons in the business intelligence report example above, this type of reporting also prioritizes making it easy to digest data. Most of all, “embedded BI helps in making faster decisions through its connectivity, and insights can be found easily,” says Cano.
As with other respondents, we also asked Cano how to turn raw data into business-ready information for BI reports. Cano summarized the answers: “Replicate, ingest, and transform the available details into a standardized format.
The information can then be stored into data lakes or data warehouses which is the best available categorization and storage option for BI reports.”
Keep in mind that a standardized format for processing and presenting data is great for analysis and reporting consistency. With a standard format, for example, report readers can immediately tell where they can get the information they’re looking for.
In short, always favor a templated, consistent report format over new reporting formats to set and meet readers’ expectations.
6. Predictive analytics-based business intelligence report example
Sue Hirst’s team at CFO On-Call uses BI reports based on predictive analytics.
This type of data analysis uses data mining, machine learning, and predictive modeling among other statistical techniques to predict the future based on past and current data trends.
Listing its benefits, Hirst writes: “It helps you define the marketing and sales goals of your organization, it can assist you to define budget limitations for the following year, etc. Predictive analytics can also be essential to help you build data visualizations and dashboards for the upcoming months.”
“I prefer using this report because it helps you make very precise decisions and plans for the upcoming months,” concludes Hirst.
Essentially, predictive analytics is a useful addition for teams to set and meet their goals.
Take the sales team, for instance. They can use predictive analytics to set challenging yet achievable sales goals. To add, predictive software such as predictive scoring can help them dedicate resources to hot, ready-to-convert leads with a high conversion score rather than cold leads.
Related: SMART Sales Goal Examples from 30+ Sales Professionals
With that out of the way, let’s look at what Hirst suggests for turning raw data into a digestible BI report. Hirst does this in three simple steps:
- Step 1: “Prepare raw data for information is eliminate or remove any useless tables or information.”
- Step 2: “Organize the data to make it easily readable before preparing the report.”
- Step 3: “Transform the data into graphs and charts to make information more visual using the relevant details,” explains Hirst.
7. Google Data Studio business intelligence report
Passport Photo Online’s Leszek Dudkiewicz shares this BI report example.
Dudkiewicz explains why it works so well: “We chose Google Data Studio for a couple of reasons. Firstly, our employees can learn it quickly thanks to its easy-to-use interface. Likewise, since it’s integrated with Google Analytics, Google Sheets, and others, our team has access to well-known tools.
To add, Dudkiewicz says, “it meets all our needs as small business owners, but it’s free at the same time.”
So how do you turn raw data into a BI report in Google Data Studio? Dudkiewicz has the answer: “Since we are a small business, the data we collect through the available features of Google Analytics (integrated with Google Data Studio) is enough for us.
In most cases, we use a ready-made dataset or implemented connectors (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn). Whenever we need more information, we simply put it into Google Sheets. One click converts them into a report. Afterward, we adjust a design, change views, and apply filters, and there we have it!”
Found a favorite business intelligence report example? Get to work today.
Remember: perfecting your BI report isn’t limited to making sure it’s embedded or interactive. Instead, a useful business intelligence report is one that your readers find useful.
So once you’ve worked out a report format, be sure to ask for feedback.
FAQs
How do you write a good business intelligence report? ›
- Identify your audience and their needs. ...
- Prep your data. ...
- Be flexible and scalable. ...
- Govern your data. ...
- Tell your data story. ...
- Iterate and evolve. ...
- Cultivate data literacy.
Businesses use the best practices coming under business intelligence to mine their data and extract the information essential to make significant business decisions. For example, a retail store generates data regularly related to purchases.
How do you write an intelligence report? ›- Rule One: Think before you write. ...
- Rule Two: Organize your thoughts. ...
- Rule Three: Use simple sentences wherever possible-in the active voice.
- Rule Four: Pick your words carefully. ...
- Rule Five: Pursue economy of language. ...
- Rule Six: Make the majority of your sentences short and to the point.
- Rule Seven:
Types of BI reports
In general, there are four major categories of BI capabilities and reporting tools: strategic, operational, analytical, and tactical. Each type of business intelligence tool creates reports to provide insights for different strategies and different business users.
What Is BI Reporting? Business intelligence reporting is the process of gathering and analyzing data with the help of modern BI tools. Powered by interactive data visualizations, businesses can extract actionable insights from the data and optimize their performance for continuous growth.
What are some examples of intelligence? ›- Logical-mathematical intelligence. ...
- Linguistic intelligence. ...
- Spatial Intelligence. ...
- Musical Intelligence. ...
- Bodily-kinesthetic Intelligence. ...
- Intrapersonal Intelligence. ...
- Interpersonal Intelligence. ...
- Naturalistic intelligence.
Business intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process for analyzing data and delivering actionable information that helps executives, managers and workers make informed business decisions.
What are the benefits of using business intelligence? ›- Fast and accurate reporting. Due to the time-consuming and labor intensive nature of business reporting, multimodal tools impact businesses. ...
- Significant business Insights. ...
- Competitive analysis. ...
- Better BI data quality. ...
- Higher Margins.
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Meditate. ...
- Drink coffee. ...
- Drink green tea. ...
- Eat nutrient-rich foods. ...
- Play an instrument. ...
- Read.
The types of reports include security alert bulletin, weekly security intelligence report, intelligence profile on terrorist organization, security threat assessments, and recurring publications.
What is an intelligence report? ›
A specific report of information, usually on a single item, made at any level of command in tactical operations and disseminated as rapidly as possible in keeping with the timeliness of the information. Also called INTREP.
What are the three main types of business reports? ›- Analytical Reports. Analytical reports are critical for any company and help in times of crucial decisions. ...
- Informational Reports. Informational reports include non-specific facts that it does not explain the “how to's” and “what ifs of the scenario. ...
- Research Reports.
There are many types of information reports, such as sales reports, school reports, social media reports, and marketing reports. Learning how to write a report can help you present the facts about a specific topic clearly and concisely.
What are the main types of business reports? ›- Annual report. ...
- Sales and revenue report. ...
- Inventory report. ...
- Marketing report. ...
- Website traffic report/social media report.
- Tell your unique story. Be authentic. Be consistent. Involve your customers.
- Be honest with your target audience. Know your value proposition. Focus on your audience.
- Use humour (if possible)
- Use clear language and avoid business jargon.
- Make it loveable.
The structure of business reports includes a title page, executive summary, table of contents, an introduction, the body portion, the conclusion, recommendations, references, and appendices.
How do you start a business report essay? ›- Step 1: Create a plan of action. ...
- Step 2: Check for an in-house format. ...
- Step 3: Add a title. ...
- Step 4: Write a table of contents. ...
- Step 5: Add a Summary/ Abstract. ...
- Step 6: Write an introduction. ...
- Step 7: State your methodology. ...
- Step 8: Present your findings.
In this post, you'll learn the difference between the two — as well as the 5 types of business intelligence reports that can help you run your company more effectively.
What are the five basic tasks of business intelligence? ›The five stages of business intelligence are Data Sourcing, Data Engineering & Analysis, Situation Awareness, Decision Making, and Decision Support. In terms of complexity, it can be Reporting, Analysis, Monitoring, Predicting & Forecasting, and Predictive Modeling.
What are the essential components of reporting in business intelligence? ›The main components of business intelligence are data warehouse, business analytics and business performance management and user interface. Data warehouse holds data obtained from internal sources as well as external sources. The internal sources include various operational systems.
What are the 7 types of intelligence? ›
- Word Smart (linguistic intelligence)
- Math Smart (numerical/reasoning/logic intelligence)
- Physically Smart (kinesthetic intelligence)
- Music Smart (musical intelligence)
- People Smart (interpersonal intelligence)
- Self Smart (intrapersonal intelligence)
- Verbal–linguistic intelligence. ...
- Logical-mathematical intelligence. ...
- Spatial intelligence. ...
- Musical intelligence. ...
- Bodily–kinaesthetic intelligence. ...
- Interpersonal intelligence. ...
- Intrapersonal intelligence. ...
- Naturalistic intelligence.
Business intelligence definition
Business intelligence (BI) is a set of strategies and technologies enterprises use to analyze business information and transform it into actionable insights that inform strategic and tactical business decisions.
The fundamental goal of performance dashboards and business intelligence is to provide the right performance information to users, at the right time, using the right technology, so they can make better decisions.
What is business intelligence and why it is important? ›Business intelligence refers to the tools, techniques, strategies, applications and practices businesses employ to collect, integrate, analyze and visualize information. These tools help you make better decisions and drive competitive advantages by leveraging robust predictive analytics capabilities.
What are the 5 reasons why business should implement business intelligence? ›- Budget no longer an issue. Photo by StellrWeb on Unsplash. ...
- Data is available and accessible. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash. ...
- Tools are easier to use. Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash. ...
- It's not time-consuming. Photo by Djim Loic on Unsplash.
...
The following sectors are established examples already reaping the operational benefits of business intelligence software.
- e-Commerce Sector. ...
- Retail and Hospitality Industries. ...
- Media and Entertainment Industry.
The growth of a business depends on the ability to analyze efficiency, identify issues, and make smart decisions moving forward. Business intelligence can help companies manage their data, understand market trends, improve products or services, and identify areas that need attention.
How would you describe your intelligence? ›- genius. adjective. informal very clever or original.
- intelligent. adjective. good at thinking clearly and quickly, at understanding difficult ideas and subjects, and at gaining and using knowledge.
- wise. adjective. ...
- brilliant. adjective. ...
- clever. adjective. ...
- bright. adjective. ...
- brainy. adjective. ...
- discerning. adjective.
- Be patient. ...
- Dress for the occasion. ...
- Make eye contact. ...
- Show up on time. ...
- Actively listen. ...
- Build quality relationships. ...
- Spend money with a purpose. ...
- Proactively take notes.
What is effective intelligence? ›
Effective Intelligence simply means to use your intelligence to best effect so that you can get things done, and done well. In every enterprise, small or large, it is people's thinking that generates real wealth from resources. Of all skills, 'thinking' is the most strategic.
What are the 4 most common types of reports? ›Formal or Informal Reports 2. Short or Long Reports 3. Informational or Analytical Reports 4. Proposal Report 5.
What are the 4 common types of short reports? ›The six most common types of short reports are periodic reports, sales reports, progress reports, trip/travel reports, test reports, and incident reports.
What are the most common types of reports? ›Types of reports include memos, meeting minutes, expense reports, audit reports, closure reports, progress reports, justification reports, compliance reports, annual reports, and feasibility reports.
What is the purpose of intelligence report? ›The intelligence report (IR) is used to submit and evaluate information, and to manage dissemination of intelligence. It protects the source and contributes to an audit trail of the intelligence. Standardisation of reporting provides a shared confidence between law enforcement communities and partner agencies.
What is an all source intelligence report? ›All-source intelligence is a term used to describe intelligence organizations, intelligence analysts, or intelligence products that are based on all available sources of intelligence collection information.
What does an all source intelligence report include? ›Intelligence products and/or organizations and activities that incorporate all sources of information, most frequently including human resources intelligence, imagery intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, signals intelligence, and open-source data in the production of finished intelligence.
What are three major categories of business intelligence reports? ›List and describe the three major categories of business reports. There are a wide variety of business reports, which for managerial purposes can be grouped into three major categories: metric management reports, dashboard-type reports, and balanced scorecard-type reports.
What makes an excellent business report? ›Information included in the document should be accurate, relevant and informative to its readers. These are important characteristics of good reports. When reading a report to gain a deeper understanding of an issue, a businessperson shouldn't have to sift through paragraphs of filler content.
What are the six elements of business intelligence environment? ›- Data Warehousing.
- Embedded Analytics.
- Ad-hoc Reporting.
- Interactive Dashboards and Reports.
What is the main purpose of business intelligence? ›
Business intelligence helps organizations become data-driven enterprises, improve performance and gain competitive advantage. They can: Improve ROI by understanding the business and intelligently allocating resources to meet strategic objectives.
What is the most important part of business intelligence? ›Understand Customers
With effective business intelligence strategies and practices, businesses can gauge their customers by analyzing their buying patterns and creating robust customer profiles and personas. They help develop better products and rich experiences for their users.
- Suitable Title. A suitable title has to be provided to each report according to the nature of contents. ...
- Simple. ...
- Promptness. ...
- Comparability. ...
- Consistency. ...
- Precise and Accurate. ...
- Relevant Information. ...
- Presented to Required Person or Group or Department.