From CFOs and HR managers to analysts and operational specialists — everyone knows that in a dynamic business environment, not only accurate data matters, but also the speed of generating reports in the required format.
For example, according to PwC — the international network of audit and consulting firms — up to 75% of managers’ time is spent analyzing and interpreting data, while process optimization and automation can reduce this figure by 30–40%.
To address this, SMART business has developed the SMART Generic Excel Report — an extension for the Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central system.
How SMART Generic Excel Report Works
SMART Generic Excel Report provides a simple and flexible way to create Excel reports based on pre-configured data templates and ready-made Excel templates. Users can independently define which fields and sections of the document are filled in automatically and which are repeated as tables or lists. This allows the creation of both short and complex reports without programming or involving developers.
The solution ensures precise data typing and formatting control, guaranteeing correct display of numbers, dates, text, and logical values in the final reports. Once the template is set up, generating a report takes just a few clicks: the system automatically pulls data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.
Additionally, SMART Generic Excel Report allows embedding ready-made reports directly into business documents, such as personal orders or certificates, making reporting faster and more standardized.
Key Features of the Solution
- Integration with data via SMART Data Template — reports are based on a pre-configured data template that defines the structure and variables to be used in Excel.
- Report template and section configuration — the user defines which areas are repeated (e.g., table rows) and which are filled immediately (company details, signatories, etc.). This approach allows the creation of both single-page reports and complex documents. Users can also easily format the Excel report template, including its style and graphical design.
- Data typing and formatting — for each cell, users can assign not only a variable (data field) but also the type (text, numeric, date, logical) and format (number format, date), ensuring correct and readable data display.
- Automated Report Generation — after the report is configured, the user launches the process, and the system generates an Excel file filled with predefined data from Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, preserving its structure and formatting.
- Integration with Business Documents — ready-made reports can be linked to specific documents. For example, a report can be accessed when printing a personal order, certificate, or similar document by selecting the corresponding option on a dedicated page.
Benefits of the Solution:
The functionality of SMART Generic Excel Report helps reduce the cost of developing new custom reports in the system and speeds up decision-making by allowing business teams to quickly generate accurate, analysis-ready Excel reports. Thus, the solution provides the following business advantages:
- No-code configuration — users can independently create reports without involving developers or writing code.
- Fast implementation and efficiency — reports can be created and run in just a few clicks, dramatically reducing the time for analytical queries and increasing business agility.
- Reduced maintenance and development costs — the company saves significant resources on report development and maintenance, as minimal technical involvement is required and users can easily adapt reports as needed.
- Flexibility in design and formatting — Excel templates can include any formatting elements: charts, conditional formatting, tables — all of which are preserved in the final report. This allows users to create reports that perfectly match their needs.
Who Can Benefit from SMART Generic Excel Report?
A CFO preparing monthly reports for the board, an HR manager analyzing personnel changes and payroll expenses, or department heads who need real-time data for decision-making — all face the same challenge. Without a unified tool, preparing reports can take hours or even days: gathering data, manual formatting, and error checking consume valuable resources. That’s why the solution is particularly valuable for companies with large data volumes and diverse business processes where reports are needed simultaneously for finance, HR, operations, and management.
SMART Generic Excel Report helps your teams work more efficiently, reduce dependency on developers, and focus on analytics and strategic goals by removing routine reporting tasks.
Want to simplify and accelerate reporting in your company? The SMART Generic Excel Report solution is already available on AppSource:
Still have questions? Request a consultation with SMART business experts:
