Highlights
- Define what you need to learn before deciding how to pull or present the data.
- IQA lets you narrow records using selected criteria instead of sorting through everything in the system.
- Dashboards provide an at-a-glance view of key numbers you track regularly.
- Reporting directly within iMIS provides current data, while information exported to spreadsheets can quickly become outdated.
Learning how to leverage reporting tools from inside iMIS can help your organization get more from the information it already collects.
But having a lot of data and knowing what to do with it are two different things.
The right tools can make that information easier to understand and put to use. Instead of digging through records or pulling details together manually, you can quickly find what matters and make sense of the numbers.
Here are five practical ways to get more from your iMIS reporting.
1. Determine what you want to know.
It can be tempting to begin by asking, “What reports can iMIS generate?” But that puts the technology ahead of your actual needs.
Start with the question you want to answer. Maybe you want to know whether membership is changing or which events are drawing the most participation. Or you might need a clearer picture of where revenue is coming from or how a particular program is performing.
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can identify which information you need and how best to organize it. Let the question drive the report, not the other way around.
2. Narrow the field.
Intelligent Query Architect, or IQA, is one of the tools within iMIS that helps you sort through the information already in the system.
IQA lets you choose specific criteria so you see only the records that are relevant to your question. For example, you might use it to look at members in a particular category, registrations for a specific event, or transactions within a certain time period.
That makes it easier to focus on the information that matters without sorting through everything else.
3. Make your reports easier to use.
Finding the information is only part of the job. You also need to present it in a way that makes sense to the people using it.
With iMIS Report Writer, you can turn individual records into useful summaries and comparisons, then dig deeper when you need more detail behind the numbers.
Another advantage of using iMIS reporting tools is having access to current information. When you export data to a spreadsheet, it becomes a snapshot that can quickly become outdated. Reports generated within iMIS draw from the latest information in the system, so you’re working with current numbers rather than yesterday’s data.
Information that’s easy to understand and digest leads to smarter business decisions.
4. See what’s happening at a glance.
When you regularly track the same information, it helps to have it all in one place. An iMIS dashboard provides a quick view of the numbers you want to keep an eye on.
That might include membership, event registrations, revenue, or other information that matters to your organization. With a convenient snapshot in front of you, it’s easy to spot changes and see where a closer look may be needed.
5. More isn’t always better when it comes to reporting.
You don’t need every number you can pull from iMIS. You need information that helps answer questions and make decisions.
What’s useful will vary depending on your needs. The key is to use the tools with a purpose rather than creating reports simply because you can.
Technology should support the way you work, not dictate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
iMIS includes several ways to find, organize, and present information, including IQA, Report Writer, and dashboards. The right option depends on what you’re trying to learn and how you want to use the information.
Intelligent Query Architect, or IQA, helps you find and organize information stored in iMIS based on criteria you select. It can help narrow down a larger amount of information so you can focus on the records that matter to your question.
iMIS Report Writer helps you organize and present information in a format that’s easier to review and share. It can be useful when you need something more structured than individual records or query results.
It helps reduce repetitive tasks, particularly when you regularly need the same information. Using queries, dashboards, and other available tools can make it easier to access what you need without starting from scratch each time.
Start by asking whether each report is giving you information you actually use. If it isn’t, look at what you need to know and whether a different query, dashboard, or reporting approach would give you a better answer.
You have access to more useful information than you realize. Learning how to leverage reporting tools from inside iMIS makes it easier to find what matters and put that data to better use.
Are you getting enough from your iMIS reporting tools? IBC can help you take a closer look at how you’re using them and where there’s room to do more. Let’s talk about better ways to use your reporting capabilities.
About IBC: At IBC, we have a deep understanding of the critical business needs and processes specific to associations, non-profits, and unions. We ‘get’ your culture, your goals, and what drives you, too. Focused exclusively on and dedicated to delivering the most effective AMS, LMS, and Cloud Financial Software for our clients, we’re well-versed in identifying and applying the integration techniques that will save you time and money. Since 2001, our cutting-edge products, unparalleled responsiveness, and award-winning services have helped organizations like yours increase their operational and financial performance by leveraging best practices and proven solutions. For more information about IBC, please visit the website at www.ibconcepts.com or call 443.603.0215.
