Understanding Reports and Dashboards

Understanding Reports and Dashboards

Overview

iVendNext is a powerful retail management system that transforms raw data into actionable insights through dashboards and reports. This guide introduces first-time users to the reporting ecosystem, highlighting how visual tools like charts and number cards simplify decision-making.



InfoKey Takeaway: Dashboards provide real-time snapshots of business health, while reports offer granular details for deeper analysis.



Why Reports and Dashboards Matter

1. Real-Time Monitoring

  • Track sales, inventory, and payments live.

  • Example: A dashboard can alert you to stock shortages before they impact sales.


2. Data-Driven Decisions

  • Identify trends (e.g., peak sales hours) using historical reports.


3. Operational Efficiency

  • Automate manual tracking with scheduled reports.



Key Components

1. Dashboards

  • Charts: Visualize trends (e.g., line graphs for sales over time).

  • Number Cards: Highlight KPIs like "Total Daily Revenue."

  • Filters: Drill down by date, store, or product.



2. Reports

  • Sales Reports: Item-wise revenue, discounts, and returns.

  • Inventory Reports: Stock levels, aging, and valuation.

  • Tender Reports: Payment method breakdowns.



How to Access Reports and Dashboards

Step 1: Navigate to the Dashboard Module

  • Go to Home > Retail > Dashboards.


Step 2: Create a New Dashboard

  • Click Add Dashboard, name it, and select data sources (e.g., POS Invoices).


Step 3: Add Visual Elements

  • Charts: Select types (Bar, Pie) and configure data sources.

  • Number Cards: Display metrics like "Total Sales" or "Inventory Count."


Step 4: Save and Share

  • Use Save and View to publish. Share via PDF or direct access.



Practical Example: Sales Dashboard

  1. Add a "Sales Trend" Chart:


  • Type: Line graph | Data Source: POS Invoices | Time Series: Weekly.


  1. Include a "Revenue" Number Card:


  • Aggregation: Sum | Field: Grand Total.




Best Practices

  • Keep It Simple: Focus on 3–5 critical metrics per dashboard.

  • Refresh Data: Use Force Refresh for real-time accuracy.

  • Customize Filters: Apply date ranges or store-specific filters.


IdeaIdea: Combine Sales and Tender Reports to reconcile revenue with payments.



Summary: 

iVendNext’s dashboards and reports turn data into insights. Start with a basic sales dashboard, then expand to inventory and tender tracking for end-to-end visibility.



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