13.1.1 Report Creation Fundamentals

Understanding the CRM Data Model

Before creating a report, it is essential to have a good understanding of the available data structure. Otherwise, you risk designing a report without knowing whether a specific piece of information is actually stored in the CRM. It is also very important to know the exact field names and the modules in which the information is stored, as these elements are crucial when defining filters, aggregations, and data processing logic.

For example, it is important to know whether a filter is applied to a free-text field or a picklist field, since the methods used to search, group, and aggregate data may differ significantly.

A solid understanding of the data structure enables you to design more accurate reports and helps avoid subsequent revisions caused by missing information or incorrect interpretations of the available data.