Smarter Reporting: 7 Tips to Improve Quality, Save Time, and Safeguard Your Reputation

Is your report looking like a hot mess?

It's a question that hits close to home for many analysts and investigators. You pour your heart and soul into gathering and analyzing data, crafting insights, and backing up conclusions with solid evidence. But when it's time to wrap it all up into a report, chaos ensues.

Compiling a report can be quite a challenge. It's not just about throwing data onto a page; it's about weaving a narrative that's clear, compelling, and visually appealing. I've been there, I understand the frustration of seeing your hard work overshadowed by an insufficient report.

For us perfectionists, falling short of expectations is the ultimate gut punch. Deadlines loom, forcing us to hit send on reports that we know could use a serious facelift. A poorly presented report isn't just a letdown for us; it's a relationship killer with our report consumers (think clients, decision-makers, and field forces).

Imagine receiving a report that is cluttered, confusing, and unprofessional. Even if the analysis is as sharp as a samurai sword, a subpar presentation can lead to errors in decision-making and field actions, or it could simply leave a lasting bad impression. This impression could potentially damage relationships or hinder business opportunities.

But flip that script, and a well-designed report is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. It doesn't just elevate the perceived value of your work; it also makes complex data a piece of cake to swallow. When clients are impressed by the quality of your reports, they're more likely to recommend you to others and continue working with you in the future.

So, how can you transform your reports from shabby to sharp? Here are 7 tips to help you elevate your reporting game:

1. Write while you investigate: Don't wait until the eleventh hour to jot down those lightbulb moments. Scribble down those insights as they hit you. And make sure your partners in (solving the) crime are doing the same. Falkor hack: Use the Notes or Scratchpad features to jot down your insights. Include entities and screenshots to enhance your report and enrich your database with valuable insights.

2. Drop some references and context: Sprinkle in some references to past cases to give your report some flavor. Dive into your rich database to show everything you know about a suspect/event/etc. Falkor hack: Simply tag entities to your notes and designate them as suspect/target/witness, allowing Falkor to generate a report with all relevant details, including information from past cases.

3. Keep it simple: Don't drown your report in a sea of clutter. Keep the layout clean and crisp, with consistent formatting and a logical flow. Falkor hack: Grab a universal template, crafted by the pros, with just a click. Hit "Generate report" once you've wrapped up your case, and voila! Your report, adorned with your organization's logo, metadata, and all necessary elements, is ready for distribution.

4. Make it pop with visuals: Text is so 2012. A picture's worth a thousand words. Spice things up with charts, graphs, and other eye candy to make your data pop. Falkor hack: Ensure you capture relevant visuals to enhance the quality of your report. Capture screen images as needed, whether it involves graph connections or pertinent details on a map. Falkor seamlessly incorporates these visuals into your report without any hassle.

5. Choose your tools wisely: Invest in software that's as slick as your report game. From basic templates to fancy data visualization platforms, there's something out there for everyone. Falkor hack: Falkor's your one-stop shop for all things investigation. From case management to detailed analysis, insights integration, and report generation, Falkor streamlines the entire process effortlessly.

6. Know your audience: Tailor your report to your audience like a custom-fit suit. Whether it's a high-level summary for executives or a deep dive for more technical people, speak their language. Falkor hack: Customize your report generation to serve up exactly what your audience ordered. If some notes are too detailed, leave them out of an executive report. For your field operations team, include only vital info like the suspect's identity by selecting the target card. If you need a thorough overview for auditing or legal reasons, keep all options selected to show the entire investigative process.

7. Don't shy away from feedback: Embrace the critiques from your colleagues and clients. They'll help you level up your report game and refine your process over time. Falkor hack: Before distributing the report, save it to your case's File tab and let your colleagues review it. Use the “Share entity profile” option to give your colleagues a glimpse of the most important information and get their input before finalizing.

And here's the cherry on top: Not only do these tips amp up your report game, but they also save you time. By sprinkling in notes, references, and visuals throughout your investigation, you streamline the report-making process and avoid endless revisions.

So, there you have it—a guide to achieving excellence in reporting. Remember, it's not just about what you say; it's about how you say it. By prioritizing the quality of your reports, you'll enhance the value of your work, save resources, and foster stronger relationships with relevant stakeholders. Your clients—and your professional reputation - will thank you for it.