Key takeaways:
- Ad hoc reporting tools let teams create on-demand reports without relying on IT or static templates.
- The best tools offer user-friendly interfaces, real-time data access, and seamless integrations with your existing systems.
- Cube stands out for enabling fast, flexible ad hoc reporting directly in Excel and Google Sheets.
What is ad hoc reporting software?
Ad hoc reporting software lets business users create on-demand, custom reports without relying on prebuilt templates or canned dashboards. It’s a flexible, self-service tool for slicing and analyzing data in real time.
Instead of waiting on IT or requesting a standard report, teams can quickly explore specific metrics, uncover trends, and answer one-off questions. This makes ad hoc tools ideal for analyzing:
- Sales performance by region or rep
- Expense trends by department
- Customer feedback across product lines
- Campaign results and marketing metrics
- Financial data across SKUs, stores, or time periods
Finance teams often build ad hoc reports to share key takeaways with leadership or department heads. Because these reports focus on specific questions, they provide targeted visibility and help teams make faster, more confident decisions.
Key features to look for in ad hoc reporting tools
When evaluating ad hoc reporting tools, look for capabilities that help your finance team move quickly without compromising accuracy. Look for:
- Real-time data access: Pull real-time numbers from all connected systems instantly, without manual exports or delays. This ensures teams always work with accurate, up-to-date information.
- Custom report builder: Create tailored reports in seconds with an intuitive drag-and-drop builder. This speeds up analysis and gives teams answers in minutes instead of hours.
- Custom filtering and slicing: Build reports your way with flexible drag-and-drop options and real-time refresh. This makes it easy to slice data across dimensions and surface the exact insights you need.
- Secure analysis and drill-downs: Click into reports to explore transaction-level details with role-based access controls. This protects sensitive data while still giving the right people the visibility they need.
- Spreadsheet-native interface: Work directly in Excel, Google Sheets, or the web while keeping familiar formulas and formats. This reduces learning curves and speeds up adoption across finance teams.
- Data integrations: The platform should integrate with your existing tech stack, ERP, CRM, HRIS, marketing tools, and more, to ensure data accuracy and eliminate manual uploads. Native connectors or open APIs are a plus.
The best ad hoc reporting software tools
From real-time insights to customizable dashboards and flexible integrations, the best ad hoc reporting tools make it easier to explore data, create reports, and support faster decision-making across teams.
Below, we’ve rounded up the top ad hoc reporting software platforms, complete with standout features, pros, cons, and pricing, to help you find the best fit for your business.
1. Cube
Cube is a spreadsheet-native FP&A platform that helps companies hit their numbers without having to sacrifice their spreadsheets. Cube helps retail finance departments work anywhere, integrating natively with both Excel and Google Sheets, so that they can plan, analyze, and collaborate with the ultimate speed and confidence.
Cube seamlessly connects your financial and operational data, giving retail teams the ability to plan smarter and react faster.
Cube makes ad hoc reporting fast, flexible, and intuitive, right from where you already work. Finance teams can use Cube’s drag-and-drop builder to instantly create custom reports, slice and filter by business driver, and explore updated data without switching tools.
Features:
- Automated data consolidation: Connect data from spreadsheets, ERPs, CRMs, and other systems to automate rollups, drilldowns, and updates across all reports
- Real-time data access: Get instant access to fresh data from your connected systems, no manual exports, delays, or outdated numbers
- Multi-scenario analysis: Model and compare different scenarios based on changes to pricing, demand, or cost assumptions to understand business impact
- Custom filtering and slicing: Use drag-and-drop tools to filter and organize data by the dimensions you care about, SKU, location, channel, and more
- Customizable dashboards: Build and share dynamic dashboards tailored to different departments or decision-makers
- Native Excel and Google Sheets integration: Work directly in the tools you already use with full bi-directional syncing and support for your existing formulas and formatting
- Drilldown and audit trail: Click into any cell to trace the transaction-level data behind it. Built-in audit logs and version history maintain transparency and control
- User-based access controls: Assign permissions based on role so each user only sees what they’re allowed to
- Centralized formulas and KPIs: Store your business logic and key metrics in one place to ensure accuracy and consistency across reports
- Conversational AI in Slack and Teams: Ask Cube questions in plain English and get fast, AI-powered answers without leaving your workflow
- Multi-currency support: View and report financials in both local and consolidated currencies for global operations
- Endless integrations: Connect to systems across finance, HR, billing, sales, and business intelligence
Pros:
- Integrates seamlessly with Google Sheets and all versions of Excel (no coding or formulas needed)
- The implementation team guides quick deployment, while other software can eat up months of onboarding time
- Allows for extensive, quick data collection, quality assurance, and laser-sharp analysis without human error
Cons:
- Doesn't provide multilingual support as of this article’s publishing date
Pricing: Cube starts at $2,000/month.
See detailed pricing for customizable plans.
2. Zoho Analytics
Zoho Analytics is a business intelligence and analytics platform that allows users to connect data from various applications and systems for centralized analysis. The platform includes tools for building data pipelines, performing historical and predictive analysis, and generating dashboards and reports. Users can also create custom connectors, configure permissions, and embed analytics into external platforms.
Features:
- Custom dashboards: Build interactive reports and visualizations using a drag-and-drop interface
- Data pipelines: Create and manage workflows to transform and prepare data for analysis
- Embedded reports: Share dashboards through branded portals or embed them inside business applications
- Data integrations: Connect to business apps, databases, data warehouses, and custom sources with flexible integration options
- AI assistant: Use natural language to build reports, ask questions, and uncover insights in conversation mode
Pros:
- Supports integrations with business apps, databases, and file systems
- Allows no-code customization of dashboards and reports
- Includes tools for predictive analysis and anomaly detection
- Provides sharing options with permissions and version control
Cons:
- “Its great that it's customizable, but it can be too customizable meaning you can create something and break another very easily. You also need team members extremely knowledgeable in Zoho to use it to its full potential.” User review
- “While Zoho One is powerful, the learning curve can be steep, especially when integrating multiple apps or creating complex automations. Some modules lack consistent UI/UX across the suite, and the occasional delay in support response times can slow down urgent implementations. More intuitive setup guides and faster live support would go a long way.” User review
- “Steep learning curve for advanced formulas or custom SQL queries. Occasional syncing delays with external data sources. Limited real-time data—most integrations update hourly or daily” User review
Pricing:
- Basic: $24/month
- Standard: $48/month
- Premium: $115/month
- Entreprise: $455/month
- Custom pricing available by quote
3. Looker Studio
Looker Studio is a web-based business intelligence tool from Google Cloud that helps users visualize, explore, and share data through customizable reports and dashboards. It supports integration with a wide range of data sources using built-in and partner connectors. Teams can work collaboratively on reports, embed dashboards on websites or intranets, and manage access at scale through role-based permissions and Google Cloud identity tools.
Features:
- Custom dashboards: Build and share interactive reports with drag-and-drop design tools and reusable templates
- Data connectors: Connect to a broad range of business apps, databases, and cloud platforms through prebuilt integrations
- Embedded analytics: Embed reports and dashboards in external web pages or internal tools for wider access
- Collaboration tools: Share reports with teams or individuals and enable real-time editing and commenting
- APIs and developer tools: Automate report management and customize workflows using the Looker Studio API
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Google Cloud and Workspace tools
- Broad data connectivity through native and third-party connectors
- Built-in tools for sharing, collaboration, and role-based access
Cons:
- “It has limits. For very large datasets or complex joins, performance can be slow and customization options for visuals are not as advanced as what I find in Power BI or Tableau.” User review
- “Performance can slow down with large or complex datasets, especially when using multiple blended data sources. Some advanced visualization options and calculated metrics could be more user-friendly. Also, permissions management can get tricky on large teams.” User review
- “I find it a bit frustrating that Looker Studio can slow down when dealing with large datasets, which sometimes makes it hard to work efficiently. The customization options also feel limited—things like advanced formatting or adding custom fonts are tricky, and the design flexibility isn’t as robust as I’d like. Plus, blending data from more than five sources gets clunky, which can be a hassle when I need a full picture from multiple sources.” User review
Pricing:
- Looker Studio: Free
- Looker Studio Pro: $9/user/project/month
4. Microsoft Power BI
Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence and analytics platform that enables users to connect, model, and visualize data from various sources. It supports enterprise-scale deployments while offering self-service analytics tools for business users. Power BI integrates with Microsoft 365 apps like Excel, Teams, and PowerPoint, allowing users to embed reports, automate workflows, and collaborate on data analysis directly within existing platforms.
Features:
- Custom dashboards: Create and publish interactive reports and dashboards using drag-and-drop tools and prebuilt templates
- Data integration: Connect data from multiple internal and external sources to build a single source of truth
- AI-assisted analytics: Use built-in AI features to detect trends, generate reports, and uncover patterns in data
- Embedded analytics: Share reports in external applications or customer-facing products using embedded BI tools
- Semantic modeling: Define business logic and relationships within large datasets to improve accuracy and consistency
Pros:
- Flexible deployment with cloud and on-premise options
- Combines self-service and enterprise-scale BI
- AI tools support auto-generated reports and insights
- Real-time collaboration and sharing across teams
Cons:
- “Some features are locked behind the Pro or Premium versions, which might not be ideal for small teams or individual users. Complex data models can be challenging to manage, and the performance may degrade with very large datasets if not optimized properly.” User review
- “Learning curve, especially for DAX and data modelling, can be steep. I struggled with this as a beginner, while I am better at this, I am still learning more.” User review
- “Customization of visuals, while extensive, can be limited without writing complex code or scripts, making advanced designs tougher for non-technical users. The user interface can feel bulky or cramped due to many icons and panels, which sometimes obstruct report views.” User review
Pricing:
- Free
- Power BI Pro: $14.00/user/month
- Power BI Premium: $24.00/user/month
5. Tableau
Tableau is a visual analytics platform from Salesforce designed to support data analysis and sharing across cloud, on-premise, and CRM environments. Users can connect, prepare, explore, and share data using built-in AI/ML features, governed data management, and visual storytelling tools. Tableau supports deployment flexibility and enables organizations to embed dashboards, collaborate on reports, and manage analytics workflows across teams.
Features:
- Data visualization: Build interactive dashboards with drag-and-drop components and visual best practices built into the design interface
- Data connectivity: Integrate with various data sources across cloud, on-premise, and Salesforce-native environments
- Embedded analytics: Embed dashboards and insights into internal tools or client-facing applications
- AI-driven insights: Use integrated machine learning capabilities to detect trends and generate predictions
- Governance and sharing: Manage access, set permissions, and collaborate with teams through secure report distribution
Pros:
- Built-in governance and security tools
- Native integration with Salesforce CRM
- AI/ML tools for advanced data analysis
Cons:
- “It’s not perfect. Building dashboards can be time-consuming, especially when you want to customize things for different audiences. As a data consumer, I often find the UI a bit rigid — not everything is as interactive or flexible as I'd like. It also runs a little slow at times, especially with larger data sets or more complex views. Use it almost every other day, have integrated it with amplitude, but don't love that.” User review
- “The initial setup and learning curve can be a bit painful, especially if you're coming from Excel or Google Sheets. Some of the formulas and calculated fields feel unintuitive at first. Also, publishing dashboards and managing permissions can get confusing. It would be great if the user interface were a bit more beginner-friendly. Pricing is on the higher side too for small teams.” User review
- “Some features are hard for new users to understand at first, especially advanced calculations. Dashboards can get slow if you're working with large datasets, so we sometimes have to optimize them or use extracts. Also, Tableau can be expensive if you need a lot of people to have access.” User review
Pricing:
- Enterprise creator: $115user/month/billed annually
- Enterprise explorer: $70user/month/billed annually
- Enterprise viewer: $35user/month/billed annually
6. Sisense
Sisense is an AI-enabled analytics platform designed to support embedded analytics and developer-focused workflows. It enables users to connect data sources, build dashboards, and embed reports within internal and customer-facing applications. The platform supports natural language queries, real-time analytics, and predictive features to surface insights and trends within applications or products.
Features:
- Cloud deployment: Run analytics securely in cloud-native or hybrid environments with flexible scaling options
- Embedded analytics: Integrate dashboards and reports into existing apps with SDKs and embeddable modules
- Data modeling: Design and transform datasets using visual workflows and schema configuration tools
- Sisense Intelligence: Use AI-powered capabilities for narrative summaries, recommendations, and smart exploration
Pros:
- Offers embedded analytics through SDKs and low-code tools
- Supports generative AI and natural language queries
- Enables self-service reporting for non-technical users
- Built-in features for forecasting, anomaly detection, and trend analysis
Cons:
- “Some things that Sisense lacks is the ability to create more in-depth data visualizations. I think the sharing and folder aspect of Sisense is lacking as well compared to other BI platforms. The amount of Javascript needed to do more complicated dashboards and reports is a fairly big hurdle. Finally the Sisense community is really lacking compared to Power BI and Tableau.” User review
- “Steeper learning curve for advanced features” User review
- “Documentation seems to be mostly based around Sisense locally hosted solutions on windows/linux. We're on the cloud, would love to see some of the docs updated to reflect steps/processes relevant to cloud solutions.” User review
Pricing: Pricing not stated on their website
7. Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense is a modern analytics platform that combines real-time data pipelines, AI-powered insights, and associative exploration to help users uncover hidden trends and act quickly. It’s designed to support self-service analytics, predictive modeling, and embedded reporting, making it a powerful solution for businesses that need intuitive, fast, and scalable data experiences.
Features:
- Associative analytics engine: Explore all data relationships and uncover insights through free-form, context-aware selection
- Augmented analytics: Use AI and machine learning to generate insights, assist in data prep, and predict trends
- Conversational analytics: Interact with data using natural language queries and receive instant visual results
- Custom and embedded apps: Build tailored dashboards and embed interactive analytics into internal or customer-facing tools
- Application automation: Create event-driven workflows and automate tasks using a low-code visual environment
Pros:
- Includes advanced alerting and event-triggered automation
- Integrates AI-powered suggestions and search-based analysis
- Built for mobility with responsive and offline capabilities
Cons:
- “What I most dislike about Qliksense is the amount of time I had to spend to get a handle on all the script functions and kinds of loads. It has a vast number of functions, which is not easy for beginners to use.” User review
- “QlikView requires manual reloading or refreshing of data, and some users have expressed a desire for more automated data update capabilities.” User review
- “Limitations for users due to the cost. Data exploration with multiple users is not easy.” User review
Pricing: Pricing isn’t stated on their website
8. Databox
Databox is a business intelligence platform that supports data reporting, visualization, and sharing across teams. It includes tools for building structured reports, embedding dashboards, adding commentary, and automating delivery across channels. Users can format performance data into presentations or written reports and send them out automatically. The platform supports both real-time updates and historical performance summaries.
Features:
- Integrations: Connect all tools and platforms to centralize marketing, sales, and operational data
- Data preparation: Clean, standardize, and merge raw data using no-code tools and unified datasets
- Dashboards and reports: Visualize key performance metrics through customizable, shareable dashboards and multi-format reports
- AI insights: Receive automated performance summaries and recommendations powered by machine learning
Pros:
- Supports structured reporting for live and async review
- Allows customization of report layouts and formats
- Connects dashboards and visual elements within slides
- Enables automated report delivery on a recurring schedule
Cons:
- “While it has major business integrations and connections, it needs more connections to work in certain industries.” User review
- “Occasionally bugs and throughput issues/lag when editing custom metrics, but more than offset by their R&D into resolutions and new features.” User review
- “The pre-built templates are easy to use and implement; however, if any custom metrics needs to be created, it becomes a bit complex at times. They do provide 3 onboarding sessions but I am afraid as it would not cover all the uses of the software.” User review
Pricing:
-
- Professional: $199/month
- Growth: $499/month
- Premium: $999/month
- Growth: $399/month
- Premium: $799/month
9. Grow
Grow is a no-code business intelligence platform that combines data integration, transformation, and visualization in a single interface. It enables users to connect multiple data sources, prepare and transform data without SQL, and create custom dashboards to support business decisions. The platform supports dynamic filtering, chart customization, and automated sharing across teams.
Features:
- ETL and data preparation: Import, cleanse, and transform data from multiple sources using prebuilt connectors and no-code transformations.
- Dashboard customization: Build metrics and dashboards with a drag-and-drop interface, chart options, and time-based filtering.
- Data storage and modeling: Store raw and transformed data, apply custom business logic, and manage permissions by user role.
- Sharing and access: Share dashboards via email, Slack, URLs, and TV displays with configurable delivery schedules and formats.
Pros:
- Connects to a wide range of CRM, financial, marketing, and database sources
- Supports both non-SQL and SQL-based data transformation
- Allows for real-time exploration with drilldowns, filters, and chart switching
- Built-in tools for centralized reporting and team-wide visibility
Cons:
- “While GROW has many capable features, there are some slight nuances such as the capability of archiving of old dashboards. I also firmly believe there should be a certification program similar to Google in place for GROW which has yet to be created and implemented.” User review
- “What I like least about Grow.com is the amount of work required for data transformation. While the platform offers a Smart Builder, I've found myself leaning more on SQL to get the data into the shape I need. This might be partly due to my relatively short time using the system (only three months), as I'm still getting fully seasoned with all its capabilities.” User review
- “It is too expensive for what you get. There are better and cheaper options in the marker. Not cheap by a few bucks, but by almost 90%. We have decided to stop using Grow given the costs. We are using a much better and cheaper tool to get the same reports, graphs and tables.” User review
Pricing: Pricing not stated on its website
10 . Domo
Domo is a data platform that enables teams to connect, prepare, and analyze data from multiple sources in one environment. It supports end-to-end data workflows across departments, from data integration to visualization and AI-driven automation. Teams use Domo to break down silos, manage risk, and inform decisions through real-time access to unified insights.
Features:
- Data integration: Connect data from various internal and external systems and automate pipeline workflows across cloud and on-premise sources.
- AI agents and automation: Automate processes and generate insights using embedded AI assistants that respond to user prompts and detect anomalies.
- Business intelligence tools: Build dashboards, share insights, and explore data using self-service analytics across departments.
- Risk monitoring and analysis: Identify and evaluate fraud, loan default, and credit exposure using predictive data models.
Pros:
- Centralizes disconnected data into one platform for unified access
- Provides tools for automated workflows, alerts, and insight generation
- Supports both code and no-code users with flexible data prep and visualization tools
Cons:
- “One of the only downsides I have experienced is when new products get released within the tool things slow down a bit for a week or so. It's never permanent but can be a struggle sometimes.” User review
- “DOMO is a great product and I don't have much to say negatively about it! I think sometimes it can be a little difficult to understand how to create dashboards and get data to display the way you want it to. However, once you get the hang of it, things are actually pretty user-friendly.” User review
Pricing: Pricing isn’t stated on its website.
Benefits of using ad hoc reporting software
Ad hoc reporting software enables users to answer one-off questions, explore current performance, and share findings with internal or external stakeholders. Here are more benefits of using ad hoc reporting software.
Encourages collaboration between departments
Ad hoc reporting tools allow departments to pull the specific data they need in real time without waiting on centralized teams. Because teams access a shared platform, they can investigate overlapping metrics, compare outcomes, and share relevant results.
This visibility supports faster alignment across departments working toward the same business objectives.
Streamlines FP&A processes
Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) teams can generate tailored reports instantly, avoiding the delays of static reporting or IT requests. They can explore data by time period, product line, or location, and adjust reports on the fly without starting from scratch.
This flexibility reduces manual steps and increases the speed of forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis.
Improves decision-making
Real-time data allows teams to respond to current trends or anomalies rather than relying on outdated or static reports. Managers can monitor performance metrics against goals and act on updated insights.
This access to fresh, specific information supports decisions based on current conditions, not lagging indicators.
Makes it easier to share information with investors
Ad hoc reporting enables the creation of focused, one-time reports tailored for investor updates without exposing broader company data. These reports can highlight relevant metrics like revenue, churn, or product performance for specific timeframes.
This keeps data secure while providing transparency during fundraising or board meetings.
Reduces costs and time on reporting
Self-service reporting tools reduce the need for dedicated staff to build and distribute routine reports. Teams can pull only the data they need, which minimizes unnecessary reporting output.
This efficiency helps lower software, labor, and overhead costs tied to traditional reporting workflows.
What to consider when choosing an ad hoc reporting tool
Choosing the right ad hoc reporting and analysis tool requires evaluating more than just surface-level features. To ensure the platform aligns with your data goals and fits within your existing infrastructure, consider the following criteria:
Integration capabilities
Ad hoc reporting tools need to connect quickly to a wide range of data sources. These include spreadsheets, CRMs, cloud apps, and databases that teams use for fast decision-making. Real-time reporting depends on the ability to pull current data across systems without delay. Tools should support APIs, direct connectors, or file uploads to handle this.
Ease of use
A user-friendly interface lets business users build and customize reports without needing technical expertise. The tool should allow for drag-and-drop report creation, simple filtering, and intuitive navigation.
Customization
Strong customization capabilities let teams tailor dashboards and visualizations to specific business needs. Look for flexible layouts, white-labeling options, and the ability to personalize data views by stakeholder.
License restrictions
Some ad hoc tools, especially open source ones, come with use limitations. These may restrict commercial deployment, distribution, or third-party integrations. Ad hoc environments often require rapid setup and broad access across departments. Make sure the license doesn’t limit internal sharing or access.
If your reporting includes data from proprietary systems, check for conflicts in license terms. This is especially important for agencies and vendors.
How to implement your ad hoc reporting software
Implementing your ad hoc reporting software requires careful planning to ensure it delivers fast, accurate, and accessible insights. Make sure to:
- Review your data quality: Ad hoc reporting relies on fast, accurate outputs, so poor data quality leads to misleading results. Clean, structured, and up-to-date data must be in place before rollout.
- Focus on scalability: The tool should handle growing data sets and more users without slowing down or crashing. This ensures reports remain usable as demand and complexity increase.
- Use automation: Set up automation for repetitive actions like pulling updated datasets or refreshing visualizations. This reduces manual work and helps maintain report accuracy.
- Promote cross-collaboration: Make the software accessible to teams outside of IT or data. Cross-functional use improves reporting relevance and adds more context to the data.
- Optimize your software: Monitor report load times and user behavior to identify slowdowns or inefficiencies. Use that feedback to fine-tune data sources, queries, or access levels.
Choose the best ad hoc reporting tool for your financial business
Ad hoc reporting isn’t just about generating data on demand, it’s about driving smarter, faster decisions across your financial organization. Teams need a solution that connects reports to real-time data, supports self-service analysis, and keeps everything aligned with broader business goals.
Choose a platform that brings reporting, planning, and collaboration into one streamlined workflow. With the right tool, FP&A teams can explore trends, respond to investor questions, and model performance, all without leaving the spreadsheets they already trust.
Whether you're uncovering insights for your next board meeting or improving visibility across departments, Cube gives you the speed, accuracy, and flexibility to lead with data.