Pivot Grid vs Kibana: Improving Reporting in PeopleSoft ERP

In the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise resource planning (ERP), the role of reporting has become increasingly critical for organizations to make data-driven decisions. While Query Manager has served as a reliable reporting tool in PeopleSoft ERP, it has its limitations. In this blog, we will explore the need for dynamic interactive reporting, discuss the current visualization tools available, namely Pivot Grid and Kibana, compare their features and benefits, and highlight the advantages of using Kibana in PeopleSoft ERP.

Limitations of Query Manager

Despite its merits, Query Manager in PeopleSoft ERP presents several limitations:

• Complex Report Generation: Creating complex reports often requires technical expertise and knowledge of data structures, making it challenging for non-technical users to navigate.
• Limited Visualization Options: Query Manager primarily focuses on data extraction, lacking intuitive visualization tools such as charts and graphs to present data in a more compelling manner.
• Lack of Interactivity: Query Manager offers limited interactivity, hampering the ability to drill down into data or perform on-the-fly analysis.

The Need for Dynamic Interactive Reporting

Dynamic interactive reporting addresses the shortcomings of Query Manager and fulfills the evolving requirements of modern organizations:

• Real-Time Insights: Dynamic reporting provides access to real-time data, enabling users to make informed decisions based on the most up-to-date information.
• Enhanced Visualization: Interactive reporting tools offer a range of visualizations, including charts, graphs, and dashboards, to present data in a visually appealing and meaningful way.
• Ad-Hoc Analysis: With dynamic reporting, users can perform ad-hoc queries, apply filters, and drill down into specific data points, empowering them to uncover valuable insights on the fly.

Visualization Tools: Pivot Grid and Kibana

PeopleSoft ERP offers two powerful dynamic reporting tools: Pivot Grids and Kibana. Let's explore their features and capabilities:

Pivot Grids: Pivot Grids provide a user-friendly interface for interactive reporting within PeopleSoft ERP. They allow users to aggregate, summarize, and pivot data from multiple sources, offering various chart types and filtering options.

Kibana: Kibana in PeopleSoft ERP, brings advanced data visualization and exploration capabilities. It offers a broad range of visualizations, interactive dashboards, and features like filtering, drill-down, and real-time data updates.

Comparison of Pivot Grid and Kibana

• Ease of Use: Pivot Grids offer a native and integrated reporting experience within PeopleSoft ERP, while Kibana provides a more customizable and extensible solution.
• Visualization Options: Pivot Grids provide a variety of charts and graphs, whereas Kibana offers a broader range of visualizations and the ability to create custom visualizations.
• Interactivity: While both tools offer interactivity, Kibana provides more advanced filtering options, drill-down capabilities, and real-time data updates.
• Integration: Pivot Grids seamlessly integrate with PeopleSoft modules, while Kibana depends on Elasticsearch for integration with various data sources beyond PeopleSoft ERP.
• Performance: Pivot grid is suited for a smaller data set . If you have a large amount of data Kibana is recommended as it will not affect your database performance.

Benefits of Using Kibana in PeopleSoft ERP

• Advanced Data Exploration: Kibana provides a highly interactive interface, enabling users to explore data dynamically, apply filters, and drill down into specific details.
• Rich Visualization Options: Kibana offers an extensive library of visualizations, including maps, timelines, and graphs, allowing users to present data in a visually compelling manner.
• Real-Time Insights: Kibana leverages real-time data updates, providing users with the most current information for timely decision-making.
• Extensibility and Customization: Kibana's flexibility allows for the creation of custom visualizations, you can visualize external data sources in kibana by setting up the ES and Logstash in peoplesoft to meet specific business requirements.

Transitioning from Query Manager to dynamic interactive reporting in PeopleSoft ERP opens up new possibilities for organizations seeking more robust reporting capabilities. Overcoming the limitations of Query Manager, dynamic reporting tools like Pivot Grid and Kibana empower users with real-time insights, advanced data visualization options, and interactive exploration capabilities. By embracing Kibana, organizations can exercise the full potential of PeopleSoft ERP, enabling data-driven decision-making and propelling their business forward in the digital age.