Custom Reporting vs Power BI: Which Should You Choose?
Compare custom reporting solutions and Power BI on flexibility, cost and integration. Discover which approach fits your data needs.
Custom fits embedded reporting and full control; Power BI fits self-service and standard BI. Both can coexist.
Custom reporting
Tailor-built dashboards and reports integrated into your application and workflow.
Power BI
Microsoft’s BI platform for self-service analytics, dashboards and enterprise reporting.
What are the key differences between Custom reporting and Power BI?
| Feature | Custom reporting | Power BI |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Seamless in own app and portal | Separate tool, embedding possible |
| Flexibility | Full control over visualization and logic | Rich visuals, limited by model |
| Cost | Development cost, then low | Per-user licenses |
| Self-service | Limited, developers needed for changes | Strong, business users can adapt |
What is the verdict on Custom reporting vs Power BI?
Custom fits embedded reporting and full control; Power BI fits self-service and standard BI. Both can coexist.
Which option does MG Software recommend?
MG Software builds custom reporting into products and portals. For standalone BI we recommend Power BI. We combine both when needed.
Frequently asked questions
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