How to Automate Board Reporting and Save Time

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Olivia Lee
Board Governance Expert
5 min read

Board reporting is a critical function for any organization, providing essential insights into performance, risks, and opportunities. However, the traditional process of creating and distributing board reports can be incredibly time-consuming, involving manual data collection, tedious formatting, and endless rounds of revisions.

Fortunately, automation is transforming board reporting, offering significant time savings and improved accuracy. Here's how you can automate your board reporting process:

1. Identify Repetitive Tasks:

The first step is to identify the repetitive tasks that consume the most time in your current reporting process. This might include:

  • Data Collection: Gathering data from various sources.
  • Data Entry: Manually entering data into spreadsheets or reports.
  • Report Formatting: Creating charts, graphs, and tables.
  • Report Distribution: Sending reports to board members via email or other channels.

2. Choose the Right Tools:

Select software solutions that can automate these tasks. Board management platforms like Boardly offer a range of features designed to streamline board reporting:

  • Automated Report Generation: Pull data from integrated systems and automatically generate reports based on pre-defined templates.
  • AI-Powered Writing Assistance: Boardly's AI can help draft, proofread, and refine reports, significantly reducing writing time. It can cut down the time needed to write reports by as much as 75%.
  • Centralized Data Repository: Store all relevant data in a single location, making it easy to access and use for reporting.
  • Customizable Dashboards: Create dashboards that track key metrics and provide real-time insights for your board.

3. Integrate with Existing Systems:

To maximize automation, integrate your board reporting tools with other business systems, such as your accounting software, CRM, and ERP. This allows for seamless data flow and eliminates the need for manual data entry.

4. Standardize Templates and Processes:

Create standardized templates for all your board reports to ensure consistency and reduce formatting time. Establish clear processes for report creation, review, and approval.

5. Schedule Report Distribution:

Use your chosen software to schedule the automatic distribution of reports to board members. This ensures that everyone receives the necessary information on time, without requiring manual intervention.

6. Train Your Team:

Provide adequate training to your team on how to use the automation tools effectively. Ensure everyone understands the new processes and workflows.

Automating Board Reporting for Greater Efficiency

Boardly's board management platform is designed to automate and streamline every aspect of board reporting. From AI-powered writing assistance to automated report generation and distribution, Boardly helps you reclaim valuable time.

Portrait of a woman
Olivia Lee
Senior Risk Manager
Former PWC and EY
Syney, London, New York