What is a crucial first step before constructing a custom report?

Determining all required fields is a fundamental first step before constructing a custom report because it establishes the foundation of the report’s structure and content. By identifying which fields are necessary, you ensure that the report captures all relevant data needed to meet the reporting objectives. This step allows you to focus on essential metrics and dimensions that stakeholders want to analyze, ensuring that the report will provide meaningful insights.

Starting with a clear understanding of the required fields also helps streamline the report-building process by preventing the inclusion of unnecessary information that may clutter the report or detract from its purpose. A well-defined list of fields ensures that the reporting process is efficient and that the final output is both accurate and useful to the end-users.