BeaconTM uses the Paripoorna reporting framework for generating reports. The reporting framework facilitates
Operational Control
Management Control
Strategic Planning
In view of these levels the framework serves up information in required summary at each level with a capability to drill down for details. The characteristics of the information vary along several lines, depending on the level of use.
Reports
As we can see from the image above the primary lines are as follows
All operational data are generated from internal sources—accounting records, client
files, staff reports. The more strategic the use, the more information will be drawn
from external sources, such as growth trends.
Coverage
Strategic information deals with a diversity of topics and looks at issues related
to the institution as a whole. Moving down the pyramid, information becomes more
defined, narrower in focus, relating to single activities, departments, or employees.
Aggregation
Strategic information will look at loan repayment performance for the institution
as a whole. Management information will look at repayment performance for each branch
office, line of credit, or loan officer. Operational information will look at repayment
performance for each loan.
Time Scope
Strategic information will be forward-looking, predictive, and speculative. Operational
information will be based on historical data. Management information compares actual
(or historical) data with budgeted (or predictive) targets.
Age
Operational data will be based on recent information—in some cases the more recent
the better. Loan officers will know as soon as possible which clients have paid
and which are delinquent. Even if staffs do not visit delinquent clients until five
days after a missed payment, the information will be up to date to ensure that they
do not visit clients who made their payment on the fourth day.
Precision
Precision is most important for operational information, on which staff are likely
to take immediate action. Cashiers need to know the precise interest and penalties
to charge clients; accountants need to know precise amounts to write checks for
recently approved loans. Management information can tolerate some imprecision; supervisors
can review financial statements that are only 95 percent complete and still reach
meaningful conclusions. Strategic information tolerates the broadest range of uncertainty
because it deals with the future.
Frequency of use
Operational information will be generated frequently—monthly, weekly, even daily,
and sometimes on demand. Management information is less frequent, usually monthly
or quarterly. Strategic information is needed only periodically— usually once a
year.
