One of the key aspects of any business plan is the ability to project data within a number of different scenarios. Obviously the meat of any report lies in the analysis of the proposed set of statistics but it is always useful to be able to produce hypothetical results based upon tweaking the variables. In this way you can create a 'what-if?' alternative which can be both illuminating and cautionary and ensure that you have a grasp of all the possibilities.

This capability is one of the unique selling points of Crystal Reports 2008, SAP's report generating software application. It has always been one SAP's main aims to incorporate developments in technology into their software in order to make business reports more interactive and direct. For too long reports have been viewed as dry, uninspiring documents all too easily ignored or only superficially engaged with. By harnessing the power of Flash and Xcelsius SAP have transformed common or garden reports into entities that can be utilised and manipulated to the extent that they can form part of the business plan itself, rather than merely commenting on it.

The 'what-if?' variations are developed within the program which means that you do not have to repeatedly recreate them whenever you wish to view a subtly different set of hypothetical data. The full range of statistical scenarios are stored within the program allowing for easy access and eliminating the need to discard any versions due to space restrictions.

But these data variations do not have to be solely hypothetical. Another key component of Crystal Reports 2008 is an unprecedented level of 'actionability.' The reliance on Flash means that decisions can be made and actions taken from within the report. Should an alternative projection of data reveal hitherto unforeseen benefits it is quite possible for that data to be initiated straight from the report thus providing the user with a swift and accessible means of acting on fresh information.

These interactive reports can also be embedded in email, Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office making it easy to share vital, constantly changing information with colleagues and clients. As a means of conveying diverse ideas within a large corporation Crystal Reports 2008 is second to none.

But be warned, Crystal Reports is most definitely a professional tool. It is a huge program which requires a substantial amount of hard drive space to successfully install and features are not recommended for the complete novice. The complexity of the program is ideally suited to a sprawling corporate organisation which requires stylistic uniformity across its departments, rather than small businesses or cottage industries.

To ensure that you are not kept in the dark about Crystal Reports capabilities it is highly recommended that you undertake a course in the program. This will provide you with the necessary knowledge and confidence to get to grips with the many different facets of the program. Once you have a grounding in the basics Crystal Reports can produce reports for your organisation that will amaze and delight with their levels of interaction and adaptability.