Why My Reports Start in Spreadsheets (and Why That’s Okay)

How to think like a business owner—not a BI wizard—and still get the data you need

I’ll let you in on a secret: some of the best ISP reporting ideas begin in a spreadsheet.

Not because modern business intelligence tools aren’t powerful. They are. But if you're running an ISP—managing installations, reducing customer churn, or identifying friction points in your customer journey—it’s not just the software that gives you insight. It’s the questions you’re asking.

The challenge? Translating those questions into a dashboard or SQL query often creates a roadblock. That’s not a failure—it’s a sign you’re not a data engineer. (And unless that’s your job title? That’s probably a strength.)

Why Business Intelligence Tools Need More Than Just Data

Modern BI software, like Sonar’s embedded BI suite, unlocks over 6,500 data relationships. You can automate dashboards, set alerts, and share real-time insights across departments.

But they’re not plug-and-play.

They need structured data, consistent usage, and a strong understanding of how operational elements connect. If you want to unlock real-time ISP analytics beyond surface metrics, you need someone fluent in both SQL and ISP operations.

Think of BI tools like high-performance bikes—precise, powerful, and fast, but not intuitive for a mid-race entry.

Spreadsheets Aren’t a Step Back—They’re a Strategic Start

A spreadsheet is where strategy takes shape. It’s where ISPs map out:

• First-time fix rates by quarter

• Time between job booking and service activation

• Conversion rates from installation to revenue

No dashboard required—just clarity about the metrics that matter.

You don’t need to master dashboard tools to think like a business owner. You just need to define what success looks like—and start measuring it.

How Sonar’s DataConnect Turns Questions Into Answers

Sonar’s DataConnect Consulting services were built for this exact purpose.

Say you want to track your sales-to-activation conversion rate. Or figure out where jobs drop off. We don’t hand you a report—we build the reporting layer that helps you act on insight.

This is the difference between running a freelance-style operation and scaling like an entrepreneur. As outlined in The E-Myth, the key to scale is building systems—not just doing the work, but creating tools that do it for you.

You’re not trying to become a BI expert. You’re becoming the kind of operator who knows when to call in the right kind of expert.

Where Sonar Fits in Your Data Strategy

Right at the intersection of insight and execution.

Sonar’s embedded BI connects operational and financial data—activations, job completions, custom fields, billing status. And with DataConnect Consulting, our team helps you tackle the complex parts—like setting up secure data access, structuring models, and integrating with your BI tools—so you can stay focused on decisions, not data plumbing.

You bring the “what” and the “why.” We’ll help you architect the “how.”

Final Word: Keep Asking the Right Questions

You don’t need to master every analytics tool to grow your business.

You need to stay focused on the KPIs that move the needle. Ask better questions. And when it’s time to scale, work with a team that helps you turn metrics into momentum.

Let the unicyclists juggle. You keep pedaling forward.

Want to turn your install data, FTFR rates, or revenue metrics into actionable dashboards?

Connect with Sonar’s Professional Services team. With DataConnect, we’ll help you close the gap between insight and impact.