Most multi-level report systems speed up reporting by duplicating a master deck. That saves time, but it doesn’t solve the bigger issue: someone still has to build that master deck by hand. Rule-based reporting changes the model entirely — it creates the deck automatically, adapting instantly to every survey.
Why Multi-Level Reporting Matters
Multi-level reporting (sometimes called batch or burst reporting) is a powerful tool for large trackers and multi-market studies. Instead of building dozens of reports manually, you create one master deck and duplicate it across filters such as:
● Country
● Brand
● Wave
This ensures consistency and saves time compared to fully manual reporting.
But there’s a catch: the original deck still has to be designed page by page before duplication happens. If surveys change, slides must be updated manually, which slows down delivery.
How Rule-Based Reporting Improves on Multi-Level
Rule-based reporting removes the dependency on a handcrafted master deck. Instead, the system builds reports live using survey logic:
● Slide creation: Generated automatically based on question type, answer format, and single vs. multiple choice.
● Dynamic updates: New questions trigger new slides instantly, without redesign.
● Universal rules: Apply once, then reuse across any survey for a complete deck.
This means reporting is not only consistent across audiences, but also adaptive to change.
Examples of Use Cases
Multi-country trackers:
Instead of building a master deck and duplicating it, rule-based reporting generates a fresh deck for every market automatically.
Ad-hoc studies:
New questions don’t require template rewiring — slides are created on the fly.
Continuous research programs:
Every survey, no matter how often the design changes, gets a presentation-ready deck instantly.
Best Practices for Using Rule-Based Reporting
Define rules once:
Set up slide-generation logic (by question type) so every survey follows the same standard.
Monitor consistency:
Use branded PowerPoint templates so automated decks match your design standards.
Leverage automation:
Apply the same rule set across multiple studies for faster turnaround.
Stay adaptive:
Let the system generate new slides automatically as surveys evolve.
FAQ
What is a multi-level report?
A multi-level report lets you duplicate a master deck across filters such as country, brand, or wave.
Does multi-level reporting remove manual work?
Only partly. Duplication is automated, but the master deck must still be built by hand.
What is rule-based reporting?
Rule-based reporting generates reports dynamically using survey structure — no pre-built templates required.
Which is better for large research programs?
Multi-level reporting is useful for scaling, but rule-based reporting is more efficient for evolving surveys since it adapts instantly.
Can I use both approaches?
Yes. Many teams start with multi-level reporting and then move to rule-based as complexity increases.
Why Rule-Based Reporting Is the Future
Multi-level reports were a breakthrough in reporting automation, solving the problem of scaling one deck across many audiences. But they still depend on manual setup.
Rule-based reporting goes further — it automates the creation of the deck itself. Reports adapt dynamically to survey changes, reducing manual work to near zero and freeing teams to focus on insights. If you’d like to see the bigger picture of how we streamline research reporting, learn more about how we automate surveys and make data delivery faster, smarter, and more consistent.
👉 Want to see rule-based reporting in action? Book a demo and experience how effortless reporting can be.