Benefits of Platform Analytics (Data Visualization) vs Traditional Reports in the Australia Release

[BattuLakshmi]

Hi Everyone,

I would like to understand the benefits of Platform Analytics / Data Visualization compared to traditional Reports in the Australia release.

I noticed that when creating a new report, the system redirects to Platform Analytics → Data Visualization instead of the classic report designer.

Could anyone help explain:

• The key advantages of Platform Analytics over traditional reports
• Recommended use cases for Platform Analytics
• Any limitations or differences compared to classic reporting
• Available documentation, presentations, or learning resources that can help understand this transition

Any guidance or reference materials would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Tanushree Maiti]

Hi @BattuLakshmi 

Check

 Platform Analytics: Adoption Guidance & Known Issues Reference (Updated June 2026)

Platform Analytics experience release notes 

https://www.servicenow.com/community/upgrades-and-patching-forum/servicenow-australia-release-2026-c...

https://4help.vt.edu/sp?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0015924&sys_kb_id=259a08de1b243a90d2e4620160...

[Dr Atul G- LNG]

Hi  

You can check this link:

https://www.servicenow.com/uk/platform/platform-analytics.html

Platform Analytics (PA) vs. Legacy Reporting

Now, let's discuss Platform Analytics (PA) versus Legacy Reporting.

Legacy Reporting has been a powerful reporting solution for many years. However, as business requirements have evolved, the demand for richer visualizations, advanced analytics, and interactive dashboards has grown. Many of these modern capabilities are difficult or impossible to achieve using Legacy Reporting alone.

To address these changing needs, ServiceNow introduced Platform Analytics (PA), which provides a more modern and flexible reporting experience.

Why Platform Analytics?

• Modern User Experience: PA offers a simplified and intuitive interface for creating reports and dashboards.
• More than Reports: Unlike Legacy Reporting, PA enables you to create interactive dashboards, scorecards, and visual analytics in addition to standard reports.
• Enhanced Customization: You can easily customize report colors, titles, layouts, add images, headings, descriptions, and other visual elements to create more engaging reports.
• Improved Sharing & Collaboration: Sharing dashboards and reports is much easier. PA also provides multiple export options, including PowerPoint, making it convenient for presentations and stakeholder reviews.
• Natural Language Query (NLQ): PA supports Natural Language Query, allowing users to retrieve insights using simple, conversational language.
• Advanced Data Sources: PA can analyze data from multiple tables and higher-level data sources, enabling more comprehensive reporting and analytics.

Why Move to Platform Analytics?

Platform Analytics is the future of reporting on the ServiceNow platform. It introduces significant improvements in usability, visualization, collaboration, and analytical capabilities.

ServiceNow recommends adopting Platform Analytics for new reporting requirements, and organizations should start planning their migration from Legacy Reporting. Based on ServiceNow's roadmap, Legacy Reports are expected to be migrated to Platform Analytics by 2027, making it a good time to start exploring and adopting PA for future reporting needs.