---
sourceDocument: Xanadu Platform Analytics
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/xanadu/now-intelligence

 Release :

    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu Platform Analytics

ft:clusterId :

    - par

bundleId :

    - par

workflow :

    - Platform


---

# Performance Analytics compared to Reporting

# Performance Analytics compared to Reporting {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read

Performance Analytics and Reporting are two distinct applications. They
address different use cases and are complementary to each other.  
Note:  
The Reporting application is being phased out and is no longer available for non-admin users on net new instances starting in Xanadu. However, the comparison still applies between data visualizations with table data sources and with Performance Analytics.

The line between Reporting and analytics is not always clear. Generally speaking, reporting shows current state and analytics shows trends. Reports are more suitable for managing records and analytics focuses on managing
processes. You need both.  
Performance Analytics is able to generate accurate historical trends by capturing continuous snapshots on a regular schedule. As illustrated by the following diagram, Reporting answers the question of "Where are we today," while Performance Analytics answers questions of what is happening over time.Figure 1. Common process insight questions for Reporting and for Performance Analytics  
In addition to calculating trends from snapshots, Performance Analytics is able to:

* Track performance against Targets.
* Alert when Thresholds are met.
* Forecast future performance.
* Compare performance at different points in time.
* Accelerate time to value with best practice metrics.
{#pa-vs-reporting-pa__ul_yzm_lkb_hhb}

Finally, while you can develop your Reporting solutions through trial and error, Performance Analytics requires background knowledge in how the feature works. You should carefully plan your Performance Analytics solutions and test them before implementing in a production environment.  
Important:  
Do not try to configure Performance Analytics without training. A poorly-designed Performance Analytics solution can severely impact performance and even destabilize your instance. The initial training, [Performance Analytics Essentials](https://learning.servicenow.com/lxp/en/now-intelligence/performance-analytics-pa-essentials?id=learning_course_prev&course_id=289a949bdb2b009015531cbd139619d1), is available free of charge.
**Related concepts**   

* [Planning your indicators](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/rj3fwrnuw48wJiIXMR93yg "Before creating an indicator, clarify what goals you wish to attain with the indicator.")
* [Design your Performance Analytics solution with KPI Composer](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/kFzGBJTE7vDxg2iyx8mfeQ "KPI Composer ensures that your performance management strategy aligns with business goals and has support from executive sponsors. Use KPI Composer to bridge the gap between defining your performance measurement strategy and the realization of that strategy from within Performance Analytics. Start with your business goals and plan all your components through indicators up to the final dashboard.")  
**Related tasks**   

* [Workflow for creating indicators](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/whHWTsC9u8FqlsusySWKMA "Start with ServiceNow AI Platform tables and work your way up to a completed indicator with score collection that you can share on a dashboard.")