SimplyReports offers only one format when downloading the results of a report, and that is a questionably formatted xls file that always throws a warning when opening in Microsoft Excel. Microsoft left the xls format behind almost 15 years ago when they launched the xlsx format in Excel 2007. My idea is not only to update the downloadable report format to xlsx, but add reporting formats now common in data handling and processing:Update xls and replace it with xlsxAdd export to OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods)Add export to CSVAdd export to JSONAdd export to PDF

Additionally, it'd be an excellent update to see SimplyReports offer downloads with file names that make sense and better identify the report. "PatStats_16331.xls" doesn't tell me anything apart from the report type. "Patron Stats 03-07-2022 0915.xlsx" gives me much better information at just one glance.

Idea Value
I've put in many hours over the last decade and a half where I've needed to tell Excel it's okay to open the xls file from SimplyReports, make the changes I need, and then save the report as an xlsx file afterwards. It's even more cumbersome when dealing with multiple reports, each with cryptic file names like ItemStats330971.xls, ItemStats74501.xls, and PatStats_16331.xls. I'm sure those numbers mean something, but they don't identify the files in any meaningful way. But in the end, .xls isn't useful for anything except converting to another file format.

Beyond time savings, adding additional export options greatly increases the usefulness and portability of a report. A report rendered in JSON can be used in API based functionality and dashboards. A CSV report is easily imported into almost anything. A PDF can be sent to administrators who don't need anything beyond the data itself. And an ODS file allows anyone to use the output with free and open source software stacks.

Many Polaris admins work with data in so many ways. It'd be fantastic if we could get the basic file we need right away rather than forcing us into the Step 0 situation of "Before doing anything else: Convert the downloaded report to a working file format."