---
title: "Integrated reporting system"
subject: "ICT Project Management"
chapter: 11
key: "semester_7/ict_project_management:integrated-reporting-system"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/integrated-reporting-system
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Integrated reporting system

ICT Project Management · Chapter 11: Project Communication Management

- Asked in: year not given
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/ict_project_management/integrated-reporting-system
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/ict_project_management/chapter-11

## Question

What do you mean by integrated reporting system?

## Short answer

An integrated reporting system consolidates data from scope, schedule, cost, quality and risk into a single consistent set of reports, providing one version of the truth. It uses a common database and WBS, offers multiple views, standard metrics, exception reporting, and reduces duplication while supporting faster decisions.

## Answer

An **integrated reporting system** collects data about scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk and other areas from all parts of the project and combines it into a single, consistent set of reports for stakeholders. Instead of separate reports from each team that may conflict, it gives one version of the truth, covering the whole project and linking with the organisation's systems (finance, HR, PMIS).

#### Features
- **Single source of data**: one project database or PMIS.
- **Common structure**: reports based on the WBS and cost accounts, so cost, time and scope information match.
- **Multiple views**: summary for executives, detail for managers and teams.
- **Standard templates and metrics**: earned value, milestone status, defects, risk exposure.
- **Regular schedule**: weekly or monthly, defined in the communication plan.
- **Exception reporting**: highlights only items beyond tolerance (red status).
- **Linked to change control and baselines.**

```text
Schedule  Cost  Quality  Risk  Scope
   \      |      |       |     /
    +---- Integrated database ----+
                  |
        Standard reports / dashboard
                  |
    Sponsor, Customer, Team, PMO
```

#### Contents of integrated report
| Section | Example |
|---|---|
| Summary status | Overall green/amber/red |
| Schedule | Milestones achieved, SPI |
| Cost | Budget vs actual, CPI, EAC |
| Scope and changes | Approved/pending changes |
| Quality | Defects open |
| Risks and issues | Top 5 risks |
| Next period plan | Upcoming activities |

#### Benefits
- Consistent and accurate information; avoids duplication.
- Faster, better decisions.
- Easier to see relations between cost, schedule and scope.
- Less effort in preparing reports.
- Supports portfolio-level reporting across projects.

#### Requirements
Data discipline (timely entry), proper tools, trained users, defined responsibilities.

**Example:** A software company uses Jira linked to its accounts system, so timesheets update cost data automatically and the weekly dashboard shows schedule, cost and bugs together.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is an integrated reporting system?
   A. Separate reports from each team
   B. A report of only costs
   C. A report of only risks
   D. It combines scope, schedule, cost, quality and risk data into one consistent set of reports
   Answer: D. It gives one version of the truth. (Key point: Definition)

2. Why are reports based on the WBS and cost accounts?
   A. So cost, time and scope information match
   B. To hide variances
   C. To avoid templates
   D. To remove baselines
   Answer: A. A common structure keeps data consistent. (Key point: Common structure)

3. What does exception reporting do?
   A. Reports every item
   B. Highlights only items beyond tolerance
   C. Hides red items
   D. Reports once a year
   Answer: B. It flags items outside tolerance, e.g. red status. (Key point: Exception reporting)

## Related in ICT Project Management

- [Integrated change control](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Aintegrated-change-control) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7
- [Need for documentation and reporting](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Adocumentation-reporting-system) — ICT Project Management, chapter 11
- [System development methodologies](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Asystem-development-methodologies) — ICT Project Management, chapter 4
- [System view of project management](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Asystem-view-three-parts) — ICT Project Management, chapter 5
- [Project management information system](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fict_project_management%3Apmis) — ICT Project Management, chapter 7

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