Make the smart choice for your operations.
Both XLReporter and Dream Report generate reports. Here’s an honest, side-by-side look at what each platform offers — so you can choose with confidence.
The reporting solution that speaks Excel natively.
XLReporter connects to your data and fills your existing Excel templates automatically — no proprietary designer, no rebuilding, no retraining.
Try before you commit
XLReporter’s free trial gives you full access to every feature and connector from the moment you install — connect to your real data sources, build your first report, and see exactly what XLReporter can do before you spend a penny.
Up and running in hours, not weeks
XLReporter works the way your team already works — bring your existing Excel knowledge, start with spreadsheets you already have, and build your first automated report without writing a single line of code, script, or SQL.
Works with everything you already run
With 90+ pre-built industrial connectors, XLReporter integrates directly with the historians, SCADA systems, and databases already running on your plant floor — no middleware, no custom development, no rip and replace.
How SmartSights compares to Dream Report
What SmartSights customers say.
LCWSA replaced paper logs with real-time, data-driven operations.
“By upgrading and integrating technology like SmartSights WIN-911 and XLReporter, we are able to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Bridging the gap between people, processes, and tools allows us to empower our team and strive for a more proactive and efficient operation.”
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer here? Our team is available to walk through any question you have.
What is the difference between XLReporter and DreamReport?
While both XLReporter and Dream Report connect to industrial data sources and automate report generation and distribution, XLReporter goes further in three key areas. First, it fills your existing Excel templates unchanged — no proprietary designer required. Second, it includes a dedicated SmartSights Mobile App for on-the-go report access. Third, it delivers out-of-the-box ISA 18.2 alarm management analytics that Dream Report does not offer. XLReporter also sits within the broader SmartSights ecosystem alongside WIN-911, giving plants a single vendor for both reporting and alarm notification.
Does XLReporter require me to rebuild my existing Excel templates in a new design environment?
No. XLReporter populates your existing Excel files directly — preserving every formula, format, and layout exactly as designed. There is no proprietary report designer to learn and no template rebuilding required.
Do I need a separate database or data warehouse to run reports?
No. XLReporter reads directly from your existing historians, SCADA systems, and databases and writes directly to your reports — no intermediate database, no ETL pipeline, and no new infrastructure to manage or license.
Does XLReporter include a dedicated mobile app for viewing and running reports in the field?
Yes. The SmartSights Mobile App gives operators, supervisors, and managers on-demand access to reports from any iOS or Android device — with role-based security and no custom development required.
Can XLReporter analyze our alarm system and report on ISA 18.2 performance metrics?
Yes. XLReporter’s Alarm Management Module connects directly to your SCADA or HMI alarm database and generates ISA 18.2 KPI reports out of the box — including bad actors, chattering alarms, alarm floods, stale alarms, and acknowledgement times. No scripting or third-party modules required.
Does XLReporter support electronic signatures and audit trails for regulated industries?
Yes. XLReporter supports electronic signatures on reports and maintains a full audit trail of user activity — including report generation and configuration changes — supporting compliance requirements in water/wastewater, life sciences, food & beverage, and other regulated industries.
See XLReporter live in your plant.
Start a free trial or talk to one of our experts. No pressure, no obligation.
Start your free trial
Evaluate XLReporter on your actual systems before committing to anything. No cost, no obligation.
Connect in a day
Direct connects to AVEVA, Rockwell, GE, and Ignition mean your SCADA is live in hours, not weeks.
Go live with confidence
Your team gets hands-on training. We validate every alarm route before cutover. Zero disruption.