# Getting started with reports

The SMC Client provides extensive reporting tools for generating reports on information stored in the SMC. The summaries that make up the reports can be illustrated with different types of charts and tables.

Reports allow you to gather and visualize data in an easy-to-read format that provides an overview of what is happening in the network and that you can customize. Reports are configured and generated in the Monitoring view. You can view reports as graphs, charts, tables, and geolocation maps.

You can generate reports based on two types of runtime data:

- Log data — Consists of distinct events (for example, a connection opening or closing). It contains all details about each event including the exact time when the event occurred. Log data can be filtered granularly, but running statistics from the raw logs can be slow, especially when using a long data period.
- Counter data — Consists of pre-processed summaries of statistics that are based on sums or averages of events or traffic units within a certain period. Counter data that is older than an hour is consolidated by the hour. Counter items produce statistics quickly, even for long periods of data, but they can only be filtered by sender.

You can create reports on log, alert, and audit entries and statistical monitoring information.

You can generate reports based on predefined Report Designs and Report Sections or on Report Designs that you have created yourself. You can use your own Style Template for PDF creation to give the reports a unified corporate look.

You can view the reports in the SMC Client and in the Web Portal.

You can export reports in PDF, HTML, or plain text format, so that the files can be printed and shared. You can also directly email reports as they are generated.

Various ready-made Report Designs are provided. You can customize the existing templates or design new reports to meet your needs.

In addition to creating and generating reports based on Report Designs, you can also quickly create reports in the Logs view, in the Log Analysis arrangement, for example.

To provide auditing information in compliance with regulatory standards, you can generate a purpose-built System Summary report that summarizes elements, administrators, policies, and other details about system configuration and events.