What is an ad hoc report?

An ad hoc report is defined as a specific, one-time request for data analysis or information that addresses a particular issue or question. Often created in response to an immediate need or situation, these reports are not part of a routine reporting schedule. They allow analysts to provide tailored insights based on the unique circumstances presented at the moment.

This type of report contrasts with regular scheduled reports, which follow a set time-frame and purpose, such as monthly or quarterly summaries. It also differs from long-term data analysis, as ad hoc reports focus on immediate inquiries rather than ongoing trends or historical data. Furthermore, while a summary of annually collected data may provide an overview of trends over the years, an ad hoc report is created to serve specific requests that may not recur. Hence, the characteristic of being a one-time request makes this option the correct identification of an ad hoc report.