When deciding whether to customize a template or a report, what factor should be considered?

When determining whether to customize a template or a report, the amount of customization required is a crucial factor. This consideration helps to identify if the existing templates sufficiently meet the needs of the report or if the changes necessary are extensive enough to warrant a new design.

For instance, if the required modifications are minimal, it may be more efficient to adapt an existing template instead of starting from scratch. Conversely, if significant changes are necessary—like adding new sections, altering the layout drastically, or including specific data sets that don't fit into current templates—creating a new report is likely the better approach. By evaluating the level of customization needed, one can optimize effort, time, and resources to ensure that the final product effectively serves its intended purpose.

While aspects such as the color scheme, number of users, and printing options are important considerations in the context of usability and presentation, they do not directly address the fundamental question of whether customization is needed at all. Therefore, assessing the required amount of customization stands out as the most relevant factor in making this decision.