Many universities continue to rely on spreadsheets and email driven processes to manage critical institutional reporting, creating risk, duplication and unnecessary effort for staff. This presentation shares how CQUniversity approached reporting transformation as a strategic capability, shaped by learning and iteration rather than a technology led mindset.

Using Microsoft Power Platform (low code/no code) with SharePoint, the Stretch RAP Reporting App was developed to replace spreadsheet-based reporting with a more structured and transparent process. Early use and post go live review revealed where complexity undermined usability and confidence, highlighting the need to simplify rather than add functionality.

These insights directly informed the design of the University Performance Reporting (UPR) App, which now supports Divisional Plan reporting across the University. Rather than replicating features, the UPR App reflects a more deliberate and mature approach, simplifying workflows, clarifying roles and expectations, and ensuring governance is proportionate to need.

This session reflects on how resisting over engineering, reusing proven patterns and prioritising user experience improved confidence in reporting outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how low code/no code approaches can support sustainable, trustworthy institutional reporting when strategic intent, governance and simplicity guide design decisions.