State-of-the-art features in online reports
Responsive design
Responsive design allows for an ideal presentation of web content, not only on large screens, but also on smartphones and tablet computers. The layout adjusts automatically to the available browser size, without the need for an additional mobile version. This makes the usage of online reports more comfortable for mobile visitors, and will thus continue to gain in importance in the future. Example: Volkswagen
iPad version
nexxar offers a native iOS and Android app to complete your multi-channel reporting strategy. The app serves as reporting home and provides quick access to the available online reports. An offline version of the report’s PDF is provided as well. On touch screen devices the navigation supports certain finger movements, such as zooming or swiping across the screen to turn the page. Furthermore, a push notification informs users directly when a new report is available. Example: AkzoNobel
ChartGenerator
This tool allows for the tailored creation of graphics with the aid of an interactive selection and a variety of further options. The respective selection can be saved and printed as an image or an Excel table. On request, the ChartGenerator can also be integrated into the client’s corporate website. Examples: Holcim, Bosch, BASF
Fast facts
The fast facts function offers a summary of the key content of selected sections of the report. By replacing texts with visual elements, users can gain a quick overview of the key contents, with the option of obtaining more detailed information by means of further links. Examples: Legal & General, Shell
Moving image
Interaction between the user and the report is boosted through the multimedia nature of the contents, thereby actively involving the user. In addition, nexxar always makes sure to provide free access to information to everyone. Example: Shell
Interactive materiality matrix
The materiality analysis as an interactive overview allows the user to display material issues in different views, e.g. a collected view or separately, ordered by relevance from the perspective of the company or the stakeholders. Individual issues can be linked with related information in the report and encourage the user to further explore the report. Example: HHLA
Feedback
As a point of reference for dialogue, users are invited to submit feedback on certain topics. Once completed, the form is sent via e-mail or entered into a database. Example: Linde Group
Chart gallery
All graphics from the report (bar, line or pie charts) are offered globally in a separate gallery where they can be viewed and downloaded. Furthermore, each image contains a link leading to the corresponding section. Example: BASF (see right panel)
Search – keywords/find as you type
1) Keywords are a “guided” search function shows important search terms in a selection box. The user is offered a list containing the most relevant hits, regardless of whether this specific term actually appears in the text or not.
2) While entering a search term, a list of content found in the report is displayed beneath the search box. The list is ranked by relevance and adapts automatically to the input. This form of support leads users to the required hits more quickly. Example: Akzo Nobel
Dynamic table
This new feature converts the numbers in a table row “on mouse-over” into a line chart. A button above the table allows for this extra feature to be turned on/off. Technologically, this plug-in abstains from Flash, and can therefore fully function on the iPad/iPhone. Example: BASF
GRI-backlinking
By means of GRI-backlinking corresponding indicators from the GRI-table are provided automatically on every page of the report. On click, all additional information to the GRI-indicators is shown. This allows for a more extensive integration of the GRI-index within the report. Examples: Linde Group, BASF
Interactive single charts
Graphs and tables from the printed report are animated as bar, line or pie charts. Any graphic or table in the report can serve as database. Example: Liechtensteinische Landesbank
Cross-references
After a detailed analysis of the content, we offer a network of “further information” based on the structure of the report. This network includes links to topic-related contents. The concept is similar to what is known from online shops: “Users who are interested in this topic usually also feel addressed by the following.” Example: BASF (see right panel)
Compare to last year
This function offers a link on each page of the online report to the corresponding page of the previous year’s report. Explanations and figures can therefore be compared quickly and easily over several years. Example: METRO GROUP
Layer glossary
This glossary function offers an explanation or definition of terms or abbreviations, by moving the mouse over or by clicking on the required term. Example: Telekom Austria
Download Manager
The PDF Manager allows for the compilation of a tailored PDF, containing all sections selected by the user. The Download Manager uses a shopping basket function to merge files (Excel, PDF or MP3) into a personal .zip file. Example: KION GROUP
Print Manager
The Print Manager collects selected content during the session. The selection can be printed all together with or without images, thereby saving time and toner. Example: Volkswagen
Top 10
The 10 pages in the report that are most frequently accessed are displayed by means of a database interface. This data is generated in “real time” and therefore always up-to-date. Example: Liechtensteinische Landesbank
Corresponding PDF page
This function offers a link on each page of the online report which opens the PDF version at exactly the same position as the current online page. Example: Deutsche Bank
Accessibility
To achieve Level AA and AAA, all contents of the report that normally could not be read aloud by screen readers (e.g. pictures, animations, videos) for blind and visually impaired persons are additionally described by means of a text. In case of L&G, a textual description of charts is offered. Example: Legal & General
Search engine optimisation (SEO)
More and more users locate online reports through search engines. The best possible way of indexing the content of a report is thus the key for good visibility in search results. Example: Google search for BASF annual report
Must-have features in online reports
Search tool*
On the basis of several extensive user analyses, a search function was developed that offers important advantages over searching in printed documents (PDF): search matches are arranged by relevance (title, subtitle, body text). The searched term is highlighted with colour for better identification, both in the hit list and on the pages themselves. Example: Legal & General
Download page for PDF and XLS*
A download page for PDF and XLS files offers a simple, but effective way of compiling various pages and sections of the report for download. Example: Galápagos
Indexed XLS file*
The indexed Excel file contains all tables of the report in individual worksheets. The values are formatted in a manner that allows for further calculation. Example: Snam
Service side bar and social sharing*
“Print this page” allows users to print the content of the current page with the option of excluding pictures and photos, thereby reducing print run costs. “Recommend this page” forwards a link with the URL of the page via e-mail to a friend. This function can be combined with Share-It/social media tools. Back/Next/Bottom/Top-buttons on the webpage are an additional navigational tool. Example: Schroders
Cross-linking of financial statements with notes*
Linking is what Hyper-Text-Markup-Language (HTML) is all about. This is carried out throughout the entire report wherever reference is made to another section. Example: Wincor Nixdorf
Light boxes to enlarge tables or graphs*
If graphs or tables are too large to fit into the content frame of a report, this option is applied to accommodate readability. Example: voestalpine
Highlighting table rows*
Highlighting table rows on-mouse-over or on-click facilitates orientation, especially in large tables. Example: voestalpine
Legible URL structure*
A legible URL structure improves and facilitates the orientation within the report. When receiving a recommended page such as http://reports.wacker.com/2014/annual-report/management-report/financial-position/financial-management.html the recipient can easily determine that the recommended page refers to the Financial Management section within the Management Report.
Contact, help and sitemap*
Service pages help make full use of the online report.
* nexxar standard features.