What is a disadvantage of sharing reports as PDFs?

Sharing reports as PDFs indeed has a significant disadvantage in that they do not offer interactivity and can become outdated quickly. When information is crucial for analysis or decision-making, real-time access and interactivity are paramount. PDF reports are static; once created, the content cannot be changed or updated without generating a new document. This means that if new data becomes available or if there are modifications needed in the analysis, users must rely on a new version of the PDF, which may not be readily accessible or even created in a timely manner.

In contrast, formats that allow for interactivity, such as dashboards or online reports, enable users to engage with the data, filter information, and visualize it in ways that are most relevant to their needs at that moment. This adaptability fosters better insights and more informed decision-making. Therefore, the static nature of PDFs can hinder the effectiveness of report-sharing, particularly in fast-moving environments where data updates are frequent.