How to hack it? Too often, associations rely on the dreaded PDF document to deliver annual reports and other critical information to members. That was once the case for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, but this year ELFA gave its members access to an online version of its annual Survey on Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA). The digital dashboard allows members to access 10 years of data, including this year’s findings.

Why does it work? A dashboard of current and historical data allows ELFA members to search for the information they need most. ELFA used Tableau to digitize its annual survey, but there are other data tools, such as DataHero and Microsoft Power BI, that can be used to create similar dashboards.

“Expanding the SEFA from an annual report to an interactive dashboard allows users to quickly and easily connect to the information they care about and take a deeper dive into the data,” said Bill Choi, vice president of research and industry services, in a statement. “Whether you’re wondering about trends in the equipment finance industry or looking for new business opportunities, the online SEFA lets you view this rich data set in a new way.”

What’s the bonus? The digital dashboard also gives members a way to benchmark themselves to evaluate their competitive position in the marketplace, offering a valuable benefit that encourages them to engage with the association.

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