Create Custom Azure Reports

The Azure Report Configuration tool allows you to create custom reports tailored to your specific needs. You can select which Azure AD properties to include, apply filters to limit the data, arrange columns, and save your configuration for future use.

Accessing the Report Configuration Tool

There are two ways to create or edit a custom Azure report:

Method 1: Using the Customize Report Button

1. Navigate to "Azure Reports (Beta)" in the left navigation panel
2. Select a report from the "User Reports" tree to load it
3. Click the "Customize Report" button in the ribbon menu under the "Report" section
4. Configure your report settings, then use "Save as Custom..." to save it as a new custom report

Method 2: Using the Context Menu

1. Navigate to "Azure Reports (Beta)" in the left navigation panel
2. Right-click on a pre-defined report under "User Reports" (e.g., All Users, Enabled Users, Disabled Users, Admins, or Guest Users)
3. Select "Create Custom Report from This..." from the context menu

The Azure Report Configuration window will open with four main sections accessible from the left navigation panel.

Editing Existing Custom Reports

To edit an existing custom report, expand the "Custom Reports" category in the report tree, then right-click on the custom report and select:

• Edit Custom Report... - Opens the configuration tool to modify the report
• Duplicate Custom Report... - Creates a copy that you can modify without changing the original

1. Property Selection

The Property Selection section allows you to choose which Azure AD user properties to include in your report. Properties are organized by category for easier navigation.

Available Categories

Properties are grouped into the following categories:

• Activity - Sign-in and activity-related properties
• Additional - Extended user attributes
• Contact - Phone numbers, business phones, and mobile phone
• Identity - Display Name, Email, ID, Mail Nickname, User Principal Name, User Type
• Licensing - License assignment information
• Location - Office, City, Country, and other location data
• Personal - Job Title, Department, and other personal information
• Security - Security-related attributes
• Status - Account Enabled, Created date, Is Admin, Last Password Change

Selecting Properties

To select or deselect properties:

• Check or uncheck individual properties by clicking the checkbox next to each property
• Expand or collapse categories using the arrow icon next to the category name
• Use "Select All" to include all 42 available properties
• Use "Select None" to deselect all properties
• Use "Core Only" to select the 5 core properties marked with a star (★)
• Use "Reset to Default" to restore the default selection of 15 properties
• Use "Expand All" or "Collapse All" to show or hide all category contents

The counter at the top shows how many properties are currently selected (e.g., "15 of 42 properties selected (Core: 5, Default: 15)").

You can also search for properties using the search box at the top by typing property names or descriptions.

2. OData Filter

The OData Filter section allows you to create filters to limit which Azure AD users are included in your report. The filter builder generates OData filter syntax compatible with Microsoft Graph API.

Creating Filters

To create a filter:

1. Use the visual filter builder to add conditions
2. Select a field from the available properties (16 fields available for filtering)
3. Choose an operator (e.g., "Begins with", "=", "eq")
4. Enter or select a value
5. Combine multiple conditions using "And" or "Or" logic

Example: The screenshot shows a filter for users whose display name begins with "a" AND account is not enabled (disabled users):

• displayName Begins with "a"
• accountEnabled = False

OData Filter Preview

The "OData Filter Preview" section at the bottom shows the generated filter syntax that will be sent to Microsoft Graph API. The preview displays "Filter valid" in green when the syntax is correct.

Example preview: OData Filter:(startsWith(displayName, 'a') and accountEnabled eq false)

Filter Actions

• Clear Filter - Removes all filter conditions
• Test Filter - Validates the filter and tests it against your Azure AD

3. Column Order

The Column Order section allows you to arrange the order of columns in your report output.

Reordering Columns

To change the column order:

• Select a column from the list
• Use the arrow buttons to move columns:
  • ↑ - Move selected column up one position
  • ↓ - Move selected column down one position
  • ⇑ - Move selected column to the top
  • ⇓ - Move selected column to the bottom
• Use "Auto Sort" to automatically arrange columns alphabetically

The counter at the top shows the total number of columns selected (e.g., "15 columns selected").

4. Configuration Summary

The Summary section provides a comprehensive overview of your report configuration before finalizing. This allows you to review all settings and ensures your report is configured correctly.

Summary Components

The Configuration Summary displays the following information:

Property Selection Status

• Shows the number of properties selected (e.g., "15 properties selected")
• Displays "Properties configured" with a green checkmark when properties are selected

Filter Configuration Status

• Shows "Filter configured" with a green checkmark when a valid filter is applied
• Displays the filter expression (e.g., (startsWith(displayName, 'a') and accountEnabled eq false))

Column Order Status

• Shows the number of columns configured (e.g., "15 columns configured")
• Displays "Column order set" with a green checkmark

Overall Status

The Overall Status section indicates whether your configuration is ready:

• "Configuration is ready" with a green checkmark - Your report is properly configured and ready to save

Configuration Details Panel

The right side panel displays detailed configuration information:

• Selected Properties: Number of properties (e.g., 15)
• Filter Configuration: The complete OData filter syntax
• Column Configuration: Number of columns in the report
• Estimated Graph API Call: The actual API call that will be made to Microsoft Graph, including the filter and property selection
• Performance Estimate:
  • Property count within optimal range indicator
  • Filter efficiency indicator (e.g., "Filter will reduce data volume")

Tip: You can go back to any section to make changes by clicking on the section name in the left navigation panel.

Saving Your Custom Report

After reviewing the configuration summary, you have several options:

• Apply Changes - Applies the changes to the current report and reloads the data immediately (available when editing existing custom reports)
• Save as Custom... - Saves the configuration as a new custom report with a name of your choice
• OK - Saves the changes and closes the configuration window
• Cancel - Discards all changes and closes the window

When you modify a report, the status bar at the bottom will show "Filter modified" in yellow to indicate there are unsaved changes.

Tips for Creating Custom Reports

• Start with an existing report: Use the "Create Custom Report from This..." option on a pre-built report to save time
• Use meaningful filters: Apply OData filters to focus on specific user groups (e.g., disabled accounts, guests, admins)
• Select only needed properties: Including fewer properties improves report performance and readability
• Test your filters: Always use the "Test Filter" button to validate your OData syntax before saving
• Organize columns logically: Place the most important columns first for easier viewing
• Review the summary: Always check the Configuration Summary before saving to ensure all settings are correct
• Monitor performance estimates: Pay attention to the performance indicators in the summary to optimize your report

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For information on running custom reports, see Working with Custom Reports.

If you need help with OData filter syntax or encounter any issues, please Contact us.

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