Reporting snapshots allow you to create a tabular or summary report, and then take a snapshot of the data on that report by mapping the fields on the report to fields on a custom object. In other words, this is called a report on historical data. You can establish a schedule for capturing the snapshot. You can report on the data in the custom object to view historical data and analyze trends.

For example, HR managers can set up a reporting snapshot that reports on the leave utilization by employees. This can be scheduled to run everyday at 6.00 p.m. and store the data in a custom object. The HR manager can then spot the trend in the leave utilization.