Abstract: Data is collected at regular intervals from each machine that is being studied. The data is collected concurrently from multiple systems and stored on a single machine which is not part of the study. The data includes metrics related to software and hardware performance and capacity. The data is extracted from a collection database, transformed and aggregated, and is stored in an archive database for reporting purposes. Reports are then generated using the transformed and aggregated data, resulting in a multi-page report document in one or more formats containing text, charts and graphics that is distributed, showing the results of the study to interested parties. The entire process is automated, such that after triggering the initial collection and/or extraction, no user intervention is needed to complete the process, which results in a fully-formatted report document being generated and distributed. Each stage of the process is configurable.