Dashboards are the user interface for a DataBlock. Dashboards are used to run reports.  Multiple reports can be created using a single DataBlock. The dashboard then allows you to select the report you desire and then select variables that give you the flexibility to run that report in different ways.  For instance, you might want to run a budget report for a particular Index and/or for a particular month or year. Also, you might want to run a report listing students enrolled in a specific class and term.