Sort-on-the-Fly/Search-on-the-Fly data retrieval or analysis provides an intuitive method and apparatus for accessing databases, allowing a user to access or obtain information about data in the database without having to know anything about the database structure. In embodiments, the thus obtained information is formatted according to a report template and is presented as a search report. In embodiments, the report template is saved so that subsequent search reports having a consistent format can be generated. The subsequent search reports represent the charging, dynamic content of the database. In embodiments, the search report is customized using fitters and plug-ins.