Running an express report

Overview

Express reports are some of the simplest and quickest to create within theReporter tool. This article will walk you through how to create an Express report.

Creating an Express Report

Upon accessing theReporter click the plus icon in the top-left-hand corner and select Express Report from the options presented:

Create reports menu

When the wizard pops up, enter a name for the report and select the folder you would like to store the report in. The folder determines which users can read or author the report based on the permissions assigned by the Admin users. The author can add a description of the report if desired:

Report name and folder selection

Select Next at the bottom of the screen or the Categories tab to select categories:

Next button

Note: Save and Run are in the right corner of the screen and allow a user to save any changes and view an example of the report. It is HIGHLY recommended to use these functions throughout the creation process

Save and Run buttons

Select the Categories that contain the desired data required for the report:

Category selector

Categories are stored in Folders. As each category is selected, unavailable options are greyed out. Select the necessary category and click the add button, or double-click the category name to add it.

Highlight the category name and click the view button to view the data elements available.

The Suppress duplicates option, if checked, will prevent duplicate fields from appearing during the creation process. The red “x” will delete the category from being assigned to the report:

Delete category button

Note: If the category Entity Admin is selected, the user cannot combine transactional data categories and fields with that category.

It is recommended to apply Sorts and Filters after performing tasks under the Layout tab:

Sort section applied

Save and select the layout tab. This will allow users to add the data elements to the report. Fields can be added from the categories dropdown menu by double-clicking or selecting the add button.

These fields can be ordered by dragging and dropping.

A standard text tool is available for stylistic elements. This type of report includes a view for formatting and editing:

Layout selector

Select Run to test the output of the report:

Run the report option

To create a Grand Total, check the Grand Total check box and assign a Summary Function to the appropriate field.

Report authors can label the total amount by double-clicking the cell “Total for the Report.”

The rich text editor is available for stylists:

Summary function selector

Summarize by selected and Grand Total selected

Select Run to test the output of the report:

Run button

The cells can be formatted to show numbers as dollars with two decimal places. Select the cells and select the Format Cells button from the toolbar:

Format cells selector

Number format options

To create a Filter, select the Filters tab. Select a category and field. Multiple filters can be added as necessary. The Prompt for Value checkbox will allow a user to select the parameters of the report on an ad hoc basis:

Filter selector

Sorts can be applied to the report to change the order of data based on the field selected. Select ascending or descending. Multiple sorts can be added to a report:

Sorting options

Express reports can be converted into Advanced reports under the Options Tab.

Advanced reports allow for more complex formulas, formatting options, and the addition of visuals such as charts and graphs:

Convert to Advanced Reports

Note: It is highly recommended to duplicate the Express report before converting.

Right-click on the report from the Menu bar and select Duplicate before saving the report:

Duplicate report option