Reports Beta Shortcut: Cheating the "Un-Check"
How to shorten the time it takes to build a report in Report Bets:
Usually when I need to create a report in Reports Beta, it is to evaluate a set of records using only a few fields. It is cumbersome to go to the "Layout" tab, and have to "un-check" 50 or so fields.
SOLUTION: I built a "Blank" Report for each of the five different report types (Decisions, Pending Requests, etc).
In Reports Home, click on the "Build Reports" tab.
Choose the type of report you want to create your blank template for (i.e. "Decisions").
Select the "Layout" button for your report.
Un-check ALL the fields, and click the "OK" button at the bottom of that screen.
Save the report with a memorable name such as "BLANK - Decisions"
The next time you need to build a report using this Report Type, you can begin with your "BLANK" template. Now you only have to select (or "check") the fields you want to show . . .add your filter criteria, etc. You will save your new report with a new name, and keep your blank template for future use.
Idea posted November 6, 2012 by Karen Wallace, First Fruit Incorporated
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Chris Dahl commented
This has been implemented in GLM 4.0.0.
Thanks,
-chris -
Daren nordhagen commented
Hi Jessica,
I realize that "un-check all" seems like a simple solution but unfortunately this one is out of our control. We embed technology from another software company as a primary component of our overall reporting functionality. The advantage of this strategy is that we are able to utilize some very powerful technology from a company that focuses specifically on reporting and data analysis. The disadvantage of our approach is that there are sometimes things we'd like to change but can't. We've submitted a suggestion for "Check All / Uncheck All" to our partner's version of Idea Lab.
-Daren
posted May 20, 2013 by Daren Nordhagen, Foundant Technologies
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Ideas commented
Hello,
Is there a reason that there is not just a way to "un-check" or "unselect" all? I understand there are work-arounds like this post describes, but it seems like unnecessary steps when it would be much easier to simply have the ability to select all or un-check all when you are creating the layout for a report. Is there a reason that the system can't do that?
Thanks,
Jessica
posted May 13, 2013 by Jessica Case, Medina Foundation
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Daren nordhagen commented
Hi Karen,
This is a great suggestion so thanks for sharing!
We realize there are a lot of fields available in Reports and selecting/unselecting can be cumbersome so your suggestion makes lots of sense. You might also consider creating some additional "templates" that contain those fields that you'll want to use on a regular basis for most of your reports. I.e, many of our clients don't make installment or matching grants and don't need most of the contact information fields so we recommend they save a template with all those fields unselected and start all new reports from their template rather than the base report view.
-Daren
posted December 27, 2012 by Daren Nordhagen, Foundant Technologies