Purpose Statement
Duplicating an Ad-Hoc Report allows users to create a new report based on an existing report without modifying the original.
Duplicating saves time by carrying the existing report configuration into a new report that can then be customized for a different reporting need. This is especially useful when an existing report is close to what is needed but cannot be edited or when users want to preserve the original report.
Background Information
The Duplicate feature in Ad-Hoc Reports replaces the previous Clone workflow.
Users can duplicate reports from the report list, including reports they do not have permission to edit. For example, a report may not display the Edit (pencil) icon because editing was restricted when the report was shared or because it is a First Due Report (FDR). If the report is close to what is needed, duplicating it provides a new report that can be customized.
When creating the duplicate, users can specify a new report name and select the folder where the report should be saved.
After duplication, the new report can be edited to adjust available options such as:
- Criteria
- Grouping
- Sorting
- Scheduling and email distribution
- Available filters
- Report settings and sharing
Reports can also be duplicated from within an open report.
Required Permissions
Access to Reports > Ad-Hoc Reports is required to use this workflow.
The ability to edit an existing report is separate from the ability to duplicate it. Reports without an Edit (pencil) icon may still provide the Duplicate option through the Actions menu.
If Ad-Hoc Reports or the Duplicate option is unavailable, contact your agency administrator to verify the user's Reports access and report permissions.
Permission names may vary based on agency configuration. If the Clone icon or edit options are not visible, contact a system administrator to verify the user’s Reports and Ad-Hoc Reports permissions.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to Ad-Hoc Reports
Navigate to the Reports module.
Select Ad-Hoc Reports from the menu.
Locate the Report to Duplicate
Find the report you want to duplicate in the report list.
Duplicate the Report
Click the Duplicate icon from within the Actions panel.
A duplication modal will appear.
Rename the Report
Enter a new name for the report.
Select a folder destination for the report.
By default, the system may append - copy to the original report name.
Update the name as needed. For example, add a relevant year.
Create the Duplicate
Click Duplicate to create the report.
Locate the Duplicated Report
From the confirmation message, select View Report to go directly to the newly duplicated report.
Edit the Cloned Report
Select Edit to modify the new report.
Adjust the report criteria based on your reporting needs.
For example, you could add criteria for Year Installed = 2026 to create a report showing hydrants installed during 2026.
Update Report Parameters
Navigate to any report parameters that need to be updated.
Common areas to review include:
- Criteria
- Filters
- Date ranges
- Settings
- Description
- Report name
Update Report Criteria
Modify the date ranges or other criteria to reflect the new reporting period or report purpose.
For example, if the original report used 2022 dates, update the criteria to use the current reporting year.
- Save the Report
When all updates are complete, click the Save icon in the upper-right corner to update and close the report.
Best Practices
- Follow your agency's established naming conventions when naming duplicated reports.
- Give the duplicate a descriptive name that makes it easy to distinguish from the source report.
- Select the appropriate destination folder during duplication to keep reports organized.
- Review the duplicated report's criteria before relying on its results.
- Review grouping, sorting, filters, and settings to ensure they meet the new reporting need.
- Verify sharing settings before making the duplicated report available to other users.
- Review scheduling and email distribution settings if the report will be automatically distributed.
- Save and run the updated report to confirm that the results match the intended criteria.
- Preserve the original report when it is being used as a standard or baseline report.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why don't I see an Edit (pencil) icon for a report?
You may not have permission to edit the report. This can occur for a custom report, when a report was shared with restricted permissions or when the report is an FDR. If the report is close to what you need, check its Actions menu for the Duplicate option.
Can I duplicate a report that I cannot edit?
Yes. The updated workflow allows reports without the Edit (pencil) icon to be duplicated when the Duplicate action is available. You can then edit the newly created report.
Where will my duplicated report be saved?
You select the destination folder from the Duplicate Report modal before creating the duplicate.
How do I know the report was successfully duplicated?
After selecting Duplicate, a confirmation message appears for approximately five seconds. You can select View Report from this message to immediately open the new report.
Does duplicating a report change the original report?
No. The duplicate is a separate report that can be modified without changing the source report.
Can I duplicate a report while I am viewing it?
Yes. Select Duplicate from within the report to launch the duplication process.
Why does the duplicated report return data similar to the original?
The duplicate starts with the source report's existing configuration. Edit the new report and update its criteria, grouping, sorting, filters, or other applicable settings to meet the new reporting need.
Can I schedule a duplicated report?
Yes. The duplicated report can be configured for scheduling and automatic email distribution when those options are available to the user.
Can I change who has access to the duplicated report?
The report's Settings can be used to configure available sharing options. Review these settings before distributing or sharing the new report.