Purpose Statement

Cloning an Ad-Hoc Report allows users to quickly create a new report based on an existing one without starting from scratch. This process saves time, ensures consistency, and makes it easy to update parameters such as date ranges, criteria, or descriptions for new reporting needs.

Background Information

The clone feature in the Reports Module creates an exact copy of an existing report’s structure, including filters, criteria, and settings. This is especially useful for recurring reports (monthly, quarterly, yearly) or when adapting a standard report for different timeframes, departments, or scenarios.

Cloning preserves the original report while giving users flexibility to modify only what’s needed in the new version.

Common use cases include:

• Updating annual or quarterly reports

• Modifying standard First Due Reports (FDRs)

• Creating department-specific variations of the same report

• Testing changes without impacting the original report

Required Permissions

To clone and edit an Ad-Hoc Report, users must have:

• Reports Module – Access

• Ad-Hoc Reports – Create/Edit Reports permission

• Permission to create new reports within the agency

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Reports Module

1. Navigate to the Reports Module

2. Select Ad-Hoc Reports

2. Locate the Report to Clone

1. Find the report you want to clone in the report list

2. In this example, a standard First Due Report (FDR) with data from a previous year is selected

3. Clone the Report

1. Click the Clone icon next to the report

2. A cloning modal will appear

4. Rename the Report

1. Enter a new name for the report

2. By default, the system appends “- copy” to the original report name

3. Update the name as needed (for example, changing the year from 2022 to 2025)

5. Create the Copy

1. Click Copy to create the cloned report

6. Locate the Cloned Report

• The new report is saved in the All Reports folder by default

• Reports are sorted by creation date, so the cloned report should appear at the top of the list

7. Edit the Cloned Report

1. Click the pencil (edit) icon on the cloned report
   
   
    

2. Update the Description as needed (for example, adjusting year references)
   
   
    

3. Navigate to other report parameters you want to change, such as:

   • Criteria

   • Filters

   • Settings

8. Update Report Criteria

• Modify date ranges or other criteria to reflect the new reporting period or purpose
   

9. Save the Report

1. Click Save in the upper-right corner to update and close the report

   
   
    

Best Practices

• Use clear, descriptive names to distinguish cloned reports from originals

• Always update descriptions, criteria, and date ranges after cloning

• Run the cloned report to verify results before sharing

• Organize cloned reports into appropriate folders

• Keep the original report unchanged as a baseline reference

• Review sharing and edit permissions on the cloned report

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don’t I see the Clone icon next to a report?
A: Confirm you have permission to create new reports. Some reports may also have restrictions that prevent cloning.

Q: My cloned report shows the same data as the original. Why?
A: Cloning copies the structure only. You must manually update the criteria, filters, or date ranges.

Q: Can I clone reports created by other users?
A: Yes, as long as the report is shared with you or available in a public folder and you have the required permissions.

Q: Where does a cloned report appear after creation?
A: Cloned reports appear in the All Reports folder by default, sorted by creation date with the newest at the top.