Purpose Statement
Cloning an Ad-Hoc Report allows users to quickly create a new report based on an existing report without starting from scratch.
This process saves time, supports consistency, and makes it easier to update report details such as date ranges, criteria, filters, descriptions, or other settings for new reporting needs.
Background Information
The clone feature in the Reports module creates a copy of an existing report’s structure, including filters, criteria, and settings.
Cloning is especially useful for recurring reports, such as monthly, quarterly, or yearly reports, or when adapting a standard report for a different timeframe, department, or scenario.
Cloning preserves the original report while allowing users to modify only what is needed in the new version.
Common use cases include:
- Updating annual or quarterly reports
- Modifying standard First Due Reports, or FDRs
- Creating department-specific versions of the same report
- Testing report changes without impacting the original report
Required Permissions
To clone and edit an Ad-Hoc Report, users may need the following permissions:
- Reports Module access
- Ad-Hoc Reports create/edit report permission
- Permission to create new reports within the agency
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 Clone
Find the report you want to clone in the report list.
In this example, a standard First Due Report (FDR) containing data from a previous year is selected.
Clone the Report
Click the Clone icon next to the report.
A cloning modal will appear.
Rename the Report
Enter a new name for the report.
By default, the system may append - copy to the original report name.
Update the name as needed. For example, change the year in the report name from 2022 to 2025.
Create the Copy
Click Copy to create the cloned report.
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 near the top of the list.
Edit the Cloned Report
Click the pencil icon next to the cloned report to open it for editing.
Update the report description as needed, such as changing year references or clarifying the purpose of the new report.
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
- Use clear, descriptive names to distinguish cloned reports from the original.
- Update the report description after cloning.
- Always review and update criteria, filters, and date ranges before using the cloned report.
- Run the cloned report to verify the results before sharing it.
- Organize cloned reports into the appropriate folder.
- Keep the original report unchanged as a baseline reference.
- Review sharing and edit permissions on the cloned report.
- Confirm that any scheduled settings still make sense for the cloned version.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why don’t I see the Clone icon next to a report?
Confirm that you have permission to create new reports. Some reports may also have restrictions that prevent cloning. Some FDRs (First Due Reports) are created with logic not available in Ad-Hoc and cannot be cloned.
Why does my cloned report show the same data as the original?
Cloning copies the report structure and settings. You must manually update criteria, filters, date ranges, or other parameters if the cloned report should return different data.
Can I clone reports created by other users?
Yes, as long as the report is shared with you or available in a public folder and you have the required permissions.
Where does a cloned report appear after it is created?
Cloned reports appear in the All Reports folder by default. Reports are sorted by creation date, so the newest report should appear near the top of the list.
Does cloning change the original report?
No. Cloning creates a separate copy. Changes made to the cloned report do not affect the original report.
Should I update the report schedule after cloning?
Yes. If the original report was scheduled, review the schedule settings on the cloned report to confirm they are correct for the new version.