Purpose Statement
Column Groups add a second dimension of analysis to Summary Reports by creating cross-tabulation, or pivot-table style, breakdowns.
Row Groups organize data vertically into categories, while Column Groups split summary calculations horizontally across additional categories. This allows users to view the intersection of two dimensions in a single report, such as call counts by Shift and Apparatus.
Background Information
Column Groups are an advanced feature within the Summary Grouping tab.
They transform a standard one-dimensional Summary Report into a two-dimensional cross-tabulated report. Column Groups are configured after at least one Row Group and one Summary Column have already been added.
When a Column Group is added, the system creates a separate instance of the selected summary calculation for each unique value in the Column Group field. These values display as additional columns across the report.
The original Summary Column calculation remains at the end of each row as the overall row total.
Required Permissions
Users must have access to the Reports module and Ad-Hoc Reporting functionality.
Column Groups require at least one Row Group and one Summary Column to already be configured. Additional access may be required based on the data sources and fields used in the report.
If a user cannot access specific report fields or data sources, contact a system administrator to verify the user’s Reports permissions and Data Set Permissions.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Configure a Row Group and Summary Column
Before adding a Column Group, ensure the report already has at least one Row Group and one Summary Column configured.
Navigate to the Column Groups Section
In the Summary Grouping tab, navigate to the Column Groups section.
Select the Data Source Field
In the Data Source Field field, select the field that should be used to group the report columns.
Each unique value in this field becomes a separate column header in the report output.
For example, selecting First Arriving Apparatus creates a column for each apparatus found in the report results.
Select the Measurement
In the measurement dropdown, select how the data should be summarized within each Row Group and Column Group intersection.
The available measurements are:MeasurementDescriptionBest Used ForAverage of setCalculates the average of the values in the selected Data Source Column.Average response times, durations, scores, or other numeric valuesNumber of itemsCounts all matching items or records in each group.Incidents, inspections, patient care reports, or other record countsNumber of unique itemsCounts the distinct values in the selected Data Source Column. Duplicate values are counted once.Unique units, inspectors, properties, stations, or other distinct valuesMaximum valueDisplays the highest value in the selected Data Source Column.Longest duration, highest score, or greatest amountMinimum valueDisplays the lowest value in the selected Data Source Column.Shortest duration, lowest score, or smallest amountSum of itemsAdds the values in the selected Data Source Column.Training hours, costs, mileage, quantities, or other totalsNth PercentileCalculates the selected percentile for the values in the Data Source Column.Response-time benchmarks, performance analysis, or distribution reporting
Select the Data Source Column for Aggregation
Select the field that the calculation should be applied to.
This works similarly to the Column for Aggregation field used in Summary Columns.
Review the Report Output
Preview or run the report to confirm the Column Group displays as expected.
The report should now display row categories vertically and Column Group categories horizontally.
Confirm the Row Total
Review the far-right side of the report output.
The original Summary Column calculation remains at the end of each row as the overall total for that row.
Understanding the Output
Before a Column Group is added, a Summary Report may display one Row Group and one Summary Column.
| Shift | Total Calls |
|---|---|
| A | 150 |
| B | 120 |
| C | 135 |
After adding a Column Group, the report displays each unique Column Group value as a separate column.
Example Column Group: Apparatus
| Shift | Engine 1 | Engine 2 | Ladder 1 | Medic 1 | Total Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 45 | 38 | 32 | 35 | 150 |
| B | 40 | 30 | 25 | 25 | 120 |
| C | 42 | 35 | 28 | 30 | 135 |
In this example, the report shows call counts by Shift and Apparatus. The Total Calls column remains at the end of each row as the total for that shift.
Key Behaviors & Features
Cross-Tabulation
Column Groups create a matrix-style view that shows the intersection of Row Groups and Column Groups.
Dynamic Columns
The number of columns generated depends on the number of unique values in the selected Column Group field.
Original Total Is Preserved
The original Summary Column calculation remains at the far right of each row as the row total.
One Column Group per Report
The system supports one Column Group per Summary Report.
Field Independence
The Column Group field should usually be different from the Row Group field to provide meaningful analysis.
Readability Consideration
Fields with many unique values can create a very wide report that may be difficult to read.
Performance Consideration
Large numbers of Column Group values may impact report readability and performance.
Best Practices
- Choose Column Group fields with a manageable number of unique values.
- Use fields with approximately 3–10 unique values when possible.
- Use a different field for the Column Group than the Row Group.
- Consider report width before selecting a field that may create many columns.
- Use Column Groups for comparative analysis, such as Shift vs. Apparatus, Month vs. Category, or Station vs. Incident Type.
- Apply Criteria filters when needed to reduce the number of Column Group values.
- If the field creates too many columns, consider using it as a Row Group instead.
- Use the original Summary Column total at the end of the row to validate the grouped values.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Can I use the same field for both Row Groups and Column Groups?
Yes, but this may create redundant information because the same categories appear on both axes. Use different fields for more meaningful cross-tabulation.
Why is my Column Group creating too many columns?
The selected field may have too many unique values. Apply Criteria filtering to narrow the data or choose a field with fewer distinct values, such as Shift, Quarter, or Station.
Where did my original Summary Column total go?
The original Summary Column total remains at the far-right side of each row. It serves as the overall row total after the Column Group columns.
Can I have multiple Column Groups?
No. The system supports one Column Group per Summary Report. For additional analysis dimensions, consider using a second Row Group or creating a separate report.
Do Computed Columns work with Column Groups?
Computed Columns calculate against Summary Column totals, not the individual Column Group intersections.
Why are some Column Group values blank or missing?
A value may not appear if there are no matching records for that Row Group and Column Group combination. Criteria filters may also exclude some values from the report output.
What types of fields work best as Column Groups?
Fields with a limited number of categories work best. Examples include Shift, Quarter, Month, Station, Incident Type, Department, or Apparatus when the number of apparatus values is manageable.