Purpose Statement

This article will demonstrate how to clone and edit a Report in the Reports Module. Cloning allows you to adjust the parameters of an existing report without creating the entire report from the beginning, saving time and ensuring consistency across similar reports.

Background Information

Report cloning is a powerful feature that enables users to duplicate existing reports and modify specific parameters such as date ranges, criteria, or descriptions. This functionality is particularly useful for creating periodic reports (monthly, quarterly, yearly) or when adapting standard reports for different departments or scenarios. By cloning instead of building from scratch, users maintain the original report's structure while customizing only the necessary elements.

Required Permissions

• Reports Module Access: User must have access to the Reports module
• Ad-Hoc Reports Permission: User must have permission to create and edit ad-hoc reports
• Report Creation Rights: User must have rights to create new reports within their agency

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Navigate to the Reports Module and select Ad-Hoc Reports from the menu.

2. Identify the report you want to clone. In this example we selected a standard FDR (First Due Report) that includes data from 2022.

3. Select the Clone icon for that Report.

4. Rename the Report. In this example we adjusted the name from "2022" to "2025". A default name will initially populate with the original report name and "- copy" added to the end.

5. Once you have given the report a new name, click Copy.

6. Your new Report will now be found in the All Reports folder.

7. Reports are default sorted by date of creation in the All Reports folder. This means the Report you just created should be at the top of the list.

8. Click on the pencil icon for your new cloned report to make adjustments.

9. Make any adjustments to the Description. In this example the dates in the description were also updated from "2022" to "2025".

10. Next, navigate to the other parameters in the Report you want to adjust. In this example we are going to change the Criteria.

11. For this new version of the cloned Report the dates in the Criteria were adjusted to the current year.

12. When finished making any additional changes to the Report, click the Save icon in the upper right-hand corner to update and close.

Best Practices

• Use descriptive naming conventions to easily distinguish between original and cloned reports
• Update all relevant parameters including descriptions, criteria, and date ranges to match your new report's purpose
• Test the cloned report by running it before sharing with other users
• Document changes made to cloned reports for future reference
• Organize cloned reports in appropriate folders to maintain a clean report structure
• Review permissions on cloned reports to ensure appropriate access levels

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why don't I see the Clone icon next to reports? A: Verify you have the necessary permissions 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: You need to edit the cloned report's criteria and filters. Cloning duplicates the structure, but you must manually adjust the settings.

Q: Can I clone reports from other users? A: You can clone reports that have been shared with you or are in public folders, provided you have the appropriate permissions.

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

Related Articles

• First Due Reports
• Ad-Hoc Reporting: Criteria
  
• Report List Features