Create and Run a Report

Creating a report involves several major tasks. After defining the criteria, applying filters, and setting the sort order, you can run a report to be sure the information it gathers is what you need and then make adjustments to the criteria or save the configuration to rerun the same report later.

If you need a slight variation of a previously configured report, you can begin with a copy of that report -- especially since you cannot edit a report configuration unless you created the original. You can add, remove, or rename columns, modify the sort order for listing results, and add or remove filters, or change filter values to customize the report configuration.

Or, you can select a report model and change default values, which were defined to guide you through the type of information the report was intended to retrieve. Some values must be set before the report will run correctly, such as the first column on which to sort results or a required filter.

Filters are used to limit the results returned to the most appropriate set. Most reports have a required filter that you must edit to select the appropriate value. Some have suggested filters. You can also add new filters to restrict the criteria to a smaller set of returned records.

After creating a report, you can save the report configuration and run it later, or queue it to run immediately. You can also save the report configuration after the report runs, which may be helpful to be sure you have created the configuration you want.

You will be the only person who can edit the report configuration, although others may be able to run it or copy it to create their own report.