Cal State Training Resources

How to Create Ad Hoc Reports

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This article goes over how to create Ad Hoc Reports.

Ad Hocs are customizable reports in which you can pull multiple fields to output data. Ad Hoc reports allow you to save and schedule reports for future use. For more information about Ad Hocs, please refer to the Advanced Reporting Terms Article.

Creating an Ad Hoc Report

Step 1: To get to Advanced Reporting, go to Self > Quick Links > Advanced Reporting.

You can also click on the Advanced Reporting widget to access reporting.

Green step one is to click on Self. Green step two is to click on Quick Links. Green step three is to click on Advanced Reporting.

Step 2: Click on the Create dropdown and select Ad Hoc View.

Before creating a new Ad Hoc, check the Reporting Templates folder to see if there is a template that has already been created to meet your needs. For more information on how to access the Reporting templates, refer to the Advanced Reporting Navigation Article.

Green box over the Ad Hoc View option.

Step 3: On the Select Data window expand to the following selection, CSU_PROD > Custom > Reports > Domain > CSU Learn Domain. Select CSU Learn Domain.

Green step one is to expand the CSU Production folder. Green step twp is to expand the Custom folder. Green step three is to expand the Reports folder. Green step four is to expand the Domains folder. Green step five is to click on CSU Learn Domain.

Step 4: You can select each data source individually be selecting the source and clicking the singular arrow or you can highlight multiple sections and click the double arrows to add multiple data sources.

  1. Employee: This data source will list data related to the employee including their employee ID, CEPID, email address and manager
  2. Activity: This data source will list the details of the activity including the activity code, name and primary domain
  3. Activity Due Exception: This data source will list details for activities that are assigned and required to completed such as due date and assignment status
  4. Activity Attempt: This data source will list details for activities that are not required such as ILTs or Bundles

When you are ready, click on the OK button.

Activity, Employee, and Activity Due Exception sources were selected. There is a green box over the selected sources and the blue OK button.

Step 5: To start building your Ad Hoc, use the data sources on the left hand column and drag the fields to the columns area. As you drag fields over, data should begin to populate.

Refer this article for more information on common reporting fields and datasets that can be used to create Ad Hoc Reports.

If you pull fields over and data disappears or data does not show, it could mean that the data sources that you are combining are not compatible and you will need to select a different field.

Click and drag any item to columns to get started with building the report.

Step 6: When you are done creating the Ad Hoc, click on the Save > Save Ad Hoc View.

There is a green box over the Save icon and Save Ad Hoc View option.

Common Errors When Expected Data Is Not Appearing in Ad Hoc Reports

  • Filters Not Saved Correctly: The required data may not appear because filters were not saved properly.

    Solution: Always save any filters in the Ad Hoc View first, then save the Ad Hoc Report to ensure all changes are captured.

  • Conflicting Filters: Two filters in the report may conflict with each other, preventing the required data from appearing.

    Solution: Review and adjust the filters to ensure they are not contradictory.

  • Activity Not Assigned to Users: If the activity isn't assigned to users, the course won’t appear in the report since the filters are looking for assigned training.

    Solution: For creating reports on curriculums that are not yet assigned to users, use the Activity Attempt Ad Hoc Report. Since the courses aren’t assigned, you can track student progress using the Completion Status and Registration Status fields.

  • Users Reporting to Multiple Departments: If a user reports to multiple departments and some are included in the filters while others are not, the user may not appear in the report.

    Solution: Try creating an audience that includes the specific departments needed. Then, update the filters in the Ad Hoc View to include this audience instead of the departments. This is often necessary if a user reports to multiple departments, and one of those departments isn't selected, leading to the user being left out of the report.

This covers how to create Ad Hoc Reports. You can view the following articles for more information about reporting:

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