Report templates allow you to create Excel reports with customized columns and formatting.  Currently report templates are only applicable to Assigned Learning Module Status (ALMS) Reports, Progressive Development Status Reports, and Performance Review Status Reports.  You can also set up ALMS Report Quick Reports to use a report template you have created.

Creating Your Excel Template

One easy way to create an Excel template is to run an ALMS Report and build your template off of that.  If you choose to build your template this way, be sure to remove all data except for the top/header row.  Additionally, you will need to remove the filters worksheet.  You can remove any unnecessary columns or rename them.  If you wish to use any formulas, place the formula in the first row under the header; it will be automatically carried down through the rest of the data.  If you choose to add formulas or have any other rows that you don't want populated with report data, map them to Ignore (Use for Formulas and Static Data). You can also use formatting to ensure that data like dates and times appear correctly.

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Creating a Report Template

To create a report template, first click on Report Templates under the Reports menu.

On this page you can search for and edit previously created templates.  Click the Add New button at the top right to create a new template.

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On this page, set the name and other properties for your template.  You will also need to upload an Excel file with the headers you want to use. Be sure to select Assigned Learning Module Status Report from the Report dropdown.

Mapping Headers

After you add the report template, you will map the headers to match up with data in Cognition.  Cognition will attempt to automatically map columns.  However, this automapping is not perfect, so you will still need to double check that the mappings are correct.  At the left, you will see each column header from your Excel file. At the right you should select the appropriate matching Cognition report column. If you are going to use a formula, set the column to Ignore (Use for Formulas and Static Data).  Once you have set the mapping click Update.

Enabling Templates for Different Roles

Click the Roles tab to set which roles can use your new template. Until you modify the settings on this tab, no users will be able to use the template.  For this example, we are allowing all roles except Safety Manager to use the template.  Selecting All Roles will ensure that any new Roles you create later will automatically have access to this template. If this is not desirable, then you can also choose Select Specific Roles and check every current Role. Once you have selected which roles should be able to use the template, click Update.  Your template is now ready to use.

Using the Report Template

To use a report template you have, first navigate to the Assigned Learning Module Status Report page.  Scroll down to the bottom and click the Use Report Template radio button, then select your template using the drop down menu.  To add a template to a Quick Report, follow the same process.

Finally, click Export Data to Excel.