For purposes like submitting support tickets or having discussions, referring to things specifically is helpful for the entire team. For the most part, these terms should be used, and if they are referring to something other than what is referenced, including the specific area along with the term is also helpful.
Reports (re:Members (formerly Impexium) Reports)
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Found under “Reports” in most re:Members (formerly Impexium) modules, such as https://portal.alta.org/administration/memberships/report-center
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These are formatted output, which includes things like grouping, sums, and typically designed for PDF output.
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The underlying data can be exported directly as well.
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While there are parameters similar to the way re:Members (formerly Impexium) Queries work, we have no ability to directly modify anything with these. However, they can be customized by re:Members (formerly Impexium), so if there are straight forward adjustments, we can request them for a minimal cost.
Queries (re:Members (formerly Impexium) Queries) - Upper case “Q”
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Found under “Queries” in most re:Members (formerly Impexium) modules, such as https://portal.alta.org/administration/memberships/query-center
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These are simple single table output (Excel, etc.) and can include some basic grouping and sums.
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We do have full control over how queries are built and run, including parameters for searching, directly outputting fixed parameters, and which fields output.
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These drive Higher Logic emails automatically if no review is necessary.
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Staff can also control the output fields just for themselves if they wish to have different output for themselves, but if this should be standard for all, then Data Service staff will adjust.
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Queries have some important limitations, however, such as which fields are available depending on the base query, as well as how data is joined in. Hence the need for Thaddeus Exports for more specific control.
Exports (Thaddeus Exports)
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An Excel file downloaded from the Exports section on Thaddeus.
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These are built from data on the Report Server, so are currently one day behind live data.
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We have complete control and flexibility with these, and can link into any data, including all customizations and all ALTA specific concepts.
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There are queries (lower case “q”) that are “under” these Exports, but there is no exposure to these for staff. They are direct MSSQL code that drive flattened tables on the Report Server, or direct SQL code in the Thaddeus code to directly connect to the Report Server data.
