Within the CSDatum Permits software, the Report Builder tool allows you to create custom reports and custom data exports. This powerful feature can be used for multiple purposes, so we continue to improve its features for maximum usefulness.
#1 - Contractor Fields Added to Multi-Permit Reports
The Contractor data field is not used in all permit types. For example, Rental Permits don't have a Contractor field. For that reason, we had not originally made Contractor data available in a report that includes multiple permit types. However, that made it impossible to generate a report for Building Permits and Zoning Permits and include the Contractor. This required users to create separate reports for Building Permits and Zoning Permits and copy/paste the data together in Excel. (Not ideal!).
We adjusted the software's code and now Contractor data fields can be added to a multi-permit report. Any permits without contractor data will have blanks in those report fields.
#2 - View Report Data in a Table Before Export
Report Builder historically has functioned as a way to export report data as a CSV file downloaded to your computer. This works fine in many instances, but you don't have a way to see what the report data includes before downloading. To address this, we created a way to review the report data in a standard data table prior to export. Now, in the lower left-hand corner of the Report Builder window, the primary button says "View Table" and opens the report in a table view. There is a secondary button, accessed from the down arrow, that allows you to generate the CSV report.
#3 - Up Next...
Our next big feature related to Report Builder is the "bulk printing" option. That feature will bring together the Report Builder with Custom Print Templates. You'll be able to generate a list of recipients using Report Builder and send them all a letter or other Custom Print Template. We'll let you know when it's ready for use!