Analysis is processing raw data into information useful for decision making. Reporting is the presentation of information in a form that can be communicated to and understood by decision makers.
Analysis begins with an accurate selection of records. If you have not already reviewed the previous chapter, "Records Selection", take the time to do so before continuing with this chapter.
FirePoint automates analysis and reporting by preprogramming these functions into individual routines. To access these routines you must first start an application in the Command Window.
In this example we'll start an Incidents application. When the Incidents list view appears we'll press the Show All button to place all incident records in selection. Under the File Menu we'll select Print Report.
While this example uses the Incidents application all FirePoint applications function the same way.
This is FirePoint's Report Center. Here you can select a report from a list of pre-programmed reports for this application. Click once on a report to display a description of the report in the description area to the right.
Below are options for creating your own 3D graph, column reports, field reports or labels.
Notice the Action Type report is based on the records in selection. Most reports require a pre-selection of records. If you are creating a series of reports it's good practice to reestablish the correct selection of records (Establish and Recall Sets as described in the last chapter) prior to running each report.
Double-click on the Action Type report.
FirePoint allows us to add a subtitle to the Action Type Report.
After the subtitle has been entered FirePoint presents the first of two printer dialog boxes. Here you can adjust the printing specifications.
A second printer dialog allows you to preview your report on your monitor rather than sending it directly to your printer. Click the Preview on screen button in the lower left corner of the second print dialog. Press the Print button.
This is a look at report as it will be printed. Press the printer icon to print to paper. Other icons are used to stop printing, view the previous page, view the next page or enlarge the printed area for closer viewing on the screen.
Press the right arrow icon to move to the next page.
There are preprogrammed reports throughout FirePoint. Some require preselection of records. Some do not. For information about any particular report just click once on the report's name in the Custom Reports list.