Does your system provide the ability to update report sorts and execution frequencies without the need for programming changes?
WebFOCUS reports can be constructed with variables coded for the sort field(s), and default values specified for standard execution. These variables can then be overridden at report creation time if the user wants to change the sort field, without requiring programming changes. Because execution frequencies can be automated using a rules-based scheduling component of WebFOCUS, execution frequencies also do not require programming changes.

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Is the report writer intended for use by non-technical end users?
WebFOCUS was in fact originally designed to be used by non-technical end users.

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Which query language does the report writer use?
SQL. In addition, WebFOCUS itself, which enables syntax, which performs queries on relational and non-relational data, sources (over 85 in total) with no knowledge of the native data structure required. Either WebFOCUS’ own query capability, or SQL can be used to query data.

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Can the reporting or query language call routines written in a different programming language
(e.g. VB, C++, SQL Server Stored Procedure)?
WebFOCUS can call routines written in different programming languages, such as VB, C++, SQL Server Stored Procedures, etc.

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Can the data structure of your system be accessed by external report writing tools?
There are no limitations to the accessing the data structure of the system by external writing tools.

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Can reports be queued to run unattended in batch mode at night, and be able to be dependent on an event such as the existence of a file and not just a time of day?
These capabilities are provided by WebFOCUS Report Caster. Report Caster is a powerful and flexible solution for scheduling and distributing reports generated with WebFOCUS. It gives incentive compensation administrators exceptional control over when reports are run and how they are distributed. Control over scheduling can be concentrated in the hands of a single administrator, or spread among any number of pre -authorized end users. The content, timing, frequency, format, and even the method of distributing reports can all be easily managed and customized to meet individual needs. WebFOCUS Report Caster has been newly architected for optimum performance, scalability, and end-user functionality.

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Does the system warn the user of the number of records selected or the approximate time needed to run the report before processing?
WebFOCUS Resource Governor lets you optimize control over critical areas of your business intelligence system by acting as an intelligent agent for performance management rules. You define the parameters and WebFOCUS Resource Governor will determine which WebFOCUS reports can pass through its preemptive governor – even before the reports run. And, unlike conventional reactive governors that stop requests only after they exceed a certain limit, WebFOCUS Resource Governor stops queries before they reach the database. The bottom line? Problem queries are stopped before they ever start, resulting in better control over resource consumption, prevention of Web browser time-outs, and exceptional system performance and availability.

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Does CATS offer web-based dashboards specific to user type that includes both summary and detail data?
These features are provided via the CATS Portal…a web-based application controlled entirely by CATS using the CATS the Management Studio Module. Dashboard views, specific report views, and workflow activities between the CATS Administrator(s) and the Sales organization, including drill down functionality, are an optional service involving customer-specific development.

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Does CATS offer an Intuitive Planning Dashboard–aimed at the financial business user?
The CATS' Portal is designed to provide non-administrative personnel appropriate level access to the CATS platform. Reporting is driven by Crystal Reports and the CATS Portal where a powerful web-based dashboard is presented to each authorized employee. This permits customization of views and allows for data to be displayed or downloaded in a variety of data formats including Excel. All Excel functionality is available, including the ability to create pivot tables with CATS data. The CATS Portal powers workflow between the incentive compensation administrator and sales and financial management who must supply either qualitative information to drive payment calculations or approve exceptions to transactions or payments in a timely manner. This table-driven approach is superior to competing solutions reliant on emails to accomplish the same level of functionality with dual entry and non-compliant audit trail issues.

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What is your overall approach report design and development?
Our experience has determined that it is most efficient to begin report design and development once the CATS Implementation Workbook has been completed. At this time, a separate Report Development consulting team would meet with all key business users to analyze existing reports and determine exact reporting needs. The goal is to identify areas where we can reduce the creation of static reports in favor of dynamic and more flexible reports. We also look for opportunities to create reports with multiple users in mind such that different users may gain access to different parts of the same report thereby leveraging a single report's utilization by multiple recipients. Finally, we will assist with identifying the organizational roll ups and hierarchy in order to set up the proper linkage of reports using drill downs between reports, different user sets, etc.

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Does CATS come with any in-house reporting tools?
CATS contains a powerful Query tool that runs on top of every data table in the application. CATS is also provided with Crystal Reports as an external report development tool.

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Does CATS come-with any report writing tool?
Yes. CATS comes with Crystal Reports as a report development and writing tool.

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Does CATS provide web-enabled reporting and viewing (browser based)?
The CATS Portal was built for the Internet from the ground up – The CATS Portal is not simply layered on top of a client/server architecture, like other business intelligence tools on the market. Thanks to its true Microsoft .Net orientation, authorized users and developers simply need a standard Web browser to access the CATS Portal.

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Does CATS allow for ad-hoc query capabilities?
Every table maintained by CATS contains an 'ad hoc' report tool that permits instant queries and one-time 'what if' type questions. The flexibility of the CATS Portal provides a useful tool set to all levels of users. A hierarchy-driven reporting environment can be created for end-users who simply want to run reports.

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Describe any data analysis tools that are available.
Integrated into CATS is a powerful query tool that runs on top of all of the data tables contained in the application. This query tool, (called "filter" in CATS), provides the user with a quick and easy way to select any combination of data fields within any data table in building an expression that will isolate specific information required from that data table. This information can then be exported into a variety of data formats including a one-click option to Microsoft Excel. In addition, there is a powerful analysis module that comes pre-loaded with 36 pre-set incentive compensation metrics that can be run against any data created and/or modeled within CATS. This analysis module also permits the user to create customized metrics for the purposes of analysis and/or modeling.

There is also a command query capability, an online analytical processing tool, a territory management tool, and a quota-setting tool.

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