FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am trying to view client information, but it does not seem to be here. What is happening?
A: The information or data that you anticipated would be in the system might not have been uploaded to it yet. Sometimes, in fact, batch uploads (the means of getting data into the system) are scheduled to take place at regular intervals in advance (e.g. every morning at 4am) and the data might still be in the "waiting to be uploaded" phase. If this is the case, please check back after the next batch uploads is scheduled and takes place, as the data has probably been added at that point.
Q: I am trying to create a master report or see a shared report or assign responsibilities but the system won't allow me access. Why?
A: You are probably restricted from seeing this information or taking these actions because of the levels of responsibility and access set up through your organization. Remember that items shown throughout the system (e.g. client data, menu options, shared reports) are context sensitive and based strictly on the roles, permissions, and responsibilities set up by your organization. Please contact your system administrator if you feel like your inability to access is in error or to clarify your viewability privileges.
Q: I want to learn how to create a new report. Where should I go?
A: To get a quick overview of report creation, you can click here. Remember as well that there are many different report types you can look into including: Progression, Tickler, Assessment Aging, Outcome Snapshot, Outcome Comparison, Count Clients, Count Assessments, and Clients with no Assessments.
Q: The parameter options in the report section seem broad. Is there a way to tailor the options (and pull-down menus) to my organization more specifically?
A: Yes, most definitely. Like many things in the OA system, parameters are also configurable based on the needs of your organization, and we are certainly happy to help you with this. For example, if you only work with children, we can configure the age section options to reflect only that pool of the population - thereby potentially easing some burden for you.
Q: Also, what is the default setting on parameters? Am I filtering things out or choosing to include them?
A: You can indeed leave some parameter areas blank. Making selections for parameters means you are choosing to narrow down your criteria for that specific paramater (i.e. Reporting Units). The rule is that your parameter entries are ways to limit the types of things included in your report. Choosing none (i.e. making no selection or leaving things blank), on the other hand, implies you do not wish to narrow your data down by that criterion and so the report will simply include all possibilities/options.
Q: I can't seem to see the report I just generated. Why is it not opening?
A: Most likely, you are having this problem because you have a pop-up blocker enabled on your computer. Since newly generated reports often open in a new tab or window (depending on your browser settings), pop-up blockers may interfere with you being able to view the report. To avoid this problem, simply disable the pop-up blocker for the OA system's website. You can do this several ways, but perhaps the easiest is if you click on the window with an 'x' icon in the upper right hand corner of your url bar and choose the option that allows pop-ups for the OA site.
Q: What is the difference between an episodic tickler report and a non-episodic one?
A: In brief, the tickler without episodes is the default configuration and more basic in terms of the data it conveys. Whereas a tickler report with episodes will give you the ability to introduce the element of client episodes into the data set (and will also provide information about the "responsible user" in such cases), the standard tickler requires a discharge or other form of de-activation to not include the individual in the main data set. NOTE: you will have to contact OA for support to set up episodic tickler reports. For more information about tickler reports, this difference, and how to create and understand one, please click here.
Q: What is an episode?
A: An episode, simply put, is just a way of grouping assessments. However, it offers the ability to provide a logical bridge and some context to the large amount of data that might be associated with a specific client. Using episodes, you can thematically filter periods of interest by designating certain start and end dates to the episodes. Instead of just obtaining client information that looks like a lot of different assessments (across a big time span) piled on top of each other, episodes thus help clarify points of connection and give you more context as to what is going on. For example, if a client enters a program once, leaves, then comes back to it, episodic data can take that into account and reflect that change in "episode," while non-episodic data would just show more assessments without explanation.
Q: Do you have any specific recommendations or tricks regarding which browser to employ when using the system?
A: While we recommend Firefox, all prominent browsers (i.e. Safari, Chrome, and IE) should work with the system. Remember to turn off any pop-up blockers in your browser setting as this may hinder your ability to view reports. Also, be sure to ______________________________
Q: What is the difference between OUs (Organizational Units) and RUs (Reporting Units)?
A: OUs are a way to associate users and clients into groupings for the purpose of limiting data visibility and to create organizationally driven reporting categories. Usually these groupings reflect either the geographical or supervisory reporting hierarchy of your organization. RUs, on the other hand, allow you to classify clients based on various factors (e.g. trial group) through the system of tagging.