How it Works

At CRS, we try to make things simple. You know what you need and the process should not take weeks or months to complete. Here are the basic steps of engaging CRS.

Contact us

Call CRS or send an email detailing the basics of what you are looking for. We can have a brief conversation or exchange about what you need and when you need it.

send Details

If you need one or two reports, prioritizing isn’t an issue. But if the scope of your needs includes many reports for different areas, it is best to prioritize the top 3-5 reports. We will develop the reports and provide you with drafts to review. Working together, we will complete the reports to your satisfaction.

Send an email with details: What reports you need, what data needs to be included, grouping/subtotals, report parameters, and what the output should look like. This can be a copy of a report you already produce with other tools, a sample excel file, or a scanned sketch on paper.

Technical Specs

Remote Access  This work requires a live connection to your MUNIS database. The most common setup involves Gotoassist. We would connect to your computer, or one that has been set up for this sort of occasion. We can also set up a remote desktop or VPN connection. The PC will need the MUNIS application and access to the report writer, either Crystal Reports or Report Builder through the SSRS Reports Manager page.

Report Writer Setup  If you do not currently use either Crystal Reports or SSRS, you will need to contact Tyler/MUNIS support for assistance.

• SSRS – Tyler will need to set up your Reports Manager web page and set up data sources, as well as access to and permissions to save to that web page.
• Crystal Reports – You will need an ODBC driver set up on your PC, both for report development and running reports. Your IT staff should be able to set this up. If not, Tyler/MUNIS can help.

Data Access  If this is your first time using either report writer, there is some setup required that involves MUNIS and MUNIS Support.

• SaaS – MUNIS SaaS Support (formerly known as ASP), will need to set up users with permission to develop reports.
• MUNIS Permissions – MUNIS encourages the use of Database Views that filter data through MUNIS security. There is an additional step involving permissions to use those database views.

Development & Review

CRS will work on your reports, call with questions, confirm intentions, make suggestions and provide drafts for you to review. One of the benefits of working with CRS is that we often think of additional details that can make your reports even better than your original request. Once you are ready to start using the report we welcome follow up requests for modifications.

Production

CRS will help you determine the best means of delivering reports to end-users. Crystal Reports are often place on a shared drive or MUNIS menu. SSRS Reports can also be placed on MUNIS menus or accessed through the Report Manager web page.

Purchase Orders and Payment

CRS works on an hourly basis. For the first engagement most clients create a PO for a block of hours, typically ten our twenty hours. If the results are satisfactory, we can talk about proceeding further. CRS can provide fairly accurate estimates, however every client is different. We will keep you informed as we progress through report development.

Are you ready?

Give us a call or send an email!