Report Template Creation

A report template is a framework of sections, each independently built from its own database query.

You can build a new report template by creating a new template, using an existing template, basing a template off an event view, or importing a dashboard or workflow.

If you do not want to copy an existing report template, you can create an entirely new template. The first step in creating a template is to generate the framework that allows you to add and format the sections. Then, in the order you prefer, you design the individual template sections and set attributes for the report document.

Each template section consists of a dataset generated by a search or filter, and has a format specification (table, pie chart, and so on) that determines the mode of presentation. You further determine section content by selecting the fields in the data records you want to include in the output, as well as the time frame and number of records to show.

The report you generate from the template has several document attributes that span all sections and control features, such as the cover page, headers and footers, page numbering, and so on.

Note that if you selected CSV as your document format, you have no document attributes to set.

If you identify a good model among your existing templates, you can copy the template and edit its attributes to create a new report template. Cisco also provides a set of predefined report templates, visible on the Reports Tab in the list of templates.

From an event view, you can create a report template and modify it to meet your needs. You can add additional sections, modify automatically included sections, and delete sections.

You can quickly create a new report by importing dashboards, workflows, and statistics summaries. The import creates a section for each widget graphic in your dashboard and each event view in your workflow. You can delete any unnecessary sections to focus on the most important information.