My company has been using Daylite for a couple of months now, and it's probably the best CRM I've ever used. However, there are some questions I need answered.

#1, is there a way to create a report/list/layout, and then have it made public so everyone can use it? WITHOUT having to copy the document into EACH users' templates folder? I know that doing a report/layout/etc through the preferences pane will make them available, but you don't have the easy-to-use editor of the templates editor.

#2, We use a lot of the stock reports/layouts/etc, but it would be nice to just change a FEW minor things without having to rebuild the entire report. Like change the title and font, then be able to make it so it's available to everyone....WITHOUT copying it to each users computer.

#3, I find that when I AM creating a new report, then ask to use a template as a start....it doesn't start with the report, I still have to input data and REBUILD it. I want it to give me the template....let ME make changes to IT, then save it as a copy.

#4, echoing sentiments in another thread, the software is a dream to use, very intuitive and simple. Then you get to the report builder and suddenly I'm tranformed into a screaming 5 year old. I'm a graphic artist and desktop publisher. And even I'M stumped. I downloaded the manuals, but I'm still lost on a lot of things.

#5, I'm in Houston, TX, and the closest "trainer" you have listed doesn't know about the reports. Can you recommend someone who knows this thing inside and out to come out and give some lessons? We'll pay.

#6, there's lots more, but let's start with this.

Scott Manby

quote:

Originally posted by Scott Manby:
My company has been using Daylite for a couple of months now, and it's probably the best CRM I've ever used.

Thanks!

quote:

However, there are some questions I need answered.

#1, is there a way to create a report/list/layout, and then have it made public so everyone can use it? WITHOUT having to copy the document into EACH users' templates folder? I know that doing a report/layout/etc through the preferences pane will make them available, but you don't have the easy-to-use editor of the templates editor.

This is currently not officially supported. Starting with version 3.2, you could do the following at the command line:

 defaults write com.marketcircle.Daylite3 MCReportSharedStoragePath 'the full unix path to your shared folder'

This method hasn't proved to be reliable. I suspect it is due to way shared folders are mounted but I'm not sure.

quote:

#2, We use a lot of the stock reports/layouts/etc, but it would be nice to just change a FEW minor things without having to rebuild the entire report. Like change the title and font, then be able to make it so it's available to everyone....WITHOUT copying it to each users computer.

I don't follow why you would need to redo the report each time. Once you do it once, just put in the Templates folder and you should be fine. As far as sharing, see #1.

quote:

#3, I find that when I AM creating a new report, then ask to use a template as a start....it doesn't start with the report, I still have to input data and REBUILD it. I want it to give me the template....let ME make changes to IT, then save it as a copy.

Are you saying that no matter what you choose in the 2nd pane, you get a blank??
If so, then there is something wrong.

quote:

#4, echoing sentiments in another thread, the software is a dream to use, very intuitive and simple. Then you get to the report builder and suddenly I'm tranformed into a screaming 5 year old. I'm a graphic artist and desktop publisher. And even I'M stumped. I downloaded the manuals, but I'm still lost on a lot of things.

We've made some changes to make it easier. We'll continue to make improvements. The fact that Daylite has over 1000 data fields doesn't help.

quote:

#5, I'm in Houston, TX, and the closest "trainer" you have listed doesn't know about the reports. Can you recommend someone who knows this thing inside and out to come out and give some lessons? We'll pay.

Did you look at the partners list?
So far, the most active person with custom reports has been Cynthia.
Look at these.

quote:

#6, there's lots more, but let's start with this.

Scott Manby

quote:

Originally posted by AJ:

I don't follow why you would need to redo the report each time. Once you do it once, just put in the Templates folder and you should be fine. As far as sharing, see #1.

Well, for example. We use the Open Opportunity list, we like the way it's formatted. However, I want to add a couple of criteria and change the font. So I would assume I go to new report....start with a template....and when I click on the Opportunity Report, it should load it just like it is. But I get the following....

http://www.encorelandscape.com/daylite1.jpg
http://www.encorelandscape.com/daylite2.jpg

Can't see anything.

quote:

Are you saying that no matter what you choose in the 2nd pane, you get a blank??
If so, then there is something wrong.

Right. See links.

quote:

Did you look at the partners list?
So far, the most active person with custom reports has been Cynthia.
Look at these.

When I did, the only partner in Houston didn't have experience in reports and layouts.

Damn. You've hit a bug.
It's been fixed in the latest private beta. Do you want access to that?

Nah. I'll wait. I'm actually SLOWLY getting the hang of the report engine. I'm not as skeered of it as I once was.

But if you could take a look at my topic in USING DAYLITE that would be awesome.

quote:

When I did, the only partner in Houston didn't have experience in reports and layouts.

Hi Scott,
You may want to broaden your search; Many Daylite Partners who are experienced with custom reports and layouts are comfortable working remotely (using webconference technology or other methods for screen sharing). Many of us will also collaborate with each other as needed to combine our strengths.
Good luck!
-Em