The modules below assist you in learning a particular ad hoc reporting technique or function. They take you through the development process of building ad hoc report requests using FOCUS reporting language to produce various outputs: online reports, batch reports, printed reports and download files. The modules build in complexity with later modules reinforcing and complimenting the information learned in earlier modules. For additional information, refer to the material in Advanced CIRS Reporting Modules.
To download the entire workbook, select a link below:
Basic CIRS Reporting Workbook (.zip, 470 KB)
Basic CIRS Reporting Workbook (.exe, 538 KB)
Module 1, Introduction (PDF)
Welcome
What is CIRS?
How To Use This Workbook
Assumptions
Resources
Module 2, Ad Hoc Reporting Overview (PDF)
Ad Hoc Reporting Process
Terminology
Master File Descriptions
Using the Data Element Dictionary
What You Have Learned
Module 3, Basic FOCUS Commands (PDF)
FOCUS Report Requests
Beginning and Ending Report Requests
Displaying Data
Sorting Report Columns
Selecting Records
Summary of Basic Commands
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 4, Creating and Maintaining Requests (PDF)
Personal Library
Navigation Options
Creating Requests
Line Edit Commands
Command Line Entries
Maintenance Commands
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 5, Executing Requests Online (PDF)
Online Execution
Online File Selection
Online FOCUS Environment
Hot Screen
Printing Report Data
Fixing Errors Online
Exiting The Online FOCUS Environment
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 6, Using Batch Functions (PDF)
Batch Functions
Batch Versus Online
Submitting Batch Jobs
Status and System Messages
Batch Job Reports
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 7, Using Hold Files (PDF)
Hold Files Overview
Creating Hold Files
Browsing Hold Files
Editing Hold Files
Download Hold Files
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 8, Customizing Printed Reports (PDF)
Headings and Footings
Creating New Column Titles
Changing Column Formats and Justification
Column and Row Totals
Subtotals
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 9, Using Joined Files (PDF)
What Are Joined Files
Automatic Joins
Pre-programmed Joins
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 10, Creating Temporary Fields (PDF)
Temporary Fields Overview
Syntax For Computed Fields
Syntax For Defined Fields
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 11, Common Library (PDF)
Common Library Procedures
Accessing the Common Library
Finding Report Requests
Executing Report Requests
Copying From the Common Library
Copying To the Common Library
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 12, Employment History Files (PDF)
Employment History Files Overview
TR File Practice
Employment History Extract Process
Extract Verification
EH File Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 13, Payment History Files (PDF)
Payment Files Overview
PH File Practice
Payment History Extract Process
Extract Verification
PY File Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 14, Employment Verification (PDF)
Employment Verification Report Overview
Creating an Employment Verification Report
Printing an Employment Verification Report
Practice
What You Have Learned
Module 15, Closeout (PDF)
Ad Hoc Report Procedures
Summary of FOCUS commands
Recommendations for Successful Reporting
Appendix A, Contacts (38 KB)
Appendix B, Campus Codes (50 KB)
Appendix C, Frequently Used Files (51 KB)