Prior to licensing Informer, trained report writers were executing queries at the database level. This required custom programs to secure files/fields and left gaping holes where ens-users could overwrite Vocabulary records for files and directories with the name of a report. By moving our end-users into a reporting tool solution, we were able to secure files and fields, allow users to make copies of report without changing the original version and schedule reports to key decision making on a regular basis. My IT staff was relieved of having to create links to files through computed or calculated fields to get from file to file as it iq quite easy do make the links right within Informer itself. The export features provide the flexibility of using varying formats - the .pdf totals, subtotals and detail data is the absolute bomb! The Excel exports still satisfy the Finance folks. I would also like to add that Tech Support has been nothing but stellar since implementation. If we can' figure out a way to do or execute something, we call, get a real person and its usually resolved quickly. If it needs escalation, we can expect to see an enhancement available next release. It is one of the best investments Barry University has ever made.

• We needed to be able to report off of a UniData database and Informer was the best tool to do that. Since they have added support for other databases it is now used to report off of all of our databases.
• The report scheduler has been valuable. Before Informer users could not schedule their reports.
• End user customization. The ability for the end users to customize their reports to how they want them to look is a great feature.
• The ability to combine data on the same report from multiple data sources.

End users are extremely pleased with the ease of use and low learning curve to get a report written. Executives are very excited with the dashboard feature which gives them instant, real-time access to figures needed for operations.

The logical creation of selection criteria make data retrieval much easier to teach end-users. The ability to create custom functions also allows for business intelligence at their fingertips.

The user interface is intuitive and simple. I rarely have to ask for help from IT to use this software.

The ability to create custom scripts in Java is wonderful and though I know very little Java I still find this useful to have this flexibility.

The forum is helpful, especially for finding Java code that I can use or modify for my needs.

Packaging tool lets you share report designs easily and efficiently.

Versatile in report design with script writing capability.

The live excel function has been our most valuable as we can push out reports that program people can run anytime they want. It has taken the burden for tracking performance off IT/IR and placed it back with the program, where it should be.

The user friendly aspect of the interface and flexibility of usage. Security is robust but simple to implement.

The ability to create run time computed columns is one of the best features in informer. Being able to manipulate data ad hoc as necessary without making changes to our ERP database is incredibly helpful.

• Informer is or has become our standard reporting tool for all systems.
• Finding links to data items within the file that one is reporting on.

• Mappings/Mapped Files. 
• Scheduling. 
• Saving Reports. 
• Quick launch is great. 
• Live Excel Reporting is great.

The ability to let the end users get data and to customize reports.

I work in the Budgeting office and am a financial report writer. I have been able to write transactional reports as well as budget to actual summary reports. I have them set up in a way that when someone asks me for something, I can pull the data out quickly and easily to match their purposes. Once the reports are written it can be molded for many different scenarios. Once I became more familiar with the data and Java Script, I was able to build very nice reports. This saves valuable time building the reports in Excel from pieces of data. I can get the data in one sheet and work from there.

The easy of use and implement with our MultiValue database (UniVerse) and our SQL servers.

• Using links between files
• Using save list for communication management and mailing and more

I think the analytics are great. I enjoy creating reports using scripts to get to exactly the data I need.