Chris21 Reporting and Macros

You might be wondering about the title – what do Chris21 Reporting and macros have to do with each other? It’s more to do with what macros can do for you once you have produced your Chris21 report output. They will help you to gain major efficiencies in your processing.

What is a Macro?

A macro is simply code that is written within a Microsoft Excel workbook that will automate what happens in an Excel worksheet. For instance, if you have a spreadsheet and you create filters, calculations, and other formatting, you can make this happen automatically.

You probably already have Excel so all you need is someone who can develop the macro for you.

How Can Macros Help?

Think about how you may have used a macro to convert your spreadsheet into GTR format so that data can be automatically uploaded into your database. Imagine having to format that spreadsheet, which could comprise thousands of records, without the help of a macro. Or you may use a macro to import timesheets via TCB.

Macros will reduce processing time by a huge amount.

There are many other instances where macros can help but today I want to talk about how they can help with your Chris21 reporting requirements.

Using Macros With Your Chris21 Reporting

If you are running a report from Chris21 on a regular basis and then spending time formatting this report, think about how a macro may be able to save you a lot of time and effort.

I recently developed a macro to improve the headcount reporting for a client. They needed to reconcile their headcount figures on a monthly basis and this process took the best part of a day to complete.

Even worse, if the regular person who undertook this task was absent, the task would have to fall to someone else. In this case the process would take even longer.

This scenario is ideal for a macro, the advantages being:

• Speed. Macros are incredibly fast and can reduce the processing time from days to a matter of seconds.
• Accuracy. Macros take the element of human error out of the process.
• Anyone can run a macro. The task can be delegated to another employee without the need for a lengthy handover process.

If you currently run similar processes in your organisation you may want to consider using a macro to make your life easier and to deliver tangible benefits.

You may already be using macros to help with your processing. If so, leave a comment and let us know how they are helping you.