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Entrinsik Informer is a versatile reporting tool that has transformed the way data is accessed and analyzed on campus. Users find Informer …
Overview
What is Entrinsik Informer?
Entrinsik Informer is a web-based reporting and business intelligence application popular in the higher education vertical market. It helps organizations transform real-time data into actionable information by delivering ad-hoc reporting, data analysis, and interactive dashboards.
Recent Reviews
Popular Features
- Multi-User Support (named login) (11)9.090%
- Report sharing and collaboration (10)9.090%
- Drill-down analysis (9)9.090%
- Formatting capabilities (10)8.181%
Reviewer Pros & Cons
Director, Systems Management & MIS Operations
College of the Desert (Higher Education, 501-1000 employees)
Pricing
N/A
Unavailable
What is Entrinsik Informer?
Entrinsik Informer is a web-based reporting and business intelligence application popular in the higher education vertical market. It helps organizations transform real-time data into actionable information by delivering ad-hoc reporting, data analysis, and interactive dashboards.
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- Competitors
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is Entrinsik Informer?
Informer 5 from Entrinsik is a data discovery and analytics tool that aims to simplify the process of accessing, cleansing, blending, and analyzing data from multiple sources. According to the vendor, with Informer, companies can aggregate all their disparate data into a single platform using an intuitive, 100% web-based interface that replaces outdated query tools and complicated reporting systems.
The tool aims to eliminate the need for data warehouses and cubes, and eliminate complicated “views” and limited functionality. With extensible architecture, collaborative environment, and enterprise-level performance, Informer aims to deliver actionable insights and better, data-driven decisions for its customers.
Entrinsik Informer Features
BI Platform Features
- Supported: Administration via Web Interface
- Supported: Live Connection to External Data
- Supported: Snapshot of External Data
- Supported: In-memory data model
- Supported: Multi-Data Source Reporting (Blending)
Supported Data Sources Features
- Supported: MS Excel Workbooks
- Supported: Text Files (CSV, etc)
- Supported: Oracle
- Supported: MS SQL Server
- Supported: IBM DB2
- Supported: Postgres
- Supported: MySQL
- Supported: ODBC
- Supported: Cloudera Hadoop
- Supported: Hortonworks Hadoop
- Supported: SAP Hana
BI Standard Reporting Features
- Supported: Customizable dashboards
- Supported: Report Formatting Templates
Ad-hoc Reporting Features
- Supported: Drill-down analysis
- Supported: Formatting capabilities
- Supported: Report sharing and collaboration
Report Output and Scheduling Features
- Supported: Publish to Web
- Supported: Publish to PDF
- Supported: Report Versioning
- Supported: Report Delivery Scheduling
- Supported: Delivery to Remote Servers
Data Discovery and Visualization Features
- Supported: Pre-built visualization formats (heatmaps, scatter plots etc.)
- Supported: Location Analytics / Geographic Visualization
Access Control and Security Features
- Supported: Multi-User Support (named login)
- Supported: Role-Based Security Model
- Supported: Multiple Access Permission Levels (Create, Read, Delete)
- Supported: Report-Level Access Control
- Supported: Table-Level Access Control (BI-layer)
- Supported: Field-Level Access Control (BI-layer)
Mobile Capabilities Features
- Supported: Responsive Design for Web Access
- Supported: Dashboard / Report / Visualization Interactivity on Mobile
Application Program Interfaces (APIs) / Embedding Features
- Supported: REST API
Entrinsik Informer Screenshots
Entrinsik Informer Videos
Customers Talk About Informer
Introduction to Informer 5 BI & Data Analytics
Entrinsik Informer Competitors
Entrinsik Informer Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise, Software as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Mobile Application | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Entrinsik Informer is a web-based reporting and business intelligence application popular in the higher education vertical market. It helps organizations transform real-time data into actionable information by delivering ad-hoc reporting, data analysis, and interactive dashboards.
Reviewers rate Publish to Web and Report Versioning and Role-Based Security Model highest, with a score of 9.1.
The most common users of Entrinsik Informer are from Mid-sized Companies (51-1,000 employees).
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Reviews and Ratings
(86)
Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
- Business Problems Solved
- Recommendations
Entrinsik Informer is a versatile reporting tool that has transformed the way data is accessed and analyzed on campus. Users find Informer easy to grasp and use, making training a breeze. With its seamless integration with multiple systems, Informer allows users to create and manipulate data as needed, eliminating the need for manual gathering of report data and saving hours of time. The software empowers end users to govern their own data and find the information they need with minimal support. IT departments have control over access, limiting what each user sees based on their access level. Additionally, the scheduling feature in Informer has been a game changer for users by allowing reports to run automatically and be delivered via email, streamlining workflows and processes. Informer's ability to provide accurate and timely reports from multiple databases has increased usage campus-wide, with different groups of users running created reports. It serves as a single point for querying multiple systems and databases, allowing users to create their own reports and reducing the burden on IT programmers. Overall, Informer has solved a multitude of problems for colleges and universities by addressing quick and complex reporting needs across various departments and empowering users to make informed decisions based on up-to-date information.
Users have made several recommendations for Entrinsik Informer based on their experiences. Many users find Informer to be a useful tool for reporting that is easy to use for end users. Furthermore, users highly recommend Informer for its ability to create various data gathering options and its outstanding customer service. Additionally, users have found that Informer is a tremendous time saver as it decreases report development time and enables users to create their own reports. Users also suggest using Informer when a database or CRM lacks a strong built-in reporting feature and recommend using external software like Excel for any necessary alterations.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
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Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Having Informer is like having EXTRA staff for each departments. It takes care of all reporting needs - for monitoring, mandatory, state, periodic reports - Reports are scheduled and thus, emailed or posted on website automatically.
- Reports for Positive Pay, Financial Aid, A/R, Payment Plans
- Waitlist, DREG, REG Priority, Positive Attendance, Rosters
- LDAP, Blackboard upload files, Library Systems, Bookstore, @mycod.us
- Counseling/Advising, SEP, Degree Audit
- EMS, CFAR, Grades First,
- Live Excels - Room Schedules, Pre-Req Roster, Grading Requirements (PE)
- MIS Reports
- IT Security Reports, Electronic Foot prints
- Automatic Reports - posted directly to websites
- Dashboard Functionality
- Delivered Reports & Sample Reports, Subroutines, Functionality Repository of Know-How
- Data Schema - to read and establish Relational Database Relationships automatically
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90%
9.0
96.66666666666666%
9.7
100%
10.0
80%
8.0
100%
10.0
100%
10.0
90%
9.0
- Ease on reporting from multiple-sources
- Automated Extract and Posting
- Ability to use Data Lakes vs LIVE Data - to avoid bottle necks
- Up-to-date security and software patches
- Excellent Support Team!
Informer is a complete solution.
The entire college: IT, A&R, Fiscal Services, Fin Aid, HR, Special Programs, A/R, Bursar, Alumni, Students Life, Research, Scheduling, Curriculum, Deans - Schools and Divisions, Campus Security - Third Party...
3
IT
- DASHBOARDS
- AdHOC / Live Reports
- AI - Voice commands like Alexa, API
Yes
We used to create reports using the delivered tools & software - UniQuery & Safari. The GUI interface and delivered functionalities of Informer make reports & data mining easy - even to non-IT staff.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
After hearing about Informer from a conference, I started the Trial Version as soon as I returned to office. From day 1, I am amazed by the helpfulness of the company, the ease of installation, and the built-in functionalities. I couldn't wait to show what it can do for the entire school. We called a special meeting and everyone feel in love with the reports and the tool that made it possible, Informer is one of the best decision we ever made!
None. All the challenges we encountered using UniQuery & Safari only made acquiring and using Informer sweeter.
- Implemented in-house
Yes
Yes, like everything else - we have to do a trial phase first. We throw our hardest reports to make into Informer and we were surprised how easy Informer set , schedule, deliver and process them all. Wow!
Change management was a small part of the implementation and was well-handled
Informer made reporting easy! Every change made was positive and for the better.
- Mapping the relationships between all the files of our UniData RDBMS by Colleague Datatel.
- In 2007 California Community Colleges have a huge budget cut - but all departments pitched-in some money to help buy Informer.
Not Available
Yes
They take care of all bugs and are very quick to issue a fix. Most they found-out themselves. They take wish functionalities too - and add them on their new releases.
Every time we have some very unique problem - Informer Support is willing to do a remote session with us and help us complete the report - for as long as it takes. They take the task as their own and take joy in completing them for us. Its like they are our employees too!
- Adhoc Reporting
- GUI Formating
- Java Scripts to customize format/results
- n/a
Yes
Responsive design - will fit any size of display and device. Better used with laptops or tablets at minimum.
August 19, 2015
How did we function without it?
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
We have rolled Informer out across our campus. We went live with Informer in February 2011, coming from a dos-based reporting tool where we had 8 people writing reports. We now have 101 different staff members who have written their own reports. We have 211 users on our campus who have run reports on their own. Most of them received one 2-hour training class to run and manipulate their reports. This has certainly de-centralized the functions away from our IT office running all of the reports. Additionally, this is allowing the end-users to manage their own data on their own timeline. I have been a data analyst for the University for over 20 years, and this tool is by far the easiest to manage.
We recently rolled out dynamic dashboards and 43 report-writers attended the training session.
We recently rolled out dynamic dashboards and 43 report-writers attended the training session.
- The terms are easily understood. Our report writers and users have an easy time plotting the data to make sure they are receiving the information they need.
- The ability to schedule on-going reports has been a tremendous time saver. We currently have 260 reports running in a "hands off" mode so they can be delivered to upper management for their needs. Included in this list is a pool of "audit" reports where supervisors can receive a report if there are issues with common data entry standards.
- Security is easy to manage. We are able to allow all of the appropriate granular security with each user group.
- The ability to use LiveExcel interaction with our database allows some of our administrative assistants to use their Windows Office skills rather than having to login to the tool itself.
- While we do like the new Dashboards, the scale-ability of the graphical representation would be helpful.
- We had developed a list of "wishes" and submitted them to the Entrinsik forum... and lo and behold, when release 4.4.1 came out, the issues were addressed! We particularly needed the ability to copy parts of the set up from one instance to another. We continue to be users of the Wiki and Forums available to clients.
Before using Informer, we used "Query Builder" and staff found that very difficult to manage and write reports. We do use Crystal Reports and while it contains some of the output functions we need, it is not end-user friendly and generally requires extensive training to be able to run the most basic reports. After further review, Crystal Reports has been removed from the "standard tools" list, in favor of Informer.
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66.66666666666667%
6.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
100%
10.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Full cross-sample of all administrative departments from Finance, Purchasing, Human resources, Advancement, Admissions, Financial Aide, Student Accounts, Student Affairs, Athletics, Marketing, Information Technology, Event Scheduling, International Programs, Provost/Academic Affairs. Campus Security.
1
We have one person tasked with management of the product (Security, File Setup and Staff Training); which takes about 1/2-time FTE. Our Systems maintenance team manages the software updates on an as-needed basis, which is about quarterly.
- With a new Capital Campaign underway, we hope to accelerate the distribution of the Key Indicators to the full committee in a real-time method.
- Data Mining for research on the KPIs ~ Admission, Retention, Financial Reporting
- Data Delivery for Financial Reports on a scheduled basis to the appropriate staff and budget officers
- Data Analysis for a recent conversion completed by the Advancement Office where we managed the entire conversion specifications by side-by-side data analysis of two different datasources.
- Using the Dashboards, for Faculty Departments to identify course needs to facilitate scheduling appropriate classes and capacity for upcoming terms.
- Using Informer to identify changes to Faculty Advisement records for ease of scheduling
Yes
a DOS-based Query product that required massive IT support and had limited user-access
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
- Vendor Reputation
- Third-party Reviews
User-Friendly was a key component. After a single two-hour training session, our power users are set to go.
We surveyed our administrative database co-workers (Ellucian); and reviewed a few of their suggestions, and Informer by Entrinsik always rose to the top.
- Implemented in-house
No
Change management was a big part of the implementation and was well-handled
It took about a year for the administrative units to understand that we were providing them with a tool to manage their own data. There is a still a small modicum of trust issues, mostly relating to understanding the data, and not the tool used to provide the information.
- The understanding that "group" training is generally not a reality on a College Campus. Due to the confidentiality of the data components, the training must be done in very small groups so they will be training on their own data.
- The willingness of some departments to take on the responsibility of retrieving and reviewing their own data. This had previously fallen to IT and an Institutional Research department. With all of the new federal regulations in just about every department on our campus, they are understanding that they need to control this review.
No
We were setting up a training class for Dashboard Users, and we were having an issue on security settings. In less than an hour, all of the appropriate flags were set and we were ready to go.
- From an IT perspective: The Initial setup, Datasource mapping and file-joins are quite easy.
- From an end-user, If they know their data, the reporting is quite simple. The user still has to know what they are trying to identify in the report.
- The dashboard setup takes about 15 minutes to learn
- The report writers have to understand the underlying database file structure. The Informer tool is quite simple to manage if you know it. We have tried to provide tools to the reporting units on their file structure as an aid.
November 04, 2014
Entrinsik Informer Review
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Entrinsik Informer is used by Information Systems department, Finance Department and Human Resources. There are other departments across campus that have LIVE excel spreadsheets from Informer, but they do not have the access.
It is has helped with many reports that are needed for the different areas across campus. I've created many reports from queries that are no longer possible with Colleague.
It is has helped with many reports that are needed for the different areas across campus. I've created many reports from queries that are no longer possible with Colleague.
- Entrinsik makes Informer easy to use.
- Informer Dashboards are easy to set up also.
- Maintenance is easy
- When creating reports, there is the ability to drag and drop
- At this moment, I can't think of anything that can be improved. There are minor glitches that need to be fixed, but nothing major.
- I truly enjoying working with this product.
21
- Human Resources
- Curriculum Management
- Student Services
- Finance Department
- Bookstore
- Information Systems
1
I am the "go-to" person for Entrinsik Informer for our company. If anyone has an issue, they contact me first. If I am unable to answer their question, then I will contact Entrinsik support.
- Student enrollment
- Course catalog listing
- IPEDS reporting
- Dashboards
- Dashboards for real time "quick look" at data for student enrollment
- We just purchased Dashboards, so I will be implementing that soon.
Yes
Colleague is no longer using query builder, so we had to find a product that would create reports for our users. Entrinsik Informer is that product. It's easy to use and to set up.
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Product Reputation
Product features are what led us to Informer.
I wouldn't change anything
- Implemented in-house
No
Change management was minimal
We did not have any change management
- there were no significant issues
No
Yes! Holly is the BEST!! She knew exactly what I needed (sometimes before I even asked). She also knows her stuff when it comes to JavaScript and with Entrinsik Informer. I miss her not being in the support department anymore!
- When making reports, the drag and drop feature in easy
- When exporting reports, there are multiple ways to export. For example: PDF, excel, .csv, save list, .txt, webpage, .xml
- If a person does not the data, then creating a report would be difficult.
- Mapping can sometimes be tricky. You have to make sure that you get the key fields matched correctly
April 16, 2014
Reports in MINUTES!
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Used by the whole organization for reporting and dashboards. It addresses quick as well as complex reporting for many departments.
- Writing quick reports, allows answers to users within minutes
- Tabulating/totaling, allows grouping by set parameters
- Allows exporting to Excel for detailed manipulation
- Automatic advancement to a fill in box without having to place the mouse in the box
- Report lookup feature lost in the last update and that is extremely frustrating, have to re-enter report lookup in box each time after closing a report
- Positive ROI by getting reports fast
- Power users ease of use without IT support
- Positive customer service because reports can be produced very quickly
Accounting, Financial Aid, Registration, Admissions, HR/Personnel, Institutional Research
3
Programming staff
- Registration reports
- Financial Aid reports
- HR/Payroll/Personnel reports
- Creating excel files for using Pivot Tables.
Yes
Safari, it was difficult to use and very poor performance
- Price
- Product Features
- Product Usability
- Vendor Reputation
- Existing Relationship with the Vendor
- Analyst Reports
Priced very good for the ROI. Excellent support.
- Implemented in-house
No
Change management was minimal
- none
No
Yes
Most often resolved in a timely manner.
When adding SQL as an Informer option Entrinsik worked closely with us to get this working.
- Linking multiple files/tables
- Calculated columns
- selection of records
- multiple values in SQL tables