How did we function without it?
Updated August 19, 2015
How did we function without it?
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
4.4.1
Overall Satisfaction with Entrinsik Informer
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.
Entrinsik Informer Feature Ratings
Using Entrinsik Informer
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
Evaluating Entrinsik and Competitors
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.
Entrinsik Implementation
- Implemented in-house
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.
Entrinsik Support
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved Kept well informed No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response | None |
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.
Using Entrinsik
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar | None |
- 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.