Ability to run Analytics reports on Alma Configuration settings
It would be exceptionally helpful to be able to run Analytics reports on all areas of Alma Configuration.
It should be possible both for each individual library to run the reports on their own behalf, AND for libraries belong to a consortium, possible for consortial staff to run the reports across all institution zones simultaneously for comparison between member IZs.
Use cases:
1) Reviewing a spreadsheet containing all of the settings in a configuration area makes settings review easier, and reduces errors. Needing to click between screens and take screenshot to compare settings is cumbersome, and leads to mistakes or unintended differences between settings. It is also easier to review many settings in comparison to each other (example, Fulfillment TOU and Rules), and it is easier to discuss the settings with colleagues through a report format.
2) Since Alma does not maintain an internal change log to configuration changes for most settings, it is possible that library staff may accidentally change configuration and be unable to recover what the settings were prior to the change. The ability to run reports provides libraries with the opportunity to snapshot their settings, in case edits occur that need to be reverted.
3) When libraries are in a consortium, that consortium may have consortial configuration settings/policies that each library should follow. Without the ability to run reports on Configuration settings, consortial staff must log in to each member's institution zones individually, and review each setting manually. This is inefficient, leads to the potential for error, and can impact the patron's experiences. This also prevents consortial staff from being able to provide reports that allow member institutions to compare their settings to the settings of other member institutions for baselining.
We have been using Voyager since 2002, and have had the ability to report on Voyager System Administration settings. I have found those reports invaluable in my time working at the consortium, and would appreciate the same access in Alma/Primo VE configuration.

3 comments
-
K Floyd commented
Two examples of needing reports on Terms of use are found under this idea: https://ideas.exlibrisgroup.com/forums/308173-alma/suggestions/13090512-ability-to-export-all-alma-terms-of-use-for-revi
Situations of needing to reconcile duplicate or contradictory Terms of Use is hindered by having to click through many menus to see them all. -
Anonymous commented
Yes, we need that. I think it would be _very_ helpful to be able to make snapshots of configurations and put them into a revision control system. Having the configurations in text files would it make much more easy to work with them (I'm in IT), e.g. compare them. For example it is a blessing that you can download letter templates and work with them outside alma -- I hope ExL never changes that.
-
Skalk van der Merwe commented
I would second this idea! With Voyager it was really useful to run a report on all the settings. Especially for Circulation / Fulfilment / Offsite retrieval. To make screen captures takes ages to do.