Advanced MD’s custom reporting tool, “Advanced Insights” (AI), is a powerful tool for generating custom reports. However, the use of the acronym “AI” is misleading, as it implies the use of artificial intelligence, which is not the case. The underlying technology appears to be Cognos, a reputable business intelligence tool from IBM.
Custom Reporting Capabilities and Limitations
The custom reporting functionality in Advanced MD allows users to select various fields from the system to create tailored reports. While this flexibility is beneficial, it also introduces complexities. One such complexity is the “entry date” field, which can represent either a charge entry date or a payment posting date depending on the report type. This ambiguity can lead to confusion and errors if not handled carefully.
Data Extraction Challenges
Another limitation of Advanced MD’s reporting tool is the lack of a true “last updated” field. This makes it difficult to efficiently extract data on a regular basis and track changes over time. Workarounds involve complex methods, such as comparing entire databases or using other fields to approximate changes.
Conclusion
While Advanced MD’s reporting tool offers valuable features, it also has limitations and complexities that users need to be aware of. The misleading terminology and data extraction challenges can make it difficult to fully leverage the tool’s capabilities. It is essential for users to understand the system’s nuances and workarounds to effectively utilize its reporting functionality.
