Proper report configuration in Filevine is crucial for VineCalc's success. The reports you create serve as VineCalc's window into your expense data, enabling accurate interest calculations and updates. This guide will walk you through creating and configuring the essential reports VineCalc needs to operate effectively.
Understanding VineCalc Reports
Before diving into the setup process, it's important to understand that VineCalc relies on specific Filevine reports to identify and track expenses. These reports must include certain required fields and be shared with the right system users. Think of these reports as the foundation upon which VineCalc builds its calculations.
Report Configuration Steps
1. Access Report Builder
Start by navigating to Filevine's Report Builder. This is where you'll create the specialized reports that VineCalc needs:
Open Report Builder in Filevine
Select "List of Expenses Items" as your report type
Choose your Organization and Project Type
Pro Tip: You can create as many interest calculators as you want - but each will need it's own unique report. So think of creating calculators as you create reports.
2. Configure Columns
Your report must include specific columns for VineCalc to function properly. Each column serves a particular purpose in the interest calculation process:
Required Columns:
Project Name: Identifies the source project
Project Phase: Enables phase-based exclusions
Project Number: Provides additional identification
Item ID: Unique identifier for each expense
Expense Date: Starting point for interest calculations
Expense Type: Enables type-based exclusions
Original Amount Due: Base amount for calculations
Assessed Interest Amount: Tracks accumulated interest
Interest-Adjusted Amount Due: Shows total with interest
3. Save and Share Report
The final step is crucial for VineCalc's operation:
Name your report following the format: "VineCalc - {projectType}"
Example: "VineCalc - Personal Injury"
Example: "VineCalc - Mass Torts"
Share the report with two essential users:
Filevine Integration user
Filevine System user
Anyone else in the firm who may need to access the report
This sharing step is critical: VineCalc® cannot access reports that aren't properly shared with these system users.
Best Practices
Report Organization
Creating and maintaining clear, well-organized reports will save you time and prevent issues:
Naming Conventions
Use consistent, descriptive names
Include project type in report name
Consider adding version numbers if you make major changes
Report Documentation
Keep records of report configurations
Note any customizations
Document sharing settings
Regular Maintenance
Review reports monthly
Verify column accuracy
Check sharing permissions
Data Verification
Before linking your reports to VineCalc, take these verification steps:
Run Test Reports
Verify all required data appears
Check for proper formatting
Confirm calculations are accurate
Review Access
Test system user access
Verify proper permissions
Confirm report visibility
Validate Data Display
Check date formatting
Verify currency displays
Confirm percentage formatting
Troubleshooting
When issues arise, start by checking these common areas:
Missing Data
If your report isn't showing all expected data:
Verify all columns are properly selected
Check field permissions in Filevine
Confirm report criteria aren't accidentally excluding data
Access Issues
If VineCalc can't access your report:
Double-check sharing settings
Verify system user access hasn't been revoked
Confirm report visibility settings
Data Display Problems
If data appears incorrectly:
Review column formatting
Check for hidden filters
Verify sort orders
Remember, a well-configured report is essential for VineCalc's success. Take the time to set up and verify your reports properly. If you encounter any issues during setup, our support team is here to help at products@vinetegrate.com.
Next Steps
Once your reports are configured correctly:
Verify the setup with your VineCalc onboarding specialist
Test the reports with sample calculations
Begin your regular interest calculations
Your careful attention to report setup will pay dividends in accurate, reliable interest calculations moving forward.