We understand that migrating from Informer 4 to Informer 5 can seem like an overwhelming task, but rest assured it is easier than you may think. Whether you are delaying the move due to a lack of migration and IT resources, the thought of transitioning reports, or other projects, we are here to help facilitate the migration with some best practices and migration resources. Informer 5 is well worth the migration, enabling you to leverage your data in new and modern ways.
Why Informer 5?
Reports will look just as they did in Informer 4, but the possibilities of what you can do have expanded significantly. The following are just some examples of improvements in Informer 5.
Filtering: In I5, instead of building numerous reports for different departments, you can save time by building just one Dataset. Datasets can then be filtered to display only relevant information, so each user will see just the data they need. You can apply as many filters on as many fields as needed without having to edit and re-run reports.
Visuals: Click on any field in your data to pull up auto-generated visuals. Add additional fields if needed and drill down to get a more granular view of your data. Create a data story with new and updated visuals and then export and share your insights across the organization.
Pivoting: Data can be pivoted directly in I5, no longer needing to be pushed to Excel. Choose rows, columns, and values to change what is displayed. Click on a specific cell and Informer will open the data behind it. You can export data in multiple formats including to a saved list. Fields are searchable so you do not have to scroll.
Organization: Re-arrange and pin columns, format text, change date and number formats, add aggregates, and more. Organize your content to work for you.
Jobs: You can create Jobs, like schedules in I4. Jobs are more robust, and you can take multiple actions with just one job such as sending to email, sending to SFTP, sending to file system, and more while still having the ability to choose your interval.
Datasets: Create a single source of truth from your data. Datasets are pre-populated queries that can be updated on-demand or via a Job. They are optimized for a large number of records, indexed for fast processing, and refreshed on a schedule. Datasets are the building blocks that back Dashboards, Comparison Boards and Data View reports.
Security: I5 security helps with data governance through its Teams and role-based security model. Row-level and field-level security is also available.
These updates are just scratching the surface of new capabilities in Informer 5. Overall, these next-generation data analytics improve efficiency, flexibility, collaboration, and security.
Best Migration Practices
Think of the I5 migration as your opportunity to start fresh and only bring over content from I4 that you will use. This is the perfect time to retire old and unnecessary content. It is easier to clean up reports and reduce clutter before migrating over to I5.
Find reports you can combine and eliminate copies of reports you may have previously created to account for slight differences like sorting or filters. Instead, build one Ad hoc Query and use the filtering and analytics functionality in I5 to share with different departments or staff with separate roles.
Migrating Reports
If you choose to bring reports from I4, you will want to build a package in I4. To download a single report, go to the report and create a package by clicking the package icon. You can also package a group of reports. You can tag reports you wish to migrate with a tag, such as I5 Migration. Once reports are tagged, you can create a package using the tag. When reports are migrated from I4, they will come over to I5 as an Ad hoc Query under the Reports area. When reports are migrated, everything comes with them including their criteria and displayed fields.
To create a package using a tag, go to the Admin menu, and click on Packages, New Package, give it a name, and it will populate the filename. Instead of copying over the entire system, click custom selection. This brings up the definition, where you can add what you want including Dashboards, Datasource, function, mapping, report, and tags with just the I5 Migration designation. Once content is added, click on download links, then new package download and your package will be built.
Finally, you will want to insert the package by dragging and dropping the ixp file into I5. You will want to merge the new data with an existing Datasource, but you will also have the option to create a new one as well. Lastly, you will want to run the data in I4 and I5 to validate the results.
Migration Resources
Whether you decide to migrate your content from Informer 4 or start fresh with Informer 5, our Migration Guide gives you the tools you need for a successful migration. Use the Data Gathering Workbook to collect and document the information you will need during your Informer 4 to Informer 5 migration and to keep track of your progress. The workbook includes suggested tabs, but feel free to modify it to meet your institution’s migration plan. Download these resources here.
Utilize Informer Managed Services to take care of your data needs more efficiently and effectively. Your team can focus on organizational priorities and contribute to business outcomes while an expert from our team ensures that your customized needs are met, creating visuals and insights to assist you in making important data-driven decisions.
