Franklin Training Guide - Section 6: Advanced Features

Owned by Bryan Murray (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Mar 31, 2015 by Robin RodrigueVersion comment
Key Objectives

By the end of Section 6: Advanced Reporting Features training, the user should be able to:

  • Locate and access Alerts
  • Create and run the program in Test Mode
  • Step through the process of remotely connecting with an MCS support agent
  • Add a scheduled job (Optional)
  • Add a Custom Report (Optional) - Training of advanced reports
  • Choose a Dataset and Defining Parameters (Optional)
  • Use Toolbox Components (Optional)
  • Add Fields - Field List (Optional)
  • Sort the details (Optional)
  • Add a Group (Optional)
  • Add Summary Data (Optional)
I saw an alert when I logged in, but I forgot what it said. Do I have to log out and back in to read it?

No. Although alerts display when you login, you may also pull them up to read them once your are in the system. Your District or supervisor may setup up different alerts in the system to make you aware when there is a potential issue and take the necessary steps to resolve those issues. Alerts display the severity,description of the alert, and the date generated.

  1. From the Utilities menu, select Check Alerts.
  2. The system will run a check of all alert types possible.
  3. Alert severity ranges from Warning to Serious to Critical. Click on a warning to view the details of the alert in the bottom portion of the window. Clicking the Refresh button will allow you to see if the issue has been resolved since login.
  4. When you are done, click Ok.


I would like to try an complete a task I've never done before, but I'm nervous I will make permanant changes to the database. Is there a way for me to run a test before performing the actions?

Absolutely. You can create and use a Test database in order to troubleshoot an issue, test a theory, or train other staff members.

Once a test data base has been created in the Advanced section of Administration and Maintenance, test databases are available for use.

  1. Locate the Utilities tab. Then, point to Miscellaneous Setup and select Test Mode.
  2. Select the Test Database you wish to use when performing functions. Then, click Connect.
  3. Enter your username and password and click Ok.
  4. Perform the functions in Test Mode to review the results. Once you are done, close Franklin. Upon login, you will be returned to the original database.

The Test Database and Prior-Year Database appear with a different background color and text to indicate you are not in the original database.

I'm having a problem and I put a case in to MCS Support. How are they going to know exactly the issue I'm seeing?

MCS support staff have the ability to assist you with some issues by connecting remotely to your computer through a secure connection. This allows the support person to view your screen and take control of your computer to look at and resolve your issue. Don't fear! MCS support staff will disconnect from your computer once they hang up. Rest assured, the staff is not looking around on your computer for anything unrelated to the business at hand. When either party breaks the remote connection, the other party is informed.

  1. From the Utilities tab, click the Remote Assistance button. 
  2. From the MCS Software homepage, click the MCS Connect tab.
  3. In the MCS Connect window, enter the code provided by the MCS Support tech and click Start Your Session.

  4. You will be prompted by a series of processes that need to run in order for connection to occur.

    Java must be installed in order for the connection to authorize and run properly. If you receive any type of notification or pop-up in regards to Java, please select Run, Yes, Install, or what ever other positive answer is provided.

  5. Once all installation processes have completed, you will be warned that you are about to share your screen. Click Ok to continue.

I have some system processes that I would like to occur on a regular basis. Do I have to manually do these all the time?

Depending on the process, the system may be able to run jobs for you (such as exporting notification letters once a day). This is established by adding a Scheduled Job. 

  1. From the Administration and Maintenance tab, select the Advanced Setup menu and choose Scheduled Jobs.
  2. Select the Add button.
  3. Enter the Scheduled Job information.
    1. Description - Enter a description of the new Scheduled Job.
    2. Expected Period - Enter the Expected Period that the work schedule should be performed.
    3. Inactive - Select this option to make the Scheduled Job Inactive. 
  4. Select Add Task to place tasks in the Scheduled Job. Certain Tasks will require added information.
  5. Choose a Task and select Ok.
  6. Select Ok on the main task page to save the new Scheduled Job.
  7. Select a scheduled job, then click Run Now.

Custom Reports

Creating custom report will allow you to perform the following functions:

  • Add a Custom Report
  • Choose a Dataset and Defining Parameters
  • Use Toolbox Components
  • Add Fields - Field List
  • Sort the details
  • Add a Group
  • Add Summary Data

Training of advance reporting options requires substantial knowledge of how the Report Designer functions and more advanced knowledge of SQL tables, fields, and statements. Due to these reasons, advance report training is not included in the general training. However, you can speak to someone in Sales or Support about receiving this advanced training and we will be happy to schedule that for you.