What is a scorecard layout record?
Scorecard layout records represent reports that can perform very complex calculations (these were previously referred to as worksheets). Located under Scorecards|Layouts, WebCATS comes standard with several scorecard layout records. These system-defined scorecards are typically based upon detailed SBA or DLA reporting requirements and include the DLA 1806 and the SBA Economic Impact/Capital Infusion report, to name two of them.
In this FAQ, we'll provide an overview of the scorecard layout record, consisting of the following topics:
- Understanding the components of scorecard layout records
- Running scorecards
- Creating custom scorecards
- Assigning goals to your scorecards
Understanding the Components of Scorecard Layout Records
Scorecard layout records have several components:
- Number of columns preference. The Has current/cumulative date columns? check box determines whether a scorecard puts out numbers for both a current and cumulative date range or for a single date range only.
- Default funding source. The default funding source provides a default value for any definition records you create for the scorecard. As discussed in the FAQ titled What is a scorecard definition record?, definition records store a set of run parameters for a particular scorecard. When you initially create a definition record, its funding source filters will default to whatever funding source(s) are set here, but this can always be overridden in the definition. In other words, the value entered into this field is not what WebCATS will look to when actually generating a scorecard.
- Owning center. Only available for custom scorecards, this field identifies the center that the layout record belongs to.
- Scorecard lines. This area of the record is the heart of the scorecard. Line by line, it determines the actual calculations the scorecard performs. If you click on the "Scorecard Lines" hyperlink, as shown in the next graphic, WebCATS displays the calculations behind each line item.
Note: You cannot edit any of the components of system scorecard layout records. This is because they represent very specific calculations required (or once-required) by funding agencies. But you can create custom scorecards, as discussed in the FAQ titled How do I create a custom scorecard?.
Running Scorecards
You cannot run a scorecard until you have established its run parameters. These run parameters include date range(s); record filters such as funding source and center; and processing mode. A set of run parameters can either be entered on the fly for a one-time generation of a particular scorecard, or it can be saved as a scorecard definition record and used repeatedly to run a scorecard.
For an overview of the various ways in which you can run scorecards, see the FAQ titled How do I generate a scorecard?.
Creating Custom Scorecards
The system-defined scorecard layout records that WebCATS comes standard with cannot be edited in any way. This is because they represent very specific calculations required (or once-required) by funding agencies. However, you are free to make duplicate copies of these system-defined scorecards for the purpose of customizing them in some way. You are also free to design your own scorecards from scratch.
For more information on creating custom scorecards, see the FAQ titled How do I create a custom scorecard?.
Assigning Goals to Your Scorecards
For every line item in your scorecard layout, you can set goals on a per-program, per-center, or per-counselor basis. This is done by associating a goal record with the scorecard. Once goals are established, not only can you generate (or schedule) a scorecard that calculates the percentages of goals met thus far, but you can also generate a graphic representation of goal achievement.
For more information on assigning goals to scorecard layout records, see the FAQs titled What is a scorecard goal record? and How do I display scorecards on the WebCATS dashboard?