Abra Secure Query Tips

• Copying queries created in sample data to live data will overwrite any queries previously created in live data.  If you want to see how queries work, switch from live data to sample data to create all your custom queries.  When you are finished creating the queries, copy all the Q files from sample data to live data.


• If you select a true/false field, the results display as T. or F.


• On Step 1:  Select Fields
• To select multiple fields, use the Shift + Ctrl keys
• An * to the right of the description indicates that the field is from the optional table and may be similar to another field.  Not all fields from the optional table appear with an asterisk.  For example, if the OSHA table is selected, you will see the org levels with and without asterisks.  The org levels with the * represent the organizational level on the OSHA Detail page.  The org level without the * represent the organizational level on the Current Job Detail page. 


• On Step 2:  Group Records
• You cannot select both the Count the number of records in the group and the Summarize the records for this numeric field option and receive detailed information.  If you select any of the sum options, the system will not count the number of records.
• If you do not select Show Detail records in the group the system returns one line for each “grouped by” identified.  The Record Count appears at the end of each line.
• If you select a field to sum and do not select a field to group by, the query returns one record with a sum of that field.  If this type of query is desired, we recommend you select general fields instead of fields containing specific employee information.
• You can select multiple fields to sum only if the “Show Detail records in the group” box is not checked.  The results will be one record for every group with the fields summed.
•  If you select multiple fields to sum and check the Show Detail records in the group box, only the last field summed in the list displays the total.


• On Step 3:  Sort Records
• This tab controls the order the data will appear in the query
• If no selection is made, the data is displayed in the same order as it appears in the table(s).


• On Step 4:  Set Record Filter
• You can specify up to a maximum of 10 filters per query.  A message appears in the upper right hand corner when you have reached this limit.
• The option to Hide Duplicate Output Records is located on this screen.
• On the “Enter a Value” tab, values in the data only display if the field is set up to display a drop-down box.
• The Steps on the Set Record Filter change based on the field type.  For example, if the field you select is true/false, the system only shows Step 2:  “Pick True or False.”  If you select any other type of field, Step 2 indicates “Pick an Operator” and Step 3 indicates “Enter a Value.”
• On the “Enter a Value” tab, there are two buttons that appear in the bottom left hand side of the screen:
• Ask Later – enables you to create a record filter that prompts you for the value(s) when the query is run.

Compare To Field – appears depending on the field selected.  It enables you to compare data from the field you selected on the Pick a Field tab with the content of another data field.

To get the most from your Abra HRMS, contact us today!