Extracting Raw Data from the Toolbox
PRINTWhile the built-in reports in Toolbox will meet most of your campaign needs, there are a few reasons why you may need to extract raw data from Toolbox. Data extracts make it easy to get this large variety of data out into a flat file such as Excel, comma or tab-delimited, or Access file. To extract raw data, follow these steps:
1.) After filtering for the group of workers you want to extract data for, click the reports icon on the toolbar
2.) When the report windows opens select the Report Category “Person Extracts” in the left pane and then select one of the reports in the right pane and then hit Go.
3.) After setting any options for the extract (you can generally keep the defaults) click the Export button
4.) When the field picker opens select the fields in the left column (Available Fields) and move them to the right column (Selected Fields). Note: be sure to always include the field “Person ID” every time you perform a data extract. This is the Unique Identifying field that will be needed in order to import any of this data back into Toolbox).
5.) Next you’ll need to select the location on your computer to save the file. Click the “Find Folder” button to the right of the file path.
6.) This part may be a bit confusing the first time you go through it but be sure not to hit “My Documents” since it will not be downloaded to your computer. When the drive selection window comes up scroll to the drive that says “C$ on ‘Client’ (V:)”
You’ll then need to find a folder on your computer to save it to. Most people create a folder on their desktop called “Toolbox Extracts” since it will be easiest to find it there. The image below shows the folder hierarchy I’ve chosen to save my extracts in.
7.) After selecting the location to save the file you can chose the file format you’d like your data in. Toolbox can extract data in many standard formats such as MS Access, MS Excel, dBase, Paradox, text, or comma-delimited. The default file format is Access.
8.) Now you’re ready to extract your data. Click the “OK” button and you’ll receive a message that your data has been successfully exported. Open the file on your computer to verify that you’ve gotten the data you wanted.
