What is PostSort ?
"PostSort" is one of the modules of "eZ_Tools" and it will allow you to sort a report created with "eZ_Reports" by any column of the report.  Multiple columns and directions (ascending or decending) are supported.  This is necessary because at this time the PowerSchool Reporting Engine can only sort on fields in the Master Table.  Reports compatible with "PostSort" and "eZ_Tools" are inicated as such at the end of the report.

There are actually four PostSort modules: PostSort.exe, ReSort.exe, FB_PostSort.exe, and FB_Resort.exe.  They all function the same way.  "ReSort" can be used to resort data after running the "Tabulate" module.  PostSort and ReSort do their processing in memory, are fairly quick, but can process only upto 10,000 data records per report.  The File Based versions, FB_PostSort and FB_ReSort, do their process by writing to a database, are a bit slower, but can process data with more than 10,000 records.  When sorting is needed, PostSort and ReSort are the default modules, but if there too many records in the report, FB_PostSort and FB_ReSort will be started automatically.

Part 1 - To use "PostSort" you must first run the report in PowerSchool.

A - Click on "Reports".

B - Next select "Reporting Engine".

C - In the list of Reports pick the report you want to print.

D - Scroll to the bottom of the screen and fill in the prompts and then click the "Submit" button.

E. The final report will be displayed.

(Note: All names and other data values are ficticious.)

Part 2 - Save the report.  (Remember the FileName and Folder Location)

    A - Go to [File] ==> [Save As] on the menu bar.

    B - Select the folder to "Save in:" and verify the FileName. Then click the "Save" button.  You should save the report in your "Reports" folder within the "eZ_Reports" folder.

Part 3 - Startup "eZ_Tools" and click on the "Setup and Advanced Features" button.

Now click on the "Start PostSort" button

Step 1 - Browse. Click on the "Browse" button and find the file you just saved. Then Click on the "Open" button.

The "Input FileName" and "Output FileName" text boxes will be filled in automatically.  The text "Sorted_" will be added to the input filename to create the output filename.  Use can use the second "Browse" button if you wish to change it. However, if you plan on using the automate function, do not change the Output FileName.

Step 2 - Click on the "Open File" button. The Report column headers will be displayed. The titles that appear are the titles you filled in on the Template tab in "eZ_Reports".  As the file is being read the "Records Available" and "Records Used" counters will change to track the program's progress.

Step 3 - We want the report sorted first by Teacher name and then by Course Name.

In the first drop down box select the column heading "Teacher".  The data type radio button should auto-select "text" based on the data found.  If it is not correct, click the corect radio button.  Direction defaults to "Ascending".  Change it if you want "Descending".

In the second drop down box select the column heading "Course".  The data type radio button should auto-select "text" based on the data found.  If it is not correct, click the corect radio button.  Direction defaults to "Ascending".  Change it if you want "Descending".

To save these setting for another time, click on the "Save Settings" button.

A filename is generated by adding the prefix "Settings_" and changing the extention to ".dat".  It is strongly suggested that you not change the name. Click the "Save" button.

Next time you open the report in "PostSort" or "Tabulate", the settings filename will appear in the text box.

Step 4 - Click on the "Sort & Save" button.  The "Records Sorted" counter will increment to indicate the sort progress.

Step 5 - Click on the "Launch" button to launch your web browser and view the resultant file.  Alternately, you could click the "Tabulate" button to set up Tabulate parameters.

The conversion is complete.  If your web browser is at "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IExplore.exe", your document will open automatically, otherwise you may need to open it manually with your browser. Go to [File] ==> [Open] then select [Browse] and find the file.