article description: Learn how to use RTC for reporting and improve your project management skills with easy steps and tips.
RTC, or Rational Team Concert, is a tool that helps teams work together on projects. It also has great reporting features. These features help teams see how their projects are going. This article will show how to use RTC in reports. Keep reading to learn simple steps and tips for making reports that help your team succeed!
Key Takeaway
- RTC helps teams create custom reports easily.
- Users can track work items and project progress.
- Reports can be exported to Excel for better analysis.
Understanding RTC Reporting
RTC is a helpful tool that teams use to manage their projects. It helps keep track of tasks and see how much progress is made. One of the best parts of RTC is its reporting features. These features allow users to find out how many work items are active at any time. They can also see how well the project is moving along.
Many teams like using RTC because it simplifies their work. With RTC, they can create reports that provide important information about the project. These reports help teams make better decisions. When teams know what is happening, they can adjust their plans to meet goals.
Using RTC can also save time. Instead of digging through piles of data, users can quickly generate reports that highlight key points. This means they can focus more on the work that matters. Overall, RTC reporting features are essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring that everyone is on the same page(1).
Key Features of RTC Reporting
RTC offers several useful features that make reporting easier. One standout feature is the Report Builder. This tool is great for creating custom reports. Users can select the information they want to see and how they want it organized. They can track important project metrics, such as the number of open work items. This helps teams understand their workload and what needs attention.
Another important feature is the Flat Data Structure. RTC organizes data in a simple way. Each row in the report has the same header information repeated. This makes it easier to read at a glance. However, it can be a little confusing for people who are used to seeing data in a different format.
Teams can benefit from understanding these features. Knowing how to use the Report Builder can lead to better reports. By using the flat data structure effectively, teams can ensure that everyone understands the information being presented. Overall, these features help make RTC a powerful tool for project reporting.
Steps for Creating Reports in RTC
Creating reports in RTC is simple and clear. Here are the steps to follow for quick and efficient report creation:
- Open the Report Builder: The Report Builder is a useful tool found in RTC. Users need to locate it in the menu and click to open it. This is where all report creation starts. Once opened, users will see options to begin building a report.
- Choose Metrics: After opening the Report Builder, users should pick the metrics they want to track. Metrics are important numbers that show how the project is performing. This could include the number of open work items, the sizes of different projects, or the number of completed tasks. Picking the right metrics helps focus on what is most important.
- Set Up Layout: Next, users will need to set up the report layout. This means deciding how the information will be arranged. A clear layout makes it easy for everyone to read and understand the report. Users can choose different styles and formats to present their data. A good layout helps highlight the key points.
- Export to Excel: Once the report is complete and looks good, users can export it to Excel. This is helpful for anyone who wants to analyze the data further. Excel offers additional tools for sorting and filtering information. Being able to work with the report in Excel allows for deeper insights and better presentations.
By following these steps, teams can create effective reports in RTC. Using the Report Builder, choosing the right metrics, setting up a clear layout, and exporting to Excel ensures that reports are useful and informative.
Monitoring Project Activity
Regularly checking project activity is very important for any team. Monitoring helps teams understand how the project is progressing. Generating reports often allows teams to see trends and find areas that may need attention. For example, looking at the percentage of active work items can show how healthy the project is. If there are too many inactive items, it may indicate a problem that needs fixing.
Using MBeans (Managed Beans) can also help teams track important project metrics. MBeans can be turned on in RTC to gather detailed information about different parts of the project. This includes data on work item counts, sizes, and other key metrics. By tracking this information, teams can have a complete view of their work.
Regular monitoring helps teams make better decisions. When they can see trends, they can adjust their plans and focus on what is not working. This leads to more successful projects overall. By keeping an eye on project activity and using tools like MBeans, teams can stay on top of their work and improve their results(2).
Customizing Reports
Customization is an essential part of RTC reporting. The Report Builder is a powerful tool that allows users to create reports that fit their specific needs. Users can select the data they want to include in their reports. This may include information such as the number of open work items, project deadlines, or team member contributions. By choosing what to display, teams can focus on the information that matters most to them.
The flexibility of the Report Builder helps teams present their data in a way that is easy to understand. Users can decide how to arrange and format the information. This can make a big difference in how the report is received. A well-organized report can help team members quickly grasp the key points.
Additionally, users can access raw data by clicking “About This Report.” This feature reveals all the data elements being used. It shows users what information is included in the report and how it is structured. If users want to analyze the data further, they can send this raw data to Excel. This allows for deeper exploration and manipulation of the information. Overall, customizing reports in RTC helps teams get the most out of their data.
Integrating External Data
RTC is designed to work well with other tools and systems. This means users can import data from different sources, which enhances the reporting process. For example, budget and forecast data can be uploaded into RTC. This allows teams to compare their project metrics with financial information. By integrating this data, users can create reports that provide a more complete view of the project.
Importing external data can help teams make better decisions. When teams can see how their projects align with budgets and forecasts, they can adjust their plans accordingly. This ensures that projects stay on track and within budget.
Using REST APIs is another way to simplify reporting. REST APIs allow users to gather data from the RTC server easily. For instance, users can generate lists of projects that are currently under development. This makes it easy to track progress and identify areas that need attention. By using these integration methods, RTC becomes even more powerful. Teams can create comprehensive reports that reflect all aspects of their projects.
Deploying Report Resources
When teams use RTC, they may have shared processes across different project areas. This means some reports and resources could be useful in multiple places. However, report resources do not automatically transfer from one area to another. This can create confusion if teams do not know how to properly deploy these resources.
To ensure that all project areas have access to the necessary reports, users must follow specific steps. First, users need to identify which reports are needed in each project area. This requires communication among team members to understand the needs of different teams. Once the necessary reports are identified, users must go to the report management section in RTC.
Next, users will need to select the reports they want to share. They can choose to copy or move these reports to the new project area. It is important to double-check that the reports contain the right data and are updated. This helps prevent any mistakes in the information presented.
After deploying the reports, users should inform team members about their availability. This ensures that everyone knows where to find the reports and can access them easily. By following these steps, teams can effectively share report resources and improve collaboration across different project areas. This process supports better project management and helps keep everyone informed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using RTC for reporting is a great way to improve project management. Teams can create custom reports, monitor project activity, and integrate external data easily. By understanding how to use RTC effectively, teams can make informed decisions that help their projects succeed.
FAQ
How do I access work items and rtc reports in my classic client?
You can view work items using the classic client interface by clicking the quick links menu. The reporting section provides standard rtc reporting options, letting you track and analyze project data efficiently.
What’s the difference between using IBM Jazz with Microsoft Dynamics versus Visual Studio?
IBM Jazz integrates differently with each platform. Microsoft Dynamics focuses on business process integration, while Visual Studio offers developer-focused features. Both support Rational Team Concert functionalities but with unique workflows.
Can I create a custom report in RTC that includes specific work items?
Yes, you can build custom reports in the rtc client that show exactly the work items you need. The report in rtc feature lets you select specific fields and create layout suggestions that match your requirements.
What are the benefits of using classic reports in Rational Team Concert?
Classic reports in Rational Team Concert provide reliable project tracking and metrics. They come with pre-built templates and quick links to common reporting needs, making it easier to monitor project progress.
How do I share my rtc reporting dashboard with team members?
Access your rtc client dashboard and use the sharing options to give team members access. You can include custom report views and quick links to make important information easily accessible to everyone.
References
- https://sparebrained.com/2011/05/understanding-classic-vs-rtc-report-data/
- https://jazz.net/forum/questions/221251/rtc-reporting-capability-is-there-a-way-to-generate-a-list-of-all-projects
