Exporting Device Data for Analysis and Sharing

The Export for Reporting tool allows you to extract device data directly from your search results. Whether you need a targeted list of manually selected rows or a comprehensive report of all devices that match your filters, Gopher for Chrome Premium handles the heavy lifting. To support large fleets, exports run as asynchronous background jobs, ensuring your work isn't interrupted while you track progress in real-time.

What is this tool?

This is a read-only data extract. You simply filter your devices, then export exactly what you see on your screen into a CSV or Google Sheet. The file is delivered directly to your Google Drive and can be easily shared via email.

Note: This tool is strictly for reporting. Nothing is changed or updated in Gopher; you are simply pulling a static snapshot of your data for external use.

Best For:

• Stakeholder Reporting: Sharing device inventory or status updates with leadership who don't have access to the console.
• Deep-Dive Analysis: Using Google Sheets or Excel to create pivot tables, charts, or custom data visualizations.
• Audit Trails: Keeping a time-stamped record of your fleet’s state at a specific moment in time.
• Cross-Department Sharing: Sending filtered device lists to technicians or school leads for physical inventory checks.

The Snapshot Rule

Gopher for Chrome Premium captures a snapshot of your data. The moment you click Export for Reporting, the current view is frozen, including your filters. Even if you change your filters to start a new task, your report will still be generated based on the original request.

Caution: The columns included in your final report are determined entirely by the columns you have set to Show or Hide in the Device Search current view.

Define Your Data Set

With this feature, you can create an export for all devices or only selected devices.

• To Export All Matching Devices: Apply your desired filters (e.g., Status, OU, or Model) in the device search page. Ensure no individual rows are selected.
• To Export Specific Devices: Apply your filters and manually check the boxes next to the specific devices you wish to include.

Configure the Export

1. Navigate to the Actions menu and select Export for Reporting.
2. Name the File: Enter a descriptive name. The modal suggests a default date-stamped name.

3. Verify the Scope: If you selected devices in the define your data set step, the modal will default to Selected Rows. If no devices were selected, Rows to export will default to All Rows.

   Note: You can manually toggle this setting within the modal if you change your mind.

4. Select Format: Choose Google Sheets (for collaboration) or CSV (for large datasets).
5. Set Recipients: Enter the email addresses of any stakeholders who need the file. Use a new line for each address.
6. Confirm: Click Export.

Monitoring and Delivery

• Track Progress: Look at the Side Navigation Bar. A blue spinner indicates the server is building your file. You may navigate away to other tasks; the process will continue.
• Retrieve File: In-App: Click the jobs spinner, then click View in Google sheets to open the file instantly.
  
• Email: Check your inbox for the automated delivery link.
  
• Google Drive: The file is saved directly to your personal Drive.
  

Troubleshooting and Troubleshooting

• Format Changes: If you selected Google Sheets but the report exceeds 10 million cells, the system will automatically deliver a CSV to ensure the file remains functional.
• Error States: If the sidebar indicator turns red, click the eyeball icon to jump to the Audit Log, where the system will provide details on the failure point (e.g., Google API rate limits).