You can create query templates that prepopulate new queries with the most commonly used filters and exports. Each template is defined by the settings in a default query that establishes the preset filters and exports by population and user.
Templates reduce the time it takes to create a query. A default query template can be created for every population as a personal shortcut or a helpful starting point for all users. That said, align the creation of these default query templates with your business practice—deleting several preset filters and exports from every query may take as much time as adding them in.
Configure the default query
Click Queries / Reports in the top navigation bar.
Click New Query.
Enter the following configurations in the popup window:
Name - Enter "Default".
User - This will default to the user creating this query.
Sharing - Check this box to establish this default query configuration for other users with the relevant query permissions. Do not place a check in this box if the default query is intended to be a personal template only.
Folder - Place this query in the "Templates" folder. If there is not one available, select "Other" and enter "Templates".
Type and Base - Choose the base for this default query template by first selecting the base type.
Click Save.
Add the most frequently used exports and filters to the default query.
What are the most frequently used exports and filters in Slate?
While this will be a different answer for each user and for each institution, some of the most common are:
Exports: Slate ID, SIS ID, Name, Email, Active Address, School #1 Name
Filters: Prospect Status, Application Status, Application Period Active, Round, Tag
Joins: Person to Rank 1 Address, Application to Person, Gift to Person, Dataset Record to Related Dataset Row Field
📝 Leave other configurations empty
Default queries should be used to pre-populate exports, filters, and joins. Do not update any settings under Edit Properties, Edit Permissions, Edit Web Services, Schedule Export, Set Interaction, Set Activity, or Configure Call List, in a default query. These should be configured for each query individually, rather than at the template level. Some settings can cause undesired behaviors when generating and running Quick Queries.
This seems similar to using pinned exports and filters. What's the difference?
Pinning exports/filters are a time-saving process that can complement the efficiency of a default query template.
The default query template saves automatically, meaning that each time a new query is started, these exports/filters will already be configured and added, rather than having to manually select and add them (even from a pinned list).