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In today’s fast-paced business world, automation is key to improving efficiency. When it comes to managing and distributing reports, OneStream’s Parcel Services provides an effective solution that saves time, reduces errors, and enhances personalization for recipients. Whether you're distributing a set of reports to dozens of users or automating complex processes, this tool can be a game-changer. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up and using Parcel Services to simplify report distribution.
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Getting Started with Parcel Services
To begin using Parcel Services, it’s essential to have Ancillary Table access, a requirement shared by many Market Place solutions. If you’re new to the platform, follow the setup instructions to enable Ancillary Table access. However, if you’re already using other OneStream solutions, this step is likely already covered.
Once access is in place, you can easily download the Parcel Services solution as a .zip file from the Market Place. From there, navigate to Application -> Load/Extract within your OneStream platform. The Parcel Services solution will appear under OnePlace -> Dashboards, giving you the ability to create tables and begin launching the solution.
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Configuring Your Solution
Parcel Services comes equipped with dashboards, business rules, and data management sequences. These features allow you to automate the distribution of documents and reports efficiently.
On the settings page, you can configure security roles to manage the creation and distribution of packages. You can also set up email connections, customize default message contents, and fine-tune the Parameter Discovery Nesting (which controls the number of loops during the parameter discovery process). Test Mode can be activated, allowing you to test the system without sending emails to users, ensuring that everything works before full-scale distribution.
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Creating and Managing Packages
At the heart of Parcel Services is the Packages functionality. A Package is essentially a collection of documents grouped together for distribution. Through the platform, you can create these packages by selecting from various delivery types.
OneStream Parcel Services supports flexibility by allowing you to zip the emails and customize the title and message. The content of the package can be selected easily, and you can even add multiple documents into one package.
In the bottom part of the screen, you can add parameters to customize each report. These parameters can either be manually entered or dynamically discovered via the Discover Parameters button. This feature makes it possible to send personalized reports to dozens or even hundreds of recipients. Everyone will receive the same report but with their personalized data, streamlining communication.
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Grouping Packages and Creating Distribution Lists
Once you’ve created your packages, you can organize them further through the Package Groups tab. This function allows you to manage larger sets of reports with ease, keeping everything neat and structured.
Creating a distribution list is simple. Through the Manage Distributions option, you can build your lists, adding OneStream users or groups and even specifying alternate email addresses for delivery. It’s easy to validate your list by viewing the members and ensuring that everything is correct.
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Sending Your Packages
When you're ready to send the reports, the process is straightforward. The Parcel Services interface guides you through a 4-step process. First, you select the parcel type and package group. Then, you review the contents and the distribution list before finally shipping the package out. Once complete, the report will land directly in the recipients' inboxes, neatly packaged and ready for review.
If you prefer automation, you’re in luck. The solution includes sample PowerShell scripts that you can use as a template to schedule the process for regular, automated distribution.
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Why OneStream Parcel Services is a Must-Have
For businesses distributing large numbers of reports or books regularly, OneStream Parcel Services is invaluable. It cuts down on manual effort, allows for personalized content distribution, and is flexible enough to handle a variety of document formats. It reduces the risk of error, saving precious time and resources.
Pros:
- Easy Configuration: Set up the solution quickly and efficiently.
- Personalization: Use parameters to ensure each user gets their personalized report.
- Automation: Schedule and automate reports for consistent, on-time delivery.
Cons:
- Specific Use Cases: While incredibly useful for large-scale report distribution, Parcel Services may not be necessary for every business.
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Conclusion
OneStream Parcel Services offers an intuitive, flexible solution to streamline the distribution of reports. From easy setup and automation to personalized report distribution, it’s a must-have tool for businesses that need to manage large volumes of reports efficiently. By reducing the manual workload, improving accuracy, and enabling automation, this solution helps you focus on what matters most—providing valuable insights to your users.
Ready to make your report distribution process more efficient? OneStream Parcel Services might just be the solution you need! To learn more, check out our blogs on OneStream!
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