How to Create and Automate a Report in Patch Retention

Learn how to create a custom report in Patch Retention using the Reports module, define filters and export fields, and optionally automate the report to send on a recurring schedule via email using the Automation Builder.

Step 1: Create a New Report

1. In the Reports module, click the ( + ) button in the lower-right corner.

2. Name your report and select Filtered Event Log as the Report Type.

3. Set your report parameters:

   • Date Range – Choose a time period from the dropdown.

   • Event Type(s) – Select one or more event types (same options as the Activity Log).

   • Export Columns – Select which fields to include in your export. Rearrange the order as needed.

   • (Optional) Include Deleted Events by checking the box.

   • (Optional) Add Filters to narrow down results.

4. Click Download to export the report immediately.

Step 2: Automate the Report (Send via Email on a Schedule)

A. Create an Automation

1. Go to the Automation module and click the ( + ) button.

2. Choose Start From Scratch and name the automation.

B. Set the Schedule

1. From the Triggers tab in the right menu, drag the At Time block onto the canvas.

2. Choose Repeating and set your:

   • Start and End Dates

   • Frequency (e.g., daily, weekly)

   • Specific Days (if needed)

C. Add the Report Block

1. From the Actions section, drag the Create Report block onto the canvas.

2. Select the report you just created.

3. This block will generate a SmartText key: for use in your email.

D. Select the Recipient

1. Drag the Select Contacts block onto the canvas.

2. Use the Limit to Specific Contacts option.

3. Enter the email address of the recipient. (The contact must exist in your Contacts module. If not, create it first.)

E. Compose the Email

1. Drag the Send Email block to the canvas.

2. Choose Start From Scratch when prompted.

3. In Send Settings, configure:

   • Subject Line

   • From Email Domain

   • (Optional) CC multiple recipients (see below)

4. In the Rich Content section, include the SmartText anywhere in the body of your message.

F. Connect and Enable the Automation

1. Use the arrow icon beneath each block to connect the steps in order:

   • At Time → Create Report → Select Contacts → Send Email

2. Turn on the automation using the toggle in the top-right corner.

You’ll now see a counter that shows how many times the automation has successfully run.

Optional: Send the Report to Multiple Recipients

To send reports to multiple people:

1. Go to Account Settings > General Fields.

2. Click the ( + ) button to create a new field called reportemail.

3. Add the additional email addresses (comma-separated) to this field.

4. In your Automation's email block’s Send Settings, enter:

   


   into the CC field.

Customer Support

If you need help or need assistance determining next steps, please contact our Customer Support team by phone 888.605.4429 or email success@patchretention.com.