NetAsset - AI sidebar report creation
Overview
The AI sidebar can build new query-based reports and change existing ones from a plain-language description. It finds the NetAsset records and fields it needs, writes the query, saves and runs the report, and gives you a link to open it. You don't need to know SQL or field IDs.
Prerequisites
- The AI sidebar is set up for your account. See NetAsset - AI sidebar setup.
Step-by-step process
Create a new report
- Open any query-based report from NetAsset > Reports > All Reports. Query-based reports open in the Report Generator.
- Set the From and To dates (or the As Of date) you want the new report to use. If your request names a period, like "this quarter", the sidebar uses that period instead.
- Click AI Assistant, then click the Create or edit a report topic.
- Describe the report: what each row should be (for example an asset, a schedule line, a disposal or a journal line), which columns to show, and any filters.
- If something is missing, the sidebar asks once in a short message. Answer it.
- Your browser asks Allow "Create and Run NetAsset Report" to make changes? Click OK to save the report, or Cancel to stop without saving anything.
- The reply gives the report's name, its columns, its row count, and a link. Open the link to see the report with your dates set.
Open new reports from the link
The Report Generator doesn't refresh by itself. If you pick the new report from the Report dropdown instead of opening the link, it opens with both dates set to today.
Change an existing report
- Open the report in the Report Generator, or open its report record in view mode.
- Click AI Assistant, then Create or edit a report, and describe the change, for example "Add the asset class to this report".
- Your browser asks Allow "Update and Run NetAsset Report" to make changes? Click OK to save.
- On the Report Generator, open the link in the reply to see the change. On a report record, reload the page.
The sidebar can change a report's query (its columns, filters and calculations), name and description. It can't delete a report or change its type, grouping, filters or category.
Changes overwrite the saved report
A change replaces the report's saved query, and it can't be undone from the sidebar. To keep the original, ask for a new report or a copy instead of a change.
Locked reports: locked reports, including NetAsset's out-of-the-box reconciliation reports, can't be changed. The sidebar offers to build a new version instead, covering the same dates.
Example requests
| Request | What you get |
| Assets in service by asset type with cost and net book value | One row per asset, as of the page's As Of date |
| Completed disposals this quarter with proceeds and gain or loss | One row per disposal, between the From and To dates |
| Net book value by asset as of quarter end | One row per asset, with the balance from its last depreciation line on or before that date |
| Add the asset class to this report | The open report with a new Asset Class column |
How the sidebar handles dates and filters
- Dates: new reports filter on the page's dates. Reports of assets or balances use the As Of date; reports of activity (disposals, schedule lines, journal lines) use From and To. Ask for "all dates" if you don't want a date filter. When you name a period, like "last quarter", the sidebar works out the dates for you.
- Disposals: a new disposals report includes completed disposals only, and the reply says so. Ask if you want other statuses.
- Names: the sidebar matches the names you give (asset types, subsidiaries) by partial name. If a report returns no rows, the reply says which names it matched on so you can check them.
Limitations / things to be aware of
Verify AI-built reports
AI can make mistakes. Check a new or changed report's columns and totals before relying on it.
- No grouping: reports are flat lists. If you ask for grouping, the rows are sorted by that column instead.
- Stored fields only: if a field you ask for isn't stored in NetAsset, the sidebar says so instead of guessing.
- Waterfall reports: reports with waterfall columns (one column per period) can't be changed. The sidebar offers a plain version instead.
- Errors: if a query fails, the sidebar retries up to twice, then explains what didn't work and what you could change.
