FAQ

  • Can we get help entering our information?

    • Yes, ESP has experts available for contracting who can provide help gathering your documentation, preparing the upload spreadsheets, and entering the metadata.  Contact us for a quote at 512-879-5300.

  • How do I get trained to use DataSpecs®?

    • User Guides are provided on-line in the References section for both DataSpecs® Governance and Enterprise Editions.  For additional training, contact us for a quote at 512-879-5300.

  • What browsers are supported?

    • DataSpecs® users primarily use Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, and FireFox.

  • What are the differences between Governance Edition and Enterprise Edition?

    • DataSpecs® Governance Edition is a more basic solution to serve agencies that are focused on data governance, managing calendars, and bringing all documentation together in one place. The Enterprise Edition has more detailed functionality such as mapping at the collection item, repository field, and output/report item levels.  It also has the abilities to standardize data elements, indicators, naming conventions, definitions, codes, and formats for improved data quality and increased reliance on collected data.

  • Can I get additional or custom built reports?

    • Let us know what additional report ideas you have.  The product roadmap for DataSpecs® has new reports on it, and we want to know what users will find helpful.  Contact us at 512-879-5300.

  • How many users can we have?

    • The pricing of your license assumes that anyone in your agency can use DataSpecs®.  Your administrator will manage the accounts and will want to limit who can enter and change content.  Remember that the reports can be made public to people who are not users of DataSpecs®.

  • How do I protect confidential information?

    • First, metadata is typically not confidential.  Second, the administrator can control who has permission to access DataSpecs®.  Those users determine who can view the reports they produce.

  • Who can change the dropdown lists?

    • The dropdown lists that are editable are under the control of the designated administrator.

  • In DataSpecs® Governance Edition, why would a statistic be designated as official, unofficial, or both?

    • A statistic like total expenditures might be reported in some documents as preliminary or from a source that is not the authoritative one in the agency.  Then that statistic is reported in another document where it is the official release for the agency, and the place to be cited whenever someone uses that statistic.  Other statistics may never rise to the level of being an official statistic, such as daily meals served as reported at the close of the day.  Then a few can be reported only as official, such as the participation count for state funding purposes.

  • Whom do I contact for support help?

    • ESP has experts available for support help.  Contact us at 512-879-5300.