SPAR Frequently Asked Questions?

This list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) provides answers to some of the issues other SPAR users have encountered. If you are having trouble in SPAR, check these FAQ's to see if your problem can be resolved. Click one of the categories or scroll through them all!

Finding the right data FAQ's

Question: How can I access data for active registered seedlots?

Answer: To access data for active register seedlots, you can generate the Seedlot Extract Report. This report will allow you to access a comprehensive amount of data for registered Seedlots. Remember, if you generate this report as file type CSV and delivery type e-mail, you can don't have to enter any parameters.

Question: What is the easiest way to check on my sowing dates and variances in SPAR?

Answer: All nursery users should regularly check on their sowing dates and variance indicators in SPAR. This can be done by using the Seedling Request Extract for Non-Ministry Use Submission Report.

Question: How can I set up Sowing Dates in SPAR for my nursery?

Answer: Sowing Dates can be set up by navigating to the Admin tab and selecting Nursery Maintenance and Latest Sowing Date. If a nursery does not set up Sowing Dates than the Ministry Sowing Default Dates are used by SPAR.

Question: How is the Seedlings Calculated field populated in SPAR?

Answer: SPAR calculates this field using a combination of the sowing rules and the grams requested. However, you should realize that you will receive the actual amount of seedlings you requested based on your initial Seedling Request.

Question: Is it possible for me to print a screen in SPAR?

Answer: You will notice that some screens have a Print button. You can click this button to receive a printout of the parameters and results on that screen. The print functionality is available on the Lot Search, Request Key Search, Suitable Seed/Vegetative Lot Screen and the Lot Selection Screen.

Question: I tried to perform a search in SPAR and can't generate any results, what should I do?

Answer: If you did not receive any search results, you should return to the search parameter window and input new search parameter field data. You should try making your search broader by entering fewer parameter fields.

Question:Which screen do I use to move seed between Reserved and Surplus?

Answer: To move seed between Reserved and Surplus, you need to navigate to Lot Info and select Lot Allocation/Seedlot or Vegetative Lot. If you would like to know more about these forms, you should visit the help page for the Seedlot Allocation Form or Vegetative Lot Allocation Form

Reporting FAQ's

Question: I've generated a report using excel, and I am having trouble reading it, is there an easier way to see this data?

Answer: Excel is a useful file format if you need to manipulate the data or import it into another system. However, if you simply want to read the report, you should generate the report as a .pdf.

Question: I noticed there are three Seedling Request Extract Reports, how do I now which one to use?

Answer: The Seedling Request Extract Report you should select depends on your needs. Most users will find the Seedling Request Extract Short Form Extract Report the most useful. However, if you want a more comprehensive report than use the longer form, the Seedling Request Extract Report. If you are a nursery user, you will find the Seedling Request Extract for Non-Ministry Use Submission Report the most helpful.

Question:I'm confused, does the data displayed in the Seedling Request Extract Reports represent the details of the actual seedlot used to fill the request or the actual seedling request information?

Answer: The data displayed in the Seedling Request Extract Reports represents the actual information entered upon the initial entry of the seedling request.

Navigating FAQ's

Question: How do I move between functions of SPAR?

Answer: You should use the menus along of the top of the window to move from one function of SPAR to the next. Each function has a drop-down list that displays the windows for that function. Simply click the name of the window that you wish to display. If you are on a data entry window, always remember to save your work before navigating to another function!

Question:How do I navigate to the Viewing Transfer Guide Exceptions Form?

Answer: To navigate to the Transfer Guide Exception Form, you need to first generate results in the Suitable Seed/Vegetative Lot Form. The results of your data will display the TG button . Click this button to navigate to the Transfer Guide Exceptions Form.

Question: What are the tabs that display on the Lot Info Seedlot and Vegetative Lot screens?

Answer: The tabs that display on the forms allow you to easily navigate through the forms. They are designed so that when you click on each one, the corresponding form displays.

Question: How can I return to the SPAR home page?

Answer: You can return to the SPAR home page at any time by clicking on the words 'Application Home'. These words will always appear in the top left of the application regardless of what SPAR window you have displayed.

Question: How can I move between fields in SPAR?

Answer: You can easily move between fields in SPAR:

To move forward...
Use the Tab key to move forward from field to field or use your mouse.

To move backwards...
Use the Shift + Tab key to move backwards from field to field or use your mouse.

Question: How can I create a shortcut to SPAR on my desktop?

Answer: Learn how to create a shortcut to SPAR by clicking here.

Request Data FAQ's

Question: How can I add a request to SPAR

Answer: Learn how to add a request by clicking here.

Question: How can I update a request in SPAR

Answer: Learn how to update a request by clicking here.

Question: How can I view a request in SPAR

Answer: Learn how to view a request by clicking here.

Question: How can I delete a request in SPAR

Answer: Learn how to delete a request by clicking here.

Question: How can I cancel a request in SPAR

Answer: Learn how to cancel a request by clicking here.

Exporting Data FAQ's

Question: I need to export a report to another format, can I do this?

Answer: All reports can be exported to another format. In the report parameter section of each report, there is a field called Export. Simply select the format that you wish to export the report to. To learn about the formats available for export, click here.

Question:I need to import data from SPAR into Plant Wizard, how can I do this?

Answer: SPAR allows you to run reports in excel and, sometimes, CSV format. These file formats provide you with data that can be imported into other applications such as Plant Wizard.

System Settings FAQ's

Question: When I try to run a report in pdf format, it opens in my browser window. I want it to open Adobe Acrobat Reader.  How can I fix this?

Answer: The Adobe Reader Settings need to be changed in order to view the SPAR reports in Adobe Acrobat.

If you have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0 or earlier follow these steps:

Another option is to send the report to yourself by email.  On the report submission screen, select Delivery Type = EML and enter your email address in the Recipient Address box.