FIS : PDSAT and the Sampler

Hi Christina

This happens every year, I suspect the agreed format for the sample doesn't yet exist (I understand the tender process for Audit is happening right now).

Would expect it back end of Jan? Although with the audit calendar all to pot, might be a bit later this year...

Hi Cristina,

The PDSAT has been updated for 20/21 with the sampler now active. If you access your PDSAT this should automatically update to include this.

To access the sampler you need to import from FIS (so that funding is included in the output) so ensure your FIS setting are set up to create an SQL Export.

I hope this helps.

I'm having the same problems trying to get the sampler to work for our 16-19 and adult contracts. I have raised a ticket with the support desk but they haven't responded yet. Is there not a set of working papers for providers to use for sampling? The only ones I can find for 16-19 are from 16/17. 

Many thanks

Chris 

Hi Chris,

You may need to adjust your Connection String settings in FIS and also in PDSAT.

I would check with your IT team, but for me both FIS and PDSAT are on a standalone machine so I have the Connection string below:

Data Source=localhost\SQLEXPRESS;Initial Catalog=ILR2021;Integrated Security=True

This is changed in the settings section of FIS (you need to tick to create an SQL export), and in PDSAT when you click to import FIS and after selecting the year of import.

As I say, you may want to check with your IT department but the above works for me.

Hope this helps.

Thanks I have used the advised connection string in FIS and the test in FIS is showing as connected. I have also added the connection string into the FIS import settings, however when I try to import FIS into PDSATS it is erroring stating "FIS has no funding values. Please run the funding calculations in FIS."

Very confusing indeed. Our IT team are struggling with it as well. 

Hi Chris

It sounds like PDSAT is having trouble with the SQL link. I'm not techy enough with SQL I'm afraid to offer advice on how to get round this but it could be a network issue. If you do have a spare laptop that's off the network you could try installing both PDSAT and FIS on this and use the Localhost connection.

If not, I have the testing papers and can send across to you if you can get contact details across somehow.

That would be great if you could send them to chris.roberts@ctstraining.co.uk 

Many thanks 

Thank you, i will take another look.

Hi, we are also having problems with the installation of FIS and PDSAT which means we cannot currently access the working papers. Would it be possible for someone to share a copy of the FM35 working paper questions? Many thanks

Hi Jasmine

Funnily enough I produced a sample yesterday (so to speak).  If you drop me an email at Benjamin.Cowdery@weston.ac.uk I can pop them over on Monday when I get back to the Office - I am having to extract them on Thursday anyway for my Guvnor.

Ben

Hi all, I am having some ongoing issues with accessing the working papers. Would anyone be happy to send me a blank copy? Any help appreciated

Hi Steve,

I can send across a copy if you're still after them? If so, please let me have your email address. Thanks.