Merging inspection reports can be a crucial task, especially when multiple inspectors are involved. HG Software provides a straightforward method to merge reports seamlessly. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process step by step. Please ensure that you follow these instructions carefully to avoid any issues during the merging process.

Preparation

Before diving into the merging process, preparing your reports correctly is essential.

• Consider using report IDs that include the inspector's initials at the end of each ID. This practice will make it easier to identify and manage reports created by different inspectors.
• Ensure that both reports you intend to merge have the same template selected. This step is crucial for a smooth merging process.

Important. If you plan on merging reports using the HG Companion, read the section below now.

Merging Two Reports

1. Open and Save Reports Individually: Begin by having both reports available on the same computer. Open and save each report individually. This step is essential to preserve any photos attached to the reports. Instructions on how to transfer reports to the same computer can be found in the article Desktop Report Writer: Transferring Reports Between Devices.
2. Adjust Comment Options: In your HG software, navigate to the top of the screen and click on Options, then select Comments Options. Ensure a checkmark is in the box next to Itemize multiple comments during report start and merge. Click OK to confirm this setting.
   
   

3. Select the Primary Report: Open one of the reports. This report should be from the "primary" inspector, as the final merged report will retain the inspector's name and report ID from this report.

   Note: Both reports must use the same template.If the open report does not yet have a template selected, you must select a template. Be sure to select the same template that the other report is using.

4. Initiate the Merge: Click on File and then select Merge Report into this Report. A list of the remaining reports on your computer will appear.
   
5. Choose the Secondary Report: Select the report you wish to merge with the "primary" report and click Merge.
   
6. Select Sections: Choose the sections from the secondary report that you want to include in the merged report. Once you've made your selections, click OK.
   
7. Verify Successful Merge: You should receive a message stating Reports Merged: No Errors. However, if you encounter a message about duplicate report IDs, consider updating the report ID by adding an 'F' to indicate it's the final version of the merged reports.
8. Review and Modify: Congratulations, the reports are now merged. You can review and make any necessary modifications as needed.

Merging Reports with Android Companion 

You do not need to follow these steps if you are using a newer version of the Android Companion.

Clicking the "Revert to Photo Locker" button may seem to change the photo to one from the secondary report. This occurs due to how the HG Companion handles file names. To address this issue, follow these steps:

Setting Up File Presets

1. Ensure that you have OpenCamera installed from the Google Play Store, and HG Companion is using it as the default camera.

2. Open the OpenCamera app and click on the gear icon located in the top right corner of the screen.

3. Tap "More camera controls."

4. Scroll down and tap "Save photo prefix."

5. Enter a prefix that is unique to your device, such as your initials.

6. Repeat this process for any other HG Companion devices you use, ensuring that each device has a unique prefix.

Note: Videos are not stored in the photolocker, so there is no need to set a video prefix to address this issue.