H-CLIC API integration between HPA2 and DELTA
A new HPA2 update that will allow homelessness officers the ability to validate and upload cases to DELTA without leaving the system will be rolled out in the next few weeks.
A well-attended webinar on January 16 set out the process officers will need to follow so they no longer have to upload XML files to DELTA manually. Instead, the validations can be batched for both single and multiple cases.
The webinar drew a number of questions. We have summarised and answered those queries to deliver best practice advice on how to prepare for the rollout of these features.
1. How will we submit our H-CLIC returns to DELTA via the API?
We use login details that you provide to us to submit data to DELTA on your behalf via the API.
2. Will you (Locata) have access to other DELTA returns?
No, our submissions point directly at the available H-CLIC submission, we cannot access the other DELTA returns.
3. Is it possible for us to setup a “Generic” user account on DELTA to setup within HPA2 as the user submitting to DELTA?
Yes, we can submit to DELTA by using any authenticated user details. DLUHC have advised that a DELTA account can be setup based on a shared email address if you’d rather not use a single person’s login details. The below link allows you to request a new user account.
4. Will we still be able to use the existing validation tool, which doesn’t use the API?
When you enter your DELTA login details into HPA2, the validations tools will update to utilise the API. This is essential, as the existing tool is built based on the H-CLIC Schematron, which is often not in-sync with DELTA itself, whereas using the API-based validations tool will always display the same errors as in DELTA.
5. Will we be able to download the XML file for manual submission to DELTA?
Yes, this will still be possible.
6. Is it possible to get the error results for all our cases in a submission?
While we weren’t able to demonstrate this within the demo, our aim is to enable you to download/see all the errors across an entire submission. It will be a requirement for you to submit the report to DELTA first in order to receive all these errors back, but you can resubmit a new return at any time prior to the collection period ending – such as once you have resolved said errors.
7. Can we make changes to the case once it has been submitted to DELTA?
Yes, you can amend the case, fix errors etc. To update DELTA, all you’d need to do is submit a new report from the H-CLIC reports screen, which will update any previously submitted cases.
8. Is there an easy way for us to know when a case has errors or needs to be validated?
Yes, we will implement a traffic light system against cases for users to have clear indications on what they need to do.
Orange – case requires validation
Green – case has been validated, and has no errors
Red – Case has been validated, and there are errors
No colour – case would not be included in the submission.
9. Is there an easy way for us to know when a report is ready to submit to DELTA?
Yes, we will implement a traffic light system against reports on the H-CLIC reports page which clearly indicates what is required.
Orange – The report contains cases which have not yet been validated
Red – the report contains cases with errors
Green – The cases within the report have all been validated and are error free.
10. How does the bulk validation tool define which 50 cases to select and validate?
The tool chooses the first 50 cases which:
a. Have errors
b. Have not yet been validated
11. Are there any plans to create dashboard widgets to enable officers to monitor their outstanding validations and errors?
This would fall out of scope of the initial changes we’re doing. We would of course like to do more – if you have specific ideas please do feed them back to us via the “help” section and click “give feedback” to send us your suggestions. What we can do depends on available budgets and priorities set by our Development Group.
The Development Group is hosted every 6 months and is comprised of clients wishing to help Locata set its priorities in terms of our development pipeline. Membership is open, to ensure you get an invite to the next one please email enquiries@locata.org.uk
12. Can you export all the errors into excel?
This would fall out of scope of the initial changes we’re doing. We would of course like to do more – if you have specific ideas please do feed them back to us via the “help” section and click “give feedback” to send us your suggestions. What we can do depends on available budgets and priorities set by our Development Group.
The Development Group is hosted every 6 months and is comprised of clients wishing to help Locata set its priorities in terms of our development pipeline. Membership is open, to ensure you get an invite to the next one please email enquiries@locata.org.uk
13. Is it possible to make it impossible to close a case which has validation errors?
No, not at present. This is not the approach we would like to take with the system as it could cause other technical and training issues to manage. As an alternative, our recommendation would be that local users with appropriate permissions add prompts and messages within the workflow at relevant junctures – such as when a case is being closed – to prompt officers to run the validation and to also resolve any errors.
14. Is there any support you can provide us to adjust to this change in how we work?
To assist you with adjusting to the new process, we will be hosting additional webinars which are focused on training case officers in:
1. How to use the various validation tools within the system
2. When to conduct validations (i.e. when is a case “triggered” for H-CLIC submission)
3. How to correct errors
We have published two dates and times, each with a limited capacity offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Both events will have the same content, so no need to register for both.
March 4th 2024 11am, register via the below link:
https://shorturl.at/nSUV9
March 8th 2024 11am, register via the below link:
https://shorturl.at/jFKRS
We can also provide bespoke training specific for your organisational needs. Please contact enquiries@locata.org.uk with your requirements and we will provide you with a quotation.
15. When will the API be rolled out?
We are working towards all our clients (who provide their DELTA login details) being able to use the API to validate cases and submit to delta for the next available DELTA collection (Estimated to open at the beginning of April). However, we will be rolling out the ability to validate via the API much sooner, likely before the end of February.
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