Creating and Modifying Reports
The data, formatting, layout, header, and footer information contained in a report is generated from two sources:
• The native report. This report retrieves the raw report data from the dataset schema and does not contain any formatting.
• The report template. This report contains the layout, formatting, header, and footer details
Both types of report file have the .rpt extension. You create the actual report file by merging these two reports using the Merge tool.
Native Reports
Native reports are created using the Crystal Report designer and stored in the \Reports\NativeReports directory. You use the Designer to create new reports and modify existing reports.
The dataset schema .xsd file is the source of the report data, and is automatically generated when the Reporting business component is loaded. The .xsd file is located in the \Components\Remoting\QADFinancialsIF folder.
When creating a new report, you first retrieve the .xsd file, and then use the following Designer options to design your report:
• Select the required database tables and create links between these tables.
• Add data fields, such as date format or entity code, and calculation logic.
• Add text fields.
• Add groups by which to group and sort the data.
• Suppress or hide sections based on conditions.
• Use Format Options to specify how the field is displayed when it is merged with the template file.
These and other Designer functions are described in Crystal Reports Designer documentation.
Note: You must have a Crystal Reports Designer license in order to use the Designer tool.