Chapter 1: Report Writer Overview
This chapter gives students a general overview of the Report Writer application and provides information on some of the different Report Writer configurations that can be implemented by users of the application. Individual report security is discussed and demonstrated, and the different types of reports are discussed and defined. The terminology used throughout the class is defined in this chapter. Students should complete the exercises available for this chapter after the discussion of the topics is complete to reinforce learning on the topics covered.
Main Topics
• Report Writer Features & Benefits
• Using the Reports Dictionary
• Configuring/Setting up Report Writer
• Using the Report Writer Main Window
• Defining Report Types
• Security
Labs
• Creating Secondary Copies of Reports
• Creating Primary Copies of Reports
• Button Functions
• Temporary Tables Effects on Reports
• Granting Access & Printing Primary Copies
• Working with Secondary Copies
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Briefly describe the features and functionality available in Report Writer
• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different setup configurations available for Report Writer
• Understand basic terminology that will be used when using Report Writer
• Identify the different types of reports that exist in Microsoft Great Plains and Report Writer
• Restrict access to individual reports using the security options available in Microsoft Great Plains
• Understand available printing and format options when generating reports in Microsoft Great Plains and Report Writer
Chapter 2: Report Definition Window, Sorting, & Restricting
This chapter focuses on the Report Definition window and the functionality that can be selected on it. It also focuses on using sorts, which can be pre-defined or user-defined on any particular report. The chapter also examines the use of restrictions to reduce the amount of data that otherwise may appear on a report allowing users to focus their attention on the data they deem important. Exercises at the end of the chapter should be completed by students to reinforce learning on the topics in Chapter Two.
Main Topics
• Table Information Options/Report Definition Window
• Keys, and Max Records
• Format Options
• Text Report Options
• Printing Options
• Using Sorts
• Using Restrictions
• Writing Restriction Expressions
Labs
• Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
• Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys
• Other Sorting Options
• Creating Restrictions
• Using Table Fields in Restriction Expressions
• Using Constants in Restriction Expressions
• Using Operators in Restriction Expressions
• Constant Types and Field Storage
• Writing Restriction Expressions
• Secondary Copy Restrictions
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Use the Report Definition window to influence how a report is printed
• Change the sort on a report from existing sorts or keys
• Create user-defined sorts from any linked table so data appears in the order preferred
• Enter restriction expressions to limit data that appears on a report
• Understand how to use constants, functions, and operators in restriction expressions
• Define the different constant types and how each is used for different table fields in Microsoft Great Plains
Chapter 3: Report Layout Window, Columns & Graphics
This chapter examines the many different options, functionalities, and tools that can be used to design or modify reports in Report Writer. Discussion and demonstration of features and options using the toolbox highlight most of the time spent on this chapter. Some of the features and options that are covered include placing a field on the layout, adding text or a label to a report, resizing text or fields, placing the date and time on a report, adding graphics or logos, using the divider tool to create columns on a report, using the arrange and tile tools, and many more.
There is also discussion on the different sections of a report, and what they typically contain in Report Writer. Each section is discussed, and time is spent on how users can include or exclude different sections of a report. The exercises at the end of the chapter should be completed by students to reinforce learning.
Main Topics
• The Report Layout window
• Report Sections
• Using the Toolbox window
• Placing Fields in the Layout
• Adding Text or Labels to Reports
• Moving and Sizing fields
• Drawing Options
• Using Arrange & Tile Tools
• Using the Divider Tool
• Adding & Storing Graphics
• Designing a Report Layout
• Placing Table Fields & Text on Reports
• Drawing Options/Fonts
• Adding Graphics to the Picture Library
• Adding a Graphic to a Report
• Using the Divider Tool
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Identify the different sections on a report layout
• Understand the different options available on text and graphics reports
• Use the Layout and Arrange tools when designing reports
• Place and move table fields, text, and other items on a report layout
• Size fields, text, and graphics on reports
• Apply different fonts, colors, and patterns to fields using the Drawing Options window
• Use the divider tool to create report columns on reports
• Add and store graphics such as a logo for use on reports
Chapter 4: Linking Tables & Additional Headers and Footers
This chapter demonstrates how tables can be linked together so that reports will be able to pull data from multiple tables. There is discussion of linking rules and the two different types of links; one-to-one and one-to-many, that can be used when linking tables.
In addition to linking, the chapter also focuses on how additional headers and footers can be created as necessary on reports. The effects of sorts on additional headers is highlighted, and the exercises at the end of the section demonstrate how these report additions can be used to design sleek and informational reports to stakeholders in your company.
Main Topics
• Linking Methods
• Types of Linking
• Linking Tables
• Additional Headers
• Sorting & Additional Headers
• Additional Footers
• Additional Header & Footer Options
Labs
• Linking Tables to a Primary Table
• Different Types of Links
• Keys and Links
• Table Relationships
• Creating Additional Headers
• Creating Additional Footers
• Using Count Field Options
• Modifying Field Fonts & Sizes
• Sizing Report Section
• Using Additional Headers & Footers on Existing Reports
• Sorts and Additional Headers
• Arranging Information on a Report
• Sizing Report Sections
Lab: Day One Case Study (Appendix)
• Creating Custom Reports
• Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
• Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys
• Other Sorting Options
• Creating Restrictions
• Designing a Report Layout
• Placing Table Fields & Text on Reports
• Drawing Options/Fonts
• Adding Graphics to the Picture Library
• Adding a Graphic to a Report
• Linking Tables
• Creating Additional Headers
• Creating Additional Footers
• Sizing Report Sections
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Identify the different methods that can be used to link tables
• Link tables using the Report Table Relationships window
• Understand the different types of table links and the table relationships for each type
• Describe the limits on linking tables in Report Writer
• Remove table links from a report
• Understand how additional headers and footers are used in Report Writer
• Explain how sorts influence the use of additional headers and footers
Chapter 5: Array Fields, Field Options & Calculated Fields
This chapter examines how array fields are used in Microsoft Great Plains and how they are uniquely stored and treated in Report Writer. Time is spent discussing the different field options that are available for fields that are placed on the report layout.
The creation of user-defined fields is discussed. Conditional and calculated expressions are demonstrated and examples given on how they can be used on reports. The concatenate functionality is discussed and is the focus of one of the exercises that is available at the end of the chapter that students should complete after the lecture on this chapter is finished.
Main Topics
• Array Fields
• Adding Array fields to the Report Layout
• Field Options
• Field Types
• User-defined Calculated Fields
• Writing Calculated Expressions
• Writing Conditional Expressions
• Result Types
• Using Fields Constants & Functions in Expressions
• Concatenation
Labs
• Adding Array Fields to a Report Layout
• Array Field Calculations
• Linking Tables
• Defining Report Sections
• Creating Additional Headers
• Creating Additional Footers
• Setting Field Options
• Report Design
• Concatenate Operator
• Strip Function
• Report Design
• Creating Calculated Fields
• Report Design
• Conditional Calculated Fields
• Calculated Fields
• Creating Additional Headers
• Creating Additional Footers
• Using Field Options
• Format, Text, & Printing Options
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Work with array fields
• Create user-defined calculated fields
• Understand the difference between calculated and conditional expressions
• Place calculated fields onto reports
• Understand how to use the concatenate functionality in Report Writer
• Identify available field options for report fields
Chapter 6: Planning a Report
This chapter examines the process of planning a new custom report in Report Writer. The discussion is centered on the recommended steps to go though to first determine if there is an existing report that could be used and slightly modified or if indeed we need a new custom report. In addition, the chapter spends some time on discussing how and where data resides in Microsoft Great Plains and how Report Writer can be used to access the necessary information needed for a report. There is a case study that students will complete to reinforce the planning process.
Main Topics
• Determining Report Needs
• Reviewing Existing Great Plains Reports
• Planning the Report Layout
• Determining where Information Exists
• Using Table, Field & Window Descriptions
Labs
• Planning a Report
• Steps of Planning
• Creating Custom Reports
• Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
• Creating Sorts
• Creating Restrictions
• Designing a Report Layout
• Drawing Options/Fonts
• Using the Divider Tool
• Adding Graphics
• Linking Tables
• Creating Additional Headers & Footers
• Sizing Report Sections
• Using Calculated Fields
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Understand the basic concepts of planning a report
• Determine the needs for a report
• Plan a report layout for basic reports
• Use Table, Field, and Window Descriptions to determine what tables are needed for a report and should be linked
• Plan the use of sorts, restrictions, calculated fields and grouping
Chapter 7: Defining Table Relationships
This chapter explains the process and steps to create a new table relationship. The chapter delves into the components and requirements of creating a new table relationship. There is also a discussion on keys that are used to link tables together and how they can affect the type of link that is created.
There is a short discussion on one-to-one and one-to-many relationships and the benefits of trying to create one-to-one relationships if possible.
Main Topics
• Table Relationship Components & Requirements
• Defining Relationships
• Selecting Keys/Sorts
Lab
• Using Table, Field, & Window Descriptions
• Creating a Table Relationship/Relationship Types
• Report Design
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Understand table relationship requirements
• Create new table relationships
Chapter 8: Data Types, Formats & Strings
This chapter examines the use of Data Types, Formats, and Strings in Microsoft Great Plains. Most changes to these items will generally not be made without Microsoft Great Plains Modifier, as changing this in Report Writer only affects reporting and how the information is displayed on reports. It will not change fields within the application.
Main Topics
• Data Types & Formats
• Modifying Data Types
• Changing Formats
• Customizing Strings
Labs
• Modifying Format Strings
• Assigning Field Formats
• Creating New Formats
• Changing Static Text Values
• Effects on Changing Static Text
• Modifying Format Strings
• Resources Menu
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
• Modify a Data Type
• Change Existing Formats
• Customize Strings
Chapter 9: Report Scheduler
This chapter shows how the Report Scheduler can be used to automate the report printing process. The chapter covers the necessary setup requirements, the printing routine, and the process to remove reports from the scheduled printing routine.
Main Topics
• Setting up Report Scheduler
• Scheduling Reports
• Managing the Printing Process
Labs
• Adding a Report to a Schedule
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