Crystal App-Is this possible?

[Tread42]

Let me begin by saying I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to post or not? If others would be more suitable, please advise.

Current Problem:
I have a rather large Oracle database that is currently connected via ODBC to Crystal Reports(CR). I have needed to place several select statements in the Record Selection clause because generating all records constantly produces a timeout. Right now the administrators have to open CR and manually run reports every morning for previous days activity.

Preferred Solution:
I would like a web based solution that runs the report when they click on a link or button. The ODBC connection constantly prompts for a password upon every "refresh", so I assume this would need to be passed as well.

Should I be looking at an add-on to CR that is a type of auto-scheduler. Or can this be done using either asp.net or vb.net to deliver a web based application that runs these reports with minimal user intervention? Preferably the reports would output in either .pdf, html, or xml formats.



Regards,
Tread42

 

[GJParker]

There are a number of 3rd party applications available for scheduling and exporting reports in various formats see

http://www.kenhamady.com

for a list of most of these.

To my knowledge and I could be wrong the only application which is web based is BO's own Crystal Enterprise.

An alternative would be write your own solution using crystal Reports Developer Edition, this can be used with the 2 programming tools you mentioned and many more VB, C# Delphi etc..

HTH

Gary Parker
MIS Data Analyst
Manchester, England

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
A couple of things..
1:Stop using ODBC and switch to an Oracle Native connection.

2: Refine the query produced by the report to 'push' the where clause to the database and examine its execution plan to see where it can be optimised, or create a view or SP in Oracle to pre-create the data source.

Once the report is created and is running efficiently,
to can use Crystal Enterprise or create a custom app using the Developer edition of CR's components in a .net or Visual Studio designed app.

 

[PatrickIRL]

Just some options ....

My view has always been to keep the reports light. Whenever possible I set queries up in the database to populate table(s) that I've set up with the data that I need. This is usually done during the night. It cuts down on a lot of processing and the reports are snappier.

You can use a view and report off it in the same way.

Not sure if this helps,

Patrick