how to secure a report for users to generate?

[voirin]

Hi, we recently had Crystal Reports v10 installed on all the user computers. I have created a template report which I would like our users to access and generate their own report from. The only variable the user has to supply is a date range to generate the report. This is accessible via Report > Select Expert. Now I would like to make the process of generating the report both easy and secure. Here are a few things I want to achieve:

1. The date range ('is between') in Select Expert is defined as a DateTime field. Do I need to tell the users to input a date range, for example...

1/01/2005 12:00:00AM
to
31/03/2005 11:59:59PM

or do I just tell them to put in...

1/01/2005
to
31/03/2005
?

2. Is there another method to input the date range that would make it easy for the users?

3. How do I secure the report so users cannot edit it?

4. I am connecting to an Oracle server to get all data from. I noticed that when I change the data range Crystal asks me if I want to use 'Saved Data' or 'Refresh Data' (i choose Refresh Data). It then asks me for the password to the Oracle server. Is there some way to bypass these steps so the user doesn't have to specify 'Refresh Data' and enter in the password to the Oracle server all the time?

5. In essence how does one modify the environment so that users can easily generate reports with minimal hassle whilst maintaining security i.e. users cannot modify the report template?

Any help most appreciated!

cheers,
voirin

 

[Madawc]

Using Month({your.date}) = Month(currentate) in record selection will give them the whole of the current month without the need for parameters. Fot last month, Month({your.date}) = Month(currentate)-1 should do it.

As for stopping the users editing it, you could get Crystal Enterprises, which is useful but expensive. Or keep your own master copies - note that [Special Fields] includes date modified.

But is it actually so bad if the business is able to adapt the report for needs they've only just thought of, without the need to bother you again? They'll still need you for anything complex, but will probably be pleased to be able to make small ajdustments.

The other points, I can't help you with. It might have been better to post distinct questions as separate threads.

Madawc Williams (East Anglia, UK)