A number of changes have been made to the Report generator to add new features and functionality.
Two new drop down has been added called :
- ‘Variables’ – User defined values that can be used within a report. These can be used in the same way that Constants are used.
- ‘Constants’ – The date constants that were previously stored under the Functions drop down have been moved to here. They still function in the exact same way.
Variables can be created with a preconfigured value (numeric only), or as a placeholder value with the option to prompt when the report runs. When creating a Variable a description is mandatory and will be used as its name. Once a variable has been created, it can be used in the ‘Print List’, ‘Sort List’ or in a function (‘Variables..’ is now available in the drop down of the Function Creation screen). Variables can not be added to the ‘Qualify List’. When running a report, if variables are required that have the prompt option ticked, a new screen will display giving the user the ability to enter the value to use. The Report Summary at the bottom of the report will show each variable included and the value used in that report.
In addition to ‘Variables’ being added the following changes have also been made:
- Added a ‘Display’ button to view the details of a Constant, Variable, or Function.
- Added a search field in the Function Creation screen. This works the same as the search in the Report Generator screen.
- Removed the previous size restrictions on functions.
- When adding a field to a Function, it will now show the name of the field instead of the database field name in the display box.
- Added a Description field in the Function Creation screen. This field is mandatory and will be used as the ‘Function’s’ name when being added to a report.
- When a ‘Function’ is created, the user and date/time will also be recorded (These will be automatically filled in for existing functions at the time of the install).
- The date/time of the function creation is now printed in the Report Summary section.
- Functions no longer need to be added to the Print, Sort or Qualify List in order to be saved. Variables do not need to be added to be saved either.