Can Crystal Report connect to MDX

[AurobindoSaha]

Hi

Can Crystal Report XI R2 connect to a MDX query? I like to use a parameter that will be passed from Crystal Report to the MDX query (cube) and return the records that match the value of that parameter.

In nutshell, I'm looking for a way to pass a parameter to the cube as I pulls back data. For example, one dimension in the cube is month. I’d like to be able to pass the month in with his report to look at only that data.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks
Aurobindo

 

[dgillz]

What is MDX? Is it accessible from ODBC?

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

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"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[AurobindoSaha]

MDX (Multi Dimensional Expression) is included in Microsoft Analysis Services 2005.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345116.aspx

Yes, I believe so, it can be connected through ODBC driver.

Thanks
Aurobindo

 

[dgillz]

Ok, then create an ODBC DSN pointing to this data. Then yes, crystal will be able to read it.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

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"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[AurobindoSaha]

But the challenge I was mentioning was how to use parameters there. Looks like you can not create parameter from field explorer menu and pass to the datasource.

Thanks
Aurobindo

 

[dgillz]

Creating a parameter in Crystal (not in the query) is step one. The next step is to create a record selection formula to restrict the dataset which crystal returns. For example:

{YourDateField} ={?ParmDate}

{?ParmDate} is the parameter you create in crystal.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

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"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[AurobindoSaha]

I think the solution is this -

We can pass parameters to OLAP Cube from Crystal reports through OLAP Grid.

While refreshing it asks for parameter. This parameter will be passed to OLAP Cube.

Find the attached sample report and screenshot that describes the way to define the parameters.

 

[dgillz]

Lets define Parameters for a minute. In crystal, a parameter is a field where a window pops up and asks you to manually input a value.

When you do what I said to do on my last post, this is exactly what happens, you fill in the value and only those records that match it are returned from the OLAP cube.

So what is wrong or undesirable about this?

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"What version of URGENT!!! are you using?

 

[IanWaterman]

MDX is a Multidimensional expression and whilst it has some similarities to SQL it is totally different and you can not use Crystal Parameters.

Within data sources you will see OLAP allowing you to connect to your cube.

Provided your cube does have filters you should then be able to create paramters and link to those filters.

I have not done this before but if you need help a good reference is

Crystal reports XI Official Guide by Fitzgerald et al published by Business Objects Press.

Ian