CE, Scheduled Instances, Parameters & The "Run Now" Button

[horatiog]

Hi,

Hope you can help here.

Configuration: CE10 running on Windows Server 2003.

I have set up a Recurring Instance from the "Schedule" tab after having first setting my parameters to the default values that I require for this recurring instance. (Using the "Process | Parameters" tab.)

However, I want users, if they choose to run the report interactively, to be presented with different default values for the parameters, so I then went back to the "Process | Parameters" tab and changed these values accordingly.

However, when I then try to test run the Recurring Instance by ticking this instance in the "History" Tab and then clicking on the "Run Now" button, it seems to pick up Parameter Values from the Parameter Page, rather than the ones saved with the instance.

Is this normal/configurable behaviour and will the recurring instance, when it runs under the normal scheduled basis, use the parameters stored with the recurring instance or the parameters currently set on the parameter page?

Many thanks for any help you can offer.

Regards,
Harry Haines
Reports Analyst
Miller Group

 

[synapsevampire]

It should use what was set WHEN you scheduled it, much as you should expect.

Most people use Infoview for scheduling, try using it instead, it's more linear and straightforward to understand.

-k

 

[horatiog]

Hi SynapseVampire,

Thanks for that. When you say "it should use what was set when you scheduled it", do you mean when it runs on a scheduled basis, or when we run it via the "Run Now" button or in both cases?

I take it InfoView is a 3rd party product? In that case we would not be allowed to install it without writing a long business case, raising a budget, etc!

Cheers,
Harry.

 

[gortuk]

InfoView is not a 3rd party product, it is the end-user interface to Crystal Enterprise. It was called ePortfolio in CE 9 and is called InfoView in BO XI, not sure what name it goes by in CE 10 but it should be one of the two main links on your launchpad page.

I believe as of CE 10 InfoView/ePortfolio also includes a "Reschedule" button which will let you create or replace a recurring instance based on the parameters/destination/etc of an existing recurring instance - which is what you're trying to do. It's definitely in BO XI so if this isn't present in CE 10 you may want to consider upgrading. Note that for some bizarre reason, the Reschedule button isn't available in the CMC, just in the end user interface.

As synapsevampire says, the behaviour you're seeing is exactly as designed - new schedules (including ones created using "Run Now") use the Parameters currently defined with the report. Clicking the check box beside an existing instance won't do what you are hoping it will.

 

[gortuk]

I just noticed that APOS offers a freeware add-on for CE 8.5/9/10 which will apparently add a Reschedule button to your InfoView - check it out here:

http://www.apos.com/Freeware/

 

[pgevaux]

Business Objects XIR2 has the ability to reschedule existing jobs within the Infoview. Remember that CE10 goes out of support in Feb 2008 so you want to start migrating.