Crystal Reports Training 2

[Magilla122]

I have been tasked by the company I work for to be the CRXI "Guru". My first mission is to find training for CRXI. I am currently enrolled in Business Object 5 day training next month. I have very little database experience and took an Access class years ago and never had the opportunity to use it.

Over the past few weeks I have been playing around with Crystal Reports and seem to understand the basics..... I am looking for any advice as it relates to training for my skill level. Business Objects vs. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers.

 

[samiam07]

Check out

http://www.visionharvest.com

 

[MJRBIM]

I would always suggest training directly through Business Objects as that will put you on-track for the vendor certification. Particularly if you are going to be your company's "Crystal Guru"...

 

[Magilla122]

Thanks for the help. Any other advice for a "newbe" would be helpful.....

 

[AnnetteH]

Get some database training in addition to Crystal training. You need to understand how to best query your company's database to write the best reports. If your company uses Oracle, learn Oracle SQL; if they use MSSQL, learn it; and so on. Make friends with the DBA.

 

[Magilla122]

Thanks for the advice, we use Oracle and are a small company. I sit right next to the DBA and they are showing me a lot (my head is spinning!!).

 

[AnnetteH]

It's out of date, but if you're using Oracle, my book "Crystal Reports 9 on Oracle" has some specific tips for using Crystal Reports with Oracle databases.

 

[DataDog]

Best advise I can give: Crystal Reports is easy. It's the database that's tough. Or more accauratey, you need to understand the application to the database level. Your DBA should become your new best friend. He can teach you more about how to link tables for application's reports in an hour than you can figure out by yourself in a month.

DataDog
"Failure Is Not An Option'

 

[Tatertot45]

I agree with DataDog... I was in a similar position with my comapny. The toughest part is learing the DB. Here is a bit of different advice. Don't learn too much Crystal before you take the class. I worked on Crystal for over a year before i took my class. I had developed a lot of bad habits and inefficiencies, and this bogged me down at calss becuase i had to re-train my brain onhow to use Crystal correctly.

 

[Magilla122]

Thanks to all of you. We have decided to stick with the Business Object Training. Better to get the information right from the developers..... The DBA and I have become good friends and I know it's going to cost me a lot of beer.....

I have also decided not to "play around" with CR just for the reasons described by Tatertot. Glad I am on the right track. I'll let you guys know how things go....