Data missing from paramter list

[mmwdmr]

I'm working with a table that stores several client types. I only want these client types to show up in a paramter list and I would like the user to be able to choose one client (of Client category 1) or all category 1 clients. However, what I see in my "pick list" are all client types. Plus, I am not seeing all of the type 1 clients. I have played around with the options in the create parameter box and the set default values box. What is strange is that when I select the first record in the list and the last record in the list (the whole range), I get ALL of my category 1 clients (which is what should be returned) even though I didn't see them in the pick list. My record selection is as follows:

{RACCT.CLIENT_CATEGORY} = 1 and
{RACCT.COMPANY} = {?Housing Authority} and
{RHEADER.CREATE_DATE} <={?Year to Date by Invoice Date}

I am using version 9. I am using a database that generates no SQL queries. There are several groups and subgroups - I don't know if that would affect what is displayed in the pick list or not (I'm guessing not). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[synapsevampire]

Crystal 9 does not have dynamic parameters, so anyone added since the report design won't be updated.

Crystal XI supports them, or use a 3rd party viewer or write code.

-k

 

[mmwdmr]

OK, thanks but do you know of a particular third party piece of software for this? Or you mention write code - do mean Crystal code or ?

When I open up the set default values box, I do see two clients in the left Window and the ones originally generated in the right window. I assumed these were input after I started writing the report so I "arrowed" them over to the right box. So, I understand the pick list is not automatically/dynamically updated but I would be willing to let this particular user go in there and update the list. But that is not my issue.

However, the initial pick list I generated when I started the report did not have all the category 1 clients in the list to begin with, including the two mentioned above. Any ideas on that?

Thanks much!!

 

[synapsevampire]

How many do you have?

Here's the whitepaper on increasing the default:

http://support.businessobjects.com/library/kbase/articles/c2014948.asp

There are limiatations, but in general if you point to a field to update from, it will pull them up to the limitation.

-k

 

[mmwdmr]

Sounds logical - thanks, I'll check it out!

 

[mmwdmr]

I haven't actually tried to increase the number of elements in the pick list by editing the registry. I'll try it tomorrrow. The only unfortunate thing about that is all of the company's PC's are set up using a standard image. This solution will modify the user's standard PC image. Oh, well - not my problem I guess!

My original post was a two-fold question. One has been answered. The other question was how to have just client catagory 1 show up in the pick list. Currrently, all client category types (there are 4) show up in the pick list. Each client has an account number and that is the main group in my report. The client name is in the group header. Other details are listed in my original post. I know what I want to do but the logic and sequence escapes me!

THANKS!!!

 

[lbass]

You could create your own picklist by creating a separate report of the values, in which you limit the records to "category 1". You then would export the list to a text file, remove the "" around fields, and then import it in the select default parameters screen. This of course would have to be updated whenever there were changes to the field in the database.

-LB

 

[mmwdmr]

Thanks LB - actually, I already thought of that and will keep it as plan B. This report is going to be released to a couple of users so I want to be able to do as much as possible with the lease amount of user interaction.

I was hoping there would be some way to use a formula or record selection for the parameter to say, "if client category = 1 then only display client category 1 records in the picklist."

Is this wishfull thinking?

 

[lbass]

Yes, I believe so. . You could check out Ken Hamady's site for references re: third party tools that might give you more flexibility.

-LB