How to Build a Crystal Report using an Excel OLE Object as a template vs using a Cross-Tab

[yosteevo]

I would like to know if it is possible to use an Excel OLE Object similar to the way a Cross-Tab is configured within Crystal Reports?


I have many complex tables I need to build and certain rows and columns need to repeat as the data grows to page 2 and page 3 etc.

In the past I created MS Excel or MS Word / OLE objects to use as a headers above my Cross-Tabs and after zooming in to 400% and holding the Alt Key to move just a few pixels at a time, I got the cells to align correctly down to the pixel. Everyone in the office was pouring with joy and happiness.

These were tables that had definitive amounts of test results to each report and they would always fit on one page.

Now I have tables that will be different lengths each time the reports are run.
I need to have an Excel-Style report with outlined cells of data.
The headers will have to repeat when the tables grow to the second page similar to how rows in Cross-Tabs do by default.

In the past I have done this with multiple Cross-Tabs overlaying each other and by having certain fields suppressed to achieve the required formatting. In my current requirement, this method does not work.





Thanks.

Stephen

 

[hilfy]

Unfortunately, there is no way to put the data into an Excel OLE Object.

What I've had some success with is using a command in my report to "pivot" (translate rows into colums)my data in the query and then formatting the report without a cross-tab. Occasionally I've had to use a Stored Procedure for this when the processing is more complicated.

-Dell

DecisionFirst Technologies - Six-time SAP BusinessObjects Solution Partner of the Year

http://www.decisionfirst.com

 

[yosteevo]

Thank you hilfy.

This is what I was assuming to be true.

I look forward to the day where there can simply be a plugin for Excel and simply link to your databases from within Excel and then export an Crystal Report File.
And it would also be nice to have Fully-Functional Excel templates available to use from within Crystal Reports.

It would be nice to have that level of control and formatting.

 

[hilfy]

If you'd like to make suggestions about features you'd like to see in Crystal, you should go here

http://scn.sap.com/community/idea-place

and submit them. You'll need to create an SAP Community Network account to do that. If you submit these ideas, create a new thread here on Tek-Tips asking for votes.

-Dell

DecisionFirst Technologies - Six-time SAP BusinessObjects Solution Partner of the Year

http://www.decisionfirst.com

 

[yosteevo]

Thanks hilfy,

I just added my MS Excel Template Designer idea to the SAP site.



Stephen