How to create a mail mereg document from a report in crystal

[ajayz90]

I want to create a mail merege document from crystal....What would be the best way to do so?

Thanks In anticip[ation,


Ajay

 

[kphu]

Where would your datasource be coming from?

Will you need to input a subreport?

 

[ajayz90]

I would have to export from cystal to create a Mail Merge Document.I could use a sql stored procedure as a data source or even a table.

Ajay

 

[kphu]

Why bother using crystal then? Why not just use word?

 

[ajayz90]

I ahve a web based crystal application where i want to give a report which can be used to create a mail merge file and also create a file which can be used for xreating an excel file...this I have to use crystal as all the web users of the application canb create such files.


Ajay

 

[kphu]

I'm not sure how fimilar you are with Crystal.

The most important question is your datasource.

Are the fields you'll be using already in a company database? If so then using crystal would be easier then word because within MS word you would have to create your own datasource for storing people's name, address, zip, etc and then you create your letter.

Some people would insert a subreport for the mail merge. Kind of like if the mail merge is something like a packing letter that can include the products ordered with a total. Subreports can be tricky when your trying to link it. All depends on how the tables are setup.

 

[kphu]

I'm assuming that when you say mail merge, the content of the letter is the same. The only difference is where you place in fields.

You have any idea what the layout for this letter or document? Is this a packing sheet, letter, etc?

 

[ajayz90]

Yes all the fileds are in the database and I am able to create a string wwhich I can then display on crystal.The problem is creating a string which I can use in mail merge with word and a string whcih when exported to excel can be opened as a work sheet and to have aparameter which whould enable he display of the two strings seperately.


Ajay

 

[ajayz90]

No I am not creating a letter which uses data from the database.I am creating a file by exporting from crystal to word which i can use to mail merge.

Ajay

 

[kphu]

Your original post didn't really explain your problem. I assumed that you wanted to mimic the mail merge feature that's in word.

sorry but I'm a little confused on what exactly is the problem your having?

 

[ajayz90]

I want to mimic the Mail Merge feature in word and in the same report create a set of data string which can be exported to excel.and toggle between the two dynamically using a parameter.EG a user selects a parameter export to word for mail mereg it creates a data set which can be used for mail merging and if the user slects a parameter export to excel it creates a data set whic can be imported in excel.

Ajay