Is using Crystal Enterprise the Best Solution? 1

[CTekGirl]

I have several parameter reports that I have created for a user. At this time the user has to start Crystal Reports, select the report(s) from the directory, supply the parameter information(Period End Date) and execute it. The user converts the report to a PDF file for printing. The user isn't very technical and finds this process a little challenging (I've documented this for the user with screenshots). I wanted to know if Crystal Enterprise can be set up for these reports, or can these reports be executed through a web page. I know there are some templates included with CE, but I want to know if this is something I can set-up fairly quickly. I don't need to have these reports on a strict schedule because the availability of the data varies. I just need a method to create a one-stop shop with buttons or links to run these reports, supply parameter dates and convert them to PDF files. If this is a long process I am still interested, but just need to budget the project time in with my other tasks.

 

[Turkbear]

Hi,
Depending on your security needs ( the method I will show you requires sending authentication info in the URL) , you
can use a URL like this:

[URL unfurl="true"]http://<YourCEServer.domain>/viewrpt.cwr?id=<YourPublishedReportsId>&apsname=Guest&apsauthtype=secEnterprise&promptex-<PeriodEndDate>=<passvariable>&CMD=EXPORT&EXPORT_FMT=U2FPDF:0[/URL]

Note: < >s enclose items that need to be customised for your situation.

This will create the PDF file and allow the user to save it wherever desired, or print it.

You can create a web page that prompts for the PeriodEndDate and pass it to this URL ( using Java or JavaScript )so the user has only one action to take.