PDF Output and Crystal - Any Idea???

[ayamudua1]

Hi there:
We generate crystal report as the final output of our applications, where sales reps can print out sign before sending to customers. But now we have a new requirements to automate this processes,

After generating their crystal output, they will convert that output to pdf using Acrobat v 6, installed on all their machines.

These works fine except they require the ability to sign, update, stamp or do other things on the this documents. Now, remember, the document is not generated from a form template rather generated in real time as the application is output(crystal) is available.

Since the form was not generated in using a form template, for the reps to be able to update any imformation on it, they have to first ACTIVATE the forms tools, but this extra step is too technical for these sales people.
This is where I need real HELP!!!
1. Is there a tool out there that we can use to automatically generate form fields from the crystal report that the pdf documents are based?
2. If there is no tool like that, how can we make this process simple programatically so that once the pdf is generated from crystal, the fields that need to be updated will become activated once mouse pass over the field.

BONS

 

[synapsevampire]

I don't know of a tool like that.

Consider using a development environment rather than Crystal.

I've not certain what you really mean though, perhaps you could just export as a Word document or some such.

-k

 

[nagornyi]

Acrobat can generate PDFs with editable fields or with blank spaces that can be filled in right from the Acrobat Reader and saved. Look into Acrobat dox -- what it takes to generate such a file? Possibly (I think so) it is done with special control sequences that can be generated in Crystal.

 

[synapsevampire]

nagornyi: Pretty tall order there, being as how the report passes through a export routine.

There are posts here where people have tried to do that unsuccessfully, perhaps you can share an example?

-k

 

[nagornyi]

No, I didn't go thru it myself. I had similar problem with PCL codes several yrs ago and the approach worked.

 

[ayamudua1]

nagornyi, please what is the name of that document??

could you shade more light on that please??

Thank you.

bons

 

[nagornyi]

OK,
it looks like the structure of PDF files is the second best guarded secret after the structure of RPT files. There is one area though where people were able to crack it and generate PDF files, includeing editable PDF files, from their own applications.
I am not sure if you heard about TeX or LaTeX. Those are open source text editors, better yet - ediditng systems with its own language. Actually, LaTeX file is plain text file that can be generated by Crystal Reports also (why not?). You can then use tools developed there to automatically generate editable PDF. Again, I did not try it myself. Search web for Acrotex and Hyperref.
Of course, easier said then done...

 

[ayamudua1]

I did check out the "Acrobat dox", this seems to talk about Linux platform and staroffice, and stuff like that. Did not help. Thanks though.


BONS