Reporting programs 2

[Gabo248]

Hi, my name is Gabriel and I´ve just registered in tek-tips.

I have an ERP system developed with Microfocus AcuCobol and I looking for a reporting tool to modify the format of the purchase orders, request orders, and create management reports with graphics. Can you recommend me something?

 

[nclouston]

I found 51 different meanings for ERP - which is yours (and it is probably irrelevant to your question but...who knows?)?
How are these reports currently generated? Can you not modify that process?


Nic

 

[Gabo248]

Hi Nic, sorry for that.

ERP (Enterprise resource planning)is a business process management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications to manage the business and automate many back office functions related to technology, services and human resources. In my case it´s used to perform the supply chain management.

Now we are generating this in black & white with doble black lines to the borders. It´s quite embarrasing in 2020 can´t print a logo.

Regarding reports today we can only print rankings, listings etc but we can´t print graphics.

Thanks for your time.

Gabo

 

[k5tm]

Gabo, welcome to Tek-Tips.

Nic asked you, "Can you not modify that process?" This is a question that needs a response.

Another question along a similar line, "Do you have the COBOL source for your system?"

The answers to these questions have a dramatic effect on the set of possible responses.

Tom Morrison
Consultant

 

[Gabo248]

Hi K5tm, and thank you.

Can you not modify that process? I´m trying to improve my system. I understand an use the basic principle "If it is working, don´t touch it" but in this case we need to go out from a D.O.S. form to something different.

Do you have the COBOL source for your system? Yes it´s mine System. It´s is working in 3 enterprises now and I have all the source (1800 programs)

Please don't hesitate in asking me everithing you need.

Gabo

 

[k5tm]

Gabo,

One of the easiest ways to get to more modern looking reports is to use the AcuCOBOL XML Extensions feature.

The XML Extensions examples that come with AcuCOBOL demonstrate, among other things, how to use Apache FOP to create output documents, most notably PDF. But once your data is in XML form, you have a lot of possibilities. I know of one customer who is creating detailed lens grinding images, using SVG. One just has to think 'outside the COBOL box' and a large set of solutions become available, many of which do not have licensing costs.



Tom Morrison
Consultant

 

[Gabo248]

Alright, I have no experience with XML extension feature / Apache FOP or SVG. I think I'd have to learn how to use it and how it works with AcuCobol. Could you give me some advise in how to start ?

 

[k5tm]

Could you give me some advise in how to start ?

The XML Extensions examples that come with AcuCOBOL demonstrate...

I know the guy who wrote the examples. They will help you, and have further references to other resources.

Also, there is a wide array of examples outside of the COBOL world (one of my links above refers to w3schools, a tutorial site). XML is XML, so once the data are in XML format, you have thrown off the chains of COBOL.

Tom Morrison
Consultant