I have divided the dozen or so scheduling tools into two groups – desktop and server. Most people who need to schedule reports will be fine using a desktop scheduler, even if they have to deliver reports to many recipients.  You can read my previous blog post for a comparison of desktop schedulers. But in some environments there will be many people scheduling reports and in those cases it might make sense to upgrade to a server-based scheduler.  This post will compare the server-based scheduling tools and should help narrow down your search.  So below is a brief introduction to each product and a link to the vendor’s website.

I have also created a detailed feature matrix (PDF) that compares roughly 70 characteristics. It includes prices and the install base of each product. And with so many complex features I decided to also write a feature glossary to define some of the key features so the comparisons were clearer. What has emerged is a short course in Crystal Reports scheduling technology. If you Continue Reading »
Scheduling Engines (server-based)

There is a handy grid in a blog post by Ludek Uher.  It shows all the different SDKs and which versions of Crystal Reports supported them.  So if you have to upgrade a Crystal related application, and you want to know how far forward you can go and keep within the same SDK, then this grid should help.  Users have suggested that he create some similar grids.  If he does then this link will be even more helpful.

It is usually pretty straightforward to move a report from one database to another.  You simply use the “Set Location” feature in the database menu.  However this can be a challenge when the table configuration is completely different.  And it gets very difficult if you are trying to set the location of the report from several tables to a single command, view or stored procedure.

This is because the set location feature was designed to keep all fields within their original table groupings.  This means that if you are Continue Reading »
Setting a Crystal Report to Any Datasource

Bar Codes are everywhere. The UPC code you see at the store is the most common example.  Every consumer product is assigned an ID number by the Uniform Code Council in Dayton, OH.  That number is converted into machine readable form so it they can be scanned.  But now you will see it checking materials in and out of inventory; patients in some hospitals; even my local library uses a scanner when checking books in and out.

Crystal Reports can even be used to print barcodes on forms or adhesive labels. In most versions of CR you need to write a formula to convert your number into a string. Then you need to Continue Reading »
Crystal Reports and barcodes