Crystal Reports - Introductory and Advanced

Introductory Course Outline code CR01

Duration: 2 Days for complete beginners, but customisation is possible.

Objectives

This course enables trainees to become proficient with creating reports using Crystal Reports as a management information tool.

Pre-requisites

Delegates should have previous Windows experience. It would be helpful if delegates had a basic understanding of databases, but is not essential. The course can be tailored to accommodate specific requirements or previous experience. Please ask for details.

Course Content

Introduction
Crystal Overview and File Options
Sizing and Positioning Fields & Objects
On line Help, Facts on Demand and Return Email/Fax Help

Working With Records
Select Experts And Multiple Fields, Record Options
Sorting and Grouping Records, Nested Groups, Refreshing Data

Report Design
Setting Margins, Page Size and Orientation, Lines, Boxes and Graphics
Header and Footer Fields, Report Titles and Special Fields

Creating Reports
Adding Fields and Objects, Subtotals, Grand Totals
Totals in Groups, Summarising and Top N Expert

Report Experts
Experts Explained and Using an Expert
Benefits and Features, Tips and Tricks

Linking
Overview of Linking, Adding/Removing Tables and Databases
Smart Linking and Working with Links

Formula Basics
Inserting Formulas, Basic Calculations, String Manipulation
Date Calculations, If Then Else Formulas, Boolean Formulas
Conditional Formatting And Graphing

Fields, Objects and Sections
Section Expert
Creating and Editing, Using Drill Down and Positioning

Cross Tabs
Defining, Creating and basic Formatting a Cross Tab
Changing Field Widths

Please note: this course is run on a customised basis only. We should be pleased to supply details.

Advanced Course Outline code CR02

Duration: A two-day 'hands-on' course, which will enhance delegates existing reporting skills to an advanced level.

Course Objectives

To be able to produce reports using the advanced features of the product, and to apply this knowledge to work-related issues. Because of this last point, this course is readily customised.

Pre-requisites

Anyone who has attended the Level 1 Introductory course and who also has substantial hands-on experience using Crystal Reports in a working environment.

Report Creation Review

Advanced Record Selection
Groups and Summaries
Advanced Linking Options
Conditional Formatting

Advanced Grouping

Specified Order
Group Sort Expert

Templates

Applying templates
Creating templates

Alerts

Creating & Using Alerts

Sections

Using Multiple Sections
Section Formatting
Form Letters
Mailing Labels

Advanced Formulae

Formula Language & Syntax
Multi-pass Reporting
Using Functions
Understanding UFL's
Control Structures

Parameters

An Overview
Defining/Creating
Using/Refreshing
Displaying

Running Totals

Overview
Simple Running Totals
Conditional Running Totals

Formula Variables

Declaring Variables
Assigning values
Scope definition

Sub-Reports

Defining
Unlinked Sub-Reports
Linked Sub-Reports
On-Demand Sub-Reports
Using Shared Variables

Cross Tabs

Creating & Advanced Formatting
Charting on Cross-Tab Data
Pivoting a Cross Tab

Crystal Repository - if applicable

Overview
Adding Text and Graphic Objects
Adding Custom Functions
Adding Commands

Crystal Dictionaries - if applicable

Dictionary Options
Creating a Report using a Dictionary

ODBC Datasource

Creating an ODBC Data Connection