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Formulas in a Report

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    #1

    Formulas in a Report

    I am struggling to find out how we can create fields in our Report Writer where the value is the result of a formula. (Note that it is not calculated or a function.)

    My requirement is that to create a invoice with various kinds of columns based on the wine bottle sizes i.e. 250ml, 375ml, 500ml, 750ml. Each of these columns are totaled at the bottom and then calculating the total liters for each column(bottle size) to work out the excise tax which is based on the total liters sold by the customers.

    This was easily done in Crystal Reports by using a formula on each bottle size column field in the detail part of the invoice which looked at the category(bottle size) for each product in the detail line and stated 'if category = 6 or category = 10 then put the quantity'.
    (These categories are for cases of 750ml bottles, one is for cases with the bottles standing up and the other for cases lying down.

    Now how do you do this in Alpha's Report Writer?

    Thanks

    David
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Formulas in a Report

    Hi David,
    Using a similar approach as you have stated sounds right to me. But am confused by your opening statement that your formulas are not calculations...if not then what are they (or what are calculations but formulas?)? Especially since you later state that you want calculations used....

    One way would be to create calculated fields for each bottle type which will limit the data specifically to the type wanted in each column.
    Another very similar way, but not necessarily the meant for use, is to use subreports for each column--each with a filter for each type of bottle.

    A sample of what you have would be easiest if you have a problem doing this. I or someone here could then more easily give you a specific solution or at least show you with a column or two how to do this.
    Mike
    __________________________________________
    It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.
    It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
    Henry David Thoreau
    __________________________________________



    Comment

      #3
      Re: Formulas in a Report

      Hi Mike

      Thanks a lot for your comment.

      The problem is Alpha, creating a calculated field the expression builder does not allow you to use a 'IF....THEN'
      expression other than you will get a .T. or .F. result and not as I want is to insert a value based on the .T of .F. result.
      The rest I can handle with using Running Totals, but this as far as I can see I can do in the report. Sure I can first read
      the records into a tmp file and use the formula the put the records into the right column..... but Crystal Reports
      allows you to do it in the Report Writer.

      So can it be done with Alpha Reports?

      I attached a screen dump of the Crystal Report with a few comments to show what I mean.

      Thanks
      David
      Attached Files

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Formulas in a Report

        David,
        Use the "inline" if...then function. if(some_statement=.T., this_result when True, otherwise_this_result when False). You can also "nest" several together as well having another if() withing the first as the second argument (false result).

        Take a look at this help page and let us know if any questions or help needed.
        http://support.alphasoftware.com/alphafivehelpv10/Functions/IF().htm
        Mike
        __________________________________________
        It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.
        It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
        Henry David Thoreau
        __________________________________________



        Comment

          #5
          Re: Formulas in a Report

          Hi Mike

          You little beauty!!!

          Attached is the first cut of the invoice and the formulas work.

          Now how could I find this in our documentation.??? Look up the report writer in Wiki and I believe some of the screenshots seem to be from version 5 and nothing like what we have now.
          Its like selling a 2011 car but showing the dashboard from the 1980 model.

          But thanks a lot Mike for you help and god bless the forum.

          Cheers

          David
          Attached Files

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Formulas in a Report

            Glad I was able to steer you in the right direction.

            Regarding finding something in the documentation....no clue as to the Wiki as I don't use it yet, but imagine my search techniques will work there pretty much the same as in the message board and online help file. There are just a few things to know in order to find functions/methods in Alpha and is a bit analogous to figuring out how to spell a word by looking it up in a dictionary--the more words (or functions/methods in Alpha) you know the easier it is to find something....along with knowing the basic groups in which to look.
            Mike
            __________________________________________
            It is only when we forget all our learning that we begin to know.
            It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
            Henry David Thoreau
            __________________________________________



            Comment

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