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Forms examples that create complex reports.

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    #1

    Forms examples that create complex reports.

    Hello,

    I'm new to Alpha 5 and I'm spending alot of time watching the video's and reading the help files, however, certain things are still giving me some trouble.

    Hopefully, one of you can point me in the right direction. What I'm looking for is an example of a form that allows my users to do the following things:

    a. Populate a report with record data, (from a set would be nice.). I know how to do this listing all data in that record, however, I want them to be able to just select certain single records.

    b. Insert image files by clicking and selecting images from the library. I've found some help documentation on adding logo's to the reports, however, the image will change depending on the record they are using, see above.

    I know you guys have put alot of hard work into the forms, so if you don't feel comfortable giving me an example, just pointing me in the right direction in the video's or help files will be helpful.

    Thanks for taking the time to read my post,

    Newander,

    Alpha 5 newbie
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

    a. Populate a report with record data, (from a set would be nice.). I know how to do this listing all data in that record, however, I want them to be able to just select certain single records.
    It's possible to embed a filter expression in your report layout so that only marked records will appear. the user can mark the desired records and then print the report. If this is unfamiliar to you I believe the User Guide discusses marking and unmarking records. The help file also contains a discussion of the MARKED() function which would be used in the report's filter expression.

    If the desired records share a common unique characteristic you could take a different approach using a query to locate the records first, and then specifying "use currently selected records" in the report.

    -- tom

    ps. Welcome to Alpha Five.

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

      b. Insert image files by clicking and selecting images from the library. I've found some help documentation on adding logo's to the reports, however, the image will change depending on the record they are using, see above.
      I don't use images in my reports very often so others may have better ideas. First thought here is that you'd define a calculated field to determine which image to display based upon which related record is selected for the report by the user.

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

        Originally posted by Tom Cone Jr View Post
        It's possible to embed a filter expression in your report layout so that only marked records will appear. the user can mark the desired records and then print the report. If this is unfamiliar to you I believe the User Guide discusses marking and unmarking records. The help file also contains a discussion of the MARKED() function which would be used in the report's filter expression.

        If the desired records share a common unique characteristic you could take a different approach using a query to locate the records first, and then specifying "use currently selected records" in the report.

        -- tom

        ps. Welcome to Alpha Five.
        Tom,

        Thanks for the push in the right directions that was exactly what I was looking for, now to do my homework.

        Newander

        Comment

          #5
          Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

          Originally posted by Tom Cone Jr View Post
          I don't use images in my reports very often so others may have better ideas. First thought here is that you'd define a calculated field to determine which image to display based upon which related record is selected for the report by the user.
          Tom,

          That was my thought as well, I'm worried about the image layouts, and the fact that I've just started learning about calculated fields.

          I'll have to keep searching the help files,

          Newander

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

            Hi Newander,
            Is the report only going to display one record at a time (per page)? If that is the case then the image reference should be record specific. If multiple records appear in the report based on user selection (ie. marked records) then your calc to find the image would be defined for the report. For example if you are using the same report for different groups you could have the user select the report based on its type/grouping and set the bitmap to display based on that selection set to a variable which the report can test when you run it. More specific info would help here.
            Robin

            Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

              Originally posted by MoGrace View Post
              Hi Newander,
              Is the report only going to display one record at a time (per page)? If that is the case then the image reference should be record specific. If multiple records appear in the report based on user selection (ie. marked records) then your calc to find the image would be defined for the report. For example if you are using the same report for different groups you could have the user select the report based on its type/grouping and set the bitmap to display based on that selection set to a variable which the report can test when you run it. More specific info would help here.

              Hi Robin,

              My vision for the end result of this project is something like this.

              A. My user accesses a form with about 20 predefined fields, from a set containing 3 tables.

              B. They search through the records and mark the ones they want to generate a report with, (all reports on different pages).

              C. They click a button to populate an existing report template with the customer information and other predefined fields.

              D. Alpha selects the image that goes with the data selection, and puts it on the report.

              E. The user, with a click of a button, generates the PDF file, previews it and approves it for sending.

              A complicated task for a newbie like me, however, I don't give up easily.

              Thanks for the help,
              Newander

              Comment

                #8
                Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

                I am full of questions this morning.

                What is the basis for changing the image - the report's predefined fields or the customer selected? Or is it whatever the user chooses? How much control do you want to have over which image is to be used? I don't suppose you can give us a screenshot of your report and the form?
                Robin

                Discernment is not needed in things that differ, but in those things that appear to be the same. - Miles Sanford

                Comment

                  #9
                  Re: Forms examples that create complex reports.

                  Originally posted by MoGrace View Post
                  I am full of questions this morning.

                  What is the basis for changing the image - the report's predefined fields or the customer selected? Or is it whatever the user chooses? How much control do you want to have over which image is to be used? I don't suppose you can give us a screenshot of your report and the form?
                  Hi Robin,

                  1. The basis for changing the image is for design selection. Thus, say I was producing pop cans, A customer may send me a request to get the Mt Dew label printed on the can. I have the customer info stored in the database, and the image files stored in the database, so when I go to send them a verification form, to be sure that this is the image they want, I can just click a button and transfer the current customer information to the report, then based on that information (Selecting Mt Dew) it will put the Mt Dew logo on the report in a given place.

                  2. But lets say Mt Dew just got a new label, well now I have to give my designers the ability to update that Mt. Dew image in my database, nobody likes old images.

                  3. The form/report I'm working with is a little sensitive, so I cannot link the files here, I know that would make things easier but I have to keep the company interests in mind.

                  Thanks again,
                  Newander

                  Comment

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