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Can this be done in Alpha

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    Can this be done in Alpha

    We have been using A5 v8 for a while to create our monthly reports which is then distributed on paper to our various departments. Now the need has come for us to eliminate paper reports, I have been asked to enquire if Alpha 5 could be used to create online reports based on form queries. For example a department head could sign in on to a server and based on his/her sign on id will be able to see only his department�s data and then run a report based on the form query that he/she selects on a form.

    My whole worry is how to start this since its going to be online and on our intranet and I will be grateful if someone can point me to a sample of what I am talking about, the security aspect of the sign on and the intranet etc will be taken care of by my IT dept.

    I can create queries and reports but where and how to start this online is my problem. Some of my colleagues are talking about Crystal report writer and connect to a dbf file etc. I am the only one recommending Alpha 5 because I know this can be done with Alpha 5easily.

    Waiting for any recommendations.

    K.

    #2
    Re: Can this be done in Alpha

    Simple to do in A5. Busy now, but maybe someone will have time to point you to an example.
    -Steve
    sigpic

    Comment


      #3
      Re: Can this be done in Alpha

      Originally posted by kdankwah View Post
      We have been using A5 v8 for a while to create our monthly reports ...

      So:
      -you have got existing working A5V8 reports running on a A5 instance against your (SQL) DB server.
      -Apparently expertise inhouse to have develop(ed) and maintain(ed) those reports.
      -Need a way to distribute those reports via the intranet instead of hardcopies.

      Seems like a very small extra investment, to:

      -Set up Alpha5 intranet (web)server, with some add. pages (or forms),
      -Which filter user reports requests on group/role/user login using the standard Alpha's security framework.
      -Use existing Alpha5 report definitions, but now popped up as online PDF reports, which the user can decide to print locally.

      Costs involved for this in my opinion is nothing compared to:

      -Finding the expertise to redo development in Crystal reports
      -Rewriting and maintaining the reports in Crystal reports.
      -Creating user access to those reports in the existing application if the current DB/Application does not supports such.

      Seems like a no-brainer to me...

      Alpha is so much more than a reportwriter only.

      Big consideration should be: Is the expertise inhouse already there and can they take on the additional expertise to maintain the (web) server solution?

      Add. consideration: Crystal Reports require heavy server specs to run smoothly (from experience..)
      Last edited by rleunis; 06-29-2009, 02:00 PM.

      Comment


        #4
        Re: Can this be done in Alpha

        "you have got existing working A5V8 reports running on a A5 instance against your (SQL) DB server."


        Answer: I have the Alpha 5 v8 on my desktop.

        Do I have to buy Alpha webserver and if so how much is that.

        Thanks

        Comment


          #5
          Re: Can this be done in Alpha

          I have forwarded this pricing question to Richard Rabins.
          You might want to enquire at Alpha Software yourselves, explaining your personal situation...I don not know which existing licenses you have.

          Comment


            #6
            Re: Can this be done in Alpha

            the best thing is to email [email protected] and they will assist
            thanks
            Richard Rabins
            Co Chairman
            Alpha Software

            Comment


              #7
              Re: Can this be done in Alpha

              K,

              Here is a work-in-progress Intranet reporting portal for a telecom client: http://fms7.alphatogohost.com/index.a5w

              Login with [email protected] / 1111111

              Note - if you are viewing this post after a month, the login probably won't work. Email me.

              After logging in, click Reports. Those reports are good examples. They are filtered to show only the records belonging to the Department that the logged-in user manages. You can build any hierarchy you need, report records belonging only to the logged in user, their whole department, their whole company, etc.
              Steve Wood
              See my profile on IADN

              Comment


                #8
                Re: Can this be done in Alpha

                Recommendation:

                1) Contact Steve Wood to get this proposal accepted against a competive pricing compared to Crystal Reports...(I'm sure)

                2) Then use the Web Infrastructure you then have to blow away any new information request they come up with...Whether reports, Web pages, and all those requests you even not thought of yet...

                3) Sit back and enjoy...What you triggered..And can deliver..

                4) Then introduce V10 later this year and have them amazed all over again..

                Comment


                  #9
                  Re: Can this be done in Alpha

                  I just found out that I have a webserver attached to my deskstop Alpha 5 v8. I clicked on it and its asking me if I want to start the server. I am looking at some grid examples now. Is it the same server Steve was referring to?

                  Also on your "work in progress" can one pull the data by queries online and get the pdf report?

                  Thanks

                  Thanks

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Re: Can this be done in Alpha

                    All copies of Alpha have a built-in web app server, but this is only for building your app and testing. It cannot be used to deploy for multiple users. The web app server is a separate product. See Alpha's Store.

                    Regarding the reports in my demo - anything is possible, but you gotta program it. Queries can be directed to the report through the URL or by other (less visible) means. The page that actually kicks off the report uses normal xbasic and therefore you can apply filters, order or anything else at runtime, you can even determine if your report is PDF, HTML, Text, or an Excel spreadsheet. I'm not going to show it here but I have Report Setup pages that let the user decide what to include in the report - columns, filter, order, title, distribution, etc.
                    Steve Wood
                    See my profile on IADN

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Re: Can this be done in Alpha

                      Steve,

                      What server do I need to purchase. I am using a5v8. My company has intention of purchasing a5v9 but no decision has been made yet on that. At the moment they would like to purchase the server, so help me here.

                      Thanks

                      Kofi

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Re: Can this be done in Alpha - using the shadow system.

                        This is in relation to the project that I spoke about on this trhead. I did not want to start up another thread.

                        I was thinking of using the web applications, but I have another idea, can I just create a shadow system on each director's desktop and just have them run a report from the shadow system.

                        The directors will not update or write to the master but will run only the reports I create on their desktop. The updates to the master will be done by my office.

                        Someone please let me know if this is OK to do.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Re: Can this be done in Alpha

                          Yes, either methodology will work. If you have not purchased V9 yet, you won't be able to in the next few days as shortly V10 will be the only product you can purchase.
                          Steve Wood
                          See my profile on IADN

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