Versions Compared

Key

  • This line was added.
  • This line was removed.
  • Formatting was changed.

This article explains how to:

  • Navigate the Custom Reports menu

  • Add a report

  • Add a dataset to the report

  • Add a parameter to the report

  • Define a parameter


Info

Custom Reports navigation

The Custom Reports window allows you to create and import custom reports in Crows Nest.  

To navigate to Custom Reports, from the Crows Nest main menu, click on Settings, and then click Custom Reports.

You will now see the Custom Reports window.

In the left-hand pane you will see the Reports currently loaded in Crows Nest.

In the right-hand pane you will see the Report Definition in XML.

To export a report from Crows Nest:

copy the Report Definition in the right-hand pane of the Custom Reports window and save it out to a .rdl file. Note: This will not work if you import a report and hand-edit a data set or parameter.


Info

Add Report

To create a new report, right-click anywhere in the left-hand pane in and select Add Report.

Enter the Report Description in the window that pops up and press OK.

You'll now see the Custom Report in the left-hand pane.


Info

Add Dataset

A dataset is needed for a report to function properly.

A dataset can be created in Crows Nest or Report Builder.

Select the report you want, then right-click and select Add Data Set.

Enter a name for the Dataset and select OK. You may have to Refresh the window to see the added dataset.

Click the plus sign to expand the custom report and select your new dataset.

You can now input your SQL instructions for the dataset in the right-hand pane. Here we have created a simple dataset that selects all fields from the Project table.

Tip

SELECT * FROM Project


Info

Add Parameter

A parameter can be created to further customize the report.

Crows Nest supports 5 different types of parameters:

Single IDMultiple IDTextDate, and Hidden.

Each parameter type has instructions that you will see in the right-hand pane when you create a new parameter or edit an existing parameter.

To create a parameter, make sure the report you want to create a parameter for is selected.

Then, right-click and select Add Parameter.

Enter a name for the Parameter and select OK.

You may have to Refresh the window to see the added Parameter. 

Note

Note: you must enter an "@" before the parameter if you are adding it in Crows Nest. If you are importing from Report Builder, it is automatically added to the parameter when it is imported.


Info

Define Parameter

Now, select your new parameter.

The right-hand pane will show you the available options for the parameter.

Select a Parameter Type and then you can enter your arguments in the box below the instructions.

For this sample, we have selected Date for Parameter Type and have entered a simple date VBscript on the first line, along with the prompt of Start Date on the second line. You can also see the instructions for the Date parameter type in the right-hand pane.

 Your parameter is now set. 

Note

Note: If you are building a custom report in Crows Nest, you will also need to compose the necessary XML code in the Report Definition panel for the report to be read properly by Crows Nest.

If you are using Report Builder and you import the custom report to Crows Nest, you will not have to do this.

Info

Related article: Report names / locations / ID


Info

Sourced from: https://crowsnestsoftware.com/help/topics/idh-topic1670.htm

Copyright © 2019 Crows Nest Software, Inc.