FRX 60
FRX 60
FRX 60
Epicor Software Corporation makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents of this manual and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. We welcome user comments and reserve the right to revise this publication and/or make improvements or changes to the products or programs described in this publication at any time, without notice. Copyright 2000 by Epicor Software Corporation. All rights reserved. Published in the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Epicor Software Corporation. Trademark Acknowledgments Epicor is a trademark of Epicor Software Corporation. Clientele is a registered trademark of Epicor Software Corporation. Platinum is a registered trademark of Platinum Technology, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are acknowledged. Epicor Software Corporation, 2000.
Table of Contents
1: Application Overview and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 FRx for Epicor Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3 FRx for Epicor Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Report Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Report Launcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 DrillDown Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Report Server. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Web Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 The Report Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Row Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Column Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 The Reporting Tree. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Catalog of Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Sample Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Thin Client vs. Fat Client Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Typical Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Upgrading from an Earlier Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Files that are Converted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10 Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Client - Report Designer, Drill Down Viewer, Report Launcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Report (or File) Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11 Back Office Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 Communications Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 Client Directories and File Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 FRx Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 FRx Financial Reporting\Sysdata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 FRx Financial Reporting\io_data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 Other System Changes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 frx.ini. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15 FRX32.CFG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 odbc.ini. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17 Profile Files (eBackOffice Implementations) . . . . . . . . . 1-18 FRx Indexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Registering Your Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Table of Contents
Company Set-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21 Company Information Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Report Designer Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Setting up Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Setting up Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24 Company Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25 Edit Options Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Change Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26 Selecting the Default Processing Company . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27 Chapter Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
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Table of Contents
Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23 Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-24 Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
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Table of Contents
Full Account Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33 Excluding Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Combining Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34 Chapter Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
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Table of Contents
Specifying the Detail Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36 Solution - Group Exercise 5: Column Layout . . . . . . . 4-37 Solution - Group Exercise 5: Row Format. . . . . . . . . . . 4-38 Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Table of Contents
6: The Reporting Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3 Sample Reporting Trees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 Sample Reporting Trees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 The Reporting Tree Worksheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6 Key Fields. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 The Reporting Tree/Row Format Relationship . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 Group Ex 1 - Restructuring (Editing) a Reporting Tree . . . 6-9 Drag and Drop Tasks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Solution - Group Exercise 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11 Group Exercise 2 - Automatic Build Based on Formal Account Segmentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12 The Automatic Build Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13 Film Works Sample Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-14 Group Exercise 2 - Solution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15 Group Ex 3 - Restricting Accounts Included in the Build 6-16 Solution - Group Exercise 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-17 Group Ex 4 - Modifying the Formal Segment Hierarchy . 6-18 Solution - Group Exercise 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19 Group Ex 5 - Creating New Accnt Segmnts . . . . . . . . . . 6-20 Solution - Group Exercise 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21 Group Ex 6 - Excluding Reporting Units From the Build. 6-22 Solution - Group Exercise 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23 Individual Exercise - Automatic Tree Build . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24 Solution - Individual Exercise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25 Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26
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Table of Contents
Report Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6 Handling Rounding Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7 Output Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9 E-mailing Report Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10 The Viewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11 Printing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13 Export to Excel or Lotus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14 E-mailing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15 Microsoft SQL Cubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16 Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18 Web Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19 Chaining Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20 Customizing Report Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21 User-Defined Font Styles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21 Adding Lines for Visual Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24 Sample Tabular Balance Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26 Trouble Shooting Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29 Demonstration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30 Chapter Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31
8: Consolidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Chapter Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3 Group Exercise 1 - Using Reporting Unit Filters . . . . . . . . . 8-4 Company Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5 The Multi-Company Reporting Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6 Displaying Data For A Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 The Master Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
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Table of Contents
Solution - Group Exercise 1: Reporting Tree . . . . . . . . 8-10 Solution - Group Exercise 1: Column Layout. . . . . . . . 8-11 Solution Group Exercise 1 - Row Format . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12 Chapter Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
9: Tutorials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1
Training Class Tutorial - Creating a Variance Report. . . . . 9-2 Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2 Solution - Report A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7 Solution Report B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8 Solution - Row Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-23 Solution - Reporting Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
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Table of Contents
C: Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Chapter 1. Application Overview and Installation. . . . . . . C-2 Chapter 2. The Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4 Chapter 3. Row Format Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-5 Chapter 4. Column Layout Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6 Chapter 5. How Rows and Columns Work Together . . . . C-7 Chapter 6. The Reporting Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-8 Chapter 7. The Catalog of Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-9 Chapter 8. Consolidation Techniques. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
Chapter Overview
This chapter introduces the FRx for Epicor Software components and describes the typical Desktop (Report Designer, DrillDown Viewer, Report Launcher) and Report Server configuration. It also provides instruction on the setup required to access your General Ledger data, and implement security within Report Designer.
List and define the role of the Report Designer building blocks Identify the directories, files, and system changes that are created during a Client Desktop install Describe the typical configuration for the Designer, DrillDown Viewer, Report Launcher, and Report Server Register the Report Designer application Set up Report Designer to access General Ledger data Implement Report Designer security
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Report Launcher
The Report Launcher is a separate program designed for users who need to generate reports without modifying the way in which they are designed. It is ideal for employees who are responsible for generating and distributing the same reports on a regular basis.
DrillDown Viewer
Any licensed user with network access can use the DrillDown Viewer to view and drill through financial reports that have been generated and stored on the network. With the remote DrillDown Viewer installed on the workstation, a remote user can receive presentation quality reports generated and sent via e-mail by another user. The remote user can subsequently print the reports just like a local user.
Report Server
The Report Server utilizes full 32-bit functionality and three-tier architecture to launch reports from a client workstation and generate the reports on a high-end server.
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Benefits of Report Server: Processing is performed on high-end machines, improving performance in high-volume situations and minimizing the time required to generate reports. Client workstations are available to perform other tasks while processing is occurring on the Report Server. Total hardware costs can be reduced by purchasing only one high-end machine for financial reporting instead of purchasing multiple machines for every user who needs to generate reports. Software purchase dollars can be reduced by purchasing Report Launcher only instead of the Desktop for those users who are responsible for generating and distributing reports. Reports can be scheduled to process during off-peak hours. Users can set the priority of each report (high, medium, or low) so that reports that are urgently needed will be generated before reports assigned a lower priority. The Report Server is available in Workgroup Server and Enterprise Server editions. The Workgroup Server is targeted to mid-sized companies and generates reports sequentially. The Enterprise Server edition is targeted to large companies and uses multiple processors in one server to parallelprocess up to four reports at a time. Both the Workgroup and Enterprise editions include a Report Scheduler and various data refresh capabilities.
Web Port
The WebPort repository lets users (and the WebPort Administrator) store, share, and view Report Designer reports (and non-FRx for Epicor objects) in a secured Web environment. In the repository, reports (and other objects) are organized into Explorer like folders with access rights granted at the folder or report level. Users can view reports via an Internet Browser, eliminating the need for any client software on remote workstations.
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Row Format
The Row Format supplies the following report elements: Row descriptions and formatting Link(s) to General Ledger accounts - Account Sets, Period Modifiers Totals, Calculations Links to external spreadsheets (Excel/Lotus).
Column Layout
The Column Layout defines the following report elements: Column heading and period covered Data type displayed (GL/WKS/Calc/Fill/Desc) Book information displayed (Actual/Budget/Non-Financial data) Column Calculations Column Filter(s) (Account Filters/Date Filters/Reporting Unit Filters, Currency Codes, etc) and formatting
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Catalog of Reports
The Catalog of Reports supplies the following report criteria: The building blocks to base the report on The level of detail to print (Financial, Account, Transaction Detail). The status (posted, unposted, both) of data to include. The global report formatting (Report Headers/Footers, Rounding, General Options). The output mode (Printer, DrillDown Viewer, Excel, Lotus, ASCII, XML, etc) and associated formatting options. The distribution method (e.g. Email, Publish to Web, etc).
Sample Report
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Typical Configuration
A networked Client (Install Desktop Applications) installation (thin client) is the most common configuration in a multi-user environment. The networked installation shares information among the users and lets reports be processed on the Report Server. Two steps are required to install the Client on a network file server (or Report Server): Install Client to a shared network directory. Install the system files on all remaining workstations that need to access the Desktop (Report Designer, DrillDown Viewer or Report Launcher). Note: FRx Software Corporation recommends that you use UNC ( \\computer name\share name\directory name\file name) to specify the shared network directory. If you use drive mapping, the drive mapping must be the same on all workstations that need to access the Desktop. All Desktop users and the Report Server (if applicable) must have full access to this directory.
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Note: If you want to run both FRx for Epicor 5.5 or 6.0 (Beta) and the newer 6.0 version, FRx Software Corporation recommends that you install the Client software to a new directory.
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Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Client - Report Designer, Drill Down Viewer, Report Launcher
Microsoft Windows 9X Windows NT 4.0 Workstation with Service Pack 4 (Intel) Windows NT 4.0 Server with Service Pack 4 (Intel) Note: Windows 2000 will be fully supported in the future.
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Communications Protocol
TCP/IP is the recommended protocol. IPX (Novell) supported, but it is not recommended. Named Pipes is not supported.
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Note: These files are used for error messaging. fspfw32.exe fspfd32.exe fspsql32.exe OFSI Platinum for Windows OFSI Platinum for DOS OFSI eBackOffice Release 7
Note: FRx is a Visual Basic application. It loads all required *.dll and *.ocx files into the windows\system or winnt\system32 directory.
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frx.ini
The application replaces your existing frx.ini file with a new frx.ini. This file contains user defined interface options as well as Network settings. [Options] DefAcctSys=154 ExitDialog=False AppSize=0/0/640/464 AppMax=TRUE ChildMax=TRUE ToolHelp=Yes suppressNetName=FALSE ShowAccountCode=FALSE ShowRowCode=FALSE TreeStyle=0 ToolBar=Yes StatusBar=Yes EditAction=EditBar [CONFIG] LastCompany= Queue32=TRUE [Network] CreateLocalGL=FALSE MaxUnits=5000 WorkDrive=C:\TEMP [Debug] StopWatch=FALSE DebugMain=FALSE DebugMainSQL=FALSE DebugMainFetch=FALSE DebugMainField=FALSE DebugMainGL=FALSE debug=FALSE
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FRX32.CFG
This file stores support information and the system settings you define on the Admin-System Preferences and Admin-Processing Options windows. [System] Sys32TypeId=104A9C6A34 [SysData] Directory=C:\Program Files\FRxShare\SysData\
odbc.ini
The installation program creates an odbc.ini file, if one does not exist. This file provides the odbc driver path the system uses when communicating with your database. Below is a sample odbc.ini. Note: ODBC Data Sources can be defined through the ODBC Data Source Administrator or via the Report Designer Company Information-System Specific Information tab.
[ODBC 32 bit Data Sources] MS Access 97 Database=Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb) (32 bit) dBASE Files=Microsoft dBase Driver (*.dbf) (32 bit) Excel Files=Microsoft Excel Driver (*.xls) (32 bit) FoxPro Files=Microsoft FoxPro Driver (*.dbf) (32 bit) Text Files=Microsoft Text Driver (*.; *.csv) (32 bit) PJCCOMPAQ=SQL Server (32 bit) [MS Access 97 Database] Driver32=C:\\System32\odbcjt32.dll
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FRx Indexes
The FRx index is a Report Designer maintained database that contains vital information about the Epicor accounting system, such as fiscal year calendar, account structure, chart of accounts, etc. Report Designer utilizes indexes to reduce the amount of system call time required to access and search through the entire chart of accounts. Epicor PFD 5.0, PFW 4.7, 4.8, and 4.8a have only local indexes. Server scripts are not required. Epicor eBackOffice Release 7, 7.1, and Platinum SQL 4.2a have server-based indexes, so server scripts are required. Note: These scripts are automatically installed when the eBackOffice, dbUPDATE routine is run. No manual intervention should be necessary.
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Company Set-Up
Company Set-Up
Overview
You must complete one Company Information record for each physical accounting database that you want to report against. Note: There are currently no limitations on the number of companies that can be set up.
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Setting up Users
You use the Admin-User Information window to set up users and define user specific worksheet editing preferences. Note: A user may be granted access to a company, catalog id, row, column, or tree by giving the user individual access rights, or by assigning the user to a group.
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Setting up Groups
The Group Information window allows you to create user groups.
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Company Security
Use the Admin- Security- Secure Companies window to grant access to companies, individual users or groups.
Note: The Properties button opens the related information window for the highlighted user or group.
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Note: The user interface options will be covered in detail later in the course.
Change Password
The Admin-Change Password window allows a user to change his/her password.
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Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
List and describe the three Report Designer report building blocks. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
2.
List and describe the FRx for Epicor Software Components. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
3.
List three benefits of implementing the Report Server. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
4.
Name the directories created during a Client (Desktop Applications) install. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
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Chapter Review
6.
You can set the default processing company, for a processing session, by selecting the _________ command from the __________ menu.
7.
The Report Designer supports the ___________ and _____________ _______________ security options.
8.
True/False: User Network security requires that each user have a unique User Id and Password.
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Notes
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Chapter
The Interface
The Interface
Chapter Overview
FRx for Epicor employs a graphical user interface (GUI) that supports basic Windows functionality (Drop Down Menus Right Mouse Click Functionality - Cut, Copy, Paste, etc.) and MDI. In addition, FRx for Epicor provides on-line help, systems - context sensitive help, and indexed help.
Use the Control Panel components Setup the User Preference Options Know the role of the Report Designer Menus Utilize the application On-line Help systems
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8 8
To access an existing column layout, row format, reporting tree, or catalog id (or to create a new one) double click on the corresponding icon. To access functions that relate to the system configuration or companies, select a command from the Admin or Company menus.
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The Interface
Status Bar
The status bar appears at the bottom of the Control Panel. It indicates the applications status and default company during the session. Note: The status bar display can be turned on or off by selecting the Option-Status Bar menu command.
Tool Bar
A tool bar is available within each main window - the Control Panel, the Catalog, the Row format, Column layout, or Reporting Tree worksheet. The tool bar gives you quick access to functions such as opening, saving, or printing a worksheet.
To activate a function, point at the appropriate tool bar button and click.
Note: The tool bar display can be turned on or off by selecting the Options-Tool Bar menu command.
Edit Bar
The edit bar appears in the upper left-hand corner of each worksheet immediately below the tool bar. It lets you edit the content of a cell and review the results (in the edit bar) before committing the changes to the actual worksheet. To change the content of a worksheet cell, highlight the cell and then press the F2 function key. Use your left and right arrow keyboard keys to move to the position(s) requiring editing. Note: When you start typing, edited data appears first in the edit bar.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will now demonstrate the tool bar button functions.
File Management
A special File Open window appears when you select the File-Open command. This window shows the files name, an informal description, and a Search option.
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The Interface
Navigating in a Worksheet
By default, the Report Designer moves to the next logical cell when you press the keyboard TAB key or UP or DOWN arrows. If you prefer, you can set the application up to move to the next logical cell when you press the ENTER key. Open the AdminEdit Options window:
Check the Move Selection After Enter checkbox to activate this option.
Note: In a row format or tree worksheet, the next logical cell is the cell in the column immediately to the right of the current cell. In a column layout, the next logical cell is the cell immediately below the current cell.
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The Interface
Configuring Worksheets
Edit Options
The Admin-Edit Options window enables you to specify the manner in which row format, column layout, and reporting tree worksheets are displayed and edited.
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Configuring Worksheets
Note: The Move Selection after Enter option was discussed in the previous section, Navigating in a Worksheet.
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The Interface
File Menu
The File menu lets you open a new worksheet or to quickly open, save, close, or print an existing worksheet.
Note: Use the Compact FRx Database option to repair damaged files or records in specification sets or the System databases that contain company information and accounting system registration data. All users must exit the application before a compact command can be executed.
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Company Menu
The Company menu allows you to enter or edit company information or to select a new default company.
International Formats
Open this window to define international amount and date formats for any company.
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The Interface
Specification Sets
A specification set is a database that contains a group of row formats, column layouts, reporting trees, and catalog IDs. Each company can have its own specification set or several companies can share the same specification set. Use the Specification Sets window to: Create new specification sets. Import or export existing specification sets or specific report building blocks. Import/Export specification set files are created with a .f32 extension.
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Options Menu
The Options menu allows you to determine whether the Control Panel displays a Tool Bar, Status Bar, or Edit Bar. It also defines the manner in which worksheets are edited. See the previous section - The Interface.
Windows Menu
The Windows menu allows you to control the display of multiple windows and to return to the Control Panel (hot key is F6) from any screen. Additionally, if the Report Server has been implemented, the Windows menu will display options for viewing queue status and report schedule data. Users who have licensed the Report Designer or the Report Launcher submit reports to the queue database (located on the Report Server) via the Catalog or the Report Launcher. Reports are submitted for immediate execution or scheduled (via the Report Scheduler) to be processed at a future time.
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The Interface
Queue Status
Use the Queue Status window to check the status of reports. All records in the queue database may be viewed, or you may select a subset of records for viewing by clicking on one of the Display Status options. Any reports that resulted in a process error are logged, and the Report Server continues with the next report in the queue.
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Schedule Status
A Report Scheduler is included with Report Server and is used to automate repetitive report generations. Users can schedule reports by specifying a frequency (once, hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) as well as the date and the time of day. After a scheduled report is processed, the system displays the next scheduled time the report is to be generated. Use the Schedule Status window to review the next scheduled processing date/time assigned to a report.
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The Interface
Admin Menu
To access system administrator functions, including security setup and maintenance, use the appropriate command on the Admin menu of the Control Panel.
Note: The Organization, Users, and Groups options were discussed in Chapter 1.
Admin-Security
Use the Admin-Security menu options to enable companies, rows, columns, reporting trees, and/or catalogs to be secured at the user and/or group level.
Note: Security options are available only if Report Designer security is enabled as discussed in Chapter 1.
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Admin-System Preferences
The functions in the System Preferences dialog box are reserved for administrator use only. If you are logged in as Administrator, or if you belong to the Administrators group, you can open this dialog box.
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The Interface
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The Interface
Processing Options
From this dialog box you can elect to build your General Ledger index on the Report Server and to setup an optional work drive. Setting up an optional work drive can improve the systems performance. You can set up a separate drive to build the .FRD file. Once the .FRD file is completed, it is automatically exported to the destination drive specified in the Output File Name box of the Catalog of Reports window.
Note: The remaining options in this dialog box are reserved for technical support use only. You should not make any changes in this dialog box unless instructed to do so by a member of the technical support staff.
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Help Menu
The Help menu provides you with two mechanisms to access on-line help: the Help Index and the Context Sensitive Help command.
Help Index
To activate the Help Index, select the Contents command from the Help menu. The system automatically displays the following window.
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The Interface
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate using the Help Index to find information on Account Filters in the Column Layout.
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To obtain information that pertains to the current field or activity, press the F1 function key.
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate using the Context Sensitive Help feature to get information about the Row Format, Row Code field.
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The Interface
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
2.
List and describe three user configurable worksheet options: _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
3.
True/False: You have the option to display a Toolbar and/or a Status Bar. The Toolbar provides quick access to the File Menu commands. The Status Bar provides you with information on the systems status.
4.
To activate Context Sensitive help, move to the field you need information about and press the __________ function key.
5.
True/False: FRx for Epicor supports Windows 9X, NT right mouse click functionality.
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Chapter Review
7.
True/False: All users must exit the Report Designer before a compact database command can be successfully completed.
8.
9.
10. To instruct Report Designer to maintain the GL index on the Report Server, you must enable the appropriate option on the _____________ ________ window, which can be accessed from the _______ menu.
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The Interface
Notes
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
The row format is one of the required building blocks for every Report Designer report. It defines the descriptive rows or lines in a report (e.g. Cash in Bank, Total Revenues, etc.). It also specifies all totaling and inter-row calculations, as well as the General Ledger codes that go into each row. Finally, the row format provides capabilities to incorporate data from external worksheets as well as other row formats.
Know how the Report Designer uses the GL account mask structure Automatically generate a row format from the chart of accounts Understand how to specify General Ledger accounts using ranges, wildcards, and account sets Create totals and calculations within the row Edit a row format (insert/delete rows, etc.) Use print control options Understand the row/link capacities in the row format
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Introduction
Introduction
You can create row formats manually by entering data directly into the Row Format main window, or you can take advantage of the Add Row Codes From Chart of Accounts feature that enables you to automatically build basic formats from your General Ledger Chart of Accounts. Below is a sample row format file.
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Group Exercise - 1
Core Row Format Concepts
Your instructor will guide you through the process of manually building the row format for a summary style Balance Sheet. A sample of the finished report appears below.
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Group Exercise - 1
Account Mask:
Locations: 0 = Corporate HQ 1 = Denver 2 = San Francisco Departments: 000 = Corporate 100 = Sales 200 = Service Sub-accounts: 000 = Admin 001 = Retail 002 = Wholesale 003 = Lab 004 = Studio 012 = Intercompany
X XXX - XXX
& See the Appendix for a complete list of the Film Works
natural accounts.
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Displaying GL Data
To display General Ledger data, you must specify the GL account codes in the Row Format, Link to General Ledger column. You must also enter any descriptive text you want to appear on the row in the Description field.
The GL Link
When you open a new Row Format, the Report Designer automatically builds a link to the General Ledger. This link enables you to reference and display GL account data in the row.
To view the link, select the Open Link Window command from the Link menu.
Note: When the application builds the Link to GL, it automatically assigns a Link Type of GL and provides a sequential Link Name (e.g. GL1, ROW1, etc.).
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Group Exercise - 1
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Single Accounts
To display data for a single natural account, enter the account code in the From Account (range), or Individual Account field.
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Group Exercise - 1
Excluding Accounts
To exclude an account from a range of accounts, enclose the account within parenthesis.
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Account Sets
You can create an Account Set by assigning a name to a group of accounts. Then, you can use this account set name in multiple row formats. For example, you could create an account set that groups all expenses associated with travel and entertainment, and name the set Travel and Entertainment. After creating an account set, you can select that set as your General Ledger link. You can also combine existing account sets to create nested account sets. You can create an account set from the Link to General Ledger column in a row format file by opening the GL Account Link window, entering the accounts to be included in the set, and clicking the Account Sets, Save As option.
When the Save as Account Set window is displayed, enter an account set name and a description. Click on < OK>.
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Group Exercise - 1
When a change to your General Ledger requires the account set to change, you can use the Edit Menu-Account Sets option to edit the account set. Select the desired account set; make the appropriate change;s and click the Save option. You can also use this window to create a new account set.
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate creating an account set for fixed assets.
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Group Exercise - 1
Note: The FMT Code field determines the nature of the row, and controls its appearance in the actual report.
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Note: If the beginning or ending range values dont exist, the application looks for the next higher (or lower) code in the sequence.
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Group Exercise - 1
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These same techniques can be applied to CAL rows to create calculation formulas. Note: You can add (+) or subtract (-) the row values in a TOT row. You can add, subtract, multiply (*), or divide (/) the row values in a CAL row.
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate point and click totaling for a continuous range of rows, and for a non-contiguous group of rows.
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Group Exercise - 1
Displaying Underscores
To display a single or double underscore in a row, select the - - - or === codes in the FMT Code field. You can prevent printing of an underscore row when related amounts are not present. Simply, enter the related row code in the Related/Rates/ Rows/Unit field of the underscore row.
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Group Exercise - 1
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Row Codes
The numbers or labels that appear in the Row Code column identify each row in the worksheet. As you build a row format, you may find it necessary to pull an amount from one row into another. The row code is used to reference these rows.
Note: Row codes are not required for all rows; only those rows that will be referenced by other rows.
The maximum row code number is 32,765. The maximum number of characters in a row code or label is 16.
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Group Exercise - 1
Renumbering Rows
Report Designer has a renumber feature in the row format. This feature is available to users of numeric row codes or users of combination numeric / descriptive row codes. Report Designer renumbers row codes that begin with numbers and skips renumbering of any rows that begin with letters (e.g., NET_SALES). To renumber a row worksheet, select the Renumber Rows command from the Edit menu. The following window will appear:
Note: The recommended technique for using numbers to identify rows is to start at row code 100 and skip 30 to 50 between successive rows.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate renumbering rows using the values in the table below. Notice that during renumbering, Report Designer automatically updates all totals and calculations within the row format.
Field
Starting at Row Code Increment Rows by 100 30
Value
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Group Exercise - 1
When a user attempts to open a file that has been previously locked, Report Designer will prompt the user to enter the assigned password. Users who are unable to supply the required password are restricted from making any changes; the file is opened in Read Only mode. Such users can use the File Save As command to create a copy of the file, which can be edited. File locking can be applied to row formats, column layouts, reporting trees, and catalog Ids.
Note: If the FRx for Epicor Administrator has enabled the Turn Off Component Passwords option in the Admin/System Preferences window, the file locking feature is not available.
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Group Exercise - 1
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Generating a Report
To generate a report, you must define a report catalog id. The Catalog ID identifies the Row Format, Column Layout, and Reporting Tree that should be used when the report is run.
Note: The report date automatically defaults to the last day of the current GL period. You can override the report date by entering a different date in the Report Date field.
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Group Exercise - 2
Group Exercise - 2
Report Designer enables you to automatically build a row format based on information in your chart of accounts. The automatic build process transfers a subset of accounts to a row format. Once this process is complete, descriptions, totals, and formatting can be added to generate the desired report.
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Note: The formal account segmentation is displayed in the Account Mask field. This fields identifies the position of the natural account segment (&&&&) and the account segment(s) that should be transferred to the row format. By default, Report Designer masks the natural segment characters with ampersands.
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Group Exercise - 2
& For a more detailed explanation on the Add Row Codes From
Chart of Accounts feature, refer to the FRx User Guide, Chapter 3.
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Note: Sales typically has a credit balance. By default, Report Designer displays credit balances as negative balances. The C in the Normal Balance field switches the sign on the revenue account to a positive value for both totaling and display purposes.
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Group Exercise - 2
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Wildcards
To designate a group of contiguous accounts, you can use a combination of characters and wildcards. The FRx wildcard is the question mark. It functions like the DOS ? and represents a single character.
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Excluding Accounts
To exclude an account from a range of accounts, enclose the account within parenthesis.
Combining Accounts
Specific accounts, ranges of accounts and wild cards can be combined in a row.
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Chapter Review
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
True/False: By default, the Add Rows From Chart of Accounts feature builds one row for each natural account segment included in the general ledger Chart of Accounts.
2.
True/False: The TOT row enables you to perform simple addition and subtraction of row amounts.
3.
Identify the TOT syntaxs for: summing a range of contiguous rows, or summing discrete (noncontiguous) row codes. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
4.
5.
True/False: Totals and calculations can be entered manually, or they may be created using point and click techniques.
6.
7.
True/False: The Normal Balance, C option switches the sign for both display and totaling purposes.
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9.
True/False: You may combine multiple syntaxs in the GL Link field such as: the range syntax, the use of wildcards, and the addition (or exclusion) of single natural accounts: 1100 TO 5000 - (4999) + 7???
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
The column layout is the second required report building block. It defines the layout of the report, the time frame (Fiscal Year and Period) reported on, and any calculations that must be performed for every row of the report. In addition, the column layout provides filtering options to let you restrict the data reported on (e.g. Account Filters, Reference Code Filters, Date Filters, etc.)
List the types of columns available Understand the Base concept as it applies to years and periods Create a new column layout Define column calculations Use account filters to restrict data Design a custom transaction detail report Use print control options Define automatic and manual column headings
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Introduction
Introduction
The column layout contains a description of the column contents, calculations, and headings used in a report. Below is a sample column layout.
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Note: Report Designer requires each column layout to contain one DESC column. This column may be placed anywhere in the layout and can optionally not display in the final report.
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Displaying GL Data
Report Designer requires a Type, GL column to display data from the General Ledger.
Note: When you assign a column Type of GL, default information displays for the Book Code/Attribute Category Fiscal Year, Period Code and Current Period/YTD fields. Base Reporting Period The period a column reports on is determined by the column layout Period Code and Fiscal Year fields. Both fields may be defined using the term Base. The term Base is a variable. At report generation time, Report Designer substitutes the Report Date (in the Catalog - ID) for the term Base. Therefore, the Base reporting period is the period defined at report execution time.
Note: Defining the reporting period using the term Base reduces the maintenance required on column layouts.
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Click the Insert Code button to the right of the Cell Text field. The Select Column Heading window is displayed. Click on the @Month option.
Note: Starting with version 5.5, variable headings are now enabled in a CALC column. However, you must enter base syntax in both the Fiscal Year and the Period Code fields of the Calc column in order to use a variable heading.
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Column Restrictions
The following optional codes restrict certain types of data to display within a GL column. You can use multiple codes within a single column if necessary.
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Note: You can enter up to 20 account filters in the GL Account Links window of a column. If you need to group more than 20 accounts or groups of accounts, use multiple columns and a Calc column which sums the columns that contain the account filters.
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Note: This technique produces the correct result only if you run the report at the end of the quarter.
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FilmWorks Demo Trial Balance For the Two Months Ending February 28, 2002 Debits Credits
1100-1000-000 Cash-Checking-Denver 1100-2000-000 Cash-Checking-S.F. 1110-0000-000 Money Market (Short-Term)-FilmWorks 1200-1000-000 Account Receivable-Denver 1200-2000-000 Accounts Receivable-S.F. 1205-1000-000 Allow. for Bad Debt-Denver 1205-2000-000 Allow. for Bad Debt-S.F. 1300-1000-000 Due from FWC 1309-1000-000 Due from FWC (Elimination) 1310-1000-000 Inventories-Sales-Denver 1310-2000-000 Inventories-Sales-S.F. 1319-1000-000 Inventories-Sales (Elimination) 1350-1000-000 Inv Supplies-Denver 1350-2000-000 Inv Supplies-S.F. 1430-1000-000 Prepaid Other-Denver 1430-2000-000 Prepaid Other-S.F. 1510-1000-000 Leasehold Improve-Denver
33,976 29,485 46,057 78,030 78,550 1,116 943 265,862 263,184 349,881 176,204 59,541 3,162 3,451 1,805 2,031 35,000
5350-1000-000 Advertising Expense-Denver 5350-2000-000 Advertising Expense-S.F. 5400-1000-000 Commissions Expense-Denver 5400-2000-000 Commissions Expense-S.F. 5500-0000-000 Income Tax Expense-FilmWorks 5650-0000-000 Interest Expense-FilmWorks 7000-0000-000 Interest Income-FilmWorks Total
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Chapter Review
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
2.
3.
Name the three methods for defining the period(s) reported on in a column. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
4.
True/False: You can display more than one period of data (in a column) by specifying a range of periods in the Column, Period Code field.
5.
Define the term Account Filter. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
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7.
True/False: Report Designer automatically centers and underlines the text in the Column Heading field.
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
The Row Format and Column Layout work together to define a reports content. This chapter presents several examples, such as percentage calculations in the column , that illustrate the interaction between these building blocks.
Understand how Report Designer handles calculations in the row and column Create a report which includes base percentage calculations Define and use row modifiers Sequence a reports output
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Introduction
Introduction
Report Designers feature set enables you to meet a variety of different reporting requirements such as: Calculations in both the row and column Percentage calculations (column) that depend on a row value Current and year-to-date data in a column Actual and budget (or statistical) data in a column Project reporting in the row or column (reference codes)
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Base Calculations
Base calculations are defined in the column layout. They enable you to perform a percentage calculation that involves a row amount.
Note: The term Base is a variable. When Report Designer performs the calculation, it substitutes the value from the CBR row for Base.
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Note: You can define multiple CBR rows in a single row format. When Report Designer locates a new CBR row, it begins using that row amount as the denominator in the base % calculations
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1. 2.
Gross profit is being calculated in the row format (R310) Total sales (Denver and San Francisco) is being calculated in the column layout (Col C)
The application by default performed the row calculation before the column calculation. As a result, Report Designer derived the Gross Profit % for Total Sales by summing the gross profit percentages for the Denver Retail and Denver Wholesale units. To enable Report Designer to correctly calculate the Total Sales Gross Profit %, change the calculation priority to Calculate Columns First.
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SORT
The SORT code sequences the report in ascending or descending order based on the value in a selected column. To use this code: Select the SORT Format Code. Enter the range of rows to be sorted in the Related Rates/ Rows/Unit field. Enter the column letter to be used for the sort in Column G. To sort a report in descending order, enter a negative sign (-) before the column letter. Note: Do not include formatting or total rows in a sort calculation. Report Designer will sort these lines along with the General Ledger rows.
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ASORT
The ASORT code sorts the report by the magnitude of the variance. In other words, the sign of the variance is ignored.
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Chapter Review
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
State the syntax required, in the Column Layout, to calculate Column B amounts as a percentage of a row value. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
2.
3.
True/False: Report Designer Row Modifiers override the reporting period or data type defined in the column layout.
4.
True/False: By default, Report Designer performs calculations in the row before calculations in the column.
5.
State the syntax (GL Link field) required to force the display of YTD amounts in a row. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
The reporting tree is the third and optional Report Designer building block. It is thought to be the key to the power and flexibility of Report Designer. A reporting tree consists of a group of reporting units. Each unit being tied to a group of accounts in the General Ledger. For each reporting unit, Report Designer can generate one report A reporting tree then, represents a collection of reporting units or reports. Report Designers power lies in the fact that you can create an unlimited number of trees or views of your organization. Allowing you to slice and dice your data and analyze it from any perspective you like. At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
Understand the interrelationship between row formats and reporting trees Know the purpose of each field in a reporting unit Automatically build a reporting tree from the chart of accounts Manually create a reporting tree List the different methods available for viewing and editing reporting trees
6-2
Introduction
Introduction
The Reporting Tree is the name for a group of reporting units. A reporting unit may be a department in your organization (group of GL accounts) or a higher level unit that combines information from other reporting units. Note: Report Designer allows you to redefine or add or change reporting units, in the tree, without affecting the General Ledger. The ability to define a reporting account segmentation , that differs from your GL account structure, is the key to the power and flexibility of Report Designer.
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Introduction
Reports for FilmWrkB: Summary Service Sales Note: The grand totals in the two Summary reports are equal, but the underlying detail reports (Sales & Service vs. Denver & SF) are different.
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Key Fields
Following is a description of the key fields in the Reporting Tree Worksheet: Company Code: Identifies the location of the data for the reporting unit. Unit Code: The unique identifier for the reporting unit.
Title/Description: Defines the title for the reporting unit when the Header (or Footer) uses the @Title code. Account Mask: Specifies the group of accounts to report on for a detail level unit. Roll Up %: Defines the percentage of amounts from lower level units that should roll up to the summary level unit. The default system value is 100%. Security/E-Mail: Identifies the user or e-mail address of and individual or group that should have access to or receive the output for a reporting unit. Additional Text: Defines the additional text information to include in the Header/Footer of report .
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Student Action
Select the Studio SF unit, drag it and drop it on top of the Studio Denver unit. Studio SF becomes a child unit reporting to Studio Denver.
Student Action
Select the Studio SF unit and then choose the Promote Unit command from the Tree menu. Studio SF is now at the same level in the hierarchy as Studio Denver.
Student Action
Select the Lab SF unit, drag it and drop it on top of Denver Service. Lab SF now rolls up to the Denver Service reporting unit.
Student Action
Select the Service SF unit by clicking on the Service SF unit row in the tree worksheet. Then, select the Delete Unit command from the Edit menu. Service SF has been removed from the reporting tree.
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Note: Report Designer builds trees based on the account structure and ranges defined in the Segment Ranges field.
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The tree conforms to the formal Film Works, Inc., GL account segmentation The tree excludes all corporate account activity A sample of the tree appears below:
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Note: Report Designer only builds reporting units for those segment values that exist in the Chart of Accounts and fall within the range(s ) you define in the Segment Ranges fields.
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Your Reporting Account Segmentation should now include 4 segments: Natural, Location/Division, New Segment1 and Department.
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Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
2.
True/False: Report Designer allows you to define a reporting (account) segmentation that may differ from the formal GL account structure.
3.
True/False: Detail level reporting units are tied to the General Ledger. The Account Mask field for these units defines a set of GL account codes.
4.
Report Designer works in a __________ fashion. To produce reports for detail units, it draws data from the GL. To produce reports for summary units, it summarizes the data in the detail reports.
5.
True/False: Only detail level units may have an Account Mask assigned.
6.
True/False: Ampersands in the Account Mask field indicate the account code characters supplied by the row format.
7.
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Chapter
Chapter Overview
The Catalog of Reports lets you assemble the building blocks Report Designer uses when a report is run. It also lets you specify the level of detail to present (Financial, Account, or Transaction Detail), the type of data to include (posted or unposted or both), the global formatting to apply, and the report distribution or output mode.
Understand the different reporting levels - financial, account detail, and transaction detail Produce reports using posted or provisional data (posted + unposted) Utilize the different output and distribution modes available: the Printer, the DrillDown Viewer, HTML, XML, Excel, Lotus, or ASCII text files, Microsoft SQL OLAP Local and Server Cubes, Hyperion Essbase OLAP Cube, and e-mail.. Define report formatting and rounding options Create presentation quality reports using custom font styles Use the advanced trouble shooting reports Link (chain) catalog IDs
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Introduction
Introduction
The Catalog of Reports is used to define the building blocks of each report and to supply the global report formatting.
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Note: The use of Codes enables you to define a header (footer) that is dynamically updated. For example, the @Title code instructs Report Designer to use the Title/Description field from the reporting tree. When the tree is modified, the @Title section of the header is automatically updated.
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Page Setup
Page Setup
You can specify the report margins, scaling and orientation (Portrait or Landscape) on the Page Options - Page Setup tab.
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Report Formatting
Report Designer enables you to define the degree to which amounts are rounded and how amounts are presented in reports. You may specify the following presentation options: How negative numbers appear (within parenthesis or preceded by a minus sign) Whether to print rows with zero amounts or to print reports with no amounts Whether or not a currency symbol displays on the first line of the report Whether or not to print commas in amounts How percentages appear (with the % symbol or as a decimal) The degree to which amounts should be rounded To define your report formatting and rounding settings, use the Report-Formatting tab.
Note: To round row values before totals or calculations, select the Use Rounded Values for Calculations and Totals checkbox. For reports that use a reporting tree, select the Roll Up Rounded Values in the Tree checkbox to round reporting unit amounts before rolling up results to the summary unit.
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Report Formatting
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate implementing rounding for the BalSheet catalog id. Note that amounts will be rounded to the thousands.
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Output Options
Output Options
You can output a report to the DrillDown Viewer, the printer, an ASCII Text File, an Excel or Lotus worksheet., an HTML or XML file, or to a Microsoft SQL OLAP Local or Server cube.
To choose the output mode, select the Output tab. The following window will appear.
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Note: To drill down to account detail or transaction detail data, you must select either the Account Detail or Transaction Detail option from the Catalog, Detail Level field.
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Note: See page x in this training guide for a detailed list of requirements for Server based cubes.
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When Report Designer create a cube, it generates 6 dimensions or collections of information): Organization: Units from the Reporting Tree Period: Column Layout Period Codes Measures: Row Format Accounts (rows) Book: Column Layout Book Codes Project: Column Layout or Row Format Project Information Currency: Column Layout Currency Code/Currency Display (coming in a future release) Users can analyze report data by selecting and dragging and dropping these dimensions. This lets users create different views of the same information supports their ability to analyze financial data. Note: You can access the cubes Report Designer creates via via any OLAP browser that supports Microsofts OLAP standards.
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OLAP Descriptions
You can optionally define descriptions for the OLAP Book (period and fiscal years) dimension elements or actual values. To enter OLAP Descriptions for a column, select the OLAP Descriptions field in the column layout.
Note: You can enter OLAP Descriptions for GL, WKS, or Calc columns only.
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Web Publishing
Web Publishing
FRx for Epicor 6.0 offers a new product the WebPort that provides centralized report management and viewing for connected users in a Web environment. The WebPort repository lets a company store, share, and view FRx for Epicor reports (or non-FRx for Epicor objects) in a secured environment. Reports (objects) can be organized into Explorer type user-defined folders with access rights granted at the folder or report level. Users, with proper permissions, can access WebPort objects using an Internet browser. Thus, eliminating the need for any client software on remote computers. The Web Publishing tab lets users send reports directly to the Web Port where they may be viewed by users with the proper access rights. Note: Only users with permission to publish reports to the Web Port will be able to access the Web Publishing tab.
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Chaining Reports
Report Designer enables you to generate multiple reports by executing a single report. The report you execute must be the first report in a chain of linked reports. Note: You can chain a maximum of 150 reports together. To establish a link between reports you: Recall the catalog id of the first report in the chain to the Catalog window Select the Chain to Catalog ID arrow (Output tab) and choose the catalog id of the next report in the sequence When you press the Generate (Catalog) button, Report Designer executes the first report in the chain. Upon completion of this report, it runs the second report and, so on. Note: The report linking feature is available for output to: the DrillDown Viewer, the Printer, an HTML, XML, Excel, Lotus or ASCII text file.
Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate linking the BalSheet and IncStmt catalog ids together.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate creating a new Font Style using a Font Type of Arial, a Font Size of 12 and the color Navy.
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Note: All rows in the report will use the default style unless a different style is specified.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate using Font Styles and the LNE FMT Code to format a tabular Balance Sheet. A sample of the finished report appears below:
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate using the BXB and BXC FMT Codes to place a box around a row (Net Income) in the Film Works, Inc., Operating Statement.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate applying custom fonts to the columns of a report. A sample of the finished report appears on the following page.
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Note: The font style you select will apply to all rows in the column.
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Demonstration
Your instructor will demonstrate running the IncStmt catalog with the Report Missing Accounts option selected.
Note: The Exception Report is not displayed in the DrillDown viewer. When a DrillDown file (*.frd) is printed the exception report is printed immediately after the Financial Report.
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Chapter Review
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
True/False: The Report Type field enables you to control the level of detail displayed in a report. True/False: To access the drilldown file, a user must be connected to the server. True/False: The default output mode for a report is the DrillDown Viewer.
2.
3.
4.
True/False: You may embed scaleable fonts and formatting (Styles) in a report. When printed via Report Designer (the Drill Down Viewer or the Report Launcher) the finished report embodies the font styles assigned. You can chain together a maximum of ___________ report configurations (catalog ids). The Row Format, __________ __________ window enables you to determine the placement of any rounding adjustments required to insure that report subtotals and totals crossfoot. True/False: You can control whether page numbers and the system date or time print on a report. True/False: Any changes you make to the Catalog default settings affect all catalog ids.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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10. True/False: You can define titles for the elements of a reports Book dimension. When you export a report to an OLAP cube, these titles appear as description options for the Book dimension.
11. The ___________ ____________ fields in the reporting tree may be incorporated into a reports title via the Page Options-Headers/Footers, variable Code options.
12. You can automatically e-mail report output to one or more users. The list of users who receive the output may be defined in the _________, the ______ or _________________.
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Chapter
Consolidation
Consolidation
Chapter Overview
You can include data from almost an unlimited number (2000) of databases in a single report. There are several techniques to accomplish this, Reporting Unit Filters or Row Format Linking. In this chapter, we will illustrate the use of Reporting Unit Filters.
Build a Reporting Tree to report against multiple companies Implement Reporting Unit restrictions in the Column Layout Understand the consolidation options in the Catalog of Reports (Catalog-Report Options-Advanced, Rollup Basis)
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Introduction
Introduction
Report Designer enables you to include information from multiple companies in a single report (suite of reports). The companies reported on may reside on the same or different servers. Report Designer provides two consolidation techniques: Row Format Linking and Reporting Unit filters. These techniques are used in different reporting circumstances: Row Format Linking is employed whenever: The databases reported on have unlike account masks or numbering schemes The desired report displays amounts (row) that represent the totals for all companies The desired reports display varying degrees of detail Reporting Unit filters are used when: The databases reported on have the same account mask and numbering scheme This chapter presents an example of the Reporting Unit filters technique.
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Consolidation
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Company Information
The purpose of this exercise is to create a consolidated statement for the 12 months ending December 31, 2002. The companies being consolidated, Film Works, Inc., (FW) and Film Works, Canada (FWC), both have adopted the calendar year as their fiscal year. Also, as the diagram below indicates, FW and FWC each have an 11 character account mask and use identical account code numbering schemes.
Fiscal Year:
December 31
December 31
Account Structure:
11 Digits
11 Digits
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Consolidation
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8-7
Consolidation
Once you define the Master Calendar and Report Date, you must select the consolidation Roll Up basis. This determines how Report Designer selects the period to report on in all companies.
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Note: The Period Numbers, Roll Up Basis causes Report Designer to select and report on the same period (number) for all companies.
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Consolidation
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Consolidation
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Chapter Review
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
True/False: Report Designer can consolidate only companies that have an identical account code segmentation and chart of accounts. To display data for a company database in an individual column you should place a __________________ _________________ __________________ in the column .
2.
3.
Define the term Master Calendar. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________
4.
To display data for a company database in an individual column you should place a __________________ _________________ __________________ in the column .
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Chapter
Tutorials
Tutorials
2.
Open a blank row format worksheet. Open the Edit menu and select the option Add Rows From Chart of Accounts. Build the row format on the natural segment of the account code, and define the range of accounts to be included as 4000 to 7000. Use normal balance code C for all revenue accounts and any totals that are credit balances. Modify the row format to exclude the Inter-Company Sales (Elimination) account, 4109, and the Inter-Company COGS (Elimination) account, 4509. Combine all the accounts in the 5200 series (Operating Expense section) into a single line item. Insert rows for Totals (i.e. Net Sales) and other Format Commands. Remember to set up totaling operations that reflect the use of the C normal balance codes as detailed in the item above. Hint: You can combine the accounts by (1) using a range of accounts, (2) using an account mask that contains ?? wildcard characters, or (3) creating an account set. Once you have combined the accounts on a single row with the description Office Expense, delete the rows that display the 5200 series accounts individually.
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Insert the CBR rows referencing the specific row codes required to display the following: Revenue items (through Gross Profit) as a percentage of Net Sales. Each operating expense line item as a percentage of Total Operating Expense. Income from Operations (and all subsequent lines) as a percentage of Net Income. Insert a row below the total row that computes Gross Profit, and create a calculation for Gross Profit Percent. Assign the format ##0.00%;(##0.00%). 3. Create the Column Layout
Study the completed report. Observe that the left side of the report is displaying current period activity, and the right side of the report is displaying year to date activity. Use Base for the fiscal year and Period Code in each GL column. Select Budget B (Original Budget) in the Book Code/Attribute Activity field of each column that displays budget data. Hint: Open the zoom window in the Book Code/Attribute Category field to view the syntax examples.
The columns that are labeled with a % will contain the formula X/Base%, where X will refer to the column that contains the data to be displayed as percentages of the designated base row amounts. Set up the formula for the Variance columns to display unfavorable variances in the Operating Expense section in parenthesis.
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Tutorials
Hint: In this example, assume that an unfavorable variance occurs whenever 2002 actual expenses exceed 2002 budgeted expenses, or 2002 actual revenues are less than 2002 projected revenues. Remember to use the XCR code to control the display of variances related to credit balance accounts or totals.
Create column headings as displayed in the completed report. Use the Header Options, Spread From and To fields to center headings over a range of columns. 4. Create a Report Catalog ID for the Report
Set up a new catalog id for the report. When the report selection window(Select Catalog for Display) is displayed, click on the New press bar, located at the lower right of the screen A blank catalog ID screen is now displayed. Designate the row and the column you have created. Since the report will be run without a reporting tree, leave the User Reporting Tree check box blank. Set the report date to February, 2002. Save the report definition; verify that the report date field is still displaying February, 2002. Generate the report and compare the resulting data to the example report at page 9-7. If the data matches the solution, proceed to the next section. If the data does not match, debug the report row and/or column and rerun the report.
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5.
Open a new reporting tree worksheet. From the Edit menu, select the option Add Reporting Units from Chart of Accounts. The account mask displayed should be: &&&&-++++-+++. Use the Split Icon to isolate the first digit of the second segment (Location/Division). This digit represents Location, and the remaining three digits represent the Division (Corporate, Sales, or Service). Make no change to the third segment (Department). At this point, the Segment Hierarchy box will display the following: Location/Division (This is the Location indicator) New Segment 1 (Division) Division (Department - Retail, etc.) Specify the range of accounts for each segment as indicated below: Location/Division: Location): 1 to 2 (Denver, San Francisco) New Segment 1: 100 to 200 (Sales, Service) Department: 001 to 004 (Retail, Wholesale, Lab, Studio) Complete the tree by entering formal Reporting Unit Titles in column D of the reporting tree worksheet.
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Tutorials
6.
Return to the catalog, and specify the reporting tree you have created. Generate the report for Denver, San Francisco, and Summary. Compare the resulting reports to the reports on the following pages: San Francisco Denver 9-14 9-21 9-22
- Summary
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Solution - Report A
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Tutorials
Solution Report B
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Tutorials
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Appendix
Report Launcher
Report Launcher
Chapter Overview
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Start the Report Launcher from Windows 9X, NT Select and run a report from the Report Launcher Modify the default report processing period, level of detail, print options (Page Orientation, Scaling, Margins), and output mode as defined in the Catalog ID View the status or progress of any report launched via the Report Launcher
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Introduction
Introduction
The Report Launcher is a separate program from the Report Designer. You can use it to launch and view the progress of any report that is saved in the Catalog of Reports. The Report Launcher also provides you with the ability to change the formatting and settings of any report on the fly.
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Report Launcher
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Generating a Report
Generating a Report
You can use the Report Launcher to run any report that has been saved in the Catalog of Reports. By default, a report generates from Report Launcher using the settings and properties saved in the Catalog ID. For example, if BalSheet was saved as a financial report, output to the printer, Report Launcher also generates BalSheet as a financial report to the printer. To run a report: Select the company you want to work with from the Company box Choose the report you want to run by clicking on its Catalog ID in the Report Launcher window Press the Generate Report push button
Note: To change the order of records, click the column heading you wish to sort on. The reports automatically rearrange in alphabetical order by the selected column heading.
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Report Launcher
Note: The changes you make are not permanently saved to the Catalog of Reports.
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A-7
Report Launcher
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Report Launcher
In the Status Display group box, select an option to indicate the status of reports you wish to view. Queued/Processing: Reports that are currently queued or processing. Completed: Reports that have finished generating. All Reports: All reports that have been generated from Report Launcher. Process Errors: All reports with processing errors. Change the number of days you wish to view progress for by entering a new number in the Show Records field. Select a report record to view its processing details in the Queue Status dialog box. Note: To get a hard copy of the Queue Log, press the Print Queue Log push button.
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Summary
Summary
The Report Launcher is a separate application from Report Designer. You can use it to run reports even if you do not have access to the Report Designer. From within Report Launcher, you can change a reports default formatting and setting options at report execution time. After you have run a report, you can check on the reports status through the Report Launcher, Queue Status window.
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Report Launcher
Chapter Review
.
Complete the following:
1.
True/False: The changes you make to a reports settings, from the Report Launcher, are saved permanently in the Catalog of Reports. True/False: You must have access to Report Designer to use the Report Launcher. To view the status of a report, you select the _______ command from the View menu.
2.
3.
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Appendix
Account Listing
Account Listing
Natural Account
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Natural Account
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Appendix
Answer Key
Answer Key
2.
Report Server allows reports to be launched from a client workstation and processed on a high-end server; it also provides scheduling capabilities. The Report Designer allows users to create reports by building and combining rows, columns, and reporting trees. Report Designer includes a Report Catalog where report templates can be stored for future processing. Report Launcher enables users to generate reports without modifying the way in which they are designed. The DrillDown Viewer allows any licensed user with network access to view and drill through financial reports that have been generated and stored on the network. The WebPort lets users store, share and view reports in a secured Web environment.
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4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
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Answer Key
3. 4. 5. 6.
7. 8. 9.
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Answer Key
2. 3.
4. 5.
6. 7.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
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Answer Key
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10. True. 11. Additional Text Fields. 12. Catalog of Reports, Reporting Tree, Combination of the Catalog of Reports and the Reporting Tree.
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Answer Key
4.
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