The Reports Manager provides users with access to pre-built reports and allows them to create and modify them to their specific needs. Users can sort and organize their reports via report categories or time periods. The report capabilities are wide ranging from labels, graphics and analysis to other highly sophisticated report types. The open database and extensive reporting capabilities provides users with any type of report they wish. Users can also export information for use in external reporting or analysis type programs.
Filopto recognizes two type of reports: The reports provided with Filopto and the reports users have created. User reports are fully modifiable by the users. Users can also create their own reports. Reports provided with Filopto cannot be directly modified. To modify a Filopto report, you must first make a copy of the report which identifies it as a users report which is fully customizable. Reports provided with Filopto cannot be directly modified and can only be changed or updated by Accra Solutions Inc.
The report designer, called FastReport, which is used to create or modify reports, is a very versatile and configurable report generator. Recognizing that we cannot create all the various reports used by all of our clients, Filopto has opted for a sophisticated but simple to use custom report designer.
Designed for the novice as well as the advanced user, the Report Designer can meet all user reporting needs. Advanced users can also create their own data dictionaries from which to base their custom reports.
Quick Reports
One of the key features of Filopto is the easy access to all reports available from almost anywhere in the system. This quick report feature allows users to quickly identify and select the report they require.
To manage the various reports that will appear in the quick report selection list, you can add or remove reports by using the Report Designer. For example, by classifying the report in the appropriate Report Type category, the report will automatically appear in that section of Filopto when using the Quick Report list.
If you wish to remove a report from the Quick Report list, simply re-classify the report to another Report Type category or create your own custom Report Type and place the report in the newly created category. It will disappear from the Quick Report list.
To change or create a Report Type, simply choose the Modify Report button and change the reports parameter called Report Category. The report category drop-down list is divided into two sections. The pre-defined sections relating to the various modules and a user defined section where users can create their own categories. Then save the change. To create a new Report Type, follow the same directions and enter a new name for a category. This will automatically create the new category in the user
defined section and remove the report from the pre-defined / Quick Report list.
Report List Screen
The Report List presents the user with a list of reports already created from which to choose. A user can simply run the selected report or he / she may change some parameter or use it as a starting point for another new report.
In the instance that a report does not already exist, a user can use the New Report function to create ad hoc queries and reports which can be saved for later use. The Copy Report function permits users to copy an existing report and use it as a starting point for a new modified report.
The Modify Report function allows a user to completely change a report to suit his or her requirements. Once selected, you are presented with the description and classification fields of the report and then the report designer itself is displayed for complete manipulation.
The Delete function deletes the selected report. Please note that once deleted it cannot be restored.
The Preview and Print functions permit user to preview and print the selected report.
FastReport
The FastReport Designer takes the user through a series of setup steps required to define the data they wish to access and create the report. No programming skills are required by the user since the Report Designer will create the report based on the user's selection. It is very flexible and offers many options which a user may or may not choose to use.
Users also have the option to query the system for specific information. The Query Builder will guide you through the steps needed to create a query which can then be used in the report of your choice.
For the more advanced users, we have included access to the actual report writer giving you complete and total control in the creation of reports.
Due to the level of flexibility available in the Fast Report Designer, we have included separate Help files dealing specifically with the Fast Report Designer. This Help file is accessible directly in the FastReport module.
