RE: Crystal Reports

One of the major issue that we constantly struggle with is trying to
find the right data in the MAPICS data structures.  

The limited file and field name lengths tend to make things cryptic, and
the lack of robust schema documentation with searchable or traceable
cross references make it very difficult to find the right data elements
for selection.

We do use ERLCOM, which helps with COM data elements, and we do use the
features of Browser, but it is a consistent struggle to find the right
data.  We contact MAPICS Support, but it still appears to be a trial and
error approach to finding the right data.  

That will not change with Crystal, that's a fundamental problem with the
MAPICS/Infor XA database schema and the lack of adequate documentation.
What Crystal may provide is a consistent structure for mapping the data
and constructing standard, repeatable reports within a single
platform...something we don't currently have.

We use Query, Browser, and ODBC-based tools like Access to select and
extract data from MAPICS XA environments, then manipulate within Excel.
Lot of opportunity for errors in that model...

We are planning to upgrade from XA 5.5 to XA 7.0, not sure if that will
change the decision matrix, but we need to find a better way.  That's
the mission...<g>  

Any feedback or useful examples of Crystal or other reporting structures
would be very useful in helping us to evaluate our options.  That's what
I'm trying to glean here, with help from the folks here who know a lot
more about this than I do.

Terry J. LeBlanc
Nailite International 

-----Original Message-----
From: mapics-l-bounces+tleblanc=nailite.com@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mapics-l-bounces+tleblanc=nailite.com@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Greg Novak
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 4:45 PM
To: 'MAPICS ERP System Discussion'
Subject: RE: Crystal Reports

Terry,

You may want to consider the Mapics report writer, Info WorkPlace (IWP).
IWP shields the report developer from the technical aspects of the
database.
You focus on the information you want on the report instead of file
names and field names and getting the links/keys correct.  There are a
number of "subsets" available for download from Mapics that already have
a large portion of the database mapped.  A subset is a "view" over the
Mapics database and defines the files/links required for various types
of reporting.  You can modify the Mapics subsets and develop your own.

Better yet, IWP has a FREE version that allows any Mapics customer to
download and run any report they have developed.  You can also create up
to
5 reports of your own to try out the report designer.  See SH11858, the
IWP informational PTF.

IWP has very powerful reporting capabilities for calculations, sorting,
totaling, etc and does not utilize ODBC or Query - which can impact
system performance.

Momentum is the developer of Info WorkPlace, JacanaForms and inTuator.

Regards,
-Greg

Gregory Novak
Manager North American Technical Services Momentum Utilities Pty Ltd
(630) 985-1736
gnovak@xxxxxxxxxx
www.jacana.com
 
Making Information Work for your Business www.intuator.com



-----Original Message-----
From: Terry LeBlanc [mailto:TLeBlanc@xxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2005 12:49 AM
To: MAPICS ERP System Discussion
Subject: Crystal Reports


Anybody using Crystal Reports with MAPICS?  We are contemplating
implementing Crytal Reports XI to access MAPICS and other data to
generate reports.  We currently utilize Queries and Browser, using Excel
to massage the resulting data.  Need a better way...

Wish the database schema were documented properly, with lookups and
where-used references.  Very difficult to find the right database
elements.

Terry J. LeBlanc
Nailite International





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