Queries are a central concept in iMIS. They are used to extract data from the database, but they also drive many application elements. For example, queries are used as the source for many user interface elements, especially for the display of data to users. Queries are also used as sources for reports.
The data sources for queries can be other queries or iMIS Business Objects. Queries can be simple, using a single source; or they can be complex, with multiple sources and different types of joins. For example, a simple query can gather and display all contacts from the province of Ontario. A complex query might organize donors by giving levels and frequency of gifts to generate a detailed report.
Query definitions are stored in the Document System. Access to queries are granted through security settings.
Outputs
You can generate a variety of outputs from IQA:
■ Webpage display – Queries can deliver results in a quick list view (Run) or in a formatted webpage that enhances your organization’s website.
■ iPart display – Queries drive the data displayed to users in many iParts. See Displaying query results in iParts for details.
■ Mail merge file
■ Reports – Combine query results with report formats in Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to create, access, modify, and share reports.
■ File