Key concepts for determining the required report options include the following:
Format
The report format is the physical layout (appearance) of the report, which involves both the design and the content (what fields or data elements appear on the report). In a columnar detail report, each line contains certain data elements, such as a contact name, company name, city, state, and join date. The format also specifies column headings, the order in which data elements display on the line, the space allowed for printing and between elements, and so on. The format does not control which records are queried (selected) in the report.
Selection/Search
Some reports allow the selection of customer records to be used to generate the report. Selecting records does not control the format or the sort order. In a columnar detail report, the record selection controls the lines that print on the report, not the columns; each line typically corresponds to a specific record, while a column relates to a field in a record. Selections are generally based on field values; records are included in a report run if its contents match the selection criteria. Search criteria may be simple, such as "All Members," or complex, as in an ad hoc search.
Sort Order
Dictates the order in which the details print on the report. Like the selection criteria, it is normally based on field values. However, it applies only to the records that were selected based on the search criteria, so you can specify a different field set for sorting the output. For example, you can first select records by customer type and then sort the results by ZIP code.
Standard Report
Includes preset iMIS report formats, which include rosters, labels, letters, and statistical reports. Most standard reports give you significant control in selecting the records and allow sort order overrides. However, pre-built standard reports have more limitations on the format or layout of the report.
Ad Hoc Report
Omnis facility used to build custom reports. The Ad Hoc Report Writer gives you total control over the entire report, including the format, record selection criteria, and sort order. Any customized report can be added to the Available Reports selection lists of any iMIS module.
10.6 Production Release. Updated 7/28/2005 10:25:59 AM
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