2 Day Course
Introduction
The two-day Microsoft Dynamics GP course on Report Writer helps prepare
students to set up and begin to use Report Writer. It focuses on the different
ways to configure the application in a networked environment. It focuses on how
Report Writer can be used to customize reports to best meet your needs. You
learn how to modify existing reports or create custom reports to maximize the
information you receive from the accounting system. Students completing this
course should have a good basic understanding of Report Writer functionality
and capabilities. Financial statements are not formatted using Report Writer
and are not covered in this course.
Audience Profile
Microsoft Dynamics GP Report Writer training is recommended for people
who plan to implement, configure, consult, or support Microsoft Dynamics GP and
want to modify existing reports or create their own custom reports using Report
Writer. The class is targeted toward application administrators, implementers,
and end-users of the Report Writer application who need to understand the
technical aspects of Report Writer and gain foundational knowledge of the
application functionality and capabilities.
At Course Completion
After completing this course, students should be able to:
•
Determine the setup configuration they want to
use for Report Writer
•
Identify where modified reports are stored and
how to limit access to certain reports using Microsoft Dynamics GP security
•
Create user-defined sorts and restrictions so
information appears in the order desired, and only the information you want
appears on a report
•
Understand general report layout functionality
•
Place text, report fields, graphics, and other
items on a report layout
•
Modify existing reports to better fit their
reporting needs
•
Design custom reports to access important
application data
•
Identify the sections of a report and how to add
additional headers & footers
•
Link tables together so reports can be developed
using multiple data tables
•
Create user defined links for related tables
that have common keys
•
Create user-defined fields by using calculated
and conditional expressions
•
Understand how Field Options can be used to
generate needed information
•
Import reports between report dictionaries using
the Customization Maintenance window functionality
Prerequisites
Before attending this course,
students should have:
- Some working knowledge of Windows 2000 or Windows XP, SQL Server
2000
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Dynamics GP modules and database
storage techniques
Course Outline
Module 1: Report Writer Overview
This chapter gives students a
general overview of the Report Writer application and provides information on
some of the different Report Writer configurations that can be implemented by
users of the application. Individual report security is discussed and
demonstrated, and the different types of reports are discussed and defined. The
terminology used throughout the class is defined in this chapter. Students
should complete the exercises available for this chapter after the discussion
of the topics is complete to reinforce learning on the topics covered.
Lessons
- Report Writer Features & Benefits
- Using the Reports Dictionary
- Configuring/Setting up Report Writer
- Using the Report Writer Main Window
- Defining Report Types
- Security
Lab : Creating Secondary Copies of Reports
Lab : Creating Primary Copies of Reports
Lab : Button Functions
Lab : Temporary Tables Effects on Reports
Lab : Granting Access & Printing Primary Copies
Lab : Working with Secondary Copies
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Briefly describe the features and functionality available in Report
Writer
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the different setup
configurations available for Report Writer
- Understand basic terminology that will be used when using Report
Writer
- Identify the different types of reports that exist in Microsoft
Dynamics GP and Report Writer
- Restrict access to individual reports using the security options
available in Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Understand available printing and format options when generating
reports in Microsoft Dynamics and Report Writer
Module 2: Report Definition Window, Sorting, & Restricting
This chapter focuses on the
Report Definition window and the functionality that can be selected on it. It
also focuses on using sorts, which can be pre-defined or user-defined on any
particular report. The chapter also examines the use of restrictions to reduce
the amount of data that otherwise may appear on a report allowing users to
focus their attention on the data they deem important. Exercises at the end of
the chapter should be completed by students to reinforce learning on the topics
in Chapter Two.
Lessons
- Table Information Options/Report Definition Window
- Keys, and Max Records
- Format Options
- Text Report Options
- Printing Options
- Using Sorts
- Using Restrictions
- Writing Restriction Expressions
Lab : Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
Lab : Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys
Lab : Other Sorting Options
Lab : Creating Restrictions
Lab : Using Table Fields in Restriction Expressions
Lab : Using Constants in Restriction Expressions
Lab : Using Operators in Restriction Expressions
Lab : Constant Types and Field Storage
Lab : Writing Restriction Expressions
Lab : Secondary Copy Restrictions
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Use the Report Definition window to influence how a report is
printed
- Change the sort on a report from existing sorts or keys
- Create user-defined sorts from any linked table so data appears in
the order preferred
- Enter restriction expressions to limit data that appears on a report
- Understand how to use constants, functions, and operators in
restriction expressions
- Define the different constant types and how each is used for
different table fields in Microsoft Dynamics
Module 3: Report Layout Window, Columns & Graphics
This chapter examines the many
different options, functionalities, and tools that can be used to design or
modify reports in Report Writer. Discussion and demonstration of features and
options using the toolbox highlight most of the time spent on this chapter.
Some of the features and options that are covered include placing a field on
the layout, adding text or a label to a report, resizing text or fields,
placing the date and time on a report, adding graphics or logos, using the
divider tool to create columns on a report, using the arrange and tile tools,
and many more.
There is also discussion on the
different sections of a report, and what they typically contain in Report
Writer. Each section is discussed, and time is spent on how users can include
or exclude different sections of a report. The exercises at the end of the
chapter should be completed by students to reinforce learning.
Lessons
- The Report Layout window
- Report Sections
- Using the Toolbox window
- Placing Fields in the Layout
- Adding Text or Labels to Reports
- Moving and Sizing fields
- Drawing Options
- Using Arrange & Tile Tools
- Using the Divider Tool
- Adding & Storing Graphics
- Designing a Report Layout
- Placing Table Fields & Text on Reports
- Drawing Options/Fonts
- Properties window
- Adding Graphics to the Picture Library
- Adding a Graphic to a Report
- Using the Divider Tool
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Identify the different sections on a report layout
- Understand the different options available on text and graphics
reports
- Use the Layout and Arrange tools when designing reports
- Place and move table fields, text, and other items on a report
layout
- Size fields, text, and graphics on reports
- Apply different fonts, colors, and patterns to fields using the
Drawing Options window
- Use the divider tool to create report columns on reports
- Add and store graphics such as a logo for use on reports
Module 4: Linking Tables & Additional Headers and Footers
This chapter demonstrates how
tables can be linked together so that reports will be able to pull data from
multiple tables. There is discussion of linking rules and the two different
types of links; one-to-one and one-to-many, that can be used when linking
tables.
In addition to linking, the
chapter also focuses on how additional headers and footers can be created as
necessary on reports. The effects of sorts on additional headers is
highlighted, and the exercises at the end of the section demonstrate how these
report additions can be used to design sleek and informational reports to
stakeholders in your company.
Lessons
- Linking Methods
- Types of Linking
- Linking Tables
- Additional Headers
- Sorting & Additional Headers
- Additional Footers
- Additional Header & Footer Options
Lab : Linking Tables to a Primary Table
Lab : Different Types of Links
Lab : Keys and Links
Lab : Table Relationships
Lab : Creating Additional Headers
Lab : Creating Additional Footers
Lab : Using Count Field Options
Lab : Modifying Field Fonts & Sizes
Lab : Sizing Report Section
Lab : Using Additional Headers & Footers on Existing Reports
Lab : Sorts and Additional Headers
Lab : Arranging Information on a Report
Lab : Sizing Report Sections
Lab : Day One Case Study (Appendix B)
- Creating Custom Reports
- Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
- Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys
- Other Sorting Options
- Creating Restrictions
- Designing a Report Layout
- Placing Table Fields & Text on
Reports
- Drawing Options/Fonts
- Adding Graphics to the Picture Library
- Adding a Graphic to a Report
- Linking Tables
- Creating Additional Headers
- Creating Additional Footers
- Sizing Report Sections
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Identify the different methods that can be used to link tables
- Link tables using the Report Table Relationships window
- Understand the different types of table links and the table
relationships for each type
- Describe the limits on linking tables in Report Writer
- Remove table links from a report
- Understand how additional headers and footers are used in Report
Writer
- Explain how sorts influence the use of additional headers and
footers
Module 5: Array Fields, Field Options & Calculated Fields
This chapter examines how array
fields are used in Microsoft Dynamics GP and how they are uniquely stored and
treated in Report Writer. Time is spent discussing the different field options
that are available for fields that are placed on the report layout.
The creation of user-defined
fields is discussed. Conditional and calculated expressions are demonstrated
and examples given on how they can be used on reports. The concatenate
functionality is discussed and is the focus of one of the exercises that is available
at the end of the chapter that students should complete after the lecture on
this chapter is finished.
Lessons
- Array Fields
- Adding Array fields to the Report Layout
- Field Options
- Field Types
- User-defined Calculated Fields
- Writing Calculated Expressions
- Writing Conditional Expressions
- Result Types
- Using Fields Constants & Functions in Expressions
- Concatenation
Lab : Adding Array Fields to a Report Layout
Lab : Array Field Calculations
Lab : Linking Tables
Lab : Defining Report Sections
Lab : Creating Additional Headers
Lab : Creating Additional Footers
Lab : Setting Field Options
Lab : Report Design
Lab : Concatenate Operator
Lab : Strip Function
Lab : Report Design
Lab : Creating Calculated Fields
Lab : Report Design
Lab : Conditional Calculated Fields
Lab : Calculated Fields
Lab : Creating Additional Headers
Lab : Creating Additional Footers
Lab : Using Field Options
Lab : Format, Text, & Printing Options
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Work with array fields
- Create user-defined calculated fields
- Understand the difference between calculated and conditional
expressions
- Place calculated fields onto reports
- Understand how to use the concatenate functionality in Report Writer
- Identify available field options for report fields
Module 6: Planning a Report
This chapter examines the process
of planning a new custom report in Report Writer. The discussion is centered on
the recommended steps to go through to first determine if there is an existing
report that could be used and slightly modified or if indeed we need a new
custom report. In addition, the chapter spends some time discussing how and
where data resides in Microsoft Dynamics GP and how Report Writer can be used
to access the necessary information needed for a report. There is a case study
that students will complete to reinforce the planning process.
Lessons
- Determining Report Needs
- Reviewing Existing Dynamics Reports
- Planning the Report Layout
- Determining where Information Exists
- Using Table, Field & Window Descriptions
Lab : Planning a Report
Lab : Steps of Planning
Lab : Creating Custom Reports
Lab : Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
Lab : Creating Sorts
Lab : Creating Restrictions
Lab : Designing a Report Layout
Lab : Drawing Options/Fonts
Lab : Using the Divider Tool
Lab : Adding Graphics
Lab : Linking Tables
Lab : Creating Additional Headers & Footers
Lab : Sizing Report Sections
Lab : Using Calculated Fields
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Understand the basic concepts of
planning a report
- Determine the needs for a report
- Plan a report layout for basic reports
- Use Table, Field, and Window
Descriptions to determine what tables are needed for a report and should
be linked
- Plan the use of sorts, restrictions,
calculated fields and grouping
Module 7: Defining Table Relationships
This chapter explains the process
and steps to create a new table relationship. The chapter delves into the
components and requirements of creating a new table relationship. There is also
a discussion on keys that are used to link tables together and how they can
affect the type of link that is created.
There is a short discussion on
one-to-one and one-to-many relationships and the benefits of trying to create
one-to-one relationships if possible.
Lessons
- Table Relationship Components &
Requirements
- Defining Relationships
- Selecting Keys/Sorts
Lab : Using Table, Field, & Window Descriptions
Lab : Creating a Table Relationship/Relationship Types
Lab : Report Design
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Understand table relationship requirements
- Create new table relationships
Module 8: Data Types, Formats & Strings
This chapter examines the use of
Data Types, Formats, and Strings in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Most changes to
these items will generally not be made without Microsoft Dynamics GP Modifier,
as changing this in Report Writer only affects reporting and how the
information is displayed on reports. It will not change fields within the
application.
Lessons
- Data Types & Formats
- Modifying Data Types
- Changing Formats
- Customizing Strings
Lab : Modifying Format Strings
Lab : Assigning Field Formats
Lab : Creating New Formats
Lab : Changing Static Text Values
Lab : Effects on Changing Static Text
Lab : Modifying Format Strings
Lab : Resources Menu
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Modify a Data Type
- Change Existing Formats
- Customize Strings
Module 9: Report Scheduler
This chapter shows how the Report
Scheduler can be used to automate the report printing process. The chapter
covers the necessary setup requirements, the printing routine, and the process
to remove reports from the scheduled printing routine.
Lessons
- Setting up Report Scheduler
- Scheduling Reports
- Managing the Printing Process
Lab : Adding a Report to a Schedule
Lab : Creating a New Publisher and Assigning Publishing Rights
Lab : Removing Reports from the Schedule
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Understand the necessary steps to set up Report Scheduler
- Explain the benefits to using Report Scheduler
- Use Report Scheduler to publish and print reports
- Remove reports from the "to publish" list
Module 10: Customization Import and Export Capabilities
In this chapter, the
Customization Maintenance window and process is discussed and demonstrated so
that users can freely share and use modified reports. There is also some
discussion of the reports dictionary files and how they are managed. The
chapter also focuses some time on the older Import/Export options available and
how they were used, especially in the conversion process, including a
discussion of the validation process. At the end of this lesson, students will
complete case studies to reinforce what they have learned in the course.
Lessons
- Customization Maintenance
- Importing Reports
- Validating Reports
- Troubleshooting the Import/Export Process
Lab : Creating Custom Reports
Lab : Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report
Lab : Creating Sorts
Lab : Creating Restrictions
Lab : Designing a Report Layout
Lab : Drawing Options/Fonts
Lab : Using the Divider Tool
Lab : Adding Graphics
Lab : Linking Tables
Lab : Creating Additional Headers & Footers
Lab : Sizing Report Sections
Lab : Using Calculated Fields
Lab : Creating Table Relationships
Lab : Changing Field Formats
Lab : Modifying Reports
Lab : Modifying a Report Layout
Lab : Create a Calculated Field
Lab : Modifying the Dynamics.set file
Lab : Importing/exporting reports
After completing this chapter,
students will be able to:
- Use the Customization Maintenance window
to create package files that contain report layouts and formats to share
with other users
- Understand the import/export
functionality within Report Writer
- Validate imported reports
- Troubleshoot import/export messages
