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Report Writer in Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0

Course 8517: Two days; Instructor-Led

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Introduction Introduction
Audience Audience
At Course Completion At Course Completion
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Microsoft Certification exams Microsoft Certification exams
Course Materials Course Materials
Course Outline Course Outline
Take This Training Take This Training

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.


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Audience

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.


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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


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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


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Microsoft Certification exams

No Microsoft Certification exams are associated with this course currently.


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Course Materials

The student materials include a comprehensive workbook including exercises and case studies that should be used to reinforce learning. Other supplementary materials for this class are also included.


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Course Outline

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Report Writer Features & Benefits

Using the Reports Dictionary

Configuring/Setting up Report Writer

Using the Report Writer Main Window

Defining Report Types

Security

Labs

Creating Secondary Copies of Reports

Creating Primary Copies of Reports

Button Functions

Temporary Tables Effects on Reports

Granting Access & Printing Primary Copies

Working with Secondary Copies

After completing this chapter, students should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Table Information Options/Report Definition Window

Keys, and Max Records

Format Options

Text Report Options

Printing Options

Using Sorts

Using Restrictions

Writing Restriction Expressions

Labs

Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report

Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys

Other Sorting Options

Creating Restrictions

Using Table Fields in Restriction Expressions

Using Constants in Restriction Expressions

Using Operators in Restriction Expressions

Constant Types and Field Storage

Writing Restriction Expressions

Secondary Copy Restrictions

After completing this chapter, students should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

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 should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Linking Methods

Types of Linking

Linking Tables

Additional Headers

Sorting & Additional Headers

Additional Footers

Additional Header & Footer Options

Labs

Linking Tables to a Primary Table

Different Types of Links

Keys and Links

Table Relationships

Creating Additional Headers

Creating Additional Footers

Using Count Field Options

Modifying Field Fonts & Sizes

Sizing Report Section

Labs (continued)

Using Additional Headers & Footers on Existing Reports

Sorts and Additional Headers

Arranging Information on a Report

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 should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

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

Labs

Adding Array Fields to a Report Layout

Array Field Calculations

Linking Tables

Defining Report Sections

Creating Additional Headers

Creating Additional Footers

Setting Field Options

Report Design

Concatenate Operator

Strip Function

Report Design

Creating Calculated Fields

Labs (continued)

Report Design

Conditional Calculated Fields

Calculated Fields

Creating Additional Headers

Creating Additional Footers

Using Field Options

Format, Text, & Printing Options

After completing this chapter, students should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Determining Report Needs

Reviewing Existing Dynamics Reports

Planning the Report Layout

Determining where Information Exists

Using Table, Field & Window Descriptions

Labs: Planning a Report - Case Study (Appendix B)

Planning a Report

Steps of Planning

Creating Custom Reports

Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report

Creating Sorts

Creating Restrictions

Designing a Report Layout

Drawing Options/Fonts

Using the Divider Tool

Adding Graphics

Linking Tables

Creating Additional Headers & Footers

Sizing Report Sections

Using Calculated Fields

After completing this chapter, students should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Table Relationship Components & Requirements

Defining Relationships

Selecting Keys/Sorts

Labs

Using Table, Field, & Window Descriptions

Creating a Table Relationship/Relationship Types

Report Design

After completing this chapter, students should be able to:

Understand table relationship requirements

Create new table relationships

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Data Types & Formats

Modifying Data Types

Changing Formats

Customizing Strings

Labs

Modifying Format Strings

Assigning Field Formats

Creating New Formats

Changing Static Text Values

Effects on Changing Static Text

Modifying Format Strings

Resources Menu

After completing this chapter, students should be able to:

Modify a Data Type

Change Existing Formats

Customize Strings

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Setting up Report Scheduler

Scheduling Reports

Managing the Printing Process

Labs

Adding a Report to a Schedule

Creating a New Publisher and Assigning Publishing Rights

Removing Reports from the Schedule

After completing this chapter, students should 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

Chapter 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.

Main Topics

Customization Maintenance

Importing Reports

Validating Reports

Troubleshooting the Import/Export Process

Labs

Creating Custom Reports

Creating a User-defined Sort on a Report

Creating Sorts

Creating Restrictions

Designing a Report Layout

Drawing Options/Fonts

Using the Divider Tool

Adding Graphics

Linking Tables

Creating Additional Headers & Footers

Sizing Report Sections

Using Calculated Fields

Creating Table Relationships

Changing Field Formats

Labs

Modifying Reports

Modifying a Report Layout

Create a Calculated Field

Modifying the Dynamics.set file

Importing/exporting reports

After completing this chapter, students should 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




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