Integrating Crystal Reports into TIMSS 6

There are 2 ways for TIMSS users to include their own Crystal Reports in TIMSS 6, either as an online report linked to a TIMSS screen, or as a TRS (BATCH) process.

The online reports can be linked to a screen in TIMSS and certain data can be passed from that screen to the Crystal Report. Putting the reports online makes it easier for users to find and run the reports they need.

TRS reports are submitted to the TRS server. The advantage here is that the output is saved on the TRS server and processes that take long times can be submitted and the user can then work on other things. TRS reports can also be scehduled.

The Crystal Report

The Crystal Report that you are going to integrate needs to be created with an ODBC (RDO) connection to the TIMSS database. Also make sure that the Parameter names in the report do not have any spaces in them.

The report should be stored on the TRS Server in the …\TRS\APPL\CUSTOM folder. Any report you create or modify should be placed here so that it is not overwritten in upgrades. (You may use the Upload Report File button to put the file in the correct directory).

Creating an Online report

1. Open TRS001 – TRS Application Setup.
2. Click on New to create new custom report application.
3. Select the appropriate subsystem.
4. For Application, use the subsystem extension and a number ranging from 7000 to 9999 (this range is reserved for Client Custom Reports (i.e. FAR7001, MBR8001 etc…).
5. Give a Report description.
6. Select Submit Type as ONLINE - Available for Online submission.
7. Select Application Type as CRYSTAL - Crystal Report.
8. Type in the report file name (i.e. FAR7001.rpt) in the Program File field. (You may use the Upload Report File button to put the file in the correct directory).
9. Click on Refresh Parameters Button – it will automatically upload the parameter setup from report file to TRS Setup. (NOTE: Parameter names cannot have spaces in TIMSS or the Crystal Report)
10. Review the Parameter setup in the grid and make the changes as required. Data Field Name is what is passed from the TIMSS Screen. Possible values can be seen on TRS101 on the Values Passed From Screen tab when submitting the report from a particular screen.
11. On the Linked to Screen tab hit the plus to add screens where this report can be run. The Report Category is what folder the report will be found under. You can use the existing ones, or create your own in the REPORT_CATEGORY type in the System Types and Code.
12. Save the Application.

You have now created the online report. You will next need to setup security for it. Under Application Access (SEC003B) pull up the Application name you gave the report above (i.e. FAR7001, MBR8001 etc…) and pick the groups who can run this report.

Creating a TRS Report

1. Create a new application setup from TIMSS TRS001 – TRS Application setup screen.
2. Set Submit Type to BATCH
3. Set Application Type to CRYSTAL
4. Set the Program file to TRSRunCrystal.exe
5. On the Job parameter tab, the first column, Parameter name must match with the parameter name given in Crystal Report. (NOTE: Parameter names cannot have spaces in TIMSS or the Crystal Report).
6. On the Job files tab, add a row for “File type” as “Crystal Report File”. For File name, enter your crystal report file name (do not include the .rpt extension- “FAR7001.rpt” is entered as “FAR7001”
7. Save the application.

You have now created the TRS report. You will next need to setup security for it. Under Application Access (SEC003B) pull up the Application name you gave the report above (i.e. FAR7001, MBR8001 etc…) and pick the groups who can preview & submit this.

Finally you need to create a setup for the process.

1. Under Reporting, open Job Parameter Setup (TRS002).
2. Find the Process you created (FAR7001) under the category you placed it in.
3. Click the New User Setup button to create a new setup
4. Fill in the Code & Description and pick a Job Queue.
5. In the Job Parameters you should see your report parameters. You can set the Prompt value to Yes if you want the user to get a prompt for this value when the report is submitted.

Applies to: TIMSS6