Using a SQL statement in Crystal Reports

Have you ever had a complicated report that you just couldn't write using the "wizards" in Crystal Reports? Well you can write an SQL query and enter it directly into Crystal using a Command.

When adding tables you can add a query by clicking on Add Command.



That will open a box where you can enter a query. You can even add prompts (Parameters).

The data returned to in you Select statement is then available in your report.

Applies to TIMSS5 & TIMSS6

TCMS Meeting Registration Modification, part 3

The third customization we did to the TCMS meeting registration had to do with the Hotel reservation. As I mentioned in a previous post (TIMSS 6: Hotel Blocking for Meetings) we found that the icon for making a Hotel Reservation to be almost hidden. So we changed how the process works.

After someone clicks on the Place My Order button to purchase a meeting product, we show the hotel reservation screen (if a hotel is setup) instead of showing the confirmation screen.

We not only added ADA Accessible and Special Requests, but also Room Sharing process to this screen.



After giving hotel reservation (or skipping it) the confirmation screen is then shown with the order summary and the hotel reservation information at the bottom.

Applies to: TIMSS6

TCMS Meeting Registration Modification, part 2

Another customization we did with the TCMS meeting registration was to add a Questionnaire. This adds an extra step to the registration process where the registrant is asked questions based on the sessions they have signed up for.

This required 2 extender tables, one for the questions (USR_MTG_QUESTIONS) and one to hold the answers (USR_MTG_ANSWERS) for each order.

A new tab was added to MTG001 with a grid to enter the questions along with a sort order, answer type (check box, combo, or text field) along with choices for a combo, and if it's a required field.

A new button was added to the Meeting tab on ORD001 that opened a new screen to show the Q&A entered by the registrant through TCMS.

The questions asked are for each product in the cart, so I can ask generic questions of an attendee under the meeting product, and if I have a golf outing I can ask those who've signed up for it if they are bringing or renting clubs.

Applies: to TIMSS6

TCMS Meeting Registration Modification, part 1

We had TMAR customize the meeting registration web part. One change was how the "sessions" were displayed. We use products under the meeting for our registration rates and wanted to duplicate this in our online registration.

First, we only show the products that are web enabled under the meeting which have Include Add-to Cart Button checked.

Next they are grouped by the product class. In the example below, the class descriptions are Registration Rates, Spouse Rates, and Optional Events.



The classes are sorted by the code and my codes are 1REGREATE, 2SPOUSERATE, 3OPTENVET. When registering, at least one item from the first group must be selected.

The date/time was removed from the web part. This is so registration rates can have times that conflict with conflicting rates. For example, one can't sign up for Full Registration and Sunday Registration, so they are setup in TIMSS with conflicting times.

Finally, the Brief Description is displayed under the session name. This is where the date/time can be displayed along with any other information needed about the session.

Applies to: TIMSS6