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One of the major benefits the user can get from this system is its wide specter of reports available at all times. Our solution is not limited to a few standard report printouts. On the contrary - you can find only few standardized reports and even they do not encourage to be printed, since it is much easier to browse one's data interactively than on paper. This is an advantage to the user since he or she is not limited to some definitive selection of predefined reports and can prepare analyses no programmer would ever dream of... Of course, we have implemented a few tools that make this operaton a lot easier. The most effective is the Wizard generator that guides the user from page to page where the user selects items from the lists, chooses options and defines target periods in a user-friendly way. The filters created in this manner can be saved and used individually or in combination at any later time. Data corresponding to these specifications is then grouped into a numerical table in the form of a spreadsheet where the user can then sort it by columns or combinations, remove rows, hide columns or perform recalculations of selected items. The results of these calculations are gathered into another table of totals to be used as subtotals or for comparisons. Data from both tables can be transferred to other programs for additional handling or in order to be formatted accordingly. Since this solution is using temporary database file behind each table even very complex inquires can be performed very quickly. The majority of standard reports can be accessed from the toolbar or menu options and prepared by the user on the fly. Each report can then be attached to a special tab within the reports window. In this way the user can organize reports for his personal use and, switching from tab to tab, browse data or perform comparisons. Each report or selected blocks of data can be copied to any other program via clipboard. And, of course, sent to preferable printer or PDF file. These reports are accomplished using XML technology combined with XSL translation which implicates two additional benefits: first, they can be transferred to any state-of-the art program involving XML interface and second, they can be used on the company intranet to be accessed by users not having access to applications. Not to mention the possibility of creating new XSL stylesheets to adapt the output to special needs or devices without touching the program code. Even charts can be prepared very efficiently by each user. The user gets a simple dialog and selects its data, type of chart, target period, etc. Some predefined themes are also available to obtain preferable output. The chart is then generated remotely on the server and its picture sent back to the client. The organization in tab sections within the Charts window is the same as with reports mentioned above. And, being created on the server, charts usage on the company intranet site is fully supported and recommended. The last group contains reports of various forms intended to be used mostly as printed documents which are then signed, distributed or archived. The typical examples are invoices, Journey Log documents or similar. They are all designed to print data as well as the form itself, thus eliminating the need for special pre-printed papers and dedicated printers. While usually distributed in print version, they can also be prepared in the form of PDF files and distributed by e-mail.   |
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