Folks -- I'm a newbie to development, and to reports development, and to Crystal. So I know how thrilled y'all will be to work with me!
I am responsible for report development for a new HRIS system we're implementing. We have Crystal Reports (XI rel 2) and the "eval" 5-user version of Crystal Reports server that comes with it. Right now, I'm trying to use that for report distribution, though I'll probably have to learn Visual and move that way for more widespread distribution.
In the meantime, the onslaught of report requests is overwhelming me -- not only in terms of getting them done, but in terms of MANAGING them.
With Crystal Server, my files are saved to this weird directory structure (like c$\Program Files\Business Objects\BusinessObjects Enterprise 11.5\FileStore\Input\a_012\019\000\4876\crypticname.rpt).
I'm trying to find an easy yet logical way to manage the REQUESTS, DEVELOPMENT, and finalization of all of my reports (I will have, probably, 50-100 when all done, but they're constantly changing).
I tried keeping a "local" folder structure and then only moving them to the server when they're "finalized." This is proving difficult, because of the "urgent" change requests that come in (we're not in a highly-structured environment).
I would love to hear how others manage their reports inventory. Have you built a database (using what?)? Bought a product? I'm just coming up clueless on the best/easiest way to do this!
Thanks
MK