Cascading dynamic parameters (Crystal 2008)

[Former Member]

I am currently using Crystal Reports 2008, but I am having and issue with cascading dynamic parameters. I have searched the internet high and low but cannot seem to find the answer to resolve my problem.

I main aim is that when a customer account is selected from the first drop down box you can select the site addresses linked to that account number in the second drop down box.

I can create a dynamic parameter based on fields in the same table as in the xtreme database with county, city etc. However, I have two separate tables, Customer and siteaddr. Within these tables they both have a field call acnt_nbr which is a unique number.

The siteaddr table is linked to the customer table on the acnt_nbr field by a left outer join. Each site address in the siteaddr has a unique number field.

I have tried to create the cascading dynamic parameter but because the field names are the same you get the error u201Ceach field can only be used once, but the field is being use multiple times u201Cacnt_nbru201D.

I found a trick to get round this by doing the following when creating a parameter

Adding customer acnt_nbr field to the value field, then clicked to create parameter.

Add site acnt_nbr to the value field then clicked ok but didnu2019t click on the create parameter.

I then renamed the parameter, went to edit and then for the site acnt_nbr field in value clicked to create parameter.

In field explorer you then get two parameters, I then used the select expert to assign the customer acnt_nbr to the first parameter and siteaddr acnt_nbr to the second parameter

The first drop down box works correctly and returns all the customer account numberu2019s. However, the second parameter just returns u2026 and not a list of site addresses linked to the account number.

Any help would be greatly appreicated.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

If I understand correctly, this is the scenario:

Customer Table- field acnt_nbr

Site AddressTable - field acnt_nbr, siteaddress_nbr

You can left join the above 2 tables by linking the fields acnt_nbr

What needs to happen is:

When create the dynamic parameter,

- in the Value column, select acnt_nbr from Customer table, in the Parameter column, click it to create parameter.

- in the Value column, below acnt_nbr, select siteaddress_nbr, in the Parameter column, click it to create parameter.

After clicking OK, you will find that 2 parameters are created automatically.

Is that the steps you have taken?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, I have tried the steps you have suggested and I have two parameters. Once I have linked the fields in the select expert and run the parameter the first drop down returns the list of account numbers. However, the the second drop down still retuns .... and there are no sites.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

What we have gone through is the Cascade Dynamic parameter. The logic is as follows:

Eg: Customer A has siteaddress # 1, 2

When running the report, after you select customer A, Crystal report should only display siteaddress # 1, 2 for selection.

Assuming the parameter is created correctly, the only problem I would thinks is:

1. The customer you select for testing do not have site address at all; OR

2. The linking between the 2 tables is not correct.

Otherwise, have a look at Slide 46 in the linked sfarea.org/Christian_Dynamic_Parameters.ppt, that is how the parameter would look like.

If searching using Google, use search term Cascade Dynamic parameter, that will give you what you need.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

I have found the reason the why it is not working. The parameters are correct but my friend is using Crystal reports XI and it works.

I have downloaded the free trial of Crystal XI and the parameters works fine and the site list is generated.

The reason it is not working is Crystal 2008.

Does anyone know how I can send a picture showing this error and maybe get a fix/update for Crystal 2008?

Edited by: Peter.Jackson on Oct 26, 2010 10:55 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Here, on the forums... Only admins can attach files or screen shots. Any time I need to add an attachment myself, I upload it to Google Docs, make the file available to everyone, and paste the link in my post.

Here is an example... [Label Printing.rpt|https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B_0KY03Gs2knMWUwZTc2YTEtZDU3ZS00MTZlLWJhYTUtNjEyY2QyZGFlOTNj&sort=name&layout=list&num=50]

HTH,

Jason

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Cheers Jason.

I have opened the exactly the same report in Crystal XI (left hand side) and Crystal 2008 (right hand side).

[Crystal XI vs 2008 Screen shot |https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B5clhDzgeG3DZjBmOTRhNzItNjcyYy00YzZmLTg5NzAtMzMwZDJlNmI1MGZi&hl=en]

Crystal XI works correctly and the second parameter generates the site list but in Crystal 2008 no site list is generated.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Former Member]

Does anyone know how I can send a picture showing this error and maybe get a fix/update for Crystal 2008?

Edited by: Peter.Jackson on Oct 26, 2010 10:57 AM