If you've created, say, an Access database, why would you then go using Crystal Reports?
What does it offer that an Access database cannot be made to do?
In this particular case, it's a payroll database, if that makes any difference.
I don't need a real detailed answer or anything.
I'm only a VERY little bit familiar with CR.
Like I know you can export to Excel and the icon used to be a suitcase, LOL! But that was soooo many years ago.
Anyway, more points for a fast answer that I can live with.
:)
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>>Reporting is selecting what you want to display and how to display it grouping, sorting,...
I can do this in Access.
>>u control the UI of the report....
>>I use it when I want something the user needs to interact with
What is used? Do other users use CR to view/analyze the data? Or other programs?
>>u also dynamically control the parameters, how salaries in range ... to ...
Sorry, not sure I understand that part.
I would say that for a payroll program there is no real need to use anything but the Access reports.
The main reason to use Crystal rather than the built in reporting is that Crystal offers some features you need that cannot be fulfilled in Access. Off the top of my head I cannot think of any especially for a payroll program. Most of your reports will be earnings statements, summaries and the like. Those are tasks that Access reports can do very well.
For the cost of Crystal I don't think you will get anything to help recover that cost. In addition you will incur recurring costs and more training.
mlmcc
mlmcc: Thanks for that info. I suspected as much myself. Frankly, I'm applying for a job, and this is one thing that I would be involved in. They even say experience with CR is a plus. I cannot imagine what could be done in CR that cannot be done in Access...I mean...I could see in some type of Sales system where district managers might want to manipulate data for what-if scenarios, etc....but not this.
I'll post some points for you as well.
Crystal reports is used alot by application developers too - not just as a stand alone package - like access.
Within the application you can embed a 'report viewer' which means that you can develop reports that you distribute with
your app. and your app now had the full power of crystal built in and your customers do not need crystal reports on their
machines either. To use Access in this manner requires you have Access installed.
I would feel that Access would suffice if your sitiuation.
Business Accounts
Answer for Membership
by: Riham_sherifPosted on 2003-09-08 at 06:54:49ID: 9309486
Reporting is selecting what you want to display and how to display it grouping, sorting,...
u control the UI of the report....
u export it to pdf, doc,...
u also dynamically control the parameters, how salaries in range ... to ...
I use it when I want something the user needs to interact with