Question

Crystal Reports - Can not get Dynamic Parameter to work.

Asked by: nickcgi

Hello,

I am trying to get a dynamic parameter to work for my reports.  Here are my steps, along with what I am seeing.

1. Create new Parameter
2. Choose 'Type' = String
3. Choose 'List of Values' = Dynamic
4. Click 'New' radio button (Existing option is greyed out)
5. Click 'Click here to add item' in 'Value' field.
(None) is dislpayed.

I am running version 11.5.10.1263

Any ideas as to why I am given no field options in the 'Value' section?

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Asked On
2009-09-17 at 16:01:18ID24741814
Topic

Crystal Reports Software

Participating Experts
3
Points
125
Comments
9

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Answers

 

by: bdreed35Posted on 2009-09-17 at 19:32:47ID: 25362605

Do you have a datasource already set up in the report?  The value field list is linked to the fields that come back in your datasource.

 

by: mlmccPosted on 2009-09-17 at 21:37:08ID: 25362952

That seems to be the issue.

mlmcc

 

by: nickcgiPosted on 2009-09-18 at 08:36:23ID: 25367062

I do have a data source set up, and the report pulls data successfully.  It is DB2 if that makes any difference?

Attached is a screen shot of my data source properties.  Hopefully there is something useful.  Thanks.

 

by: rhinokPosted on 2009-09-18 at 08:58:54ID: 25367313

It's because you're using a Universe as the primary data source for your report. Universes, SQL Commands and Stored Procedures are all executed prior to other Crystal Reports functions, like parameters.  Generally speaking, if you want to use parameters with those objects, you need to build them into the object themselves, not in Crystal Reports.  In your case, that means you won't be able to use Dynamic and/or Dynamic Cascading Parameters against the existing data source.  Furthermore, any parameters you do create in Crystal Reports won't be passed to the database for processing.  Instead, every possible value from the Universe and it's underlying SQL will be returned across the network where it will then be filtered out by the client after the fact.

At a high level, I recommend not using Universes for Crystal reporting unless the Unverse has 100% of what you need for data filtering already built into it.  If you need to apply any other filters, you'd be better served with a different data source in most situations.

~Kurt

 

by: nickcgiPosted on 2009-09-18 at 10:03:11ID: 25367854

Sorry, I have an additional question.  If I create  list of values (LOV) in the universe, can I create a dynamic parameter within my crystal report that uses this LOV?  I can not find instructions on how to do this.

 

by: rhinokPosted on 2009-09-18 at 10:07:30ID: 25367899

To the best of my knowledge, you cannot create a dynamic parameter based upon a Universe LOV.

~Kurt

 

by: mlmccPosted on 2009-09-18 at 15:38:45ID: 25370556

I haven't read the full article but I think it addresses your issue

http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/boc/index?rid=/library/uuid/20984c2b-17f1-2b10-1091-d18977f7cd8f

mlmcc

 

by: rhinokPosted on 2009-09-18 at 20:08:59ID: 25371384

This is probably a better document, since it pertains specifically to parameters (I found the link in your document, thanks mlmcc):

http://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/boc/index?rid=/library/uuid/50ff4d42-901e-2b10-0c9f-b711e043a352&overridelayout=true

At a high level, the document says:

1)  The parameters have to be based on Universe LoV prompts
2)   You need to configure the prompt in the Universe Designer to refresh with every use.  The prompt should be available within the parameter panel or field explorer when you connect to the Universe.  You shouldn't have to create it in Crystal Reports.

~Kurt

 

by: nickcgiPosted on 2009-09-21 at 09:13:38ID: 25384481

Thank you for the response.  I have read both articles, and set up my LOV according to the instructions.  I re-exported my Universe, but I still do not see the prompt in the field exporer, or within the parameter panel.  I think I am stumped...

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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