Report Writer in Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0
Course 8517: Two days; Instructor-Led
On This Page
Introduction
The two-day Microsoft Dynamics GP course on Report Writer helps
prepare students to set up and begin to use Report Writer. It
focuses on the different ways to configure the application in a
networked environment. It focuses on how Report Writer can be used
to customize reports to best meet your needs. You learn how to
modify existing reports or create custom reports to maximize the
information you receive from the accounting system. Students
completing this course should have a good basic understanding of
Report Writer functionality and capabilities. Financial statements
are not formatted using Report Writer and are not covered in this
course.
Audience
Microsoft Dynamics GP Report Writer training is recommended for
people who plan to implement, configure, consult, or support
Microsoft Dynamics GP and want to modify existing reports or create
their own custom reports using Report Writer. The class is targeted
toward application administrators, implementers, and end-users of
the Report Writer application who need to understand the technical
aspects of Report Writer and gain foundational knowledge of the
application functionality and capabilities.
At Course Completion
After completing this course, students should be able to:
| • |
Determine the setup configuration they
want to use for Report Writer |
| • |
Identify where modified reports are
stored and how to limit access to certain reports using
Microsoft Dynamics GP security |
| • |
Create user-defined sorts and
restrictions so information appears in the order desired,
and only the information you want appears on a report |
| • |
Understand general report layout
functionality |
| • |
Place text, report fields, graphics,
and other items on a report layout |
| • |
Modify existing reports to better fit
their reporting needs |
| • |
Design custom reports to access
important application data |
| • |
Identify the sections of a report and
how to add additional headers & footers |
| • |
Link tables together so reports can be
developed using multiple data tables |
| • |
Create user defined links for related
tables that have common keys |
| • |
Create user-defined fields by using
calculated and conditional expressions |
| • |
Understand how Field Options can be
used to generate needed information |
| • |
Import reports between report
dictionaries using the Customization Maintenance window
functionality |
Prerequisites
Before attending this course, students should have:
| • |
Some working knowledge of Windows 2000
or Windows XP, SQL Server 2000 |
| • |
Basic understanding of Microsoft
Dynamics GP modules and database storage techniques |
Microsoft Certified Professional Exams
No Microsoft Certified Professional exams are associated with
this course currently.
Course Materials
The student materials include a comprehensive workbook including
exercises and case studies that should be used to reinforce
learning. Other supplementary materials for this class are also
included.
Course Outline
Chapter 1: Report Writer Overview
This chapter gives students a general overview of the Report
Writer application and provides information on some of the different
Report Writer configurations that can be implemented by users of the
application. Individual report security is discussed and
demonstrated, and the different types of reports are discussed and
defined. The terminology used throughout the class is defined in
this chapter. Students should complete the exercises available for
this chapter after the discussion of the topics is complete to
reinforce learning on the topics covered.
Main Topics
| • |
Report Writer Features & Benefits |
| • |
Using the Reports Dictionary |
| • |
Configuring/Setting up Report Writer |
| • |
Using the Report Writer Main Window |
| • |
Defining Report Types |
| • |
Security |
Labs
| • |
Creating Secondary Copies of Reports |
| • |
Creating Primary Copies of Reports |
| • |
Button Functions |
| • |
Temporary Tables Effects on Reports |
| • |
Granting Access & Printing Primary
Copies |
| • |
Working with Secondary Copies |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Briefly describe the features and
functionality available in Report Writer |
| • |
Describe the advantages and
disadvantages of the different setup configurations
available for Report Writer |
| • |
Understand basic terminology that will
be used when using Report Writer |
| • |
Identify the different types of reports
that exist in Microsoft Dynamics GP and Report Writer |
| • |
Restrict access to individual reports
using the security options available in Microsoft Dynamics
GP |
| • |
Understand available printing and
format options when generating reports in Microsoft Dynamics
and Report Writer |
Chapter 2: Report Definition Window, Sorting, & Restricting
This chapter focuses on the Report Definition window and the
functionality that can be selected on it. It also focuses on using
sorts, which can be pre-defined or user-defined on any particular
report. The chapter also examines the use of restrictions to reduce
the amount of data that otherwise may appear on a report allowing
users to focus their attention on the data they deem important.
Exercises at the end of the chapter should be completed by students
to reinforce learning on the topics in Chapter Two.
Main Topics
| • |
Table Information Options/Report
Definition Window |
| • |
Keys, and Max Records |
| • |
Format Options |
| • |
Text Report Options |
| • |
Printing Options |
| • |
Using Sorts |
| • |
Using Restrictions |
| • |
Writing Restriction Expressions |
Labs
| • |
Creating a User-defined Sort on a
Report |
| • |
Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys |
| • |
Other Sorting Options |
| • |
Creating Restrictions |
| • |
Using Table Fields in Restriction
Expressions |
| • |
Using Constants in Restriction
Expressions |
| • |
Using Operators in Restriction
Expressions |
| • |
Constant Types and Field Storage |
| • |
Writing Restriction Expressions |
| • |
Secondary Copy Restrictions |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Use the Report Definition window to
influence how a report is printed |
| • |
Change the sort on a report from
existing sorts or keys |
| • |
Create user-defined sorts from any
linked table so data appears in the order preferred |
| • |
Enter restriction expressions to limit
data that appears on a report |
| • |
Understand how to use constants,
functions, and operators in restriction expressions |
| • |
Define the different constant types and
how each is used for different table fields in Microsoft
Dynamics |
Chapter 3: Report Layout Window, Columns & Graphics
This chapter examines the many different options,
functionalities, and tools that can be used to design or modify
reports in Report Writer. Discussion and demonstration of features
and options using the toolbox highlight most of the time spent on
this chapter. Some of the features and options that are covered
include placing a field on the layout, adding text or a label to a
report, resizing text or fields, placing the date and time on a
report, adding graphics or logos, using the divider tool to create
columns on a report, using the arrange and tile tools, and many
more.
There is also discussion on the different sections of a report,
and what they typically contain in Report Writer. Each section is
discussed, and time is spent on how users can include or exclude
different sections of a report. The exercises at the end of the
chapter should be completed by students to reinforce learning.
Main Topics
| • |
The Report Layout window |
| • |
Report Sections |
| • |
Using the Toolbox window |
| • |
Placing Fields in the Layout |
| • |
Adding Text or Labels to Reports |
| • |
Moving and Sizing fields |
| • |
Drawing Options |
| • |
Using Arrange & Tile Tools |
| • |
Using the Divider Tool |
| • |
Adding & Storing Graphics |
| • |
Designing a Report Layout |
| • |
Placing Table Fields & Text on Reports |
| • |
Drawing Options/Fonts |
| • |
Properties window |
| • |
Adding Graphics to the Picture Library |
| • |
Adding a Graphic to a Report |
| • |
Using the Divider Tool |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Identify the different sections on a
report layout |
| • |
Understand the different options
available on text and graphics reports |
| • |
Use the Layout and Arrange tools when
designing reports |
| • |
Place and move table fields, text, and
other items on a report layout |
| • |
Size fields, text, and graphics on
reports |
| • |
Apply different fonts, colors, and
patterns to fields using the Drawing Options window |
| • |
Use the divider tool to create report
columns on reports |
| • |
Add and store graphics such as a logo
for use on reports |
Chapter 4: Linking Tables & Additional Headers and Footers
This chapter demonstrates how tables can be linked together so
that reports will be able to pull data from multiple tables. There
is discussion of linking rules and the two different types of links;
one-to-one and one-to-many, that can be used when linking tables.
In addition to linking, the chapter also focuses on how
additional headers and footers can be created as necessary on
reports. The effects of sorts on additional headers is highlighted,
and the exercises at the end of the section demonstrate how these
report additions can be used to design sleek and informational
reports to stakeholders in your company.
Main Topics
| • |
Linking Methods |
| • |
Types of Linking |
| • |
Linking Tables |
| • |
Additional Headers |
| • |
Sorting & Additional Headers |
| • |
Additional Footers |
| • |
Additional Header & Footer Options |
Labs
| • |
Linking Tables to a Primary Table |
| • |
Different Types of Links |
| • |
Keys and Links |
| • |
Table Relationships |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers |
| • |
Creating Additional Footers |
| • |
Using Count Field Options |
| • |
Modifying Field Fonts & Sizes |
| • |
Sizing Report Section |
Labs (continued)
| • |
Using Additional Headers & Footers on
Existing Reports |
| • |
Sorts and Additional Headers |
| • |
Arranging Information on a Report |
| • |
Sizing Report Sections |
Lab: Day One Case Study (Appendix B)
| • |
Creating Custom Reports |
| • |
Creating a User-defined Sort on a
Report |
| • |
Multiple Sorting Fields/Keys |
| • |
Other Sorting Options |
| • |
Creating Restrictions |
| • |
Designing a Report Layout |
| • |
Placing Table Fields & Text on Reports |
| • |
Drawing Options/Fonts |
| • |
Adding Graphics to the Picture Library |
| • |
Adding a Graphic to a Report |
| • |
Linking Tables |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers |
| • |
Creating Additional Footers |
| • |
Sizing Report Sections |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Identify the different methods that can
be used to link tables |
| • |
Link tables using the Report Table
Relationships window |
| • |
Understand the different types of table
links and the table relationships for each type |
| • |
Describe the limits on linking tables
in Report Writer |
| • |
Remove table links from a report |
| • |
Understand how additional headers and
footers are used in Report Writer |
| • |
Explain how sorts influence the use of
additional headers and footers |
Chapter 5: Array Fields, Field Options & Calculated Fields
This chapter examines how array fields are used in Microsoft
Dynamics GP and how they are uniquely stored and treated in Report
Writer. Time is spent discussing the different field options that
are available for fields that are placed on the report layout.
The creation of user-defined fields is discussed. Conditional and
calculated expressions are demonstrated and examples given on how
they can be used on reports. The concatenate functionality is
discussed and is the focus of one of the exercises that is available
at the end of the chapter that students should complete after the
lecture on this chapter is finished.
Main Topics
| • |
Array Fields |
| • |
Adding Array fields to the Report
Layout |
| • |
Field Options |
| • |
Field Types |
| • |
User-defined Calculated Fields |
| • |
Writing Calculated Expressions |
| • |
Writing Conditional Expressions |
| • |
Result Types |
| • |
Using Fields Constants & Functions in
Expressions |
| • |
Concatenation |
Labs
| • |
Adding Array Fields to a Report Layout |
| • |
Array Field Calculations |
| • |
Linking Tables |
| • |
Defining Report Sections |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers |
| • |
Creating Additional Footers |
| • |
Setting Field Options |
| • |
Report Design |
| • |
Concatenate Operator |
| • |
Strip Function |
| • |
Report Design |
| • |
Creating Calculated Fields |
Labs (continued)
| • |
Report Design |
| • |
Conditional Calculated Fields |
| • |
Calculated Fields |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers |
| • |
Creating Additional Footers |
| • |
Using Field Options |
| • |
Format, Text, & Printing Options |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Work with array fields |
| • |
Create user-defined calculated fields |
| • |
Understand the difference between
calculated and conditional expressions |
| • |
Place calculated fields onto reports |
| • |
Understand how to use the concatenate
functionality in Report Writer |
| • |
Identify available field options for
report fields |
Chapter 6: Planning a Report
This chapter examines the process of planning a new custom report
in Report Writer. The discussion is centered on the recommended
steps to go through to first determine if there is an existing
report that could be used and slightly modified or if indeed we need
a new custom report. In addition, the chapter spends some time
discussing how and where data resides in Microsoft Dynamics GP and
how Report Writer can be used to access the necessary information
needed for a report. There is a case study that students will
complete to reinforce the planning process.
Main Topics
| • |
Determining Report Needs |
| • |
Reviewing Existing Dynamics Reports |
| • |
Planning the Report Layout |
| • |
Determining where Information Exists |
| • |
Using Table, Field & Window
Descriptions |
Labs: Planning a Report - Case Study (Appendix B)
| • |
Planning a Report |
| • |
Steps of Planning |
| • |
Creating Custom Reports |
| • |
Creating a User-defined Sort on a
Report |
| • |
Creating Sorts |
| • |
Creating Restrictions |
| • |
Designing a Report Layout |
| • |
Drawing Options/Fonts |
| • |
Using the Divider Tool |
| • |
Adding Graphics |
| • |
Linking Tables |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers & Footers |
| • |
Sizing Report Sections |
| • |
Using Calculated Fields |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Understand the basic concepts of
planning a report |
| • |
Determine the needs for a report |
| • |
Plan a report layout for basic reports |
| • |
Use Table, Field, and Window
Descriptions to determine what tables are needed for a
report and should be linked |
| • |
Plan the use of sorts, restrictions,
calculated fields and grouping |
Chapter 7: Defining Table Relationships
This chapter explains the process and steps to create a new table
relationship. The chapter delves into the components and
requirements of creating a new table relationship. There is also a
discussion on keys that are used to link tables together and how
they can affect the type of link that is created.
There is a short discussion on one-to-one and one-to-many
relationships and the benefits of trying to create one-to-one
relationships if possible.
Main Topics
| • |
Table Relationship Components &
Requirements |
| • |
Defining Relationships |
| • |
Selecting Keys/Sorts |
Labs
| • |
Using Table, Field, & Window
Descriptions |
| • |
Creating a Table
Relationship/Relationship Types |
| • |
Report Design |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Understand table relationship
requirements |
| • |
Create new table relationships |
Chapter 8: Data Types, Formats & Strings
This chapter examines the use of Data Types, Formats, and Strings
in Microsoft Dynamics GP. Most changes to these items will generally
not be made without Microsoft Dynamics GP Modifier, as changing this
in Report Writer only affects reporting and how the information is
displayed on reports. It will not change fields within the
application.
Main Topics
| • |
Data Types & Formats |
| • |
Modifying Data Types |
| • |
Changing Formats |
| • |
Customizing Strings |
Labs
| • |
Modifying Format Strings |
| • |
Assigning Field Formats |
| • |
Creating New Formats |
| • |
Changing Static Text Values |
| • |
Effects on Changing Static Text |
| • |
Modifying Format Strings |
| • |
Resources Menu |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Modify a Data Type |
| • |
Change Existing Formats |
| • |
Customize Strings |
Chapter 9: Report Scheduler
This chapter shows how the Report Scheduler can be used to
automate the report printing process. The chapter covers the
necessary setup requirements, the printing routine, and the process
to remove reports from the scheduled printing routine.
Main Topics
| • |
Setting up Report Scheduler |
| • |
Scheduling Reports |
| • |
Managing the Printing Process |
Labs
| • |
Adding a Report to a Schedule |
| • |
Creating a New Publisher and Assigning
Publishing Rights |
| • |
Removing Reports from the Schedule |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Understand the necessary steps to set
up Report Scheduler |
| • |
Explain the benefits to using Report
Scheduler |
| • |
Use Report Scheduler to publish and
print reports |
| • |
Remove reports from the "to publish"
list |
Chapter 10: Customization Import and Export Capabilities
In this chapter, the Customization Maintenance window and process
is discussed and demonstrated so that users can freely share and use
modified reports. There is also some discussion of the reports
dictionary files and how they are managed. The chapter also focuses
some time on the older Import/Export options available and how they
were used, especially in the conversion process, including a
discussion of the validation process. At the end of this lesson,
students will complete case studies to reinforce what they have
learned in the course.
Main Topics
| • |
Customization Maintenance |
| • |
Importing Reports |
| • |
Validating Reports |
| • |
Troubleshooting the Import/Export
Process |
Labs
| • |
Creating Custom Reports |
| • |
Creating a User-defined Sort on a
Report |
| • |
Creating Sorts |
| • |
Creating Restrictions |
| • |
Designing a Report Layout |
| • |
Drawing Options/Fonts |
| • |
Using the Divider Tool |
| • |
Adding Graphics |
| • |
Linking Tables |
| • |
Creating Additional Headers & Footers |
| • |
Sizing Report Sections |
| • |
Using Calculated Fields |
| • |
Creating Table Relationships |
| • |
Changing Field Formats |
Labs
| • |
Modifying Reports |
| • |
Modifying a Report Layout |
| • |
Create a Calculated Field |
| • |
Modifying the Dynamics.set file |
| • |
Importing/exporting reports |
After completing this chapter, students should be able to:
| • |
Use the Customization Maintenance
window to create package files that contain report layouts
and formats to share with other users |
| • |
Understand the import/export
functionality within Report Writer |
| • |
Validate imported reports |
| • |
Troubleshoot import/export messages |
