Crystal Reports 2008 Designer 1 Online Training Sep 15-18 2008

This two day interactive workshop was designed for new users of Crystal Reports 2008. Some of the topics covered include a review of the software features, report design and the creation of presentation quality reports. The course incorporates a number of hands on exercises to reinforce the learning process.

Course Prerequisites

Working knowledge of Windows 2000/XP/Vista environment is required. Familiarity with relational database concepts (tables, fields and records) is strongly recommended.

Course Outline

Creating a Report

• Starting the Crystal Reports Program
• Starting a New Report
• Choosing a Data Source
• The Main Components of the Design Window
• Exploring the Toolbars
• Managing Resources with Explorers
• Placing Fields on the Report
• Selecting and Sizing Objects
• Browsing Field Data
• Moving and Aligning Objects
• Using Guides and Guidelines to Move and Align Objects
• Creating Text Objects
• Saving the Report
• Auto-saving the Report
• Previewing the Report
• Refreshing the Data
• Using the Status Bar
• Getting Help
• Challenge Exercise - Creating a Basic Report

Formatting Features

• Quick Formatting with the Template Expert
• Using the Format Painter
• Formatting Objects
• Inserting Lines and Boxes
• Inserting Graphics
• Working with the Page Commands
• Changing Page Orientation
• Changing Margins
• Working with Text Objects
• Adding Fields into a Text Object
• Formatting Part or All of an Object
• Inserting Special Fields
• Challenge Exercise – Formatting Features

Database Filters

• Filtering Data with the Select Expert
• Selecting Records with Multiple Criteria
• Viewing and Editing the Select Formula
• Case Sensitive vs. Case Insensitive
• Record Selection Formula Templates
• Challenge Exercise - Selecting Specific Records
• Challenge Exercise - Selecting a Range of Values

Report Grouping

• When and Why to Group Records
• Creating a Group
• Group and Sort Direction
• Customize Group Name Field
• Modifying Groups
• Creating Multiple Groups in a Report
• Using the Group Tree to Navigate the Report
• Reordering Groups
• Using the Sort Control
• Summarizing Groups
• Additional Summary Options
• Grouping Data in Date/Time Intervals
• Calculating Percentages
• Ordering Groups Based on Their Subtotals Using the Group Sort Expert
• Challenge Exercise - Grouping, Sorting, Summarizing
• Challenge Exercise - Calculating Percentages

Multiple Table Joins

• Understanding Tables, Records, and Fields
• Learning About Linking
• Adding Multiple Tables to a Report
• Challenge Exercise - Using the Database Expert to Link Tables

Creating Formulas

• Understanding Crystal Formula Syntax without Being a Programmer
• About the Formula Workshop
• Using the Formula Workshop
• Using the Formula Editor
• The Formula Editor Toolbar
• Performing Simple Number Calculations
• Manipulating Dates with Formulas
• Creating Boolean (True/False) Formulas
• Creating String Formulas
• Using Bookmarks to Navigate Through Formulas
• Challenge Exercise - Creating String Formulas Challenge
• Exercise – Creating String Formulas
• Challenge Exercise – Doing Calculations
• Challenge Exercise – Subtracting Dates
• Challenge Exercise – Using Nested If Statements

Conditional Formatting

• Formatting Sections
• Formatting Sections Conditionally
• Conditionally Formatting Fields
• Challenge Exercise - Section Formatting and Conditional Formatting

Summary Reports and Charts

• Creating a Summary Report
• Applying the Drill Down Feature
• Applying the DrillDownGroupLevel
• Producing Charts • Editing Charts
• Formatting Charts
• Using the Chart Options
• Modifying Individual Objects in the Chart
• Applying Chart Templates
• Challenge Exercise - Creating a Summary Report
• Challenge Exercise - Charting

Exporting Reports

• Understanding Export Formats and Destinations
• Using a PDF Format for Crystal Reports
• Exporting to Windows Applications
• Exporting to a Report Definition Format

Report Wizards

• What are the Report Wizards?
• Create a Report Using the Standard Report Creation Wizard
• The Data Dialog Box
• The Fields Dialog Box
• The Grouping Dialog Box
• The Summaries Dialog Box
• The Group Sorting Dialog Box
• The Chart Dialog Box
• The Record Selection Dialog Box
• The Template Dialog Box
• Challenge Exercise - Create a Report Using a Report Wizard

APPENDIX A - Mapping

• Understanding Maps
• Map Layouts
• Map Types
• Formatting the Map
• Drilling Down on Maps
• Changing the Geographic Map
• Using the Map Navigator
• Changing Map Layers
• Resolving Data Mismatches

APPENDIX B – Before You Begin

• Defining the Purpose of the Report • Determining the Layout of the Report • Finding the Data • Organizing the Data for the Report • The Workbench

APPENDIX C – Setting Default and Report Options

• Setting the Default Layout for Design and Preview Views

APPENDIX D - Pre-Qualification Exercise for the Power User Workshop

• Why Should You Pre-qualify Yourself for the Power User Workshop? Pre-qualification Exercise

APPENDIX E – The Northwind 2008 Database

• A relational diagram of tables existing the Northwind 2008 database provided with the Designer 1 class files

APPENDIX F - Installation and System Requirements

• Review the necessary hardware and operating system requirements to make Crystal Reports operate correctly

APPENDIX G - Function and Operator Locations

• A complete listing of all the available Formula Functions and an explanation of the new Custom Functions

APPENDIX H – Glossary

• A complete glossary of terms used throughout the book

This course will be conducted using Dashcourses’ new Virtual Learning Environment classroom. We designed this industry-leading facility to provide you with a training environment that is not only economical, it is as effective and interactive as having a real live instructor standing right next to you.

Date/Time: September 15-18, 2008
Location: Your computer
More Information and to Register: http://www.dashcourses.com/public-courses.html