Report Writer in Microsoft Dynamics GP 9.0
Course 8517: Two days;
Instructor-Led
Course Fee:
$998.00
Course Time: 2 days, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, or 4 evenings, 6pm - 9pm
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 Certification exams
No Microsoft Certification 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
|
|
