WebFOCUS InfoAssist User's Manual

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Copyright © 2011 Information Builders

This documentation describes how to use the WebFOCUS InfoAssist application. It is intended for users that need to create, modify, and run reports.

Contact your local Information Builders account manager to learn how to license and enable this new capability.

Note: The WebFOCUS toolset generates the rich FOCUS fourth generation language. While this language is very extensive, the WebFOCUS toolset only supports a subset of the language and only specific syntax constructs. While the user can manually modify the content of these WebFOCUS procedures/files, there is no guarantee that the user will be able to open the modified procedure in the tool.

How This Manual Is Organized

This manual includes the following chapters:

Chapter/Appendix

Contents

1

Introducing and Launching InfoAssist

Describes the benefits of the WebFOCUS InfoAssist ad hoc reporting tool, how to access it, and how to use its start-up screen.

2

Setting InfoAssist User Preferences

Describes how to customize the InfoAssist application.

3

Using the InfoAssist Application Window

Describes how to use the elements that make up the application window.

4

Building InfoMini Applications

Describes how to create InfoMini applications that have embedded analysis functionality that is available at run time.

5

Using Slicers

Describes the functionality of slicers, the dynamic selection criteria available from the Slicers tab.

6

Customizing and Styling Reports

Describes how to apply styling to reports and create custom report output.

7

Hierarchical Reporting in InfoAssist

Describes how to create reports from multi-dimensional data sources, such as SAP BW. Level and parent/child hierarchy models are supported and reporting rules are automatically enforced.

8

Creating and Customizing Charts

Describes how to create and customize charts, and provides an overview of the available chart types and output formats.

9

Using Document View and Building Compound Documents

Describes features of compound documents and Document view, which enables users to add text, images, active form controls, reports, and charts to create compound documents in InfoAssist.

Documentation Conventions

The following table lists and describes the conventions that apply in this manual.

Convention

Description

THIS TYPEFACE

or

this typeface

Denotes syntax that you must enter exactly as shown.

this typeface    

Represents a placeholder (or variable) in syntax for a value that you or the system must supply.

underscore     

Indicates a default setting.

this typeface

Represents a placeholder (or variable), a cross-reference, or an important term. It may also indicate a button, menu item, or dialog box option that you can click or select.

this typeface

Highlights a file name or command.

Key + Key

Indicates keys that you must press simultaneously.

{  }

Indicates two or three choices; type one of them, not the braces.

[  ]

Indicates a group of optional parameters. None are required, but you may select one of them. Type only the parameter in the brackets, not the brackets.

|

Separates mutually exclusive choices in syntax. Type one of them, not the symbol.

...

Indicates that you can enter a parameter multiple times. Type only the parameter, not the ellipsis points (...).

.

.

.

Indicates that there are (or could be) intervening or additional commands.

Related Publications

To view a current listing of our publications and to place an order, visit our Technical Documentation Library, http://documentation.informationbuilders.com. You can also contact the Publications Order Department at (800) 969-4636.

Customer Support

Do you have any questions about this product?

Join the Focal Point community. Focal Point is our online developer center and more than a message board. It is an interactive network of more than 3,000 developers from almost every profession and industry, collaborating on solutions and sharing tips and techniques, http://forums.informationbuilders.com/eve/forums.

You can also access support services electronically, 24 hours a day, with InfoResponse Online. InfoResponse Online is accessible through our World Wide Web site, http://www.informationbuilders.com. It connects you to the tracking system and known-problem database at the Information Builders support center. Registered users can open, update, and view the status of cases in the tracking system and read descriptions of reported software issues. New users can register immediately for this service. The technical support section of www.informationbuilders.com also provides usage techniques, diagnostic tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Call Information Builders Customer Support Service (CSS) at (800) 736-6130 or (212) 736-6130. Customer Support Consultants are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST to address all your questions. Information Builders consultants can also give you general guidance regarding product capabilities and documentation. Please be ready to provide your six-digit site code number (xxxx.xx) when you call.

To learn about the full range of available support services, ask your Information Builders representative about InfoResponse Online, or call (800) 969-INFO.

Information You Should Have

To help our consultants answer your questions effectively, be prepared to provide the following information when you call:

User Feedback

In an effort to produce effective documentation, the Documentation Services staff welcomes your opinions regarding this manual. Please use the Reader Comments form at the end of this manual to communicate suggestions for improving this publication or to alert us to corrections. You can also use the Documentation Feedback form on our Web site, http://documentation.informationbuilders.com/feedback.asp.

Thank you, in advance, for your comments.

Information Builders Consulting and Training

Interested in training? Information Builders Education Department offers a wide variety of training courses for this and other Information Builders products.

For information on course descriptions, locations, and dates, or to register for classes, visit our World Wide Web site (http://www.informationbuilders.com) or call (800) 969-INFO to speak to an Education Representative.