WebFOCUS Managed Reporting End User's Manual

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This documentation describes the WebFOCUS Managed Reporting end user environment, which provides easy access to the information that users need, regardless of hardware platforms, database structures, or application programs. It is intended for users that need to run and create reports.

How This Manual Is Organized

This manual includes the following chapters:

Chapter/Appendix		Contents
1	Introducing WebFOCUS Managed Reporting	Describes Managed Reporting and the end-user components and tools you use to run, view, create, and edit reports. Also explains how to access Managed Reporting using the Java™ applet or Dashboard interfaces.
2	Using Dashboard	Describes Dashboard, which automatically connects you to WebFOCUS and WebFOCUS Managed Reporting. From Dashboard you can select a domain, use the items (reports, graphs, reporting objects, or URLs) in the Domain Tree and Role Tree, view the status of a deferred report, search domains, access reporting tools (InfoAssist, Power Painter, Report Assistant, Graph Assistant), schedule reports with ReportCaster, access the Report Library, personalize content blocks, and much more.
3	Creating Dashboard Content	Describes how to create content blocks, which display when you open Dashboard. Content blocks can contain launched reports, links to reports, or links to Internet resources.
4	Using the Deferred Report Status Interface	Describes the functionality of the Deferred Report Status Interface. Provides specific procedures to guide you through viewing, saving and deleting reports, deleting deferred reports that are being processed but are not yet complete, as well as reviewing parameters for reports containing amper variables.
5	Analyzing Data in an OLAP Report	Presents the terminology and benefits of using Online Analytical Processing (OLAP). Describes how to customize reports with the OLAP selections panel and the OLAP Control Panel. Describes how to sort and apply various selection criteria (to restrict your data) as well as how to troubleshoot an OLAP-enabled report. Explains how the OLAP Control Panel (OCP) provides you with a versatile way to gain more insight from your reports by dynamically manipulating report data. From the Control Panel, you can perform every function available to a WebFOCUS OLAP user.
6	Visualizing Trends in Reports	Describes how to insert visual representations of selected data directly into your report output.
7	Using the WebFOCUS Viewer	Describes how to use the WebFOCUS Viewer to view long reports.
A	Using Java Applet Managed Reporting	Describes Java-based Managed Reporting and provides procedures for running reports and creating your own reports using blocks of data your Administrator has created for you.

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 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 the 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:

Your six-digit site code (xxxx.xx).
Your WebFOCUS configuration:
- The front-end you are using, including vendor and release.
- The communications protocol (for example, TCP/IP or HLLAPI), including vendor and release.
- The software release.
- Your server version and release. You can find this information using the Version option in the Web Console.
The stored procedure (preferably with line numbers) or SQL statements being used in server access.
The Master File and Access File.
The exact nature of the problem:
- Are the results or the format incorrect? Are the text or calculations missing or misplaced?
- The error message and return code, if applicable.
- Is this related to any other problem?
Has the procedure or query ever worked in its present form? Has it been changed recently? How often does the problem occur?
What release of the operating system are you using? Has it, your security system, communications protocol, or front-end software changed?
Is this problem reproducible? If so, how?
Have you tried to reproduce your problem in the simplest form possible? For example, if you are having problems joining two data sources, have you tried executing a query containing just the code to access the data source?
Do you have a trace file?
How is the problem affecting your business? Is it halting development or production? Do you just have questions about functionality or documentation?

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.