In Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009, reports are used to extract data from the database, filter and sum the data, and then display it in a visually attractive way that gives you an overview of the data. Reports that are designed for the RoleTailored client serve the same purpose. However, the process for designing reports for the RoleTailored client is different than the process for designing reports for the Classic client, and it offers more options for creating reports that provide dynamic data.

Designing Reports

The design process is divided into distinct phases that reflect the different aspects of creating a report.

  • Defining the data model.

  • Defining the grouping and totaling.

  • Defining the visual layout.

When you define the data model, you determine the tables and fields on which to base the report. You define the data model with the Classic client Report Designer.

You define how the data that is displayed in the report should be grouped and define any totaling that should be performed in the Visual Studio Report Designer. If you need to perform complex totaling, then you must also write additional code.

You also define the visual layout of the report, such as aligning controls and inserting images, in the Visual Studio Report Designer.

NoteNote

In the Visual Studio Report Designer, if you click Report, and then click Report Properties, in the Report Properties window there is an Autorefresh check box. Typically, setting this check box specifies that when you run the report, the page will refresh at periodic intervals. However, in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 2009, Autorefresh is not supported. If you enable it, then when the page refreshes it will display an empty preview page.

Loading the Report Design

When you create a report in Microsoft Dynamics NAV and later design it in the Visual Studio Report Designer, a client report definition (RDLC) layout of the report is created when you save the report. When you have designed the layout in Visual Studio, the .rdlc file for the specific report changes and you are asked to load the changes. You must click Yes to save the changes in the database.

Layout in Reports for the RoleTailored Client

With the Visual Studio Report Designer, you can create reports that provide dynamic data. Microsoft Dynamics NAV reports can include images, graphics, toggles on data columns, interactive sorting, and links to other data. For more information, see Defining a Report Layout (Visual Studio Report Designer).

You can create links in a report so that it is not just a static, printed list but instead is a dynamic list that can be used to drill-down into system data. For more information, see Walkthrough: Creating a Link from a Report to a Page and Walkthrough: Creating a Link from a Report to a Report.

You can also include images and graphs in a report to serve as visual aids when representing complex data. With the introduction of visibility toggle and interactive sorting, users can hide data columns that do not always contain data to get a better overview of data. Interactive sorting allows users to interactively change the sort order for data columns. For more information, see Walkthrough: Designing a Report with Images, Interactive Sorting, and Visibility Toggle.

See Also