Reporting tool is the software that allows users to create business reports based on data in a database.
Is it worth getting a third party Reporting Tool
So your organization has a lot of data, securely stored in a data warehouse. Without a reporting tool however, that data is just going to lie there. Till eternity! An easy to use, customize and deploy reporting tool is what differentiates a metrics and data driven organization from a bat flying without a sonar.
If you just have a simplistic data reporting requirement, such as reporting “my website got 157 visitors today” or “I sold 231 widgets this week”, you should probably write a custom reporting tool. It would be hard to justify a fancy 3rd party reporting tool for something you could roll in a few hours. However, life (and reporting requirements) are rarely that simple. Often you have to provide reports to many departments. Each of the departments have their own reporting requirements, some requiring complex charting features causing a need for a full fledged reporting tool.
The third party reporting tool often have pre-built templates which allow faster report generation. In a well thought out reporting tool, the templates allow you reports that are customized for different departments using wizards. Great results with little effort.
The management of your organization often needs to look at Key Performance Indicators(KPIs), while the different departments need the nitty gritty details. While the KPI’s change, so flexibility in a reporting tool is good, the third party reporting tools really shine when it comes to the user created reports.
Let’s take an example: The marketing department is trying to track and report the results of numerous campaigns that they have been running. They have bought a space on the billboard, an ad running every Sunday for 6 weeks in a newspaper and an online advertisement. If they ask you(the IT department) to create a report, that report will most likely not be useful for very long. This is because their focus, promotions and campaigns will keep changing and just one report will not be able to capture the information. There are two solutions to this problem. The old resource hungry solution is that they dedicate a few IT guys just to generate new reports as the needs keep changing. It’s slow, and takes something away from the creativity of the marketing guys as they have to wait for the IT to finish the reporting process.
A better reporting solution for such a scenario is for the IT guys to create a flexible reporting system using tried and tested third party reporting tool. Once the system is deployed, it should allow the marketing department to create ad hoc reports. Why can’t your own reporting tool do the same? Well, there is no rule which says it can’t, but it is often a good decision to rely on reporting tool vendors whose focus is giving a full featured product to their customers. Their tools have often been through a QA cycle, feature review, and are designed to be generic. The result is a flexible reporting tool solution. Trying to replicate that level of functionality in a reporting tool, when the core competency of the organization is something else, is often not cost effective.
Another point to consider is how you are going to deliver the data to the customers. Are you going to email it to your management, send them a link for web connection, intranet, extranet or write a desktop reporting tool which grabs the data and reports it. Or all of the above. You will have to write a distribution mechanism for each channel. A third party reporting tool will often be written with the plumbing for all the distribution mechanism. Making the distribution of the reports a cinch. An easy reporting tool distribution mechanism often means that you don’t have to waste time on implementing resource intensive report distribution details.
A very important consideration while designing a reporting tool system is the security and access to information. The HR does not need to know the weekly sales figure, and the marketing department does not need to know the salary of their VP. In designing a reporting system for the whole organization, such data has to be protected in order to give out information on a need to know basis. A generic reporting tool often has a well thought out security system, which has to implemented for a homegrown reporting tool.
In short, while the reports can be created in an in house system, for sophisticated reports with complex charting capability, ad hoc queries and security, it is often cost effective to utilize a third party reporting tool.
(Reporting Tool’s multi-language versions include English, Japanese and Chinese version.)
. I. Reporting Tool Solution
Reporting Tool is a leading Reporting Tool supporting both Web and C/S environments. It facilitates users to easily create reports fit for their requirements and needs through direct or indirect connection to various kinds of Databases. Reporting Tool consists of three components; a Server, an Editor and a Viewer. The Viewer used in report printing can be provided in two different forms; execution module in a .EXE format or an Active-x control supporting Web environment in an OCX format.
The Reporting Tool Editor facilitates Designing Report Form with much more convenient and powerful editing functionality; the Viewer generates finished resultant report by mapping the underlying data to the finished Form file.
Reporting Tool not only helps users easily insert images, charts, barcodes and many other desired objects to a report but also provides a whole-nine-yard of powerful functionalities such as Blob date support, data conversion, printing attributes alteration, number of functions and built-in scripts. That is why Reporting Tool is clearly the most optimized solution in generating Eastern or Asian style exquisite reports represented by extensive use of tables and lines.
An end-user can utilize finished reports in unlimited ways thanks to well-developed, conducive features like Index, inquiry toolbar, hyper link, and Export functionalities (to Excel, A-re Hangeul, PDF, JPG etc).
Also, we proudly presents its user-friendly, easy-to-use features for data exploitation and verification in the form of conditional data conversion, printing attributes alteration, Data Navigation, Drill Up & Down functionalities.
In addition, users can readily print out any reports in need through a simple mobile cell-phone operation with the help of optional mobile functionality Module designed to facilitate various remote operations like inquiry, display output and data management through a number of different mobile devices.
II. Composition and Functionality of Reporting Tool
1. System Configuration
Reporting Tool product line consists of 3 major products as followed.
A. Reporting Tool Editor: Installed on both developer’s and user’s PC to design a Report Form.
B. Reporting Tool Viewer: Installed on end-users’ PC to print out and search reports.
C. Reporting Tool Server: Installed on Web Server for Reporting Management.
2. Reporting Tool Editor (RD Editor)
The Reporting Tool Editor facilitates Report Form file design by offering various query functions and powerful table functionalities. A user can easily create various, complex reports using convenient object editing features.
A. Convenient GUI Environment rivaling that of World Processors
a. Easy report generation by editing various objects based on WISIWYG functionality.
b. World class table editing functionalities for expedient report creation.
B. Powerful Query Functions
a. Dynamic Query
b. Multi(Sub) Query
c. Field Query
d. Stored Procedure Support
e. Preprocessing/postprocessing functions through PL/SQL (Oracle)
C. Powerful Table Functions – Supporting various Report Forms
a. Supports the cross table – represents data with simultaneously repeating rows and columns
b. Supports the printing of tables with Multi-level page
c. Label Forms (Reporting Tool comes with 1,200 label templates)
d. Sub Sum / Total Sum / Group Sum
e. Record Grouping
f. Assigning the number of repetitions for a table / Drawing empty cell.
g. Merge Cell / Write Once Only
D. Numerous Data Processing Functions
a. Image Data – Images stored in DB as well as other image files
b. Large size data such as Memo, LongRow and etc.
c. HTML Source Code
E. Various Objects Insertion Function
a. Providing 35different types of chart (2D/3D, Multi Chart, Animation, Rotation, Zoom In/Out and user edit function)
b. Supporting 2D Barcodes and Postal Barcodes
c. Insertion function for Media Clip (OLE object)
F. Data Processing & Conversion Functions
a. Conditional Data Conversion / Output Property Change
b. Formatting / Calculation Formula / Built-in Functions
G. Convenient Functionality for Data Use and Validation
a. Drill Up&Down Functions
b. Supporting DB Insert/Update/Delete functionality
H. Others
a. Hyperlink
b. Data Navigation (Contents Tree)
c. Conditional Pagebreak
d. Powerful Script Support
e. Available Customization Service, API/Components
f. Database / Record Browsing
g. A great number of readily available Report Templates
h. Report Creation Wizard / Query Wizard
i. Document encryption and improved security clearance level setup
j. Available Project/Document Management, preview function
k. Convenient User Edit Function
3. Reporting Tool Viewer (RD Viewer)
Reporting Tool Viewer can visualize Form files created with the Editor as well as processed data with embedded images and Macro through integration with the underlying Database. Viewer is available in the form of EXE executable module and Active-X Component (OCX).
A. Printing and Inquiry Function
- Processing by page -> To Minimize User Waiting Time
b. Background Processing & Idle Time Processing
c. Numerous Printing Options
d. Zoom-In / Zoom-Out / Fit to Paper Printing
e. Duplex Printing / Black & White Printing
f. Simultaneous Printing with Preview Image on Screen
g. Congregated Printing – Pages in a Slide (Printing multiple pages on a single paper.)
h. Center/Middle-Aligned and Positioned Printing
B. Various Output and Saving Options
a. Supporting easy export to various formats (doc, html, pdf, xls, txt, rtf, bmp, jpg, tif and etc)
b. Supporting both Export by Document and Export by Page, as well as automated E- mail Attachment function.
C. Convenient Inquiry and Editing/Interpolation
a. Available Freezed-Pane functionality as seen in MS-Excel
b. Automated/Manual renewal functions on the result reports
c. Restricted Modification, Editing and Memo Inserting function for the result reports according to user authority/clearance
D. Inclusion of Various Types of Viewer Module
a. Exe type of executable module
b. OCX Component for integration with other application programs
c. Active-X for Web Reporting functionality
4. Reporting Tool Server (RD Server)
A. Concurrent Connection to Multiple Databases
a. Possible report creation with data stream from concurrent connection to either homogeneous or heterogeneous, multiple DB systems
B. Efficient Server and Network Resource Management
a. Efficient DB connection management with the help of DB Connection Pooling function
b. Abbreviated required processing time for report creation and substantial reduction in workload through Data Caching and Compressed Data Transmission protocol for large-volume data
c. Partial Data Fetch function for large-volume data processing (with Oracle DB)
d. Multiple Server Management and Real-time Monitoring function
e. Automatic Server Update and well-established Server Recovery function
C. Report Scheduling and Mail Notification functions
a. Available integration with a FAX server when TIF images of intended documents are saved
c. Available Option Pack for Mobile integration
D. Other Features
a. Database Connection Middleware
b. Requisite Platform - Standard JSP Platform (JDK 1.3 or higher)
c. Report Scheduling function
d. Mail Notification function
e. DB Connection Pooling and Thread Pooling techniques applied
f. Partial Data Fetch function for large-volume data processing
g. Database Schema Filtering
5. Environments Supported by Reporting Tool
A. Server OS
a. Windows 2000 / NT, Unix and Linux
B. Web Application Server
b. All kinds of Web Application Server supported
C. Database (Data Source)
a. RDBMS - ODBC, Native I/F, ADO, RDS, JDBC
b. OLE DB - ADO, RDS
c. File or String - CSV type
d. XML / HTML etc DTD Format
e. Web Service support (SOAP, WSDL…)
f. Referred Data Stream of Application Program
(C/S Application, Web Script Language(asp, jsp…) and etc)
D. Client OS requirements
a. Windows 95/ 98/ ME/ 2000/ XP (Windows 98 or higher recommended)
E. Web Browser
a. Explorer (Explorer 4.0 or higher recommended
III. Special Features
A. Convenient user interface with inexhaustible functionalities
a. Foolproof graphic user interface supporting ‘WYSIWYG,’ with the concept of combining Word Processor and Data manipulation functionalities into a single solution
b. Facilitating easy construction of complicated reports composed of numerous tables and charts with the support of Editing by Object unit
B. Flexible Integration with Enterprise Application and other various Application programs
a. Exhaustive support for reporting facilities in Oracle, SAP ERP Package
b. Supporting comprehensive integration with all available 4GL tools capable of using OCX component(s)
C. Optimized Architecture for Multiple Concurrent User Environment
a. Providing optimized performance to Web Reporting environment by employing distributed processing mechanism, distributed through out both Server(s) -Business Logic- and the Client(s) -Presentation Logic- side
D. Excellent Portability and Scalability
a. Satisfying both portability and performance issues all together through the combined use of Java (Server side) and C++(Client side) languages
b. Feasible implementation of versatile Reporting System independent of any given computation environments such as Server OS, Database, (Web) Application Server, Web Script Language types and etc
c. Java based Server supports handy integration with all available WAS.
d. Viewer Module offered in OCX (ActiveX) component is also capable of organic integration with other solutions with the help of its 80 different built-in Methods and Events.
E. Integration with Other Applications
a. Supporting integration with all available 4GL tools - Delphi, PowerBuilder, VB and etc.- capable of using OCX (ActiveX) components
b. Supporting integration with any Applications using Shell through independent Viewing Module offered in .EXE format
F. Concurrent, Integrated Connection to Multiple DBMS
a. Concurrent connection to multiple DBMS of the same kind
b. Multiple numbers of homogeneous models under distributed DB environment
c. Multiple DB consist of heterogeneous makes and/or models
G. The First Korean Multi Llanguage Reporting Tool with Support
a. English, Japanese and Chinese versions are available, as well as Arabic.
H. Non-DB Data Support
a. For data management, both XML formatted data and other CSV formatted data streams fed from separate, external Business Logic can be used as data source.
b. Possible to operate with the IBM Host’s HDB and the Lotus Notes’ File DB by using Web Script Language
I. Security Features for Safeguarding Valuable Information
a. Supporting both encrypted data transmission between server and client, and user authentication through established, flexible integration with various Secure Authentication modules
b. Supporting Organic Integration with Pre-existing Security Solutions
1) Supporting fast and easy implementation of encrypted C/S data transmission and user authentication via easy integration with all available Secure Authentication modules
c. Parameter Encryption Functionality within the Web Reporting environment
1) Providing Parameter Encryption Libraries needed for report generation from encrypted data
2) Supporting encrypted parameter transmission between Reporting Components and Web Programs
d. Security Features for Created Report
1) Blocking Inquiry by Item by setting a security level on a specific Cell within a report
2) Prohibiting saving on user’s PC with still possible reading and printing functionality of the report
IV. Applicable Areas of Reporting Tool ( Reporting Solution )
1. Applicable Industries
A. Private Corporations – Manufacturing, Construction, Distribution and Service Industry
a. Various statistical and requisite forms for Manufacturing sector (Estimates, Products Catalog, Quality Assurance Reports, Raw Material Specifications and etc.)
b. Various statistical and requisite forms for Sales/Distribution sector ( Inventory Receipt and Disbursement Ledgers, Returned Merchandise Reports, Detailed Transaction Statements, Bonded Transportation Certificates, Current Sales Status by Item and etc )
c. Various statistical and requisite forms for Accounting sector (Current Accounts Receivables Status, Credit Purchase Ledgers, Accounting Slips, Bill Receivables Ledgers and etc.)
d. Various statistical and requisite forms for Personal Management sector (Personnel Record Cards, Salary ledgers, Certificates of Employment/Experience, Current Status of Manpower by department/by position and etc.)
B. IT Solution Providers
a. Implementing Reporting Solution in conjunction with DB based Application S/W such as CRM, MIS, ERP, EDMS, KMS, EIS, EIP Solution and etc.
C. Telecommunication Providers
a. Breakdown of User Call Log, Billing Specifications, Receipt Issuance and Documents Related to Subscription Applications
D. Internet & Network Service Providers
a. Construction of customer service pages regarding Operation Status and Analysis of IDC, MSP, ASP and etc.
b. Network System reports such as NMS, Site Log Report and etc.
E. Public Institutions
a. Internet Civil Affair Services (Civil Petitions, Issuance of various certificates and etc.)
b. Administrative Statistics/Legal Information Services, Procurement/Contract related documnetations and Legal Form templates of various kind
c. Civil Affair Information Services (Statistical data of various kinds, Electronic Document Service)
F. Financial Institutes
a. Internet Banking, Accounting/Information Section Operation, various Agreements for Insurance/Securities firms, Transaction Results report, Insurance Coverage Specifications, Receipts and other various slip templates
G. Educational Institutions
a. Issuing various Documents related to School Affairs and Administration Affairs (e.g. Transcripts, Registration Fee Payment Bill and etc.)
b. External Statistic Information Services, Accounting/Human Resource Management Documents
H. Public Health Centers / Hospitals
a. Processing Electronic Prescription and Statistical data of various kinds
b. Various kinds of slips for Medicine Inventory Management
- Also, covering all other sectors and fields in need of Report Generation in conjunction with database
V. Reference Sites of Reporting Tool
1. Domestic Public Agencies
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy
Ministry of Construction and Transportation
Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Ministry of Gender Equality and Family
Ministry of Government Administration and Home Affairs
Ministry of Information and Communication
Ministry of Unification
Rural Development Administration
Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Korea Food & Drug Administration
Korea Federation of Banks
Korea Education & Research Information Service
Korea Trade Promotion Corporation
Korea IT Industry Promotion Agency
Public Procurement Service
Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Management Dept.
Seoul Metropolitan Police
The board of Audit and Inspection of Korea using Reporting Tool
2. National Defense related Sites
National Defense University, Ministry of National Defense,
The ROK Army Exchange Service, Korean Institute for Defense Analysis,
Headquarter of ROK Army, Headquarter of Naval Operation
3. Private Business using Reporting Tool
Daewoo Information Systems, Dacom Corporation, Dongyang System
Doosan Corp., Doosan Heavy Industry & Construction, Lotte Shoping,
Samsung Electronics, Shinsegae I&C, Ssangyong Information & Communications,
Autoever Systems, Yuhan Corporatuin, POSCO, KOSCOM, Hyosung, Fujitsu,
CJ Systems, GM Daewoo, Korea Telecom, Korea Telecom Freetel, LG Hitachi,
GS Caltex, SK, SK Telecom, SK C&C, STX Shipbuilding,
4. Educational Instutes
Kangwon National University, Kwangwoon University, Kookmin Uiversity, Dankook University, Ajou University, Yonsei University, University of Incheon,
Pohang University of Science and Technology, Hangyang University,
Hankuk Aviation University. Hongik University
5. Financial Institutes
Kyobo Life Insurance, Kookmin Bank, Kookmin Card,
National Agricultural Cooperative Federation, Tongyang Insurance, Pusan Bank,
Korea Development Bank, Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Card,
National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives, Shindongah Fire & Marin Insurance, Shinhan Life, Shinhan Capital, Ssangyong Fire & Marin Insurance,
Korea Exchange Bank, Woori Bank, Jeonbuk Bank,
Standard Chartered First Bank Korea, First Fire & Marin insurance,
Cho Hung Bank, The Bank of Korea, Koscom, Hyundai Card, ING Life Insurance,
KTB Asset Management, Hyundai Securities
6. Medical Centers
Asan Medical Center, Ajou University Medical Center, Hanil Medical Center
7. Overseas Reference Sites
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Saga City
St, Luke General Hospital
Cho Hung Bank (America, Vietnam branches)
» Reporting Tool
» Leading Product of Korean Reporting Solution Market
» Integration with Package Reporting Solutions such as Oracle ERP, SAP ERP etc
» ISO 9001:2000 Certified by DAS Certification Ltd. In July. 2005
» Reporting Tool Specifications
» Web Browser
» Web Application Server
» Database Reporting Software- RDBMS : RDAGENT(JDBC),ODBC,ADO
» Reporting Tool Functions
» Powerful Query Support
» Variety of Report Form Support
» Various Data & Charts Handling
» Data Manipulation / Conversion
» Fast Displaying and Printing of Reports
» Advanced Graphical Interface
» Conversion of other file formates
» Reporting Tool Applications
Reporting Tool is applicable in all the fields that have databases and needs reporting
» Corporations Reporting Tool
» IT Solutions & Applications Reporting
» Telecom Reporting Tool
» Internet & Network Reporting
» Public Sector Reporting Tool
» Education Institutions Reporting Tool
» Public Health / Hospital Reporting Tool
» Financial Institutions Reporting
» Reporting Tool Advantages
» Easy User Interface
» Unicode Support
» Excellent Adaptability & Extensibility
» Optimal Architecture for Multi-User Environment
» Reporting Tool Security Functions
» Tight Integration with Other Security Solutions
» Parameter Encryption over Web Reporting
» Password lock on form files
|
|
