Database Layouts are a powerful way of describing how information is displayed in a report.  With layouts, a broad spectrum of reports can be produced, such as summary and cross tab, that you never thought possible. Since layouts can fully utilize the formula and charting features of Excel, almost all reporting requirements can be satisfied.

The Layout Expert guides the production of a layout that can then be tailored for specific reporting needs.  As part of the process, the Query Builder is used to assist with database query setup; SQL knowledge is not required.  Overall development time is significantly reduced because queries are verified and previewed as you build them. 

In preparing a layout, key decisions are made:

• which query is used to retrieve the report data (built by the query builder of XLReporter).

• will sub and grand totals be required.  If so, will they be calculated on the Server or by XLReporter.

• will running calculations be required.

• are there charts that need to be repeated for specific groups of data.

• are there Excel functions and calculations that need "re-scaling".

• and much more...

An example layout

Report Produced from the Layout

The following is an overview of what can be achieved with layouts:

• Produce reports containing data, sub-totals, grand totals and a host of summary calculations that otherwise would be impossible.  For example, generate a monthly report from hourly data and include daily totals, minimums and maximums as well as monthly summaries.
• Charts can be embedded at every nested group level, displaying the values tabulated.  For each group a new chart is produced automatically in the report.
• Complex Excel functions and calculations can also be embedded at every nested group level allowing you to derive summary information on the values tabulated.  For each group, the functions and calculations are applied and updated automatically.
• The Cross Tab reporting capabilities gives a new perspective on data by combining different data views in a single report.  Building a Cross Tab Report is a breeze with version 6.
• For the first time ever, you can produce batch reports consisting of multiple components without writing a single line of custom code. Multiple report sections, each having their own queries, are easily coordinated producing a single comprehensive report.

Layouts can be used in automated mode (triggered by XLReporter's scheduler) or on-demand (triggered by a User request).

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