This approach provides the “best of both worlds”.  In SQL logic, we can easily assemble data from the “Work-Open-History” movement of records in Microsoft Dynamics GP; we can easily join Receivables back to Sales Order Processing (a challenge because the “Type” value is not the same); and we can quickly develop, debug, and test the queries and logic.  Then the reporting exercise is simply formatting – grouping, sorting, and subtotaling – just organizing the results and making them look “pretty”. 

Another benefit of this approach is that the SQL stored procedures are generally unaffected by Microsoft Dynamics GP upgrades.  Because the queries are written off specific tables and columns – unless the column or table goes away – these stored procedures do not even require recompilation following an upgrade.  They really withstand the test of time. 

And as different reporting tools have come onto the scene, we still use the same stored procedures developed years ago to return results.  We have customers with reports that use the same stored procedure that were originally used with Crystal, but now also are called by Excel and SRS front-ends. Even the logic is simple – using a SQL stored procedure with your favorite reporting tool can make reporting on Microsoft Dynamics GP data a breeze and we can help with our custom development services! 

If your organization is located in the Arizona or New Mexico area, contact Sherwood Systems for assistance in determining if a technology solution can help your organization better serve your business needs. (877) 943-9696

By Sherwood Systems – Arizona Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner

Microsoft Dynamics GP Reports That Stand the Test of Time is a post from: ERP Software Blog

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 But if you have some fairly advanced reporting needs including some complex grouping, sub-totaling, specific formatting and other “beyond-the-basics” needs, then you are really looking at two alternatives: Crystal Reports and SQL Reporting Services (SSRS).

Crystal Reports has been the king of the reporting hill for some time.  It offers the most powerful features of any report writer.  Having been an avid user of Crystal for many years (and a former Crystal Partner and Trainer), I feel it still represents the ultimate in reporting flexibility and power.

But Microsoft’s SQL Server Reporting Services has been gaining on Crystal Reports in many ways over the past few years.  It comes with the Microsoft SQL Server database so you do not have to pay any extra (unless you need extra SQL licenses for your report development users).  Being a Microsoft solution, it is the direction that Microsoft is heading for all its business application needs, as they have already incorporated it into the Dynamics GP product.  And that trend will continue to accelerate.  We are seeing much more interest and commitment to the SSRS reporting environment from many of our customers, across a variety of business applications.  And even this grizzled old Crystal guy has begun to like many of the aspects of the SSRS report designer tool.  We find that we are developing as many custom reports in SSRS as we do Crystal.

Although SSRS still trails Crystal from a technical capability comparison, I feel it is time for all companies and users with serious reporting needs to commit to learning SSRS.  Although its report design environment is actually Visual Studio which can be intimidating to some, it is not that difficult to learn.  An additional plus for SSRS is that as part of SQL Server you get a web-based Report Manager admin tool that can maintain report executions and delivery. 

 So I say it’s time to bite the bullet, take a deep breath, and dive into SSRS.  You might even like it! 

And if you are in the process of evaluating ERP solutions and taking a close look at Microsoft Dynamics GP, you should rest assured that you will have some very powerful reporting tools available.

In future posts I will talk a little more about the approach to take when designing a new report and some of the features to be aware of when creating an SSRS report within Dynamics GP.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have: Rick Feterick, Feterick & Associates, Inc  847-795-8200 x74 or rfeterick@feterick.com.

Submitted by Feterick & Associates, Inc –Microsoft Dynamics GP Partner in Indiana.

Crystal Reports vs SQL Server Reporting Services: Clash of the Microsoft Dynamics GP Reporting Titans is a post from: ERP Software Blog

Related Posts

1. SQL Server Reporting Services Versus Crystal Reports
2. Crystal Reports vs SQL Server Reporting Services: Choque de los Titanes de Reportes para Dynamics GP
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