Reports
(Forms and WebData)


Introduction to the Reports Module

The Reports Module simplifies the creation, saving, and visualization of text and PDF reports, as well as the generation of WebData definitions to manipulate JSON, HTML, text, and XML data. It supports runtime server execution and client-side web service requests, offering customizable advanced features.

The Reports Module enables users to:

  • Generate PDF and text report files with built-in PDF viewers for Windows and web pages
  • Interact with XML, text, HTML, and JSON files
  • Consume web services
  • Provide data to external applications

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Key Concepts and Terms

The purpose of the Reports Module is to provide resources for data-driven decision-making. The following concepts are key to understanding the Reports Module:

Forms

Rich Text documents that can include real-time tag values, tables, and symbols, saved as Text or PDF files.

WebData

Encapsulates data exchange via JSON, XML, or HTML with other applications, or saves content to a file. It can also be used in displays for interaction with web services and REST APIs.

Understanding the Reports Module

This module gathers data from several sources and levels coming from different locations. This data is organized and transformed into relevant information, providing a valuable resource for the decision-making process.

Module Highlights

  • PDF and Text Reports: Generate visually appealing and informative reports in PDF or text format. Reports come complete with charts, tables, and other graphical elements, allowing users to effectively communicate insights from their data.

  • Forms: Design customizable and interactive forms to display real-time or historical data and capture user input. This allows you to streamline data presentation and management.

  • WebData: Users can exchange data between external applications or services using web-based communication protocols like HTTP and RESTful APIs.

  • XML, HTML, and JSON Support: Easily exchange data between external systems. This module supports importing and exporting information in plain text files, or in standard XML, HTML, or JSON formats, facilitating seamless data integration and management across various systems.

  • Web Services Integration: The Reports Module offers robust capabilities to interact with external applications or systems. This integration allows users to access, manipulate, and share data in real-time using standardized communication protocols like HTTP and RESTful APIs. It ensures compatibility with diverse software systems such as ERP, BI tools, and custom applications, thereby enhancing data sharing and collaboration.

  • Scheduling and Notifications: Keep stakeholders informed by setting up report schedules and email notifications. These automated processes ensure the timely delivery of reports, providing recipients with essential insights and updates.

  • Template Customization: The Reports Module also offers a feature to create and modify report templates. This capability ensures that users can meet specific project requirements, guaranteeing consistent and accurate data presentation.

  • Architecture Implementation: The web services integration is designed to support various architectural implementations, including Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and microservices. This adaptability allows for easy integration within existing IT infrastructures and addresses the unique requirements of each project, paving the way for a scalable and modular approach to system design.

Configuring the Reports Module

Configuration Workflow

Reports module configuration workflow

Action

Where 

Create Report Forms

Reports → Forms. Learn more at Reports Forms.

Manage WebData Definitions

Reports → WebData. Learn more at Reports WebData.

Customize Report Forms

Reports → Forms Editor. Learn more at Forms Editor.

Manage WebData scripts

Reports → WebData Code Editor. Learn more at WebData Editor.

Working with the Reports Module

Showing Reports on Displays

When using Windows WPF clients, you can use the following visualization controls. 

When using Web HTML5,  or portable displays, you can use the following visualization control:

Monitoring the Reports Module Execution

→ Read more about the Reports Monitor. 

Report Runtime Attributes

The Reports Namespace exposes properties and methods of the .NET objects used by the Dataset Module execution. 

Report Module Properties examples

Property

Type

Description

T.Modules.Report

RunObj

Class for Report operation.

ReportItem.Append

int

Indicates whether the report will be overwritten or appended on Save commands

ReportItem.Category

string

ReadOnly property with categories configured on Report object.

For more information on namespaces and objects, go to Objects and Namespaces.

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