Administering reports

You can add reports and data sources, configure reports, manage security, and monitor report performance so that users can quickly analyze Manage data.

Adding reports
After creating a report, use the Report Administration application to register the report to the database so the user can access and run it. If you use the reports.cmd command to import all reports, libraries, and resource files, do not individually add reports through this procedure.
Report management
You can prevent users from previewing, creating, or running reports that might affect system performance. Reports can affect system performance if users schedule unnecessary reports, or run reports against too many records or application records, or preview and run reports that query too many records. To prevent users from exporting reports in formats that your organization does not permit, you can define report export options.
Importing reports
Import a BIRT Report Design file (the report file) to either add a new report or bring an updated version of an existing report into your database. Before you import the design file, you must import any associated library files.
Importing library files
Library files contain components that you can use in report designs to provide consistent behavior and performance. Library files are useful when many reports use the same component multiple times. You import a library file before you import the corresponding reports.
Adding data sources
You add data sources so you that can run reports on a reporting or subordinate database.
Setting report file security
You can set security for each report to determine which groups have access.
Setting application security
You can set security for each application to determine which groups have access to reports in that application.
Running reports using request pages
When you run a report, use the Request Page dialog box to enter parameter, schedule, and e-mail information. Enter this information to specify the details of the report, when it will be run, and who will receive it.
Creating browser shortcuts for reports
You can create a shortcut so the user can click an icon in the application toolbar to open a report in the browser.
Enabling the printing of attached documents
To print Microsoft Office documents with a report, you must enable ActiveX controls through Internet Explorer. You can print Microsoft Office documents that have the following document extensions: .doc, .ppt, and .xls.

Parent topic: Report Administration