Trying to create a custom report in RE (with Crystal Report format) but using Exported data poses a challenge (only one row per gift).

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Dan Kirk
Dan Kirk
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in Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT®: General Discussion
I currently have a saved Crystal Report that uses data generated from an RE query. I like that the query can generate one row for each part of a split gift, so that I have one row for the fund, split gift amount, fund category and fund type. Then I can easily create a crosstab in Crystal Reports (or pivot in Excel) and run some totals for those categories.


The next step would be to make this report something that can be generated within the custom reports part of Reports in RE. However, it seems that the only options for custome reports is to use an Export as the data source, instead of a query. This is a challenge, because I don't think Exports can generate results where it has one row per each split of the gift. It can add more colums, but that isn't how I need the data formatted for the Crystal Report.


So my question is if there is a way to create custom reports within RE that use a query as the data source.


Thanks!


Dan


 
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  • Joshua Bekerman bCLO bCRE
    Joshua Bekerman bCLO bCRE
    Tenth Anniversary 500 Likes 500 Comments Name Dropper
    The answer to your question is no, you cannot use a query as the data source for a Custom Report in RE.


    However, it sounds like you need to change your Export's export format to "Blackbaud Report Writer Database (MDB)"  The Export for Crystal Reports basically creates a separate database which is not like a spreadsheet (i.e. it doesn't create a row for each split gift).


    Change the export format and give it a try, that will probably solve your issue.
  • Keri Eadie
    Keri Eadie
    Ancient Membership 10 Comments Photogenic 5 Likes

    Definately use the MDB format.  Also if this is a constituent export you don't want to just include the gift amount and then the fund or appeal or package.  You will want to include the amount under the drop down for funds or appeals or packages (depending on how/where your split lives).

     

     

  • Dan Kirk
    Dan Kirk
    Eighth Anniversary 5 Likes First Comment Loyalty Badge

    Joshua Bekerman bCLO,:

    The answer to your question is no, you cannot use a query as the data source for a Custom Report in RE.


    However, it sounds like you need to change your Export's export format to "Blackbaud Report Writer Database (MDB)"  The Export for Crystal Reports basically creates a separate database which is not like a spreadsheet (i.e. it doesn't create a row for each split gift).


    Change the export format and give it a try, that will probably solve your issue.



    Thank you both. I believe that the Blackbaud Report Writer Database (MDB) is the solution I am looking for. yes

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