We have built a .net (asp) web based solution (SQL Server database) for a client with a very complex database model (over 100 tables with some complex relationships). This software is used by several of their clients. We have built over 40 reports to try to accomodate many of the main higher level reports but we are constantly being asked for more reports or a better reporting solution.
I know that Crystal Reports and SQL Server Reporting Services provide various aspects of a solution but the solution needs to include the following:
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The client need to be able to create and save reports on the fly.
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Since the database is very complex we would need some level of
abstraction with the reporting product such that we can define views
(either in SQL Server) or as part of the product that shields much of
the complexity of the database model from the client. -
The reports would need to include basic grouping, summation, and
exporting to excel. -
There does not necessarily need to be integration with our current
app although having a page behind our login would be best.
I’ve seen some answers here: Right reporting solution in a .Net environment
but I’d be interested in knowing what others have experienced with various off-the-shelf products where the database model is too complex for a basic user to understand but the need for generating reports with an easy UI is available.
Again the key here is that the reporting solution must not require any development time once set up (and database views or abstraction is created).
This screams out for something like Microsoft’s Report Builder, especially as you are already using SQL Server.
If you need to you can reorganise your schema with some views or denormalized tables to make things easier for the end user.