Crosstab VS Subreports

Salam,

I have developed reports using open source iReport software over the years. Sometimes, the report's design require developer to use crosstab function. It happens when we need column and row both to be dynamic. Usually we have number of column fixed and row will be dynamic. If you still don't get me, please see the image below :-

The above example show that the column is fixed(Total) and the row(Country) is dynamic(will be populate base on data). For each country, we want to know how many customer exist. Now, let see the 2nd example :-

The above example show that the both country and month is populated base on data.
Now, we can accomplish this via crosstab or subreports. See below for the advantages and of both solutions.

Crosstab :

• Fast way and easy to use if you understand the concept
• Can add sub column and sub row
• Can add total by sub column and sub row

Subreports :

• Easier than crosstab(for beginners)
• Able to generate row eventhough it has no data for that month(perhaps u want to display 0)

Bear in mind that you may need many subreports in order to satisfy the design. I always think that crosstab is the best solution.Anyway, other people might think the other way around.

Adios..

Change Project..Finally...

Salam everyone,
Finally after 2 years i involving myself on the development,warranty and maintenance of BHEUU system, i finally has been assigned to join the JPJ REVAMP team at Cyberjaya. This is the on of the biggest project for my company for the year 2010/2011. I started to work at cyber on Dec 2010. My first assignment (like usual) is to help my colleague on their report problem. Here, they're using iReport 3.7.5 (current relase v4.0.1). The last version iReport that i used (for Labuan FSA) report is v3.0.0. And of course at first i'm shocked because the iReport interface and 'way to do' is slightly different. Anyway, the new(v3.7.5/v3.7.6) iReport version has its own strenghts and a better function than v3.0.0.

A part from that, i also has been assigned to do an applet application to perform the pre-printed receipt printing (using printer Wincor Nixdorf). The requirement is quite complicated and user expectation is nothing but perfection. This can help you guys through the development http://java.sun.com/developer/onlineTraining/Programming/JDCBook/advprint.html, but in my case, i would rather use Doc and send it direct to default printer as the receipt must be printed using the custom made font for JPJ. Here is the reference :
http://java.sun.com/printing/whitepaper.html

Well at last i finally completed the task and now looking forward for a new task (System Design Document(SDD) as well as learning HP TRIM and IBM BAM(monitoring tools)..)

Selamat Hari Raya

Salam everyone,

1st of all i would like to wish to all muslims a very happy hari raya and maaf zahir & batin. Perhaps, somehow my writings had hurt someone's feeling. So, back to work story (even though i'm still in the holiday's mode). Recently, i propose DSpace with 'added element' to my company. I can say that the council like the idea but due to lack on business explaination, they ask me to do a re-presentation after raya. Well, its such an experience (selling idea to all CTOs in the subsidiary company). Its also a good exposure to my knowledge in presentation and public speaking skills.

Its been +- 2 weeks since i helped LOFSA project. I responsible in turning 'complicated' report into 'reality'. We use iReport to develop reports and certainly when it comes to open source software, it has its limitations. Similiarly, goes to iReport, it has many functions such as subreport, group, crosstab and much more. However, not all report's structure is 'can do' with iReport. So when it comes to 'toooo complicated' report, you might need to use database views to help you simplified the query in your report. Anyway, i must give a credit to JasperForge for their great effort in developing such a great BA tools available for industry. If you have any questions on iReport please leave a comment here, i'll try my best to help.
Well, that's all for now. Perhaps on the next post i can write about stored procedure, shell scripting and cronJobs. Till then, take care :)