### Using the Crystal SQL Designer

The Crystal SQL Designer has two primary uses:

- Designing and developing data sets for building reports in Seagate Crystal Reports.
- Retrieving and analyzing information on an "as needed" basis to facilitate informed decision-making.

#### Seagate Crystal Reports and query data sets

Seagate Crystal Reports enables you to design a report based on a query data set rather than on tables and fields. Since the query contains a predefined set of data, the tables and fields necessary for the report are already included.

When designing your report, you can use the set of data produced by the SQL query. The name of the query, along with fields it accesses, appear in the Insert Field dialog box. Aggregate functions and SQL expressions act like fields, providing data values corresponding to each record in the SQL query.

#### Data analysis and decision-making

You may not always need to produce finished reports based on your data; sometimes you just need numbers in a hurry (to prepare for a meeting, to help make projections, etc.). The Crystal SQL Designer makes it easy to get the information you need.

Sometimes you may need to retrieve the same data on a recurring basis (weekly, every month end, etc.). By setting up and saving a single query, you can retrieve updated data quickly, whenever you need it, with minimal effort.

Note: The Crystal SQL Designer cannot retrieve any number value longer than 20 characters or calculate a formula with a value longer than 20 characters. Values longer than 20 characters will be truncated.

Seagate Software, Inc. http://www.seagatesoftware.com Please send comments to: techpubs@seagatesoftware.com