Custom Reports
In addition to generated printable reports, custom reports can be added to a time cockpit list. The custom reports appears next to the standard Print View button. In the following chapter describes the workflow to integrate custom reports with your existing time cockpit lists.
Note
In this article, we would like to show you how to use the reporting features in time cockpit. However, the article does not explain how to build your own custom reports in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Report Builder 3.0. You can find a detail description how to do that at Building Custom Reports.
Download Report Definition
The easiest way to start creating custom reports is to download the report definition from the Print View split button drop down menu. Click Download Report Definition to download the report definition that is generated for a standard List View.
From there, start changing the report to your likings. To edit an .rdl file using Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Report Builder 3.0 is recommended.
Customize Report
How to use Reporting Services (SSRS) is not in the scope of this article. Please find detailed instructions on how to create custom report in this video: Building Custom Reports. There you can also find an extensive slide deck on Reporting Services (SSRS) in general.
Test Report
To test a custom report definition open the cog menu and click Load Report Definition. The custom report will be loaded in the embedded time cockpit report viewer. As data source time cockpit will use the result of the list that the report was attached to. If the filter of the list that the custom report was attached to is changed, the content of the report will be filled with the data according to the new filter criteria.
Now the report can be "debugged" visually. After a report has been loaded into time cockpit, it can still be edited in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Report Builder 3.0. To view changes made in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Report Builder 3.0 save the report definition and switch to time cockpit and hit Refresh. time cockpit will load the updated report definition and fill it time cockpit data.
Upload Report
To upload a custom report to time cockpit click Save Report in the context menu of the pending report button (highlighted in blue).
Clicking Save Report will open a dialog. Set the a friendly name that will show up in the time cockpit UI.
Additionally, you can set advanced settings in the dialog:
- Is Visible Expression: Use a TCQL expression that determines when a custom report is visible. For details on TCQL expressions see Expression Language (TCQL).
- Sort Order: The sort order determines at which position your custom report is show.
Note
The position of the standard List view and the Print View are fixed. You can only define the position within your customer reports
Click Save & Close and the report will be permanently attached to a list. After synchronizing, the report will be available to all users in a time cockpit account.
Update Report
To update a custom report, click Download Report Definition and proceed with the steps as described in Customize Report. When finished altering a report, click Upload New Report Definition. This will replace the current report definition.
