It’s Time for You to Learn how to Create Your Own Spectrum Reports! During Dexter + Chaney’s Spectrum + Crystal Reports: Basics class you’ll learn how to use the number one report writing tool with the country’s best construction software. We’ll show you how to write both operational and accounting reports that extend your information flow beyond the core reports in Spectrum. At the end of the training you will know how to create reports you and others in your company have always wanted. This is hands-on training. You will add and remove data from reports like the Job Overview and Contract Status Reports. You will also add terms and conditions to Spectrum forms, like subcontracts and purchase orders. You’ll learn how to tailor reports for individual managers, divisions, or projects. Using practical examples, we’ll show you how to build simple and complex reports from scratch, how to work with multiple data tables in a single report, and how to add calculations to your reports. You’ll see firsthand how and where Spectrum stores information in the database. Topics Include: 

Process for customizing Spectrum reports

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When to use the Crystal Report Wizards

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How to find the right data file for your reports

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Preparing your reports for future Spectrum upgrades

Right Class, Right Now   

For Spectrum Versions 13 + 14. Build actual Spectrum reports. Hands-on workshop format.

The class is taught by Thor Kolner, Dexter + Chaney’s Spectrum report specialist. Thor has been teaching Spectrum users how to create reports for over ten years. His focus on helping every attendee get the most out of the class ensures success for everyone, from beginner to expert. The workshop is a series of 12 interactive modules. Material covered in the earlier modules is reinforced during that later modules ensure attendees understand the importance of all the core basics. Contact your Dexter + Chaney sales representative for pricing and available dates.

Spectrum + Crystal Reports: Basics Detailed Course Outline Here is your chance to discover how easy it is to use Crystal Reports to create reports for your company and to make simple changes to all the reports already in Spectrum! This two-day workshop is ideal for first-time report writers and experienced Crystal Reports users who want to learn how the Spectrum database works. During this course, you will learn how to access Spectrum data, create reports from scratch and how to safely modify the existing Spectrum reports. This class is for you if you like to learn by doing, rather than watching. The training is broken down into topics that include demonstrations followed by opportunities for you to immediately put the material learned to use. The comfortable pace of the classes ensures you won’t be left behind if you need additional time or have questions.

Module 1: Info-Link and Crystal Reports To build a report, you need data. The Spectrum database is filled with thousands of files, containing every piece of information you entered or imported into the system. During this opening module, you’ll learn how to create the electronic bridge between Crystal Reports and Spectrum. You’ll also begin adding and removing columns of information from the Details section of a report, adjust the width of both database fields and column headings and learn a few shortcuts for keeping all your information in perfect alignment. Key Learning Objectives:   

Making the Connection Between Spectrum + Crystal Reports Adding Columns Adjusting Columns

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Module 2: Finding the Right Data File in Version 14 As mentioned already, the information entered and imported into Spectrum is stored in a large number of different database files. One table, called CR_CUSTOMER_MASTER_MC, contains core information about each of your customers. A database view, called JC_PHASE_MASTER_TOTAL1_MC, contains up-tothe minute information about each phase, like job to date costs and labor hours. This module shows you how you can use the tools built into Spectrum to quickly locate the data file you need for your reports. You’ll learn to distinguish the difference between Spectrum data tables and database views. You’ll create reports using Spectrum’s multi-company tables that consolidated information from two or more Spectrum companies. Key Learning Objectives:    

Data File Research Data File Detail Multi and Single Company Files Table Security

“The class is great! I learned a ton of things like how I can take an existing Spectrum report and make my own modifications to it. Most of the reports that are in Spectrum are great, but we always wanted to modify them a little and now I know how to do that. The hands-on experience was a big help. Thor kept asking us for participation and answers which kept us involved. There was never a moment I lost interest or was lost.” Dianne Huber, Project Accountant, Waterloo, IA

Module 3: Labels + Pictures Creating a consistent “look” for your forms and reports is important, especially documents that will be given to vendors, customers, and other outside parties. Consistency is critical. Don’t be misled by the name of this module. It’s much more than simply dropping your logo into a report. This module shows you how to utilize core features and report sections that create a polished look. You’ll add labels, print dates and times, paging information and yes, also your logo into your reports. Key Learning Objectives:    

Editing Text Boxes Inserting Text Boxes Special Fields Inserting Images

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Module 4: Editing Spectrum Reports Dexter + Chaney used Crystal Reports to develop the vast majority of reports in Spectrum. By module 4, you’ll have developed the skills necessary to make basic edits to those reports. During this module, you’ll learn how to safely modify Spectrum reports, and install new and modified reports into Spectrum. You’ll learn what type of security is necessary to modify Spectrum reports, while you add and remove information from the existing reports. Key Learning Objectives:   

Working with Saved Data. Site Map Customization Viewing report modifications.

Module 5: Filtering Data Because Crystal Reports works directly with the information stored in the Spectrum database, report writers need to know how to grab the right data, and leaving unwanted data filtered out. In Crystal Reports, the process is referred to as selecting records. Using both the Select Expert and the Selection Formula, you’ll create instructions that Crystal Reports will transmit to the Spectrum database to ensure the right information displays in your reports. Key Learning Objectives:    

Discrete Data Filters Multi-Value Criteria Filters Date Filter Options Applying Filters to Spectrum Reports

“For me one of the highlights of this class with Thor was using Spectrum tables while learning Crystal Reports. This, of course, translates very well to being able to draw information out of Spectrum via Crystal whenever I’m asked to produce a new report. Taking a Crystal class elsewhere just doesn’t deliver that ability.” Kevin Knee, Chief Financial Officer, Newton, MA

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Module 6: Sorting + Summarizing The information in database tables is usually not in the order the reader of a report wants to see it. In some cases, a report user may want to see information organized by job number, or customer code. Other times, the same information may need to be organized by transaction date. This module shows you how to sort and organize Spectrum data using two key tools in Crystal Reports. You’ll learn how to work with numeric, text, and date fields. Once the raw data in a report is sorted and/or grouped together summaries can be added. Summaries include totals and other aggregates like counts and averages. Key Learning Objectives:     

The Sort Expert The Group Expert Grouping by Date Report Summaries Subtotals

Module 7: Linking When information is entered into Spectrum, it is often entered in a single screen but that information is distributed across many, many files. It’s up to the report writer to pull the information back together again. This process is referred to as linking (or joining) tables together. During module 7, you’ll learn how to work with Spectrum’s Key columns to correctly link multiple files together. You’ll learn the Two Rules of Linking, a method for ensuring database files are joined together correctly in every report you create. Key Learning Objectives:     

Two Table Reporting Two Rules of Linking Three-Plus Table Reports Linking Views Adding Additional Files to Spectrum Reports

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“I walked into the class with absolutely no knowledge of how to create Crystal reports and left with the ability to create fairly complex reports. In the four weeks since taking the class, I have created four reports from scratch and I have tweaked two Spectrum reports. I added two pages of our standard terms and conditions to the Spectrum subcontracts and tweaked the Spectrum Job Status report to also show pending Change Requests and projected cost less actual cost.” Rick Jamerson, President, Northbrook, IL

Module 8: Basic Formulas Crystal Reports is a database programming tool. It contains hundreds of powerful functions and operators, all accessible through the Formula Workshop. The Workshop is a unique tool that can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks. Like the formula bar in Excel, the Workshop allows you to perform basic mathematics using information in a report. This module introduces you to the Workshop and how you can use intermediate level tools in it to ensure Crystal Reports won’t encounter any division by zero errors, which can crash a report. Key Learning Objectives:   

Navigating the Formula Workshop Editing Existing Formulas Arithmetic Formulas

Module 9: Formatting Formulas Crystal Reports formulas can do more than add and subtract numbers. They can be used to perform conditional formatting when the report is printed or previewed. Formatting formulas allow you to emphasis important information in a report. They allow you to draw the reader’s eyes to key pieces of data that may otherwise be overlooked. Key Learning Objectives:   

Highlighting Expert Format Formula Editor Conditionally Formatting Sections

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Module 10: Parameters When a report is printed or previewed, users often require the ability to enter transaction date ranges and other selection filters. In Crystal Reports, this ability is enabled through the use of parameters. A parameter is a small window that displays each time the user prints the report. The parameter prompts the user to enter one or more criteria values that are applied to the report filters. Key Learning Objectives:   

Discrete value parameters Date range parameters Displaying parameters values in a report

Module 11: Cross-Tab Reports This module is where the material covered in the previous ten modules is all pulled together to create extraordinary analysis reports. You’ll learn how to use a combination of formulas, groups, and summaries to create reports that provide greater insight into your company’s strengths and weaknesses. Standard reports provide a day-to-day view of company activity. Cross-tab reports provide a higher level view, sometimes referred to as a ‘30,000 foot’ view. With cross-tab reports, you’ll be able to identify trends, business challenges, and high productivity areas within your entire company. Key Learning Objectives:   

Cross-Tab summary formulas Group and section management Summary column calculations

Module 12: Meet the Wizards Not all reports are complex challenges. In some cases, a report is simply a listing of the information in a single database table. Examples include an employee roster or mailing labels. During this final module, you’ll learn how and when to use the three Crystal Reports Wizards. You’ll also discover how knowing the material covered in the previous modules is helpful when you need to edit a report created using a wizard. Key Learning Objectives:   

The Standard Report Wizard The Cross-Tab Wizard The Mailing Label Wizard

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About The Workshop Format Spectrum + Crystal Reports: Basics is a two-day workshop designed for users of Spectrum Construction Management software. No previous Crystal Reports experience is necessary. The class is ideal for first time report writers and experienced Crystal Reports users interested in learning more about the Spectrum database. Each day of training is divided into six modules, with a one hour break for lunch. Attendees are encouraged to treat the two days as being ‘out of office’ so they can attend the entire workshop, without interruptions. Technical requirements include a Windows computer or laptop for each attendee. The software requirements include: Spectrum, Info-Link, and Crystal Reports version XI or later. Dexter + Chaney will provide step-by-step instruction, examples, and an e-workbook for use during the training. For pricing information and to secure dates for your company, contact your Dexter + Chaney sales representative at 1-800-875-1400 or email: [email protected].

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