Hi Zoltan,
you were fishing for a response from me weren't you?
To answer your question(s):
To begin:
1. create database views/queries of common JDE tables that
- use meaningful names instead of JDE aliases
- convert JDE dates to standard dates
- Apply decimal conversion to numeric fields where needed
I'm sure you've seen the posts that describe the above.
If you're database is Oracle I have a SQL script that prompts
for a JDE Table name and then create a SQL script text file to be
edited as needed before running. Its uses information from JDE to
construct meaningful table and field names as well as deal with
dates and decimals.
Also don't forget the need to secure your database!
By default PUBLIC has full access. Oracle document 755714.1
describes how to easily secure the database.
2. Purchase 'X' number of designer licenses. These are for those people who will be creating/changing reports.
3. Get Crystal Designer Training (typically 2 classes, 3 - 4 days total)
4. Delivery/Presentation. A lot of variables here.
Do you want Web or Fat Client Report Viewers? (run and view report)
There are many 3rd party viewers - most are fat client. A couple are Web.
You can also roll your own using their SDK.
You'll want a batch reporting solution also.
Run reports on scheduled basis and print, email, etc.
Again you have choices including make your own.
Don't forget security concerns.
Business Objects/SAP has their own Web-based product for all of the above.
Its called Business Objects Edge. Licensing is somewhat restrictive.
(named users and concurrent users model).
We are in the process of moving from our "self made" home grown solution to Business Objects Edge. Reason is that the Crystal SDK/tools object model that we used for 10 years has been deprecated/obsoleted/no longer supported
In addition we need a web based delivery system that we can integrate with JDE web. Not having much expertise in the web arena and not a lot of time to develop it we decided to use the Business Objects packaged product.
If you have the expertise . . . creating your own delivery/presentation software can be a lot cheaper. They do provide the tools for that.
A company called Preferred Strategies sells pre-built views/queries specific to JDE as well as packaged Edge solutions. Guy to talk to there is Adam Crigger.
Hope this is a good starting point for discussions.
Cheers,