Advanced Reporting

A common comment about most computer systems is that “We put the information in there…we should be able to report on it…we just can’t get to it.” UniQuery is an integral part of the UniData Relational Database Manager. As such, it is both powerful and easy to use. Any field in any file can be reported on, provided the user has proper security. Fields in different files can be used on the same report through the use of the dictionary-driven system.

Each data field has a name that can be used by UniQuery. The names are straightforward and easy to remember, not cryptic computer terms. With UniQuery, users simply enter English-like commands to instantly produce custom reports.

Query Builder, a mouse-driven front-end tool is available which allows for simple “point and click” report generation. It uses standard ODBC compliant protocol, allowing information to be passed to popular Windows-based programs.

There are two methods for users to send information to these packages. Information can be highlighted by “clicking and dragging” with a mouse, and then transferred using Windows “cut and paste” techniques. The other method is to simply click on the “Output to PC.” (Excel, Word, etc.) button after selecting the desired field names. For example, Query Builder will generate the desired report, bring up Excel, transfer the information into a spreadsheet, and even produce a chart or graph. All of this can be performed in a matter of seconds!

For data processing types, Structured Query Language (SQL), is supported by MetalPro. SQL allows for communication between different languages and databases, provides the ability to build files, and is an industry standard. While a very powerful tool, SQL is not as easy as UniQuery for end-users.

You may already use products such as Excel to produce spreadsheets or charts for better reporting. If so, chances are you take data from reports generated by your computer and “re-key” it into one of these products. UniQuery and the menu driven Query Builder make this a very easy task.