New implementation of custom reports available

[Patch]

@lubos

Major differences

• I’m removing From field from custom reports. Custom reports will be centered around transactions.

@Davide

Dear @lubos, talking about Custom Reports do you consider them complete? Besides they are not subject of discussions anymore, there are many features that were discussed that were not implement. First of all the possibility to use them for quotes. I still cannot query inventory items which were not object of any transaction which once I was able to.

Looking at Managers reporting capabilities, it now has four separate types of reports

1. Built in reports

• I assume these are aimed at reporting requirements common to all businesses in all jurisdictions. So expected to be very generic, not targeting individual jurisdiction or businesses requirements.

• In contrast they are also also the easiest for a user to access. The only customization is to choose which report, it’s reporting period and accounting method.

2. Custom reports

• Enable users to generate business specific reports centered around transactions. The reporting capabilities are much more flexible than built in reports, so can address many businesses specific reporting requirements.

• Because of their ability to be customized they are also more difficult to use. Often taking some trial and error to produce the desired report.

3. Report transformations

• Enable users to generate reports on almost any data stored in the manager business. The reporting capabilities are very flexible and can be highly customized to specific jurisdiction or individual business requirements.

• This flexibility comes with potential complexity when write the report. Generating customized tax summary type reports is actually very easy however arbitrarily complex reports can also be generated but doing so is proportionally harder.

4. External reporting

• “Copy to clip board” then paste into an external spread sheet or database program is optimal for custom one off reports, or with external programming for regular reports.

• Managers “API” can be used to automate any external reporting required, useful for individual businesses but not as readily utilized by other Manager users and businesses.

Specific examples of reports

@Davide

query inventory items

You use inventory items in a rather inventive manner, which I think is a credit to you. Looking at the above reporting options and their target market.

• You are far too inventive for option 1.

• Option 3. has the flexibility to generate this and all similar reports from other users. I agree the report transformation engine still requires more work to simplify it’s use for less standard reports.

• I’m not convinced adding this capability to option 2 would be an nett positive for Manager (despite it being there when option 3 didn’t exist). The issue is graduated reporting capability / flexibility. Imo it is desirable for there to be a small incremental progression from option 1 to 3. User not being drowned when they move up the levels but rather they are encouraged to re-use and develop their capabilities.

However the above is just my opinion. There are many other ways an accounting program could evolve.