How do I use Report Writer to create a custom report?

Report Writer

Use the Report Writer wizard to quickly add fields and tables to create custom reports. When you look up a field name, the wizard will add the table that uses the selected field to the report setup. In the future, you'll also be able use the Report Writer to create custom labels and forms.

Watch a video

Learn how to use the new Report Writer wizard to set up custom reports (3m38s).
See an example of using Report Writer to set up a custom report in Utility Management (7m04s).
See an example of using Report Writer to set up a custom report in Payroll (06m26s).

Using the Report Writer wizard

The Report Wizard is a quick way to set up a custom report. It helps you add the information that you want to use in the custom report to the report setup. You will want to use the Report Wizard to add all of the fields that you want to see on the report AND the fields that the report will use to calculate totals. Then, you can set up the information that will display on the report using the Selection Criteria, Report Order, and Report Sections.

Do this...

1. Open Reports > Report Writer.

The Report Writer is grouped with the Batch Reports, Management Tracking Report, and Table Lists on the Reports menu.

Reports Menu

2. Click New (CTRL+N) to set up a new report.

Report Writer Toolbar

3. Click Open Report Wizard.

It's the button that looks like a lightening bolt, like this... .

Open Report Wizard button

The Report Wizard displays.

Report Wizard

You will want to use the Report Wizard to add all of the fields that you want to see on the report AND the fields that the report will use to calculate totals.

4. Use the Column field to enter a field name or click Search to look up a field name.

When you start typing a field name, the Column drop-down list will show you a list of all of the field names that match the typed value. You can keep typing or you can select a field from the list.

Report Wizard: Fields that match typed value

If you're not sure about the field name, click the Search button.

Report Wizard: Search button

The Search form displays a list of all of the fields in the application. You can use the list to locate the fields that you'd like to include in the report.

Report Wizard: Search form

Important! Add all of the fields that you want to see on the report AND the fields that the report will use to calculate totals.

5. When you're done adding fields to the report, click OK.

The section titled Tables shows the tables that contain the fields that you have selected. To view the selected fields, you can click the Open Report Wizard button.

Report Wizard: Tables section

6. Now, you're ready to set up the Selection Criteria, Report Order, and Report Sections.

How do I set up the Selection Criteria?

How do I set up the Report Order?

How do I set up the Report Sections?

How do I work with Columns?

7. Click Save (CTRL+S).

The selected fields are saved as a custom report.

Published 22Nov2017

Report Writer vs. Table Lists

Report Writer (version 2018.08 or later)

Table Lists (version 2018.05 or earlier)

Adding fields

Adds the selected field AND adds all of the tables the report needs to print the selected field.

Adds the selected field.

You must manually add all of the tables that the report will need to print the selected field.

Updated 12Sep2018