01. Getting started and a safe workflow

Getting started and a safe workflow

A clear workflow protects productive documents and guides you from the technical goal through a controlled test template to release.

Open Report designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can plan a report project sensibly, select the right template and organize changes so that a checked initial version is available at all times.

Why this is crucial in the report designer

Most costly report errors are not caused by an incorrect color value, but by a lack of backup, unclear requirements or incomplete testing. A professional process ensures creative design.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Technical goal: Which information should be made easier to recognize for which reader?
• Initial template: An existing report with appropriate data structure and process mapping.
• Test name: Unique name that identifies the purpose, variant and, if applicable, language.
• Test data: Representative data sets for normal cases, borderline cases and error cases.
• Release: Documented confirmation from the technically responsible area.

Here's how to do it

1. Formulate the report you want in one sentence: reader, decision and output format.
2. Note mandatory content, optional content and information that is expressly not allowed to appear.
3. Choose an existing template with the most suitable data source and export it as a backup.
4. Save the working copy with a new test name.
5. Before designing, define at least five test cases, including long texts, missing optional values, and multiple pages.

Exercise

Write a mini-briefing for your exercise report: “The receiver should recognize in less than 30 seconds…”. Add mandatory fields, test cases and the name of the releasing person.

Check the result

• Target group and intended use are clear.
• A backup file of the initial template exists.
• The working copy cannot be confused with the production template.
• Test data covers normal and difficult cases.

Typical errors and their solutions

• Unclear goal: Design does not replace professional decisions.
• Direct productive change: A quick, copy-free correction can instantly change automated output.
• Check screen view only: Include PDF, print and relevant export formats.

Your result

You start every report project with clarity and a fallback level - the best prerequisite for fast, courageous customization.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Report designer › 03. Open, copy and save report templates
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Report designer › 18. Preview, print and export
3. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Report designer › 19. Test, release and fix errors

Frequently asked questions