Stonefield Webinar

 

Stonefield Query Webinar

Stonefield Query is a true end-user data mining, business intelligence, query, and report writing tool on HEAT. With its user-friendly design, Stonefield Query makes report writing a snap for even the most novice user. Elegant and persuasive reports are easy to create with a simple point and click that converts your data into easy-to-read reports.

Use the Stonefield Query SDK to create a custom end-user reporting solution for  your HEAT data base nearly any type of data. Stonefield Query supports Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, DB2, Sybase, Pervasive, Access, FoxPro, and Progress just to name a few!

Unlike generic report writers, Stonefield Query has been customized and optimized for HEAT.

Despite my past affair with Crystal Reports, I have to report that I’ve thrown over my loyalty to Stonefield Query. The simplicity and depth of the program make it easy for me to recommend. “
 

Doug Wolf, Author
Crystal Reports for Dummies


Click Here... To Sign Up Today!


Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET

 

Stonefield Query Benefits

Ease of Use

Unlike generic report writers, Stonefield Query has been customized specifically for the database it's querying against. You don't have to tell Stonefield Query how get the data; you simply tell it what you want and it will figure out how to get it. Everyone in the organization from the President to the receptionist can use the product. As a result, Stonefield Query saves technical staff time and alleviates the burden of creating every query and report an end-user could ever think of.

 Productivity

With generic report writers you are responsible for laying out fields, adjusting sizes and headings manually. Stonefield Query automatically places fields and headings on the report and sizes them appropriately. You can create a report in Stonefield Query in just seconds with only a few mouse clicks. Grouping, sorting, totaling fields, and filtering are as simple as selecting the desired option from a list. 

 Performance

Stonefield Query uses SQL SELECT statements to retrieve records from the database, so only those records that match the filter are accessed. This can have an enormous impact on the performance of the query. For example, one Stonefield Query user told us that a report they created in Crystal Reports takes over 25 minutes to run, but the same report in Stonefield Query takes just 15 seconds. That's 100 times faster.

Flexibility

Stonefield Query can access nearly any kind of database, including SQL Server, Oracle, Access, Visual FoxPro, Pervasive, DB2, MySQL and even non-database formats like comma delimited text files. Stonefield Query also supports querying on multiple data sets. For example, you may have an accounting system's data stored in SQL Server and customer data stored in ORACLE. All you have to do is define how the SQL and Oracle tables are related, and Stonefield Query will take care of the rest.  

Security

Stonefield Query supports role-based security at the field, table and report level. This means you can control access to any information stored in your system.

 Value
Stonefield Query fulfills an invaluable need every organization has: the access to information. More importantly, it allows the people who need the information the most, the ability to get it themselves.
 

Back to Top

Click Here... To Sign Up Today!


Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Stonefield Query Features

Stonefield Query Features

Stonefield Query has hundreds of features, too many to list here. The most commonly inquired about features are documented below. For a complete list features, see the Online Help documentation found under each Solution.

  • Report Types: Choose from three different report types: Quick Reports (row and column layout), Cross-Tabulation Reports (like pivot tables, for analysis), and Labels (mailing, barcode, etc).

  • Report Templates: Choose from one of the supplied templates or use the Template Editor to build your own.

  • Report Sample: See a snapshot of what the report looked like the last time you ran it.

  • Report Scheduler: Automate reports that need to go out on a regular basis.

  • Report Preview: See what the report will look like at each step of the report building process. There's no need to save and exit before viewing.

  • Role-based Security: Control access to a single report, group of reports, and/or specific modules by assigning users to groups. This allows you to restrict access to sensitive data.

  • Unlimited Reports: Create an unlimited number of reports.

  • Favorites: Save frequently used reports into your user-specific Favorites folder for quick access.

  • Output Types: Stonefield Query supports output to comma-delimited (CSV), Microsoft Excel® (XLS), Microsoft Word® (DOC), PDF, Rich Text Format (RTF), Table Format (DBF), Web Page (HTML), and XML.

  • Email Reports: Use a SMTP or MAPI email client to quickly email reports through Stonefield Query.

  • Label Wizard: Select any data in your system and choose from 87 different Avery label formats.

  • Advanced Report Designer: Customize the report layout beyond the report wizard settings using the Advanced Report Designer for complete report control.

  • Customize SQL Select: Stonefield Query automatically generates a SQL Select statement for the report once fields have been selected. Advanced users can customize the statement if desired.

  • Detailed Help File: Read through our detailed online help or our 240+ page PDF reference manual. Topics include Tutorials, Using Stonefield Query, Menu Functions, How To, and Frequently Asked Questions.

Back to Top

Click Here... To Sign Up Today!

Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Other Key Comparisons

 Can reports be used with other databases without editing?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Reports are shared by default between all users (role based security available). Database connection information is not stored with a report, so a report can easily be used with a different database than it was created for, without editing and without requiring a report designer license.

No. Reports created against a particular database must be edited by the report designer when used with another database because the connection information for the database (database name and server location) is stored with the report.

 

Can reports be created without needing to understand joins and define relationships?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Stonefield Query already knows how to join tables, so the user doesn’t have to know what a join is, let alone when to use or how to create one. No. The report designer must select the tables that are to be reported on, and then define the type of join to be used for each table relationship. Defining the join incorrectly can cause unexpected results.
 

Can reports be created without knowing database table and field names?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Stonefield Query displays the descriptive name (captions) for all tables and fields an end-user can report on. Stonefield Query also controls whether or not a table or field is available for reporting. No. The report designer must know the exact name of the field and table which a field belongs to in order to use the field in a report.
 

Can calculated or formula fields be used without knowing how to create them?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Stonefield Query stores calculated and formula fields in its data dictionary. The end-user only needs to select the field for the report. They do not have to know why or how it was created. No. In order to create calculated or formula fields for a report you must be a report designer and know formula concepts and the appropriate syntax to create them.
 

Can users easily change report filters by selecting which values to include or exclude?

Stonefield Query Crystal Reports
Yes. Reports can be designed to prompt the user for values used in a particular condition (“ask-at-runtime” conditions). Users can also specify their own query conditions by filtering on any field they wish. No. Reports can be designed to prompt the user for the value used in a particular condition, but does not allow the user to easily change the conditions, such as filtering on a different field.
 

Can users filter on a keyword in a memo field?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Filtering on a keyword in a memo field is as easy as filtering on any other condition. The Begins With, Does Not Begin With, Contains, or Does Not Contain operators provide great flexibility in filtering. No. Not possible.
 

 Is there a built-in setup generator?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Stonefield Query has a built-in setup generator that makes it easy for you to deploy Stonefield Query to your end-users. No. A developer must create their own program to distribute reports to end-users.
 

 Does it support joins across different data sources?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Simply define how the two data sources are related and Stonefield Query will take care of the rest. Yes, however it’s very complicated.
 

 Is there a built-in HTML Help File generator?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Create customized help documentation for your users that is specific to your data. No.
 

 Does it support 100% branding?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Create your own branded version of Stonefield Query. Allows you to remove all references to Stonefield from the application. Distribute and profit from Stonefield Query as your own product. No. Crystal Reports name cannot be removed from product.
 

 Does is support data security?

Stonefield Query

Crystal Reports

Yes. Control access to information at the field, table, group, user, folder and report level. Yes. Control access to group, user, folder and reports.
 

 What output types are supported?

Stonefield Query

Crystal Reports

PDF, Word, Excel, HTML, CSV, Text, XML, DBF, and RTF PDF, Word, Excel, HTML, CSV, RTF, Tab Delimited
 

 What data access methods are supported?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
ODBC, OLE DB, SQL Server over HTTP using SQLXML, Data from a Web Server (ie. ASP.net), and data through proprietary means (ie. API or SDK) ODBC, OLE DB, JDBC, OLAP, XML, COM data providers and ADO .NET
 

Can reports be scheduled to run at a specific date, time and format?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Yes, reports must be scheduled to run by a Report Designer. Runtime users cannot schedule their own reports
 

 Can it create PDF files without a PDF print driver?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Yes.
 

 Does it support label printing

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Supports 87 Avery Label formats. Yes.
 

 Is software required on the user’s computer?

Stonefield Query 

Crystal Reports

Yes. Yes.
 

 Does it offer multi-lingual support?

Stonefield Query  Crystal Reports
Yes. Yes.

Back to Top

Click Here... To Sign Up Today!


Tuesday, September 16th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM ET

Questions?  Comments?  Suggestions?
 
Change your Email address
 
 
Unsubscribe from this publication

CreekPointe - 1200 Woodruff Rd., Suite A-19 - Greenville, SC  29607 - Ph: 864.297.4959