Integrating Oracle Forms with Reports

Oracle Forms and Reports are leading-edge solutions for developing, managing, and visualizing business information in

="noreferrer noopener">Oracle applications. Oracle Forms is designed to develop user interfaces and assists the developer in building client-server, thin-client, and Web-based applications. Oracle Reports allows for flexible reporting of data directly from a database. Together, they can create a seamless experience for users who need a combination of interactive data entry and sophisticated reporting capabilities within a single application. This Article will discuss best practices and methodologies in order to integrate Oracle Forms with Reports, Calling Oracle Reports from Forms, emphasizing integration techniques involving RUN_REPORT_OBJECT and PL/SQL for maximum exploitation of communication links from the forms into reports.

Overview of Oracle Forms and Reports

Oracle Forms is a product of Oracle Fusion Middleware. The primary use of Oracle Forms is to perform data entry or carry out a transaction in a database application. Oracle Reports allows for comprehensive reporting capabilities since it connects directly with the database, hence providing customizable layout for different forms of representations of data.

Key Benefits of Integrating Oracle Forms with Reports

• Enhanced User Experience: Allows users to navigate between data entry forms and reports without leaving the application.
• Centralized Data Management: Direct communication between forms and reports allows for efficient data access and updates.
• Improved Performance: Optimized data processing reduces delays in generating reports from forms.

Understanding RUN_REPORT_OBJECT in Oracle Forms

Among the most commonly used built-in procedures in Oracle Forms to run reports is RUN_REPORT_OBJECT. As shown next, this returns the question to the Oracle Reports Server to generate and return the report based on the specified parameters.

Syntax of RUN_REPORT_OBJECT

The syntax for RUN_REPORT_OBJECT is as follows:

RUN_REPORT_OBJECT(report_id);

Where report_id refers to the report object created in Oracle Forms. Additional parameters can be specified to customize the output.

Key Parameters for RUN_REPORT_OBJECT

Parameter	Description
report_id	Unique identifier for the report object in Oracle Forms.
paramform	Indicates whether to show the parameter form (yes) or not (no).
destype	Specifies the destination type (e.g., screen, printer, file).
desformat	Format of the report output (e.g., PDF, HTML).
desname	Name and path of the destination file if destype is file.

Steps for Calling Oracle Forms with Oracle Reports

Calling Oracle Reports from Forms is a crucial aspect of integrating reporting capabilities within Oracle Forms applications. By utilizing the RUN_REPORT_OBJECT built-in, developers can initiate reports directly from a form interface, allowing users to generate and view reports based on the data they input. To effectively call a report, it is essential to set various properties of the report object, such as the output format and destination type. For instance, using parameters like desformat to specify the desired report format (e.g., PDF or HTML) and destype to determine whether the output should be sent to a printer or cached for later viewing is fundamental. Additionally, incorporating a parameter form can enhance user interaction by allowing users to input specific criteria before generating the report. This integration not only streamlines the reporting process but also enriches the user experience by providing immediate access to critical data insights directly from the Oracle Forms application

Step 1: Create the Report in Oracle Reports

1. Define the report layout and data model using Oracle Reports.
2. Save and deploy the report on the Oracle Reports Server.

Step 2: Set Up the Report Object in Oracle Forms

In Oracle Forms, set up the report object with the following steps:

1. Open Oracle Forms Builder and locate the Object Navigator.
2. Create a new report object under the appropriate form.
3. Enter the Report Server details and link to the report URL.

Step 3: Implement the RUN_REPORT_OBJECT Procedure

Using PL/SQL code in Oracle Forms, call RUN_REPORT_OBJECT to generate the report. Here’s a basic example of calling a report object with parameters:

DECLARE
    report_id REPORT_OBJECT;
    report_job_id VARCHAR2(100);
    report_url VARCHAR2(2000);
BEGIN
    report_id := FIND_REPORT_OBJECT('my_report');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_FILENAME, 'reports/my_report.rdf');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_DESTYPE, 'CACHE');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_DESFORMAT, 'PDF');

    report_job_id := RUN_REPORT_OBJECT(report_id);

    /* Checking report status */
    report_url := '/reports/rwservlet/getjobid' || SUBSTR(report_job_id, INSTR(report_job_id, '_') + 1);
    WEB.SHOW_DOCUMENT(report_url, '_blank');
END;

Table: Key Attributes in RUN_REPORT_OBJECT

Attribute	Description
REPORT_OBJECT	Identifies the report object in the form.
REPORT_FILENAME	Specifies the path to the .rdf report file.
REPORT_DESTYPE	Defines where the output should be delivered (CACHE, PRINTER, etc.).
REPORT_DESFORMAT	Sets the output format (PDF, HTML, etc.).

Passing Parameters Between Forms and Reports

Often, you need to pass values from Oracle Forms to Oracle Reports, such as dates, IDs, or filter criteria. Parameters can be set in Oracle Forms and then passed to Oracle Reports when calling RUN_REPORT_OBJECT.

Using Parameter Forms in Oracle Reports

Oracle Reports can include a parameter form that allows users to input parameters before generating a report. In Oracle Forms, you can control the display of this form using the paramform parameter.

Example: Passing Parameters to a Report

To pass parameters, use the SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY procedure:

SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_OTHER, 'P_START_DATE=01-JAN-2023 P_END_DATE=31-DEC-2023');

Dynamic PL/SQL Parameter Assignment

To dynamically assign parameters based on form input, concatenate the values as shown below:

DECLARE
    report_id REPORT_OBJECT;
    report_parameters VARCHAR2(200);
BEGIN
    report_id := FIND_REPORT_OBJECT('employee_report');
    report_parameters := 'P_EMP_ID=' || :block.emp_id || ' P_DEPT_ID=' || :block.dept_id;
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_OTHER, report_parameters);
END;

Handling Report Output and Errors

After calling the report using RUN_REPORT_OBJECT, it’s essential to handle report output and possible errors.

Checking Report Status

To check the report’s status, use the REPORT_OBJECT_STATUS function:

IF REPORT_OBJECT_STATUS(report_id) = 'FINISHED' THEN
    WEB.SHOW_DOCUMENT(report_url, '_blank');
ELSE
    MESSAGE('Report generation failed. Please try again.');
END IF;

Handling Errors

Error handling is critical in providing users with feedback if a report fails to generate. Use PL/SQL exception handling mechanisms to capture and display errors.

EXCEPTION
    WHEN OTHERS THEN
        MESSAGE('An error occurred while generating the report: ' || SQLERRM);
        RAISE FORM_TRIGGER_FAILURE;
END;

Integrating Oracle Forms and Reports in a Web Application

Oracle Forms and Reports Server can be used together for web-based applications to support web access for forms as well as output from reports.

Example Workflow for a Web-Based Report

1. User submits a form in Oracle Forms.
2. The form calls RUN_REPORT_OBJECT to generate a report.
3. Oracle Reports Server processes the report and stores it in the cache.
4. The report URL is generated and displayed in the user’s browser.

Practical Example: Integrating Oracle Forms and Reports for Employee Reports

Below is an example that Show to integrate Oracle Forms and Reports to generate employee reports based on user-defined criteria.

Step 1: Create the Employee Report in Oracle Reports

1. Design the report layout to include employee data.
2. Define parameters for employee ID and department.

Step 2: Set Up the Employee Report in Oracle Forms

1. Create a form block with fields for Employee ID and Department.
2. Define a button to trigger report generation.

Step 3: Write PL/SQL Code to Call the Report

DECLARE
    report_id REPORT_OBJECT;
    report_job_id VARCHAR2(100);
    report_url VARCHAR2(2000);
BEGIN
    report_id := FIND_REPORT_OBJECT('employee_report');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_FILENAME, 'reports/employee_report.rdf');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_DESTYPE, 'CACHE');
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_DESFORMAT, 'PDF');

    -- Passing parameters
    SET_REPORT_OBJECT_PROPERTY(report_id, REPORT_OTHER, 'P_EMP_ID=' || :block.emp_id || ' P_DEPT_ID=' || :block.dept_id);

    report_job_id := RUN_REPORT_OBJECT(report_id);

    -- Display report
    report_url := '/reports/rwservlet/getjobid' || SUBSTR(report_job_id, INSTR(report_job_id, '_') + 1);
    WEB.SHOW_DOCUMENT(report_url, '_blank');
END;

Advantages of Web-Based Integration

Integrating Oracle Forms with Oracle Reports offers a powerful combination that enhances data presentation and user interaction within Oracle applications. This integration allows organizations to leverage the strengths of both tools to create efficient, dynamic, and informative applications. Here are the key advantages of integrating Oracle Forms with Reports.

1. Enhanced Data Presentation

Oracle Forms joining with Reports helps in better data visualization and presentation. Oracle Forms makes for easy data input as well as manipulation; it is, however, Oracle Reports that is most successful at creating reports replete with detail and nicely formatted. This collaboration allows organizations to better represent the data in a much more readable and visually more pleasing format which makes for easier interpretation and analyses.

2. Smooth Workflow

With forms and reports integrated, users can move directly from entering data to generating reports. The time taken by the process of manually re-keying data from one application to another is reduced, and at the same time, the handling-related errors of that process are also minimized.

3. Real-Time Reporting

The reporting integration with Oracle Forms allows real-time reporting. Users are allowed to report as of the current data entered into the forms. This ensures that the accurate and up-to-date information is used for proper decision-making of the business hence avoiding inaccurate and timely decisions.

4. Simplified User Interface

It has integrated the system into a single interface and made it easier for users to switch between data entry and reporting functions in order to allow users to be more cohesive. This intuitive design reduces the amount of effort new users have to invest, thus increasing productivity through reduction in steps to access reports.

5. More automation

Combining Reports and Oracle Forms allows for automatic generation of reports, depending on the actions taken by the user through the reports. For instance, a user can submit his or her data through an oracle form, and this data can be reported automatically. Reporting gets automated, hence saving time and making it happen within a proper timeframe.

6. Data Integrity Enhanced

The integrated forms and reports will allow data validation at the point of entry when filling the forms. In this case, only authentic and complete data will find its way in while the error-proof in getting erroneous reports minimized to zero. Thus, correct data entry goes hand in hand with the results of reports.

7. Customizable Reporting

This integration allows an organization to create specific reports based on requirements and needs in the business. This design enables focused reports that single out KPIs or specific metrics relevant to certain roles, giving sharper insights into decision-making.

8. Efficient Resource Utilization

In this direction, integration of Oracle Forms and Reports enables organizations to utilize their resources to a maximum extent possible by centralizing their data management as well as reporting operations. It saves the organizations from dealing with numerous systems and tools in order to get the needed. As a result, it reduces the expenses, in operational terms, due to an improvement in performance.

9. Easy Maintenance

It is easier to maintain single integrated systems than several disparate systems. Integration of Oracle Forms and Reports into a single environment makes updates and changes easier while allowing the overall system for maintenance in an integrated environment; naturally, things would work out better with consistency among applications.

10. Support for Various Output Formats

Oracle Reports supports output formats such as PDF, HTML, and Excel. Integration with Oracle Forms helps users to draw their reports in different formats, making it easier to distribute and share the information.

11. Extensive Data Analysis

The integration will enable users to draw extensive data analyses by amalgamating reporting capabilities with entry functionalities. A great ability is having trends and an easy way to monitor performance along with creating knowledge that fosters strategic decisions.

Disadvantages of Web-Based Integration

While integration of Oracle Forms and Oracle Reports portrays a string of advantages, it still carries certain disadvantages and limitations, which have to be borne by organizations. The main disadvantages affecting performance, user experience, and effectiveness are as follows:.

1. Complexity in Implementation

Integrating Oracle Forms with Reports can introduce complexity into the development and deployment processes. The need to synchronize two different systems may require additional resources, expertise, and time to implement effectively, potentially leading to delays in project timelines.

2. Increased Maintenance Requirements

With integration comes the need for ongoing maintenance. Organizations may face increased complexity in managing and troubleshooting issues that arise within the integrated system. This can lead to higher maintenance costs and require specialized skills to ensure smooth operation.

3. Performance Overhead

The integration may introduce performance overhead, particularly if not implemented optimally. Users may experience slower response times when navigating between forms and reports, especially if the data being processed is substantial or if the reporting processes are resource-intensive.

4. Dependence on Network Stability

Integrating Oracle Forms with Reports often relies on a stable network connection, especially in web-based environments. Any disruptions in connectivity can hinder access to reports and impede user operations, affecting overall productivity.

5. Limited Customization Options

While integration allows for some level of customization, there may be limitations compared to using standalone systems. Certain reporting features or formats may not be easily accessible or customizable within the integrated environment, restricting flexibility for specific reporting needs.

6. User Training Requirements

To effectively utilize the integrated system, users may need additional training to understand both Oracle Forms and Oracle Reports. This requirement can create a learning curve, especially for users who are accustomed to working with one tool but not the other.

7. Risk of Data Integrity Issues

When integrating two systems, there is always a risk of data integrity issues if synchronization is not managed carefully. For example, changes made in Oracle Forms may not be accurately reflected in the reports if data validation and update processes are not properly aligned.

8. Limited Vendor Support

Depending on the specific versions of Oracle Forms and Reports in use, organizations might encounter limited vendor support for the integration. This can pose challenges when seeking assistance for troubleshooting or resolving compatibility issues between the two systems.

9. Higher Costs

The initial setup and ongoing maintenance of an integrated system can lead to higher costs compared to using standalone applications. Organizations must consider these costs when evaluating the overall return on investment of integrating Oracle Forms with Reports.

10. Potential for User Frustration

If the integration does not perform as expected or if users encounter difficulties navigating between forms and reports, it may lead to frustration. Negative user experiences can impact overall adoption rates and hinder the effectiveness of the integrated solution.