How to Deliver Crystal Reports to SharePoint, Shared Folders and Printers

Imagine a warehouse needing a picking slip at its local printer, while the operations manager needs a copy in a shared folder. Emailing both people a PDF leaves someone with another delivery task.

Start at the receiving end. Identify the printer and tray requirements, the folder another process watches, or the SharePoint library colleagues actually use. Then define the file format and name each destination expects.

The same report can have more than one delivery purpose. A printed working document and an archived PDF do not have to compete for one destination.

Crystal Server and BusinessObjects support configured destinations such as a file system and FTP, with availability depending on the deployment. A script can also export and copy or print files when its developer handles the relevant credentials and errors.

CRD provides destination configuration around the existing Crystal Report. That is useful when the warehouse print, the manager’s folder copy and other delivery instructions need to be maintained as part of one reporting routine.

SharePoint requires its own connection and authorization setup. Treat it as a configured destination, rather than assuming a web address can be substituted for a Windows folder path.

The CRD delivery overview describes the available routes.

Choose the picking-slip report and enter the warehouse and reporting values. Add the intended printer destination and select the printer available to the executing host. Configure any required printer-specific choices using the supported driver.

Add the folder destination for the manager’s PDF, with a path and filename that the unattended account can use. If the workflow needs SharePoint, establish the documented SharePoint connection and library access before enabling the recurring job.

Run a controlled example all the way through. Collect the physical print, open the PDF at the actual folder or library and compare both with the picking work they represent. A print job reaching a queue is a different milestone from usable paper reaching the warehouse.

As more warehouses join, delivery instructions may become data-driven. CRD can use query results to determine parameters, output formats and destinations, so each branch can receive its agreed file or print route.

Keep the driver data maintained by someone who understands those reporting assignments. A printer name or folder value becomes an operational instruction when the schedule reads it.

The warehouse should begin picking with the right slip while the manager can find the electronic copy. Once both results are correct, the schedule can preserve that delivery arrangement.

Explore Crystal Reports delivery operations for the destinations your own process needs.