Step 1: Create a Report Definition File

The details of a report are defined in an XML-based Report Definition File (.rdf). These files contain the definition of the reports:

• Data source: CVS for current values, VHS for historical values, SQL-query based, or Combined
• Contents: filtered, period, rollup data
• Layout: columns, sorting
• Created file format: Excel (XLSX), PDF, CSV, XML, or HTML
• Created file delivery location: Local file system, CygNet service-based file storage (GRP service), and/or email delivery

Report Definition Files are created by the ReportConfig.csf CygNet Studio screen that is provided as part of the Report Module installation. For more details on the user interface for creating new Report Definition Files, see Configuring Reports.

Step 2: Execute the Report

Reports can either be run manually or scheduled the run at a later point in time.

To run a report manually, open ReportConfig.csf CygNet Studio screen and select the report to be run from the list on the left. Then click the Execute button. You will see the report running in the grid on the right. When it is completed, you will see its status set to Complete. At this point, the report is finished processing and will be delivered by whatever means were defined in the Report Definition file.

Step 2a: Schedule the Report

A report can also be scheduled to run later. This can be configured through ReportScheduler_schedule.csf. First you must create a schedule and define how often it should recur (daily, monthly, every other week, etc.). Then you must associate Report Definitions with that schedule. This will cause those reports to be run on the interval defined for the schedule.

For more information, see Configuring a Report Module Schedule.

Step 3: Deliver the Report

Report delivery is configured as part of the Report Definition File. See Configuring Reports — Storage.