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Modules & Reporting

Advanced Reporting 4: Creating a Data-Bound Report

This guide explains how to create a data-bound report using a built-in JSON data source, data bindings, expressions, and summaries.

Overview of the Timesheet Report

The report displays employee timesheet data, including:

  • Clock-in/clock-out times
  • Expected hours, net hours, gross hours
  • Breaks, adjustments, and absence durations

Setting Up the Report

Creating a Basic Report Structure

The report starts with a basic layout to serve as a foundation. Rename the report to Timesheet Report.

Adding a Data Source

  1. Click the menu in the top-left corner.
  2. Select Add Data Source to open the Data Source Wizard.
  3. Choose from available data sources (e.g., Synergy Workforce JSON API).
  4. Click on a data source to load its data model.
  5. Select all available fields or choose a subset.
  6. Click Finish to add the selected fields to the report.

Understanding Data Sources and Parameters

The Field List Panel displays:

  • Primary Data Source: Contains the main dataset.
  • Lookup Data Source: Used for filtering parameters.

When previewing the report:

  • A Parameters Panel appears.
  • User input is required for certain filters (e.g., date range, employee selection).

Managing Parameters

  1. Click Parameters Node → Edit Parameters.
  2. The Parameters Editor shows automatically added parameters (e.g., date range, filter type).

Most of these parameters should not be modified, as they are necessary for generating the report.

Designing the Report Layout

Modifying the Header Table

Add more table cells for required columns: Employee No, First Name, Last Name, Date, Clock-in, Clock-out, Expected Hours, Gross Hours, Net Hours, Breaks, Adjustments, Absence Duration.

Adjust table layout: Resize columns evenly. Decrease font size and center-align text.

Adding a Detail Table

Copy the header table and paste it into the Detail Band. Adjust styles: Remove bold formatting and background color. Left-align text. Remove static text in preparation for data binding.

Binding Data to the Table

Drag & Drop Method

  • Open the Field List Panel.
  • Drag Employee Number, First Name, Last Name, Clock-in, Clock-out, etc. into respective cells.

Expression Editor Method

  • Click on a cell and select the Expression (fx) Icon.
  • Use the Expression Editor to bind fields.
  • Example: Fields.EmployeeNumber binds the employee number.

Using Expressions for Data Formatting

To remove unnecessary time details from date fields: Open Properties Panel → Text Format → Select a date-only format.

To format hours correctly: Use the Custom Function: FormatHHMM(). Example: FormatHHMM(Fields.GrossHours, true).

Previewing and Refining the Report

Go to Preview Mode, select employees, and click Submit. Adjust styling: Condense table layout by reducing row heights. Center align important labels. Execute the report again to ensure correct formatting.