Before you can use any Report Writer, you must connect to the database. This step is common to any Report Writer and must be performed before you can begin building the report. Below are the steps necessary when using the current version of Microsoft Access. Although this example is specific to Access, the general steps are the same for any product and should serve as an example;
Select "Project using existing data". This will open a window that asks you to select the name and location of your new Access Database Project (ADP). Choose your name and location, then press CREATE.
You will now see a "Data Link Properties" window. This window allows you to tell the Report Writer which OLEDB database you want to access. Again, there are many options, SchoolLeader uses a database engine called Microsoft SQL Server. Scroll down the list and locate the option shown in the window below and then click on the NEXT >> button.
Select or Enter a server name
Click on the down arrow and you will see a list of computers that are currently running SQL Server. You will probably only see one. If you see more then one, select the server that ends with "\SCHOOLLEADER" in the name.
If you do not see any Computers on this list then verify you have the SchoolLeader workstation software installed on this computer. If not, you probably need to manually configure any firewall software you may have OR disable it.
Enter information to log on to the server
Select the 'Use a specific user name and password' option and then enter "Viewuser" in the User Name field. Leave the Password field blank and check the "Blank Password" option.
Select the database on the server
Click on the down arrow and you will see a list of databases to choose. You may see more than one with various names. You want to choose the database that follows the naming convention of SL_FrontDesk_$ID=xxxxxx_$TYPE=Primary. You most likely will only have one with this name. Select it and press the OK button.
Once you fill in the Data Link information and press the OK button, Access Project window will display. This shows you all the items currently in your project. Initially, there should be nothing except Queries. These Queries represent all the SchoolLeader data views that are available to you for reporting. You can now use Access to create reports or view the queries for your own custom reporting
This is an example of connecting to SchoolLeader using Microsoft Access (the most widely used tool available). However, there are numerous different tools you can use to access SchoolLeader. It is beyond the scope of this manual to demonstrate connecting with them all. However, if you have a particular product you wish to use, and cannot figure out how to connect with it, please contact our Technical Support team. We will be happy to try and assist.
In addition, keep in mind that the actual creation of reports using any of these tools would be a function of that tool. If you have specific questions about creating reports, please consult that tools user's manual or contact that products Technical Support team. SchoolLeader Technical Support cannot assist you in how to use those third party products.