OLAP reporting with Seagate Crystal Reports

Although relational databases such as SQL servers and PC databases are the most common sources of data, Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) and Multi-Dimensional Data (MDD) are rapidly becoming the popular data-storage and analysis formats. Seagate Crystal Reports provides the same access and reporting features for OLAP data sources that it provides for relational data.

Note:    The term OLAP is used in this topic to refer to all common forms of OLAP and Multi-Dimensional Data storage and access systems.

OLAP Grid Objects

When you design a report with OLAP data, Seagate Crystal Reports creates a primary report containing one or more OLAP grid objects. OLAP grid objects look and act much like Cross-Tab objects, but they are designed specifically for OLAP data.

OLAP grid objects provide true multi-dimensional reporting. Add dimensions to either axis to analyze three, four, or more dimensions in a single OLAP grid. Or instead of viewing multiple dimensions within one OLAP grid, create multiple OLAP grids within the same report.