List Generator
OBJECTIVE
The List Generator is used to create simple and complex lists using variables from different tables of maestro*.
Lists created by the list generator are accessible from the Maintenance menu’s option, but also through most options via the Print icon’s drop-down menu, Generator option.
List created in the list generator are also available through the main menu by clicking the Print lists and reports icon, under the Custom Lists. The lists are available depending on the security defined for options and based on whether the list’s visibility is set to public or private. Users who do not have access to an option cannot see the lists created using the option in question, even if they are public. Private lists are those created by the current user.
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Simple lists created with the generator allow users to export data in Excel format, to create labels for mailings (by transferring the information in the list to Excel) or to obtain information to simplify everyday tasks (such as customer or supplier contact information). |
steps
Create a list
maestro* > Maintenance > File Maintenance > Files > List Generator |
- Choose the data source that will be used to create the new list using the field at the bottom of the window: company directory (Co. Dir.) or the Data directory (Data Dir.).
- Choose a file by checking the appropriate box.
- Click Select.
- The List Generator window opens. Fill in the information in the following fields:
Fields
Description
List
Number assigned by maestro* to identify the list.
Title
Name of the list to be used in the Lists Explorer.
NOTE: It is possible to enter a title in both languages (French and English) by simply clicking the button on the far right of the title to change the language.
Visibility
Available values:
Public
Indicates that the list will be visible to all users who have access to the option from which the list was created.
Private
Indicates that the list will be visible only to the user who created it.
NOTE: For details on changing the visibility of a list, refer to the appendix.
List Type
Available values:
Maestro Reports
Default maestro* reports.
NOTE: it is not possible to create this type of report, since they are delivered with maestro*.
Custom Reports
Report created by a user.
View type
Available values:
Standard
Uses the default settings of the generator by displaying the available variables and links.
SQL Query
Used to create an SQL query. The variables are displayed based on the query.
Accessible in option
This number corresponds to a maestro* option. If the user has access to this option, the list will be displayed in the Custom Lists section.
Refer to the appendix for more information on how to change this option manually and to control which users have access to the list.
NOTE: Users who have access to the option will also have access to the lists whose visibility is public. Users will also have access to the lists they themselves created.
Default Dest.
Available values:
Ask the User
Asks the user to select the destination for the list.
Report Viewer
Tells maestro* to open the list in the Maestro Report Viewer.
Transfer to Excel
Tells maestro* to open the list in an Excel file.
Pivotal View
Tells maestro* to open the list in a dynamic vector-based analysis table.
Grid
Tells maestro* to open the list in a grid.
NOTE: This method allows the user to see several records on a given line, apply filters directly, sort the information, view the results in summary format and see details by double clicking the information.
Excel File Data
Define an Excel file in which the list is sent instead of creating a new Excel file every time. Allows the user to create graphics, pivot tables and other formulas based on data from the list found in the first sheet .
Number of “formula” columns
To protect a number of columns to stock calculated columns (in the first sheet).
Model
Model to use by default in the dynamic vector-based analysis.
NOTE: Field available only when the Default Dest. is Pivotal View.
Sorted by
Used to sort the information presented based on the selected criteria.
Ignore Empty Rows
Ignore lines that do not contain information when generating the list.
Print only parents with no children
In a hierarchical list, used to print only lines that do not contain data in their sub-level. For example, for a list of customers and their invoices, used to print only customers without invoices.
Force the use of this (these) prefix(es) for the list
Used to force the use of the selected prefixes or masks when generating this list. No matter the user’s access to companies.
NOTES: This box, as well as the mask and prefix selection, are available only for administrator users.
Applicable to the multidimensional mode only.
- Complete the Parameters tab:
- Complete the Filters tab:
APPENDIX
Changing the visibility of a list
To change the visibility of a list, you must:
- Have access to the option in which the list is available, or;
- Have access to the List Generator.
- Open the list to be modified.
- Change the visibility of the list by making it public or private:
Changing the visibility of a list
Who can change it?
Result
Public to Private
All Users
After the changes, only the user who created it will have access to the list.
WARNING: If the user who changes the list is not the user who created the list, a confirmation message is displayed on the screen. By answering Yes to the question: This list does not belong to you. Do you want to change it to Private and remove it from your lists? The list is removed from the lists available to all users and only the user who created it will continue to have access to it.
Private to Public
Only the user who created the list
After the changes, all users will have access to the list if they have access to the option associated with the list.
- Change the visibility of the list by changing the option:
The Available in option field determines which users can see the list via the Print Lists and Reports icon, under Custom Lists. Only users who have access to the option specified will have access to the list.
Normally, the indicated option should match the window in which the information is entered. For example, for a list of projects, the option should be Project Management.
However, this function can also be used to provide access to a list of users who do not have access to the option that normally corresponds with the list. For example, to provide access to a list of projects to users who do not have access to Project Management, simply specify an option to which the users do have access, such as Detailed Expenses. This way, the user can see a list that is not normally accessible to them.