--- title: How to Use SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Application Integration description: SAP Crystal Reports simplifies enterprise application integration for IT and provides powerful dashboard reporting that keeps financial goals on target. image: http://www.5xtechnology.com/hubfs/Crystal%20Reports/crystal-reports-dashboard-min.jpg --- It seems that JavaScript is disabled in your browser. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the [ instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser](http://www.enable-javascript.com/). **[858 609 6160 | ](tel:8586096150)**[BLOG |](https://92116.hs-sites.com/blog-business-intelligence-plus) [NEWS & EVENTS |](https://92116.hs-sites.com/press-releases) [CONTACT](https://www.s3-na.com/about/contact)  [![5XLogo_Big.jpg](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/5x-Logos/5XLogo_Big.jpg?width=180&height=360&name=5XLogo_Big.jpg "5XLogo_Big.jpg")](https://www.s3-na.com/) Search this site on Google # How to Use SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Application Integration By Jeffrey Yefsky - [Home](https://www.5xtechnology.com) - [Blog](https://www.5xtechnology.com/blog-business-intelligence-plus) - [Crystal Reports](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/topic/crystal-reports) - How to Use SAP Crystal Reports for Enterprise Application Integration Thriving in today's lean business environment requires knowing where you stand at any given time, while saving money where possible, and understanding how to allocate your most limited resources responsibly. To make sound financial decisions, you need to have access to your critical business data and an easy resource-friendly method of reporting those decisions to your many stakeholders. When you are looking for a way to access data from multiple sources and create meaningful and easy to understand reports, having a simple to use BI dashboarding tool like SAP Business Objects [Crystal Reports](http://www.5xtechnology.com/business-intelligence/sap-businessobjects/crystal-reports) can make all the difference ## **The ****Functional Capabilities of Crystal Reports for Financial Processes and Growth** No one understands the financial data better than you. However, for others to make sense of taxing and complicated data points and better visualize how this information impacts the company, it is helpful to have a well-designed engaging report. Utilize the intuitive design environment and [SAP Crystal Reports functional capabilities](http://www.sap.com/product/analytics/crystal-reports.product-capabilities.html#) to create meaningful reports that include the data you choose. You can create elegant and user-friendly business reports, quickly with drag and drop ease. SAP Crystal Reports design uses a "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG) technology that makes design, integration, and deployment options a cinch for all users no matter their skill set. Time is one of your most valuable assets. With SAP Crystal Reports (CR) you will be able to significantly decrease the time you spend on data wrangling. Instead use the tools provided to quickly: - Utilize the intuitive built-in design tools to create dynamic layouts using the precise financial data that is important. - Save time and hassle of formatting by using templates and further [improve your dashboard reports](https://www.5xtechnology.com/blog-business-intelligence-plus/crystal-report-dashboard-examples) with custom template creation. - Set parameters that reflect the data you need and get accurate, timely results with no need to refresh. - Explore your data interactively with advanced sorting and filtering options that you set using local customs. Interested in seeing a snapshot of your company's financial health for better prediction of growth and scale? [Create dynamic dashboard reports](http://www.5xtechnology.com/blog-business-intelligence-plus/how-to-create-a-better-looking-business-dashboard-design) to justify expenditures or discover where resources can be better allocated to reach your goals faster.  Global formula search, duplicate formula, duplicate running total, and a "find-in-field" explorer are just a few of the features that will make quick work of your report creation duties. Get to the heart of the matter by creating dynamic reports using enhanced and robust, integrated components and by combining media components like Adobe Flash, Adobe Flex, video, and map overlays. Other ways to use the powerful dashboard reporting capabilities include: - Designing impactful data-driven visualizations - Convey complex data in a more compelling way with enhanced reports - Add dynamic mapping, charts, graphs, and even videos to reports quickly, using Adobe Flash - Help others visualize critical “what-if” scenarios by integrating your data with relevant SAP Crystal Dashboard Design components - Execute business decisions, on the fly, directly from your reports by embedding Adobe Flex ## **The Technical Capabilities of Crystal Reports for Report Deployment** ![sap-crystal-reports](http://www.5xtechnology.com/hubfs/Crystal%20Reports/graphic.tablet.dashboard.jpg "sap-crystal-reports")Never before have you been able to collaborate and share so easily. With advanced deployment options, you can share reports with more stakeholders easily, in many different ways. Data-driven publishing, new data access, extensive export options, and software development kits (SDKs) are just some of the options available. [Blast reports to hundreds of recipients at once](http://www.5xtechnology.com/blog-business-intelligence-plus/how-sap-crystal-reports-solves-dashboard-issues-for-all-user-levels) by integrating with  SAP Business Objects Crystal Report Server. - Use data drivers for enhanced web services to access interactive data online anytime from any location. - Quickly access full customer data with included Salesforce.com software. - Use XML exporting to turn data into actionable reports. - Utilize powerful runtime SDK capabilities to add, change, or create new report objects - no IT programming needed. The ease of use and simple implementation make CR less taxing for companies with an already stretched thin in-house IT staff.  ## **Enterprise Application Integration from Virtually Any Data Source** Regarding flexibility, CR shines in several ways. First, with the newly released version, it is possible to share your reports with more users than ever before, without respect to their affiliation with the organization. Moreover, each report flows seamlessly into any browser including the smallest mobile devices. Reports are delivered with full interactivity with features like drill-down, group tree, and a full parameter panel, available to anyone anywhere. Secondly, it is easy to automate large reports by using SAP Business Objects Crystal Report Server 2016. This feature allows you to schedule reports to run at built-in or scheduled intervals. If you prefer, larger, more time-consuming reporting can be scheduled for delivery during off hours. These can be viewed later by multiple recipients right in their browser. Furthermore, you can send reports in a variety of file formats. You choose what the best format is for publishing to your various destinations. SAP CR integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office and Sharepoint.  Finally, it works well with both virtualized, physical, and hybrid servers, with support solutions available to fit your needs. As well, it offers support and translation in over 20 languages. SAP, [known for its interoperability](http://www.sap.com/documents/2015/07/1615acc0-597c-0010-82c7-eda71af511fa.html), supports most operating systems for easy integration with API. The following are only a few of the most commonly supported data sources: - Universe - SAP - Relational connection - HANA - Excel Spreadsheets - SQL - MySQL - Oracle - IBM - Microsoft ## **BI & Business Dashboard Reporting to Easily Communicate to Decision Makers** SAP Crystal Reports is the choice of industry leaders because it offers one of the most comprehensive, easy to use, and cost-effective business intelligence dashboard and reporting solutions on the market today. With the newest feature, Crystal Report Server 2016, have instant access to the precise data you need, when you need it and the ability to share that information with more people and in more ways, than you ever dreamed possible.  Today, data is considered second only to personnel, as the most valuable asset a company has available. Because each decision maker is interested in specific data points, it is important to be able to create personalized reports for each individual or group. Compiling separate custom reports can be a time and resource consuming process that without the proper tools, may end up failing to hit the mark. When it is important to create engaging and readable reports that contain the most relevant and actionable information, you need a solution you can trust.  Statistics show that 65 percent of us are visual learners. This means we absorb information better when it is displayed in the form of graphics, images, and video. When you create reports that are static or contain large blocks of text, they are less likely to be read or understood. Through the delivery of dynamic and interactive reports, you are better able to engage your target audience. Therefore, more liable to achieve the results you desire.  SAP Business Objects Crystal Reports for Enterprise Application Integration allows you to better leverage your data through integration with existing or legacy systems. The dashboard reporting capabilities and mass deployment options ensure that you are able to provide a complete and definite picture of your company's financial data to many different users, across multiple platforms, and from anywhere no matter what device they are using.     **[Download our FREE eBook The Business Dashboard Software, Design & Reporting Guide](http://www.5xtechnology.com/resources/white-papers-guides/dashboard-design-reporting-guide), and get started on the path to better dashboard design, reporting and financial processes.** [![](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/92116/7f32cf04-6e55-4225-aa3f-0de1c26c7ead.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/92116/7f32cf04-6e55-4225-aa3f-0de1c26c7ead) *Originally published February 2, 2017. Updated August 19, 2019.* ### **Related Posts** [![crystal-reports-dashboard-min.jpg](https://www.5xtechnology.com/hubfs/Crystal%20Reports/examples-crystal-report-dashboard.png) ](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/crystal-report-dashboard-examples) ### [5 Engaging Crystal Report Dashboards Examples](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/crystal-report-dashboard-examples) [![crystal-reports-dashboard-min.jpg](http://www.5xtechnology.com/hubfs/Crystal%20Reports/crystal-reports-financial.jpg) ](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/why-crystal-reports-create-clearest-financial-reports) ### [5 Reasons SAP Crystal Reports Creates the Clearest Financial Reports](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/why-crystal-reports-create-clearest-financial-reports) ### LIKE WHAT YOU READ? Subscribe to the BI Insights blog to receive updates about: - Business Intelligence - Data Services - Project Management ![Jeffrey Yefsky](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/hubfs/Jeffrey%20Yefsky-edit%202.jpg) [ About the Author: Jeffrey Yefsky ](https://www.performanceinstitute.org/blog-business-intelligence-plus/author/jeffrey-yefsky) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/yefsky) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-yefsky-1aabb5) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/5x-Technology-Business-Intelligence-Solutions-166697426716059) [Email](mailto:jeffrey.yefsky@5xtechnology.com) [Website](http://www.5xtechnology.com) Jeffrey Yefsky, CEO for 5x Technology & an award winning leader in BI and Data Services industry, is also a decorated Lt. Commander in the US Navy. #### [CommentsCurrently, there are no comments. 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