Creating Shortcuts to Reports Using Excel

Eclipse Reports provides a way to create shortcuts to your reports so you can view the latest information from the database any time you open the report. The system creates web query files on your reports.

Important: The procedures listed can vary depending on how your browser has been configured to handle downloaded files. The file must be saved with an .iqy extension to work correctly.

A web query file provides a direct link to the report source using Microsoft Excel. These files are saved with an .iqy extension. A web query file is dynamic, so that when you access the file, the file pulls the current data from the database and displays it in your report without having to launch Eclipse Reports. The system uploads information for reports whenever you have your report run so your report is always up to date. You can change the schedule on your report, as needed.

For example, you are a salesperson and you set up a report for your pricing and customer data. The system creates an .iqy file and you save an icon on your system. Each time you open your report using the .iqy icon, the system pulls the most current information from the database. This way of accessing your file always ensures that you have the most current pricing or customer information on your desktop.

Because the .iqy file is a link to the report, you can send an .iqy file for a report through e-mail with very little impact on e-mail servers. Although only three users can access an .iqy file simultaneously, sending the file does not slow down other e-mail processes because the file is very small.

Note: You do not need an ODBC interface to use the .iqy files and using the .iqy file does not use an Eclipse license.

To save your report in .iqy format:

  1. Run your report with the needed parameters.

  2. From your home page, click the Reports tab and locate your report.

  3. In the Excel IQY column, click the icon on the same row as your report name.

Important: Microsoft Excel has a column and line limit. Eclipse does not import a report over 10,000 lines for an .iqy file. If you are running a large report, such as a complete product file report, we recommend running post filters to scale down the data before using or sharing the .iqy file for the report.

  1. Click OK to create the icon.

  2. In the Opening dialogue box, do one of the following:

Selection

Procedure

Open with

  1. The system auto-selects opening this file with Microsoft Excel. Click OK.

  2. The file opens in Excel. From the File menu, select Save As.

  3. Browse and select where you would like to save the shortcut, such as Desktop.

  4. In the File Name field, name the file meaningfully so you know to which report you are creating a shortcut, such as Sales for Branch 2. Make sure that the extension is "iqy," such as SalesForBranch2.iqy.

  5. Click Save.

  6. At the warning message about using that extension, click Yes.

  7. Close Excel.

Save File

  1. Click OK.

  2. The system puts the file wherever your downloads regularly open, such as in a Temp folder or a Downloads folder.

  3. Locate the folder and file the system created. If you do not know the folder your browser saves to, check Tools > Options and the Downloads section to find the folder name.

  4. Right-Click, select Send to > Desktop.

  5. On your desktop, locate the .iqy file, such as Shortcut to odbc__515.iqy. Right-click and name your icon meaningfully.

See Also:

Configuring Your System to Access ODBC Report Files

Eclipse Reports Home Page