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Efficient Transition: Moving SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher

Organizations require seamless, high-performance reporting tools to drive decision-making and efficiency. With SAP Crystal Reports reaching end-of-support, many companies are now exploring advanced reporting solutions, such as Oracle BI Publisher. Transitioning SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle enables organizations to retain familiar report structures while improving flexibility and scalability. One of our clients, a leading technology services provider, opted for this shift, aiming for an efficient, user-friendly reporting environment that aligns with their industry-specific needs.

DataTerrain’s SAP Crystal Report to Oracle migration boosts reporting efficiency, security, and scalability.

The Need for Crystal Reports Migration

The client’s network of 70 client delivery centers required reliable business intelligence (BI) and analytics tools to make rapid, data-driven decisions and manage project execution effectively. Crystal Reports migration became necessary due to end-of-support for SAP Crystal Reports, and Oracle BI Publisher was selected as the replacement for its comprehensive reporting capabilities and strong integration with other Oracle solutions.

DataTerrain’s Approach to Converting SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher

DataTerrain, an expert in business intelligence migration, led the conversion project using a proven, structured methodology for efficient and effective results. Below are the core phases of the transition process:

1. Automated Inventory and Analysis

In the initial phase, DataTerrain’s proprietary tool automated the inventory and analysis of Crystal Reports to create a comprehensive list and identify potential transition challenges. The tool provided a high-level technical overview, identifying:

  • Performance Bottlenecks: Reports with high resource requirements were flagged for optimization.
  • Report Consolidation: Similar reports were identified for consolidation, reducing maintenance and support complexity in the new Oracle environment.

2. Converting SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher

Leveraging DataTerrain’s automated migration tools, each Crystal Report was converted to an Oracle BI Publisher-compatible format, replicating the AS-IS look and feel. The automation tool enabled DataTerrain to:

  • Create RTF Templates: Each report was converted into an RTF template, and deployed on Oracle’s server, ensuring seamless access for end-users.
  • Integrate PeopleSoft Compatibility: Customizations were made to convert PeopleSoft-specific elements, ensuring a smooth integration with Oracle BI Publisher.
  • Customize User Filters: Additional parameters, such as year, region, and department, were integrated, allowing users to filter data views according to specific needs.

3. Validation and User Acceptance

Throughout the process, DataTerrain involved users in validating reports and testing new features to align with their requirements. This collaboration ensured:

  • User Familiarity: Users experienced minimal disruption, as the report formats closely matched those from SAP Crystal Reports.
  • Increased Functionality: New drill-downs and filters enhanced user capabilities, generating positive feedback.

Key Benefits of Moving SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher

With the transition complete, the client reported several advantages:

  • Enhanced Data Flexibility: By moving SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle, data layout and logic can now be separated, providing increased flexibility and easier updates.
  • Improved Performance: Oracle BI Publisher’s ability to handle large data volumes has led to faster report execution, benefiting daily operations and decision-making.
  • Versatile Output Formats: The client now delivers reports in multiple formats, such as .xls, .pdf, and .doc, with Oracle’s layout editor allowing customizations in real time.
  • Secure, Scalable Integration: Oracle BI Publisher integrates seamlessly with PeopleSoft, making maintenance straightforward and ensuring system stability.
  • Custom Security Options: Customers can embed their security measures, a significant upgrade from the legacy Crystal Reports structure.

Notable Outcomes of Transitioning SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle BI Publisher

The client highlighted DataTerrain’s efficiency in executing the project, specifically noting:

  • Around-the-Clock Support: DataTerrain’s global team ensured continuous progress, completing the project on time and mitigating Crystal Reports support challenges.
  • Enhanced User Satisfaction: The additional filtering capabilities and ease of use with Oracle’s modern interface were well-received by end-users.

Conclusion

DataTerrain’s expertise in Crystal Reports migration enabled our clients to complete their transition to Oracle BI Publisher efficiently, improving reporting functionality and scalability. The migration has set up the client’s reporting infrastructure to support future growth while simplifying report management and integration. If you are considering converting SAP Crystal Reports to Oracle, DataTerrain provides the tools and expertise needed to ensure a smooth, effective transition.

For more information on our transition services, please contact DataTerrain at connect@dataterrain.com.