Creating the report to use as the dataset

The data for a document is derived from a dataset, which can be a MicroStrategy report, a MicroStrategy Intelligent Cube, or data imported directly from an external data source. In this case, a report is used as the dataset, so the preliminary step for creating the document is to create the report. For more information on datasets, see Using datasets in documents.

The dataset for the invoice document needs all of the data for the document, such as customer and order information. The attribute Ship Date will be used to simulate both the invoice and due dates. Only two customers and one quarter are included on the report, since this information is sufficient to demonstrate various document features without creating a large dataset.

Since this example is focused on creating a document, not a report, the following procedure assumes that you are familiar with the steps necessary to create a report. For details, refer to the MicroStrategy Developer help (formerly the MicroStrategy Desktop help) or the Basic Reporting Guide.

To create the report

1. On the MicroStrategy Developer, point to New from the File menu, and then select Report. The Report Editor opens.

   If the New Grid dialog box opens, select Blank Report as the report object template.

2. Add the following objects to the grid:

   • Customer (from the Customers hierarchy)

   • Customer City (from the Customers hierarchy)

   • Customer State (from the Customers hierarchy)

   • Ship Date (from the Customers hierarchy)

     Ship Date stands in for the invoice and due dates on the document.

   • Item (from the Products hierarchy)

   • Day (from the Time hierarchy)

   • Cost metric (from the Public Objects\Metrics\Sales Metrics folder)

3. Add a report filter for

   • Quarter In List (Q1 05)

   AND

   • Customer In List (Aaronson Maxwell, Ballin Stephen)

4. Save and close the report, naming it Invoice Dataset Report.