Understanding Report Definitions

Report definitions associate a data source with template files. A data source registers the schema and sample data design files. The extracted application fields from the data source files are placed into the template files to create the final report.

A report can include multiple templates. A template is used to associate different layout formats as required by different countries and regions or as required by different channels (web posting, printer, fax, and so on).

The defined output options from the report definition are reflected on the output type and format prompts on the Process Scheduler request page when the application process that runs the report is assigned the process type of BI Publisher. Security settings for a report definition determine who can view the report when it has been run.

Report properties can be set to control formatting of the report.

With the advanced bursting feature, report generation results in separate output files when bursted reports are run through Process Scheduler.

Report definition access is based on user permission list security and roles. For example, bursting is read-only for BI Publisher power users, because only developers can set up bursting, and the page only appears when settings exist.

BI Publisher power users can start to define a report to download the sample data files to create their templates.