Part 2: Merging Reports using the Archive Merging Utility

In the first part of this series, we discussed how to merge reports using subreports.  Today we are going to take a look at another method: Merging Archives.

Generating a report as an archive file is a great way to save a snapshot of that report to file for later use. The resulting file, when viewed, is an exact replica of the original report output when it was generated without the need for data or report manipulation.

The simplicity of archive files make them the perfect starting point for the next part in our series of merging reports. With the use of the built-in Archive Merging Utility, merging multiple archive files into a single file is an almost trivial task.

Whether numerous archive files are already saved to file or database or multiple reports require quick merging without redesign or further code, merging archives is a handy tool to have in your merging arsenal.

See the following article for how to utilize the Archive Merging Utility (TppRAFMerge class) to easily merge multiple archives into one.

https://rbwiki.digital-metaphors.com/output/archive/merging-archive-files/

Pros:
– Archive files are easy to generate and are proven to contain correct output.
– Archive files print/export quickly due to zero overhead and merging requires minimal code.
– Once merged, exporting an archive to different file formats is simple using existing RB architecture.

Cons:
– Creating archive files adds a new step when another file format is needed.
– Archive files are not “live” reports
– Editing archive files once created can be time consuming

Merging archives is yet another useful way to combine separate reports into a single document. While this method really shines when archive files have already been created, it can also be used to simply merge reports even when archive files are not ultimately needed.

The next post in our series (Merging Files) is coming soon, stay tuned.

Happy Reporting!