There are alternative Report Generation solutions on the market. Some solutions are based on technologies designed for business, re-purposed for use in industrial applications. Some are purpose built specifically and completely for industrial applications. Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services and SAP Crystal Reports are examples of the first type. Dream Report is an example of the second.
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, along with products like Report Manager are typical of business tools that are sometimes applied to industrial reporting applications. While very powerful and flexible, these types of solutions are not purpose built for industry. Specifically, they lack connectivity to “Industrial” or “Automation System” data repositories, they lack other features typical in industrial applications – like redundancy or performance tools, and most important, they are not designed for the primary user in industry – the process or plant engineer. These tools are typically applied by IT professionals, those well versed in say – VSTO and software development environments.
In addition, while these tools may appear to be very cost effective and in fact may even be free, depending on the software products that make up your infrastructure, their “Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)” as applied in your final solution will greatly outweigh the cost of purchasing a purpose built Report Generation product like Dream Report. Dream Report will be easier to commission, and maintain. Your TCO for Dream Report as your automated reporting solution will be the lowest in the industry and that value drops right to your bottom line.
Please contact us for a detailed comparison between Dream Report and Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
Note – With any product or company evaluation, results may be biased, based on old information, or inaccurate due to misinterpretations. Your mileage will vary. Please use this information as a guide to areas of investigation. Please do your own evaluation, based on the specific needs of your application to determine the product that is best for you. Ocean Data Systems is open to assisting with product evaluations for specific applications. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.