Hi Naomi.

>In the DataDictionary we can specify Data Groups. However, what is the purpose of these groups? When we create a report we still have to select data from the tables and choose from the long list of tables.

The purpose of data groups is to allow the user to choose from a much shorter list of tables. For example, say you create data groups called Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Inventory Control. If the user chooses the Inventory Control data group in step 1 of the report wizards, they'll only see those tables in that group in step 2. See the help file or the online topic at http://www.stonefieldquery.com/OnlineHelp/SDK/_1o90ze2td.htm for more details.

>1. How can we utilize the Data Groups we've created?

Once you've created a data group, you have to tell Stonefield Query which tables belong to which groups. You can either do that on the data group page by turning on the checkboxes in front of each table or on the table page by clicking the down arrow for Data Groups and turning on the checkboxes in front of each data group.

>2. We've changed DataDictionary and we have SQuery opened. Even after we closed the report and re-opened it the changes we made were not reflected. How should we automatically get our changes?

The data dictionary is only read when you start Stonefield Query for performance reasons. You have to close the application (not just the report) and restart it.

>In the Data Group we created is where a way to see fields list from the tables and remove some fields that we don't need? Or we can only do this in the Databases menu?

Yes, you turn off the Reportable property for those fields you don't want the user to see.

>I closed both programs and now I see my changes in one field. But I need to do more changes in DataDictionary. The question is - how can we refresh the changes in SQuery without a need to close these programs?

As I mentioned, you need to close and restart Stonefield Query (not the Configuration Utility, just the Report Designer) when you make data dictionary changes. If we were to change Stonefield Query to re-read the data dictionary from disk into cursor every time you did something, it would really slow it down.

>BTW, we found Data Groups on the first page. But I think Data Group may be related to the report we're designing. Can we also have it on the first step when selecting data for the report?

I'm not sure I understand your question. When you have data groups set up, the Data Group control appears in step 1 of all report wizards, and affects the list of tables you see in step 2.

>In addition, I tried to specify relation on a field (I'm just guessing, because tables structures are really a nightmare) and I got an error. I can't send it to you using email option (gave me an error). I sent it by PM here.

What error did you get while trying to send the email?

>I have another question. Say, we have two coded fields in the table that have description defined in another table (Codes). I don't think we can include 2 descriptions in the same report. Do you know how can we have both fields from the Parent table properly expanded in our report?

Yes, you can. If both fields link to different records in the same Codes table, you need to set up a subtable of Codes to resolve the multiple relationships. See the http://www.stonefieldquery.com/OnlineHelp/SDK/_0vk0sx8io.htm topic for details and an exact example of what you're looking for.

If you have time, we're doing a Webinar tomorrow at 1:30 EDT on Stonefield Query that goes over most of these things. You can register at http://www.stonefieldquery.com/Support/OnlineWebinars.aspx. We generally do it every Tues so if you can't make tomorrow's, you can sign up for another one.

Doug