RT Report Manager Initial Configuration

Configuration wizard will guide through the steps to configure RT Report Manager (RTRM)

Database type

RTRM supports 2 database types: Local and Server. Both are based on SQL Server, however there is a difference in the supported application features.

 

Local database

(option “I want simple installation. I plan to use the software on this computer only”)

This database will be useful if you want to use basic RTRM features like viewer, scheduler etc. on a single computer. Since SQL Server FileStream is not supported, some of the advanced features like Version control for Crystal reports, Document management (DM), also known as Context management etc. will be not available.

 Server database

(option “I plan to use the software on multiple computers”).

We highly recommend using this database type. This database will allow you to share settings, schedules etc. between multiple computers, also will allow you to work with advanced features like Version Control for Crystal reports, Document management etc.

 

SQL Server Database instance

There are 3 possible scenarios:

1.Install new instance of SQL Server and a new RTRM database

2.Install new RTRM database on an existing SQL Server instance

3.Use existing RTRM database

 

Install New SQL Server Instance and Database

Select “New SQL Server” and the version of the SQL Server Express you want to download. Available versions are 2012, 2019 and 2022. Version 2012 is available just in case you need to install the software on really old OS like Windows Server 2012 R2, which does not support newer versions of SQL Server. Please note that SQL Server versions may run out of support and it is not recommended to install any not supported version. In addition, once installed, you need to maintain the SQL Server installation and update it with the latest security patches provided by Microsoft.

Database folder will be the folder where main database files are saved (MDF and LDF).

Document folder will be used for files saved in DM

You can create a new user, which will be used explicitly for the new RTRM database.

Install new RTRM database on an existing SQL Server instance

This option is similar as the previous one except there will be no installation of SQL Server. You still need to provide Database and Documents folder. SQL Server version should be2008 R2 or above with enabled FileStream option and case insensitive settings. To enable FileStream option please follow the steps in this article:  Enable and configure FILESTREAM

Please make sure that the FileStream option is enabled before to start database installer.

 

Use existing RTRM database

For this option just provide the connection info to the database. This option will be usually used from the computers in the network to connect to a database, which is already created on the server

Configure existing SQL Server to work with RTRM database

Plugin configuration

RTRM is a plugin-based system, which allow it to work with various report types. Some plugins are pre-installed, some require download and compilation. The list of the available and optional plugins is on the left. Most plugins are ready to use. If you want to use Crystal reports plugin you need to check the checkbox on the left. You will be asked if you would like to download and compile the plugin.

If you answer yes, the wizard will open Plugin Studio, where you can compile the plugin. You can review the code and make changes if necessary. Please, set your company name and version. RTRM is using these values to identify the plugin and associated licenses.

You can trigger the download and compile process also using the button “Download and Compile Plugin for Crystal Reports” in the right part of the screen.

 

Windows Service

RTRM scheduler is using a windows service. Since the service might be installed on multiple computers, you need to tell RTRM which computer will be an active scheduler. Use button "Set current computer as active scheduler". This will prevent firing schedule events on multiple computers and generating multiple files and emails. As of January 2025, the preferable method is to use Single Scheduler. Option to use Multiple Schedulers is in Beta and should not be used except you have support plan which includes Beta features. Please check the check box "Use Windows Service" and you will be asked for user name and password , which will be used to run the Windows service. You can use System account or a user account created by your Admin.

RTRM supports 2 separate schedulers:

1.Classic calendar scheduler, where you can set schedules like run task on every 3rd day of the month at 5AM, every other Friday, etc. This scheduler is very similar as interface and behavior to Outlook calendar.

2.Short term scheduler. This scheduler allows you to run tasks on a period. For example, run task every 3 seconds. You have some filtering like time frame (run between 8AM and 5 PM) or exclude weekends, but generally speaking, this scheduler will be used for tasks, which are running continuously in the background. This scheduler, together with data driven jobs, is very useful to emulate data events and can run reports based on data changes in the database.

Windows service will create a log file which will be placed in folder:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\logs\2025-02-22

where <username> is the username used by the Windows Service and 2025-02-22 is the date in format yyyy-MM-dd

If you are using System account, the log file will be in

C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Roaming\logs\2025-02-22

 

Install samples

 

RTRM provides a few samples to demonstrate different technique to run reports and jobs. For example, there is Dashboard report, fully created in the internal Dashboard editor and sample jobs for Crystal reports bursting and Data driven reports.

  

Configure Artificial Intelligence service

RTRM is able to use various AI services. In addition of on-line service like OpenAI, RTRM can configure and use locally installed services so your data will remain private and not leave your computer. Local AI is useful for health care and government organizations. Latest documentation for AI services is sent by request.