The same report - different parameters

Hello,
I have created nice report using BIRT 2.3.2. It has some parameters. I'd like to use whole report but with different parameters layout/structure.
What's the easiest and/or the best way to achieve that?
Well, I know I could copy whole report and change parameters in second one, but then whenever I change core of the report, I have to merge change with other one. That's something I'd like to avoid.
Another approach could be another parameter when viewing report, which (if present) would change other parameters presenting.
What would you recommend?

Regards,
Robert

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mwilliams

Hi Robert,

Could you explain your issue in further detail? I'm not sure I'm quite getting it. Thanks.

Rob77

Sure,
do you remember my last post about fuel prices in different fuel stations in given period?
Currently, all three parameters (city, fuel, date) are presented as combo boxes with multiple choice. That's fine for my needs.
But some users prefer having the parameters as:
- city - still multiple choice
- fuel - radio button or combo box single choice
- date - not present (always presented last 12 months)

The rest of the report would stay the same.

I can copy whole reports, that would work, but every change in core (not parameters part) would have to be copied between reports.

Regards,
Robert

mwilliams

Robert, 
 
What you're describing, sounds like a perfect scenario for use of Actuate's Interactive Viewer where the end user chooses what they see at the browser level by filtering, adding/removing columns, etc. You can see info on that here: 
 
<a class='bbc_url' href='http://www.birt-exchange.com/be/products/birt-report-viewers/actuate-interactive-viewer/features/'>http://www.birt-exchange.com/be/products/birt-report-viewers/actuate-interactive-viewer/features/</a> 
 
If you're wanting to do the multiple reports route. The use of libraries will be the way to go. You can create the report items in the library. Include that library in a report design and use the elements out of the library in the designs. Then, when you make a change in the library, the changes trickle down to each report that uses that item. It doesn't matter how many reports you have utilizing these elements. 
 
Hope this helps.