The Report Writer is designed to provide you with summary information from multiple applications. The Report Writer selects the data you request and then presents it in the format you define. Using FI-SL functions such as sets, variables, and formulas, you can create a report that meets your specific needs.

You can use the Report Writer to:

• Calculate key figures, percentages, and variances in a report

• Organize different types of reports into specific groups, for example, development and production reports

• Create reports that reflect currency translation on a different date, as well as reports that contain different currency types

• Perform eliminations in reports

• View comparative data, such as actual vs. plan data, and previous fiscal year vs. current fiscal year.

• Use the SAP graphical interface to view graphics of reports

• Trace back to an original document that comprises the summary data shown in a report

Using the Report Writer, you can create a report that contains almost any kind of data you need.

The Report Writer uses sets when selecting data for reports. The data included in a report is defined according to the sets that you use for rows, columns, and selection criteria.

The Report Writer allows you to report on all characteristics in the FI-SL System, including cross-ledger and cross-company evaluations. By reorganizing set structures, you can also reorganize your report data.

You define reports using the reporting functions. Reports are easy to maintain, since sets are defined and maintained independently of reports. You can use the same set hierarchy to report on different levels of detail. You define the level of detail when you define the report.

You can send report output to a screen, PC, printer, or file.

The Report Painter is a graphical interface for creating reports quickly and easily.

The Report Painter performs a similar task to that of the Report Writer, but is simpler to use. Many of the Report Writer functions are available in the Report Painter, but you do not need to be familiar with Report Writer concepts, such as sets, to be able to use the Report Painter.

The Report Painter uses a graphical report structure that forms the basis for your report definition and displays the rows and columns as they will appear in the report output.