The new RTF output type is now included to aid in the output of documents. RTF stands for Rich Text Format, and will allow users to make use of basic facilities such as character formatting and word wrap etc. Various fonts and tab settings may be selected. Fields will be merged into the document as required.
There are two output options with RTF. The first is 'Simple Letter', in which case the RTF letter format is provided as the only format. The second option is 'Line detail', in which case you are also allowed to format a normal report output line as well as the RTF 'letter' output. You will merge the format line in by using the two extra buttons provided, one for the banner details (Insert banner), and one for the line details (Insert column).
This facility makes use of a locally available printer, and the normal windows print drivers are utilised. Because of the 'local' requirements for a printer, RTF output is not available in the Timed Operations Schedule. The KERRIDGE system now has a new Report generator batch system that will allow small batches to be run independently of any end of day system runs. RTF prints may be include in the Report Generator batch.
Users of basic word processors such as NOTEPAD or WORDPAD within the Windows environment should be able to use the RTF page formatter without any difficulty.
All fields available to the report can be used within the RTF page by clicking the Insert Column button on the right hand side of the screen.
This is a convenient way of producing individual letters using the functions of Report Generator and then producing a document of reasonable cosmetic standard without the requirement to construct complex mail merge facilities through other commercial word processing packages.
Should the RTF Letter facility not provide the cosmetic flexibility required, the ability to export data using Report Generator, and then utilise that exported data within spreadsheets, word processors etc. exists as a standard function. See the appropriate manual section for this.
Select an output type of R in the Output type field of the Title tab.
This will change the standard Format tab and provide an RTF page.
Select an output mode of S for the RTF letter format to be provided as the only format.
Select an output mode of D for the RTF letter format to be allowed to format a normal report output line as well as the RTF 'letter' output.
All sections of the report such as the tables tab, derived fields, sequence and selection etc. should be completed as normal, as the RTF page is only concerned with the printed output.
