How to generate PDF reports in OutSystems from aggregated data?

Generating PDF Reports in OutSystems from Aggregated Data

Generating PDF reports from aggregated data in OutSystems involves compiling data within the platform and leveraging its functionalities to create structured PDF documents. Here’s a thorough guide on how you can achieve this.

Prerequisites

• Access to a licensed OutSystems environment (either Cloud or on-premises).
• Familiarity with OutSystems data modeling and Expression Editor.
• Basic understanding of HTML/CSS for customizing the PDF design.
• Access to OutSystems Forge components for extended functionalities.

Setting Up Data Aggregation in OutSystems

• Create or identify the existing entities in your OutSystems application from which you want to aggregate data.
• Navigate to the Logic tab in Service Studio and create an Aggregate for the required entities.
• Use filters, sorting, and calculated attributes to shape the data as needed for the report.
• Test your Aggregate to ensure it returns the correct data.

Configuring the PDF Generation Process

• Download and install a PDF generation component from the OutSystems Forge, such as 'HTML to PDF Converter'.
• Install the component in your application by dragging it into the desired module from Service Studio.
• Set up the required dependencies, importing any necessary libraries or components provided by the tool.

Designing the PDF Template

• Create a new Web Screen or Block to act as a template for your PDF report.
• Design the screen using HTML and CSS for structure and styling. Utilize Containers, Tables, and Expressions to organize your data.
• Use Data Widgets to link your Aggregated data to the design, ensuring the output is dynamic and updates according to the data.
• Test the Web Screen by previewing it in the browser to confirm that the design aligns with the expected layout of the PDF.

Implementing PDF Conversion Logic

• In the Process or Server Action where you need the PDF, use the PDF generation tool's logic. For instance, call the 'GeneratePDF' Action from the 'HTML to PDF Converter' component.
• Pass the URL of your designed Web Screen or Block to the generation logic. This URL acts as the base content for the PDF.
• Define any additional parameters such as document size, margin, or header/footer details as required by your specific template.
• Ensure error handling is in place to manage scenarios where PDF generation may fail.
• Example code snippet for generating a PDF:

      GeneratePDF(
        HtmlUrl: "",
        ...
      )
      

Handling the Generated PDF

• Upon successful generation, retrieve the PDF file as a Binary content in OutSystems.
• You may need to store this file in a database entity for future reference or send it via email using the 'Email' logic.
• To download or link the PDF directly from the application, use an appropriate built-in method or widget to handle file downloads.

Testing and Deployment

• Thoroughly test the PDF generation function in a development environment before deploying it live.
• Check for accuracy in data representation and alignment in the PDF.
• Test all potential user interactions leading to PDF generation to ensure robust application behavior.
• Once validated, deploy your application to the Production environment.

By following these steps, you can systematically generate PDF reports from aggregated data in OutSystems. Leveraging OutSystems' capabilities along with components from the OutSystems Forge ensures a flexible and reliable solution for dynamic reporting needs.