One key weakness of SugarCRM is the pretty poor PDF printing. We use JasperReports and the pixel-perfect iReports designer to produce stunning output.  For example, SugarCRM's Quotes module has a "Print PDF" feature which is a fixed layout affair enabling you, the company, to change only the logo.  Yikes!

So, we built a stylish quotation PDF report using iReport designer and changed the "print PDF" button on the SugarCRM quote screen so that our layout is used and not the default layout.

Here's an example....

We have used Jasper to great effect and have gone as far as replicating the HMRC's standard Gift Aid forms.

If you fancy DIY, the software is entirely free of charge but you will need to install iReports designer on your PC, JasperReports Server on a server in the cloud and you'll need to know how to create a few lines of custom code in SugarCRM.  Alternatively, call us and we'll be delighted to do it all for you :)

Many SugarCRM and info@hand users are just not aware of the value and capabilities an external reporting system can bring to their business.  A reporting tool can integrate seamlessly with the CRM database so we thought we'd post some examples to wet your appetite.

is one report example that shows some of the charting capabilities from JasperServer.  The PDF file was generated from within info@hand via a simple one-click menu selection.

One client recently needed a report that printed a 'Job Sheet'.  The job sheet report prompts the user to enter a 'Job Number' and then prints to PDF a nicely formatted and branded Job Sheet.  The Job number is a Project Custom field in info@hand and the details on the sheet contains all product lines that are associated with multiple related purchase orders in the system.  And since the Purchase Orders are all linked to the original Sales Order, the sales order number and customer details are also included on the job sheet.

Ingredients you need to get this working:

• info@hand CRBM or SugarCRM CE/Pro/Ent
• Jaspersoft iReport
• Jaspersoft JasperServer
• Java Runtime Environment

Other uses:

1. Completely change the look and style of the Quotation output
2. Produce a stunningly good looking Account Profile with associated Contacts
3. Include charts & graphs on purchase history by Industry sector

The only downside is that these reports cannot be listed in the standard info@hand Report Writer.  Something we are trying to get Long Reach Corp to support!!

We will be creating a demo site where you can log in and try out so check back soon.

Regards,

Simon