Monarch 2.0 is a major upgrade with several new and improved features. Version 2.0 has new charting capabilities so users can view report data graphically. You can create charts that change dynamically as users drill down through successive layers of dat a, much like an executive information system. Version 2.0 also includes new reporting and analysis features, an improved ability to extract data from complex reports, and an enhanced user interface. Furthermore, no conversion is necessary to use model fi les from previous versions.
The installation routine is very easy, and it takes about five minutes to install from four disks. Monarch can run standalone or on a Windows-compatible network.
Monarch provides three distinct data views, as shown in Figure 1. When a report file is loaded into Monarch, a copy of the report is displayed in the Report window. From the Report window you can print specific pages of a report, s earch for information, and create a Data Extraction Template in which you define the records and columns to extract from the report. Data extracted from the report is displayed in the Table window. In the Table window you can apply filters, sort, create calculated fields, and export the data to another product. The Summary window allows you to analyze selected data and includes a charting facility to display summarized data graphically.
If you need to extract data from an invoice-type report -- no problem. Monarch gives you the tools to extract text blocks and variable line fields easily and even specify break points. You can extract multiple line fields, such as a comments field. In ad dition, if a field is longer than 254 characters, you can extract it to a memo field.
To view data from a printed report more easily, there is a Greenbar option, which makes the report emulate green-bar paper on screen. This makes it easy to view a report that has several close lines of data. There is a zoom-in and zoom-out feature, but i t is awkward to use. Instead of clicking on the report, much like the Microsoft Word preview facility, you have to change the font size to either larger or smaller. A zoom button would be a nice addition.
With version 2.0, you can simultaneously open multiple reports with the same format. One data extraction template, otherwise known as a model, is defined for these similar reports. With this method, data from all the reports is combined into one table fo r easy sorting, summaries, and analysis. For instance, if you have two sales reports open for two consecutive months, the monthly sales for every salesperson can be extracted from the reports, combined into one table, and totaled in a new report. You can have up to 13 reports open at one time. Of course, all reports should be similar, because data extracted from dissimilar reports wouldn't make any sense. Monarch doesn't stop you from trying this, it just extracts some form of data or no data at all fro m the second report.
You can create new reports with data extracted from existing report files. However, Monarch only includes basic report-writing facilities to help with quick summaries and analysis. If you want nice-looking reports, export the data to a report writer.
You can create calculated fields in the Table window, which you can then use in a filter, sort, and so on. An improvement to the product would be the ability to view a sample of the equation results when creating calculations. As it is now, the calculati on is automatically verified for accuracy when you exit the Calculated Field Definition dialog box. (See Figure 3)
Exporting data to another tool from the Table window is easy. To do so, choose the destination and give the new file a name. Monarch can export to Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, .dbf, and ASCII formats. Unfortunately, Monarch is limited to creating a single flat fi le from the Table and Summary windows.
After you define a data extraction template in the Report window and save it, you can always go back to the Report window and modify the template by adding or deleting fields or making other necessary changes. The modifications are automatically carried over when you return to the Table window.
Once you add all the sort criteria, field names, and so on, that you want in your new report or database table, you can use the Summary window to create summaries of your data, and even to create charts. The Summary window can build a one-, two-, or n-ke y summary report and suppress duplicate values in a field. The Summary window has a drill-down facility to view more detail of your data. In addition, the Summary window can easily add breaks and subtotals to create basic reports.
Monarch has several different types of charts available, including horizontal and vertical bar, line, pie, and area, all with 3D effects, stacking, and so on. There is an option to add titles to graphs. In addition, you can view a chart for any item in y our table by selecting the item and choosing Sync from the menu.
