Where can I specify search specification for a BIP report?

Question

Hi,
We are on 8.0.0.9 and integrated BIP with it. We converted Actuate reports to BIP reports. In actuate, we can specify what data to bring in to the report by using a search specification. In a BIP report, where can I specify the search specification? Is it in the integration object or in the application? We have a lot of reports that fetch data based on the child BCs using EXISTS query. How do we do the same thing in BIP?
Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

Answer 1

If you want the flexibility of passing different data into the report you keep it the way you have it now and train users, e.g., run a PDQ first.
For the scenario you just described where the report parameters seem to be consistent and you want to avoid user selection I would either build the report using the reports business service or build it directly in BI Publisher. I almost consistently use the reports business service now but if you asked me a year ago I would not have given the same answer. I suspect the reason I have changed is related to recently working with BIP dedicated to Siebel whereas in past projects I may have had a mix of Siebel/OBI/other data sources.
The reports business service is quite simple to implement in workflow and the search specification you pass in is as a method argument, Bookmark.
I suggest you read:
Siebel BI Publisher 8 Reports Business Service [ID 823360.1]
There is also a document called Siebel BI Publisher Integration Concepts which while not entirely valid since it was written before Siebel built their own button is a useful reference to understand where things happen. (Note, Siebel patch 8.1.1.5 moves things on again and I am not impressed with the white paper supporting that).
There are also a decent references in blogs out on the internet regarding this, including ones from regular contributers to this forum (mroshaw for example) and one I referenced a lot myself wrote by a Dutch guy but I don't have the address to hand.
Steve