Database Reference
In-Depth Information
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When planning report outputs, you may not always have access to the actual source data.
The recommend practice is not to work directly with the original source even if this is pos-
sible to avoid negatively impacting the source during the planning stage. In either case,
there are other options available to you. One of these options is using a spreadsheet pro-
gram such as Microsoft Excel.
Mock up using Excel
An approach to testing and validating report outputs is the use of Microsoft Excel. You can
create a representation of the input source data including the data type (numbers, text, and
formula). The data can either be a sample you create yourself or an extract from the origin-
al source of the data.
The added benefit is that the spreadsheet can serve as a part of the portfolio of documenta-
tion for the report.
