Using reports with XML output

Many reports in SirsiDynix Symphony Workflows that use a Print Tool, such as Print Item or Print User, to generate printed results may now be set to display and print using Extensible Markup Language (XML) output. This allows administrators to export report results into third-party programs in order to format and present the results more effectively. XML can be read by a wide variety of programs, including commonly available browser, document, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Furthermore, each printing tool that can produce XML output comes with a default style sheet. This style sheet defines the look and feel of the XML output for all reports that use that tool. For example, all reports that print items use the same default style sheet, unless otherwise specified.

Administrators can also create custom style sheets, either for a single report, or for a group of reports, or even as a generic style sheet for any report that prints XML output. For more information about selecting and using style sheets, see Style Sheet Tab.

Reports that use a notice tool to generate XML output, such as Bill Notice or Hold Notice, may be exported to a third-party program. However, a default style sheet cannot be specified within Symphony for notice type reports at this time. You can view the raw XML output for notices using the See "Fixed Format Manager Helper" within Symphony.

For a list of reports that can produce XML output, see Reports with XML output.

To print a report with XML output

Open the Schedule New Reports wizard.

Choose a report that produces printed output.

For example, choose Circulation: List Transits.

Set up the report.

For more information about setting up a report, search for the report topic in the help. In this example, you would search for “List Transits Report.”

On the Print tab, select XML output.

For example, on the Print Transit tab, mark the XML output checkbox.

Select the style sheet you want to use on the Style Sheet tab.

Run the report.

Open the Finished Reports wizard and view the report.

The report displays in the default Application for viewing XML reports. For more information about selecting this application, see Report Session Wizard.

To import the data into a third-party application, save the file and open it in the application of your choice.