How to Create a Report File

In order to read a report into the Data Extractor, it must exist as a disk file on your PC or network drive to which you have access/permissions. The following section includes suggestions for accomplishing this.

Reports on a Mainframe

If the report was generated on a mainframe, it must be spooled to a file and downloaded to your PC or network using a communications package. The report may be in ASCII or any standard EBCDIC format.

Reports on a PC

If the report was generated in a PC application, you may do either of the following:

  • Print the report to a regular paper printer, then scan and OCR it to a disk file.
  • Print the report directly to a disk file from the application by following the steps below to set up a special print to file driver on your PC.

To set up the Generic/Text Printer

  1. In Windows XP/2000/2003, open the Printers folder.
  2. Double-click the Add Printer option to start the Add Printer Wizard.
  3. In the first Add Printer Wizard dialog box, click Next.
  4. Select Local Printer and click Next.
  5. From the list of manufacturers, select Generic. The Generic/Text Only entry displays in the Printers box on the right and is highlighted. Click Next.
  6. From the list of available ports, select File and click Next.
  7. In the next dialog box, the Printer Name displays as Generic/Text.
    8. Select whether or not you want this printer to be the default printer in your Windows applications, then click Next.
  8. The next dialog asks if you want to print a test page. Select No and click Finish. Windows prompts you for the Windows installation disks or CD from which it builds the printer driver.
  9. Follow the instructions during the setup of the printer driver.

You can now print to a disk file from any Windows application by selecting the Generic/Text printer.

Tips for Creating the Report in the Application (not requirements)

  • Select a fixed font, such as Courier, so the information in the report is positioned consistently.
  • Use field tags (field names), or create a columnar report with headings, to identify the data more easily in the Data Extractor.