Using Top N with Cross-Tabs Reports

Group sorts can be done on a report level so that the records are sorted and removed as necessary. However, there are times when the records will be needed in the overall report but not in a cross-tab. Why not just do a group sort or Top N on the cross-tab? Remember that Xtreme only wants to see its top 10 countries in this report, so let's complete this last step.

1. The only missing piece, in terms of the data requirements, is that Xtreme management only wants to know its top 10 countries. Right-click in the top-left corner of the cross-tab where there is no data or words and choose Group Sort Expert. Choose Top N for the primary list box and change 5 to 10 in the Where N Is field. In this example, let's assume that the management at Xtreme does not want the remaining countries on the report, so make sure that the Others option is not selected.

2. Click OK in the Group Sort Expert to view the final result, as shown in Figure 14.5.

   Figure 14.5. Cross-tab with a Group Sort applied.

   

3. Save your work by choosing File, Save As. Let's call this cross-tab2.rpt and then click OK.

Xtreme Mountain Bikes now has a report that answers the original request a summary report to provide a quick glance of its shipped orders.