Coldfusion MX 7 introduced the Report Builder, which allows database information to be displayed in a well formatted manner within a PDF document. Such a document can then be saved, printed or emailed as appropriate.
Data Stream has implemented a reporting application with powerful generalised features built around this technology. Reports are identified mnemonically within the system so that the user has control of the report description, menu position, role availability and so forth.
Generally a report requires parameters such as a date range, a fund or member name and so on. These parameters as well as the report file generated are systematically stored for current and historical handling. At the time of report production or later, a report can be viewed, saved to the users file system or emailed as appropriate.
When emailing a report the system automatically formats a subject line, based on a template set for the report mnemonic, with relevant parameters and includes the full parameter specification in the email message.
Coldfusion 8 has introduced elements of Adobe's Livecycle technology and PDF forms handling to the platform's capabilities. These features are being exploited with the introduction of government and proprietary forms available for online or local completion. Where local completion takes place, efficient data capture is achieved with the use of PDF 417 barcode technology.