Crystal Reports Review - why 3.3 stars?

Crystal Reports Review
ITQlick Score: 87/100
ITQlick Rating:
Pricing: 2/10 - low cost
Category: Query and Report Writer -> Crystal Reports review
Ranking:Ranked 4 out of 45 Query and Report Writer systems
Company: SAP
Pricing: starts at $495 per license
Typical customers: Start up, Small business
Platforms: Desktop, Cloud
Links: Crystal Reports pricing, Crystal Reports alternatives
Shlomi LaviShlomi Lavi / updated: Mar 31, 2022

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What is Crystal Reports?

Crystal Reports is an on-premise querying and reporting software that is installed on the Windows platform. This solution enables the user to write customized reports from various data sources, display KPIs, and other metrics, as well as visualize data in scorecards and dashboards.

All these functionalities are driven by some key features which include data source connectors, automated reports, report export, customizable dashboard, ad hoc analysis, and many more. Crystal Reports is a product of SAP SE, a German-based company that was founded in 1972. SAP is a global software company with offices in 130 countries and over 98,600 employees globally.

Who is it best for?

Crystal Reports is best for small businesses because it has been created for it. It could be used by customers from around the world, and across all industries. SAP has realized that SMEs also needed Business Intelligence to further growth, which is why they came up with Crystal Reports. Currently, approximately 10,000 users trust this software.

Main features and functionalities

Small enterprises face different challenges in their IT. Implementing Crystal Reports makes the difference for you since you can have that remarkable success all companies would want. This software provides crucial reporting, dashboard and visualization tools. You can have one data model wherein all information will be consistently viewed which saves time and cost. Ad hoc queries’ immediate answers could all be found with the help of this app because it is powered with SAP BusinessObjectsExplorer that even supports mobile device.

Reports will be as creative and of high quality using dashboards and SAP Lumira. They can be integrated with other business professionals in use such as MS Windows programs. Since it uses the same technology as SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence, files you create in Crystal reports could be used in the said platforms, which extends functionality.

What is the actual cost?

The cost of license starts at $495 per license. ITQlick pricing score is 2 out of 10 (10 is most expensive). Access ITQlick pricing guide for Crystal Reports. You can also find here pricing information from Crystal Reports's website.

Pros

  • Allows user to define multiple data sources.
  • Ability to handle complex queries and allows incorporation of SQL statements.
  • Reports can be easily accessed through Microsoft Office documents.
  • Ability to link with third-party applications quickly through JAVA, XML, and APIs.
  • It is available for free 30-day trial, which shows the vendor’s desire to offer an efficient solution to SMEs

Cons

  • Steep learning curve.
  • The graphical interface lacks some advanced functionalities.
  • Presentations should be defined independently in each field, which hinders consistency
  • Small companies may still need to invest in training for workers to learn the software
  • Failures in reporting are not obviously shown or notified

How it stacks up?

Access a head to head analysis of Crystal Reports vs alternative software solutions.
ITQlick rating
Score
Pricing
License pricing
Functionality
Review
Compare
Crystal ...
ITQlick rating
3.3/5
Score
87/100
Pricing
2/10
License pricing
$495 per license
Functionality
10
Compare
Logikcull
ITQlick rating
4.6/5
Score
90/100
Pricing
8/10
License pricing
$395 per matter/month
Functionality
24
Stimulsoft
ITQlick rating
3.2/5
Score
90/100
Pricing
4.8/10
License pricing
$799.95 per year
Functionality
3
Zoho Ana...
ITQlick rating
4.2/5
Score
89/100
Pricing
2.6/10
License pricing
$24 per 2 users/month
Functionality
22
Concordance
ITQlick rating
4.5/5
Score
86/100
Pricing
2/10
License pricing
Pricing not available
Functionality
20

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it the best Query and Report Writer system?

Crystal Reports is ranked 4 out of 45 software in their category (Query and Report Writer systems).

How they are rated on ITQlick?

The rating of Crystal Reports is 3.3 stars out of 5 and the total score is 87 out of 100. The rating score is based on our unbiased data-based algo. Learn more - rating methodology page.

Is it an easy to use Software?

Yes, Crystal Reports makes it fairly easy to use. This product is user friendly and intuitive.

Is it cloud-based?

Yes, they offer cloud based hosting, which means IT resources are retrieved through web-based tools and applications and you don't need to buy servers and additional hardware equipment.

Can it be used on mobile?

No, currently Crystal Reports can't be accessed on mobile, you would need to access it from your computer.

What should we ask during a demo session?

Differences between Crystal Reports and alternatives?

The most popular alternatives to Crystal Reports in 2023: Logikcull, Stimulsoft, Zoho Analytics, Concordance, Catalyst. Access the complete competitors analysis here - Crystal Reports VS Query and Report Writer Software alternatives.

Is Crystal Reports right for you or your business?

Crystal Reports is designed to serve the small, mid-size, and large businesses. It is suitable for organizations as well as individuals as well as decision-makers and business intelligence. Some of the companies using Crystal reports include Netsmart Technologies, Sutter Health, UnitedHealth Group, Farmers Insurance, Forecast International, and many more.

List of categories

BI & Analytics
Data Analysis Tools
Business Intelligence
Cloud BI
Reporting
Mobile BI
Query and Report Writer
Visual Analytics

List of features

Multy Languages
OLAP

Auditor - Shlomi Lavi

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Shlomi Lavi is an entrepreneur and founder of ITQlick.com. He holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Information Systems Engineering from Ben Gurion University in Israel. Shlomi brings 17 years of global IT and IS management experience as a consultant and implementation expert for small, medium and large-sized (global) companies. Shlomi’s goal is to share the best knowledge and news about information systems so you can make smarter buying decisions for your business.