As far as I'm concerned we are all newbies - that is still learning this stuff; so let's see if I can be a bit more useful in my explanatio of the choices:
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You can use a command object (DataBase Expert - connection - new Command). This is where you can put an SQL Select statement. You can use the SQL Keyword 'Distinct' in it. There are thousands of samples on the internet, but it might look something like this.
Select Distinct(Order), date from OrderTable
You can also find a reference in the CR Help - Index - type in Distinct Clause
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From the CR Help you can use this command found under the database menu
Use the Select Distinct Records command to refine your report's SQL query and prevent it from returning duplicate records from the database.
When this command is enabled, SQL SELECT statements are treated as SELECT DISTINCT statements. Consequently, the query looks for identical records and ensures that they are returned only once. (To be considered identical, records must match completely—not just one or two fields.)
This command is only available for ODBC, OLE DB, and SQL native drivers; it is not available for Stored Procedures. Note also that your server may automatically sort returned values if no sort is specified in Crystal Reports.
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Often times I find it useful to use grouping as a way to control the data. A report design might look like this.
Report Header
Pager Header
Group HeaderA - ClientName
GroupHeaderB - OrderNumber Order Date Order Amount DateShipped *****Doing the grouping will insure the Order only shows once, the next Order will be a new group. Yo can also move this to the GroupFooter B suppress the header instead of the footer. This can be useful if you want to use the details in some way.
Details - Suppress if not needed but left in case I need, for example, to show OrderItems
GroupHeaderB - Suppress unless needed
GroupHeader A - Suppress unless needed
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Finally while I have not tried this, it might be a perfect use of an SQL Expression putting something like 'Distinct Order'
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Hope this helps
Regards
John W.
www.CustomReportWriters.net
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