Looking for a good .NET data analysis/visualization/reporting control

Question

I'm writing a plug-in for a program that ultimately outputs some data into a few tables. The users need to be able to analyze this data through various reports. But right now the work flow is to export the tables from my plug-in to another program like excel or access to manipulate the data and generate reports. The users aren't the most computer savy, so I end up having to setup the Access database(s) myself. Plus I don't like having the separate export step anyway. I'd rather they be able to see the results immediately after making a change in the program.

The API that I'm using allows for UserControls to be embedded in the program and moved around in dockable panes. My plug-in is already utilizing these to show a TreeView and a PropertyGrid.

So what I'd like to find is another control that I can add to another docking pane that essentially includes all the functionality of a pivot table in excel including:

• Sorting
• Grouping
• Filtering
• Aggregate functions (sum, min, max, count etc)
• Formatted reports

Another potential issue I have is that the plug-in I'm creating allows the users to add their own custom properties to objects. So I need something where I don't have to hard code a strict set of table and field definitions into it. I'd prefer something simple that I just have to add to my plug-in, point a DataSet at it, and it pretty much just works.

Also, I'm not sure if I can get much if any financial support for this at my office so I'd prefer cheap or even free options.

Answer 1

You might consider ASPxPivotGrid which provides a lot of OLAP-like drilldown functionality and meets most of your requirements.

The only one I'm not sure of is the "formatted reports" - it does have reporting, but the specifics depend on your requirements for your reports. I'd suggest downloading a trial version to explore further.

Another one I'm aware of is Aspose.Grid (and also a reporting control), but I can't tell you as much. Check their website.

Answer 2

The DevExpress ASPxPivotGrid will set you back $149.99. You checked out the Report Control that comes with Visual Studio?

Check these...

Reporting with VS2008

GotReportViewer.com

Granted its not as flash as the DevExpress, but I've worked with Reporting Services before, you can, with a bit of effort, build reports that you can sort, group, use aggregates and so on. And plus, if you've got VS you wont have to fork out for another reporting tool

Answer 3

Hi Eric, If you'd consider using an external tool (that's free), Marie Alix does this best. Give it a shot and you'll see it answers all the features you specificed below, and a whole lot more.

Answer 4

SpreadsheetGear for .NET includes an Excel compatible Windows Forms spreadsheet control which you can drop in your UserControl in Visual Studio.

By using defined names, you can allow your users to create Excel templates where you simply refer to these defined names in your code instead of hard coded cell addresses - this may or may not address your concern about independence from table and field definitions.

You can learn about the SpreadsheetGear Explorer C# and VB samples here and download a free trial here.

Disclaimer: I own SpreadsheetGear LLC