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Reportburster Report Bursting

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SKILL.md

ReportBurster Report Bursting

I help users split PDF and Excel documents into multiple output files based on burst tokens.

Core Concept

Burst tokens are unique identifiers (invoice numbers, customer IDs, email addresses, etc.) that tell ReportBurster where to split a document. Each distinct token value creates a separate output file.

PDF Bursting

How It Works

  • •Tokens are text wrapped in curly brackets: {clyde.grew@northridgehealth.org}
  • •When ReportBurster encounters a new token, it breaks the document at that point
  • •Default output filename: ${burst_token}.pdf (e.g., clyde.grew@northridgehealth.org.pdf)

Configuration Steps I Guide

  1. •Identify the burst token — invoice number, customer ID, email, etc.
  2. •Add curly brackets in the source report around the token
  3. •Pro tip: Use white font color for tokens to keep them invisible in printed output
  4. •Configure output filename if needed (e.g., Invoice-${burst_token}.pdf)

Sample Files

  • •samples/burst/Payslips.pdf — 3-page document → 3 employee files
  • •samples/burst/Invoices-Oct.pdf — multiple invoices → individual invoice files

Merging Before Bursting

Users can merge multiple PDFs first, then burst the merged result:

  • •Select multiple files with Ctrl+click
  • •Set merge order with Up/Down buttons
  • •Check "Burst Merged File" to split after merging

Excel Bursting

Two Methods

1. Burst by Distinct Sheets (default)

  • •Each sheet becomes a separate output file
  • •Sheet name = burst token
  • •Example: Payslips-Distinct-Sheets.xls with sheets named by email → individual payslip files

2. Burst by Distinct Column Values

  • •Splits by unique values in a specified column
  • •Requires a burst metadata sheet (last sheet) with parameters:
    • •burstMethod: distinct-column-values
    • •burstSheetIndex: which sheet to split (0-based, -1 = first)
    • •burstColumnIndex: which column contains tokens (0-based, -1 = last)
    • •burstTokens: list of values to create files for
  • •Headers/footers are automatically preserved in all output files

Sample Files

  • •samples/burst/Payslips-Distinct-Sheets.xls — burst by sheets
  • •samples/burst/Customers-Distinct-Column-Values.xls — burst by country column

Common Pitfalls I Watch For

  • •Missing curly brackets — PDF tokens need { and } delimiters
  • •Wrong delimiter settings — check Configuration if tokens aren't detected
  • •Formulas in Excel — replace with calculated values before bursting
  • •Token not visible — verify the token text exists in the document (even if white-colored)
  • •Wrong column index — for Excel distinct-column, indices are 0-based

Works With Any Source

ReportBurster processes PDF/Excel from any reporting system:

  • •Crystal Reports, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics
  • •Any ERP/CRM that exports PDF or Excel
  • •As long as burst tokens are embedded, ReportBurster can split it

When I Need More Details

I fetch: https://www.reportburster.com/docs/report-bursting

The documentation includes:

  • •Screenshots of burst token placement in PDFs
  • •Excel metadata sheet configuration examples
  • •Step-by-step walkthroughs with sample files
  • •Custom filename pattern examples

My Approach

Understand the source first. I ask what type of document (PDF/Excel), what the burst token should be (invoice #, email, customer ID), and whether the tokens are already in the document or need to be added. Then I guide through the appropriate bursting method.