SAP Crystal Reports Reviews

Vendor: SAP

4.2 out of 5

49 reviews
96% willing to recommend

6,455 followers

What is SAP Crystal Reports?

Turn information from almost any data source into a sophisticated, interactive report with SAP Crystal Reports. This powerful, user-friendly application for small businesses and departments can help you deliver key insights to the right decision maker, at the right time, in the right format.

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SAP Crystal Reports is the #8 ranked solution in top Reporting Tools. PeerSpot users give SAP Crystal Reports an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. SAP Crystal Reports is most commonly compared to Microsoft Power BI: SAP Crystal Reports vs Microsoft Power BI. SAP Crystal Reports is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 60% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 12% of all views.

Helped 842,767 peers since 2012

Featured SAP Crystal Reports reviews

MVD Prasad

Assistant General Manager at Soma Enterprise

It has significantly enhanced security features, especially when compared to the standard security features of the earlier PeerSpot version I purchased. I've observed improvements in security, and overall, it's quite commendable. Regarding potential enhancements for the next release of this solution, I haven't closely examined SAP Crystal Reports 53. I've only encountered it briefly, perhaps once or twice. However, I anticipate that it likely offers advanced features distinct from its predecessor. I believe there may be notable improvements and additions in the latest version, and I look forward to exploring them further.

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GhulamMustafa

Head of IT Department at Indus Sugar Mills Limited

The overall environment is the best. Data management, graphs, and layout – everything is the best, in my opinion. It is good at customization in context with Crystal Reports. I use Crystal Reports on the front end, and SQL Server on the back end. So we can build any kind of report and face no difficulties in our routine reporting. So, flexibility is of great importance to me.

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Alain Vanhaeght

IT Project leader at a construction company with 10,001+ employees

Since it's a visual tool, what you design on your screen is what you get on your paper. The solution is really paper-oriented. SAP Crystal Reports is really a tool where the output is either a PDF or a printout. We have two steps. The first step is to send all commercial documents to customers, including quotations, order confirmation, invoices, and credit notes based on SAP Crystal Reports. The second step is to use SAP Crystal Reports to generate all delivery listings for the commercial division or the logistics department. We used to have some backloading reporting, but that has been removed. Integrating SAP Crystal Reports with other systems in our environment is quite easy. Overall, I rate SAP Crystal Reports an eight out of ten.

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SAP Crystal Reports mindshare

As of April 2025, the mindshare of SAP Crystal Reports in the Reporting category stands at 2.7%, down from 3.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Reporting

PeerAnalyst reports based on SAP Crystal Reports reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Reporting	Apr 1, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Apr 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	SAP Crystal Reports vs Microsoft Power BI	Apr 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	SAP Crystal Reports vs Tableau	Apr 1, 2025	Download
Comparison	SAP Crystal Reports vs Oracle OBIEE	Apr 1, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Microsoft Power BI	4.0	27.2%	93%	319 interviews Add to research
Tableau	4.2	22.6%	89%	296 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

SAP Crystal Reports offers exceptional flexibility, enabling users to create custom reports with ease. It supports multiple data sources like DB2, MySQL, and Oracle. Users benefit from features such as sub-reports, formula writing, and parameter setting. The drag-and-drop interface for tables and fields enhances usability. Its ability to export to various formats, pixel-perfect formatting, and intuitive design interface is highly valued. Users appreciate its strong database connectivity and versatile formatting options.

"The overall environment is the best. Data management, graphs, and layout – everything is the best, in my opinion."
"We use SAP Crystal Reports for operational reporting."
"SAP Crystal Reports offers a plethora of features, many of which were available much earlier than in the Crystal Reports we previously used. We extensively use its capabilities for generating general reports, working with Kaspersky data, and even incorporating images into our reports. The range of functions available in SAP Crystal Reports is diverse, and we leverage them across various systems for our needs."

Room for Improvement

SAP Crystal Reports experiences challenges with customizable options, syntax constructs, and graphical visualizations. Users face issues with formula debugging, variable sharing, and metadata extraction. Graphs and charts lack sophistication, while integration with third-party tools is problematic. Updating interface aesthetics and improving performance for report linking would enhance usability. Export functionalities and compatibility with newer formats like Excel are insufficient. The system requires enhanced multi-source integration, analytical features, and a more dynamic and user-friendly interface.

"Maybe some Power BI-related features could be added, like dashboards or direct editing in reports."
"SAP Crystal Reports should provide better support for dynamic connectors."
"It has significantly enhanced security features, especially when compared to the standard security features of the earlier PeerSpot version I purchased. I've observed improvements in security, and overall, it's quite commendable.Regarding potential enhancements for the next release of this solution, I haven't closely examined SAP Crystal Reports 53. I've only encountered it briefly, perhaps once or twice. However, I anticipate that it likely offers advanced features distinct from its predecessor. I believe there may be notable improvements and additions in the latest version, and I look forward to exploring them further."

ROI

Users experience a strong ROI from SAP Crystal Reports. They leverage the free VS 2010 version with Visual Studio. ROI exceeds 1000% through training and consultancy. Crystal Reports is vital for ERP reporting. It aids in managing loans effectively. Although user training costs can be high due to time and database knowledge requirements, users find initial implementation increases sales and reduces time. Overall value greatly compensates the initial investments and training expenses.

Pricing

Enterprise users find SAP Crystal Reports pricing to vary significantly. Discounts are available for non-profit organizations, while larger enterprises often negotiate bulk license deals. Standard licensing can cost $500 per copy, and additional training expenses are possible, with training duration ranging from two to five days. Some users consider it expensive but reasonable for the features provided. User needs and license models significantly impact cost-effectiveness, making thorough evaluation essential.

"SAP Crystal Reports is a very expensive solution."
"The cost of licensing can be a significant factor to consider when upgrading or transitioning to a new version of SAP Crystal Reports. It's important to evaluate the benefits and features offered by the new version against the associated costs to ensure it aligns with your organization's needs and budget."
"We pay fifteen hundred dollars as licensing fee."

Popular Use Cases

Many users employ SAP Crystal Reports for tabular reporting, focusing on data and tables without charts. Some highlight specific data and create dashboards, often linked to SQL Server or HANA databases. It is commonly used in software development and hospitals for administrative and financial reporting. Users appreciate the tool for designing layouts, templates, dashboards, fixed and interactive reports, as well as financial documents like trial balances and salary slips.

Service and Support

SAP Crystal Reports' customer service is deemed good but inconsistent. Users find technical support varies; some representatives are highly skilled, while others lack expertise. Many rely on online communities and resources for assistance. Response times are generally acceptable, but users face challenges with scheduling and communication. Some avoid contacting support directly, preferring to search online for solutions. SAP Crystal Reports support is often perceived as inattentive towards smaller businesses.

Deployment

Many found SAP Crystal Reports initial setup straightforward and easy, especially on Windows systems. Some noted complexities if prior versions existed or with server configurations. While several required IT expertise for optimal performance and data integration, others appreciated the step-by-step instructions. Administrator credentials are necessary for certain installations. For many, it was a seamless integration into existing environments, benefiting from flexibility and features, particularly in business intelligence contexts.

Scalability

SAP Crystal Reports is widely scalable according to users. Many have experienced seamless expansion to accommodate large user bases and data sets with no significant challenges. Some note that scaling can be challenging or expensive for smaller businesses. The system supports both on-premises and cloud options, adding flexibility. Generally favored by medium to enterprise-level users, it is recommended for organizations with varying reporting needs, although some suggest improvements in scalability for even smoother performance.

Stability

SAP Crystal Reports exhibits stability and works well on Windows, with earlier versions prone to crashes improving significantly over time. Users generally report no issues, indicating a reliable platform. Stability issues were mainly associated with older versions and specific environments like Unix and Tomcat servers. There are mentions of memory-related challenges and occasional crashes, especially in intensive usage scenarios. Upgrading to newer versions like 2013 resolves many earlier problems.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our SAP Crystal Reports Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

12%

Computer Software Company

10%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

University

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Media Company

Educational Organization

Retailer

Wholesaler/Distributor

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Transportation Company

Performing Arts

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Non Tech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Legal Firm

Pharma/Biotech Company

Hospitality Company

Logistics Company

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SAP Crystal Reports customers

City of Buenos Aires, ASR Group, Citrix, EarlySense, Usha International Limited, Automotive Resources International (ARI), LivePerson, Coelba (Grupo Neoenergia), RZD Russian Railways, National Basketball Association - NBA, TALLY WEiJL, El Machetazo, Young Heroes, Mozzart, Mitsui Knowledge Industry (MKI) , Surgutneftegas Open Joint Stock Company, The VELUX Group, AOK Bundesverband, AL-KO KOBER GROUP