How to hire Crystal Reports developers
Business intelligence isn’t very useful unless you have the means to present the data you collect in an easy-to-understand format. A Crystal Reports developer can help you programmatically pull data from your databases and generate professional-looking reports. Reports can be uploaded to the web for easy sharing via HTML.
So how do you hire Crystal Reports developers? What follows are some tips for finding top Crystal Reports developers on Upwork.
What is Crystal Reports?
Crystal Reports is a business intelligence reporting software from SAP SE. A Crystal Reports developer can pull data from a desired data source such as an Oracle database and output the results as a formatted, interactive report.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in Crystal Reports freelancers:
- Report layout and design with Microsoft Visual Studio
- Database technologies such as Microsoft SQL Server
- Server technologies such as ASP.NET
- Languages such as Visual Basic, SQL, HTML, C#, and Java
- ERP (enterprise resource planning) software such as SAP Business One
- Back-end development
How to shortlist Crystal Reports freelancers
As you’re browsing available Crystal Reports consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the freelancers you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Technology fit. You want a Crystal Reports developer who understands the different data resources you wish to access for your reports.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., setting up an ERP system across your technology stack).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular Crystal Reports developer.
Why do you want to hire Crystal Reports developers?
The trick to finding top Crystal Reports developers is to identify your needs. Is your goal to automate business intelligence reporting within your organization? Will you be integrating Crystal Reports with Visual Studio to create polished reports for your customers? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How to write an effective Crystal Reports job post
With a clear picture of your ideal Crystal Reports developer in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective Crystal Reports job post should include:
- Scope of work: From basic report generation to ERP system setup, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain technologies, industries, or software, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to automate your business intelligence reporting with Crystal Reports? Log in and post your Crystal Reports job on Upwork today.