Grand Rapids BusinessObjects User Group – Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Back to BO User Groups

You are personally invited to join us at the Grand Rapids BusinessObjects Users Group on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 from 9:00am – 1:05pm. Hosted by Haworth and sponsored by Creative Technology & Training Solutions and InfoSol Inc.

Registration is free, but we ask that you please REGISTER for count purposes.

Location:

One Haworth Center
Holland, MI 49423

Parking details: Attendees should park in the guest lot shown below and check in with a receptionist at the main entrance. A Haworth member will then lead attendees to our meeting room.

Grand Rapids BOUG Parking Details

Agenda:

9:00 – 9:30 AM – Registration + Coffee and Bagels

9:30 – 10:15 AM – What’s new in BI 2025 and Extended BusinessObjects Roadmap – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

BusinessObjects continues to thrive and expand its capabilities with the release of the new BI 2025 version last March. This session will show some of the exciting new features in BI 2025 and explain the new cadence of BO software releases going forward.

10:15 – 11:00 AM – Building Documents with DataView – Michael Ward, CTTS

This demo will include creating a document with multiple data providers.

  • Learn how to convert your queries to cubes
  • Learn how to join the cubes with a variety of join options
  • Learn how to transform and profile your data

11:00 – 11:45 AM – Sorting on Subtotals – Michael Ward, CTTS

Learn how to build your document where you can both sort and filter your data based on subtotals.

Learn how to sort based on sum, average and ranking.

11:45 – 12:15PM – Lunch & Networking Break

12:15 – 1:00 PM – How to do Write Back and AI in BusinessObjects Web Intelligence – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

A lot of people have asked if it is possible to do write back or use AI in Web Intelligence. For the first time, we can now answer yes to both items. This fascinating session will show that by using the Custom Elements feature in Web Intelligence, it is possible to integrate components in Webi reports to do both Write Back and AI.

1:00 – 1:05PM – Raffle and Wrap Up

Ann Arbor BusinessObjects User Group – Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025

Back to BO User Groups

You are personally invited to join us at the Ann Arbor BusinessObjects Users Group on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025 from 9:00am – 1:05pm. Hosted by the University of Michigan and sponsored by Creative Technology & Training Solutions and InfoSol Inc.

Registration is free, but we ask that you please REGISTER for count purposes.

Location:

4251 Plymouth Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Google Maps

Exit US23 onto Plymouth Road and head East, Turn Left (North) onto Earhart Rd then immediate right.

Ann Arbor BO User Group Parking Lot Map

Agenda:

9:00 – 9:30 AM – Registration + Coffee and Bagels

9:30 – 10:15 AM – What’s new in BI 2025 and Extended BusinessObjects Roadmap – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

BusinessObjects continues to thrive and expand its capabilities with the release oif the new BI 2025 version last March. This session will show some of the exciting new features in BI 2025 and explain the new cadence of BO software releases going forward.

10:15 – 11:00 AM – Building Documents with DataView – Michael Ward, CTTS

This demo will include creating a document with multiple data providers. Learn how to:

  • Convert your queries to cubes
  • Join the cubes with a variety of join options
  • Transform and profile your data

11:00 – 11:30 AM – Networking Break

11:30 – 12:15 PM – How to do Write Back and AI in BusinessObjects Web Intelligence – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

A lot of people have asked if it is possible to do write back or use AI in Web Intelligence. For the first time, we can now answer yes to both items. This fascinating session will show that by using the Custom Elements feature in Web Intelligence, it is possible to integrate components in Webi reports to do both Write Back and AI.

12:15 – 1:00PM – Sorting on Subtotals – Michael Ward, CTTS

Learn how to build your document where you can both sort and filter your data based on subtotals and how to sort based on sum, average and ranking.

1:00 – 1:05PM – Raffle and Wrap Up

Please let me know if you’re good with this or you want to change something.

Los Angeles BusinessObjects User Group – Wednesday, June 11th

BusinessObjects User Group Meetings

We’re pleased to invite you and your colleagues to the upcoming Los Angeles BusinessObjects User Group Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, June 11, at Honda from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This free event will feature insightful sessions, live demos, and valuable networking opportunities with fellow BusinessObjects users.

Attendance is FREE, however, we do ask that you REGISTER for count purposes.

LOCATION:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
Phone: (310) 783-2000

Room location: 100-4W-4

Park in the front visitor lot.

EVENT AGENDA:

12:45 PM – Registration & Refreshments

1:00 PM – Welcome

1:05 PM – Interactive Visualizations Made Easy: Element Linking in Webi 4.3 – Tirzah Kozlowski

Using Element Linking to make your charts and graphs interact with your report, providing a responsive data visualization experience.

1:450 PM – Streamlining Report Creation with Shared Elements – Tirzah Kozlowski

Learn how to use Shared Elements – reusable components like tables and charts that can be inserted into any report. This saves time and ensure consistency across your Webi reports

2:25 PM – Networking Break

2:45 PM – Tips and Tricks for Boosting Productivity in the New 4.3 Webi UI – Tirzah Kozlowski

Explore new features in Webi 4.3, including using a webi report as a data source and creating custom formats

3:15 PM – The New Data Tab Mode in Webi 4.3 – Paul Grill

A brand new functionality for profiling, transforming and combining data in Web Intelligence was introduced in BI 4.3. This demo will show what ii does and how it works

3:40 PM – Raffle & Wrap-Up

4:00 PM Guided tour, with an expert, of the American Honda Collection Hall 

4:30 PM – Departure

We will be providing refreshments and snacks throughout the afternoon.

This event is completely free, but registration is required to attend.

Pittsburgh BusinessObjects User Group – Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Back to BO User Groups

You are personally invited to join us at the Pittsburgh BusinessObjects Users Group on Thursday, October 17th, 2024 from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Hosted by Aires and Sponsored by Need4Viz and InfoSol.

Registration is free, but we ask that you please REGISTER for count purposes.

LOCATION:

Aires
6 Penn Center Blvd, Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15276
Google Maps

Parking and main entrance is at the back of the main building. Parking is free of charge.

AGENDA:

9:00 – 9:20 AM Registration + Coffee and Breakfast

9:20 – 9:30 AM Welcome & Announcements 

9:30 – 10:15 AM BusinessObjects Quantum Leap – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

After a radical new Web Intelligence User Interface, Webi as a data source and a whole new data merging/transformation/profiling capability in BI 4.3, you may have thought that new functionality in BusinessObjects would slow down, but nothing could be further from the truth.

BI 2025, the next major release of BusinessObjects, due for release at the end of the year is a whole quantum leap in new BI functionality. Get ready to be dazzled and entertained by InfoSol CEO, Paul Grill, as he discusses and demos both new functionality in the current BI 4.3 SP04 and what’s coming in BI 2025.

10:15 – 11:00 AM How to Integrate an on-prem “SAP BusinessObjects Platform” with SAP Analytics Cloud using Live Data Connect (LDC) – Vasu Gnanasivam, SAP Ariba

SAP Analytics Cloud is a cloud solution for business intelligence, enterprise planning, and predictive analytics that provides all analytics capabilities for all users in one product. On this topic, we explore the integration of on-prem BOBJ Platform as a live source to SAP Analytics Cloud for visualization.

11:00 – 11:30 AM Break

11:30 – 12:15 PM Everybody Loves Webi – Dallas Marks & Michael Trickey, Need4Viz

Dallas Marks and Michael Trickey from Need4Viz will show how to leverage new features in SAP BusinessObjects 4.3 such as icons, prompt improvements including hints, and new data provider functions. They’ll also show new features from the latest N4V FOR WEBI 2024.3 and how it transforms the Web Intelligence users know and love into a dashboarding tool with over 60 custom elements for eye-popping visuals, geo and custom maps, on-screen data analysis, and HTML5 publishing.

12:15 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break

1:00 – 1:45 PM BusinessObjects Co- Existence with PowerBI and Tableau (Part 2) – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

With at least 85% of BusinessObjects customers using PowerBI or Tableau or both, the demand for integration has never been greater.

With the release of the OData V4 connector in BI 4.3 and recent enhancements to it in Service Pack 4, it is now possible to move data from Webi reports/queries to Tableau and PowerBI. Other 3rd party products using the SDK’s of all three Bi solutions have taken those integration capabilities even further.

This enlightening session will not only show you what is possible but also present case studies of BusinessObjects customers using these capabilities.

1:45 – 2:00 PM Break

2:00 – 2:45 PM Open Group Discussion (Roadmap, Upgrades, Q&A, Challenges, etc.)

2:45 – 3:00 PM Wrap-up and Giveaways

REGISTER TODAY

Ann Arbor BusinessObjects User Group – Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Back to BO User Groups

You are personally invited to join us at the Ann Arbor BusinessObjects Users Group on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 from 9:00am – 1:05pm. Hosted by the University of Michigan and sponsored by Creative Technology & Training Solutions and InfoSol Inc.

Registration is free, but we ask that you please REGISTER for count purposes.

LOCATION:

201 East Hoover
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Room 111
Google Maps

Parking: There is a parking lot on the southwest corner of E Hoover Ave and Green St. Note: the user group will be held where the red icon is located:

Ann Arbor Parking October 2024

Agenda:

9:00 – 9:30 AM Registration + Coffee and Bagels 

9:30 – 10:15 AM BusinessObjects Quantum Leap  – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

After a radical new Web Intelligence User Interface, Webi as a data source and a whole new data merging/transformation/profiling capability in BI 4.3, you may have thought that new functionality in BusinessObjects would slow down, but nothing could be further from the truth. BI 2025, the next major release of BusinessObjects, due for release at the end of the year is a whole quantum leap in new BI functionality. Get ready to be dazzled and entertained by InfoSol CEO, Paul Grill, as he discusses and demos both new functionality in the current BI 4.3 SP04 and what’s coming in BI 2025.

10:15 – 11:00 AM Building Complex Webi Reports from Multiple Data Providers: v4.3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

This presentation will provide an in depth look at how to add multiple data providers in v4.3 within a single document, including universes, Webi Documents, Excel, Text and Free Hand SQL. It will highlight changes from v4.2 to v4.3. It will include how to properly merge dimensions and the many merge options available. There will be a section on utilizing Excel files as a data provider, and how to import an Excel file, as well as properly update an Excel file already being utilized in a document. It will also include merging on local variables. Presentation will include tips and tricks and best practices.

11:00 – 11:30 AM Networking Break

11:30 – 12:15 PM BusinessObjects Co-Existence in 2024 – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

With at least 85% of BusinessObjects customers using PowerBI or Tableau or both, the demand for integration has never been greater. With the release of the OData V4 connector in BI 4.3 and recent enhancements to it in Service Pack 4, it is now possible to move data from Webi reports/queries to Tableau and PowerBI. Other 3rd party products using the SDK’s of all three Bi solutions have taken those integration capabilities even further.
This enlightening session will not only show you what is possible but also present case studies of BusinessObjects customers using these capabilities.

12:15 – 1:00 PM Having Fun Building a Complex Webi Report: v4.3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at how to convert reports into other report types, with an emphasis on creating Master Detail Reports. It will highlight changes from v4.2 to v4.3. It will include many of the new features of v4.3, including how to hide columns, blocks and sections. The user will learn how to apply conditional formatting to a Detail Blocks at different levels to give reports a more dashboard like look. The user will also learn how to apply the many reporting functions to Master Detail reports.

Topics will include how to place both a report and a chart in a Master Detail Report and link those blocks together. Navigating a Master Detail Report utilizing the map tab will also be covered. Also included will be adding banners and/or adding stoplights to the report. The presentation will cover exporting a Master Detail Report to PDF and Excel. The use of input controls in a master detail report, as well as adding graphics such as stop lights and banners will be covered.

1:00 – 1:05pm Raffle and Wrap Up

 

Grand Rapids BusinessObjects User Group – Tuesday, October 15th 2024

Back to BO User Groups

You and your colleagues are personally invited to join us at the Grand Rapids BusinessObjects Users Group on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 from 9:00am – 1:05pm. Hosted by Haworth and sponsored by Creative Technology & Training Solutions and InfoSol Inc

Registration is free, but we ask that you please REGISTER for count purposes.

Location:

One Haworth Center
Holland, MI 49423
Google Maps

Sign in at the desk in lobby

Parking:

From interstate 196, take exit 49 (the Allegan / M40 exit) and head East < 1 mile.  Entrance to the guest and office parking area is on the left (across M40 from the Residence Inn and the headquarters for Tommy’s Carwash).  Guests can follow the signs to the guest parking area, enter through the main entrance, and check in at the reception desk.  They will be given a visitors pass to wear while they are on site.

Agenda:

9:00 – 9:30 AM Registration + Coffee and Bagels 

9:30 – 10:15 AM BusinessObjects Quantum Leap  – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

After a radical new Web Intelligence User Interface, Webi as a data source and a whole new data merging/transformation/profiling capability in BI 4.3, you may have thought that new functionality in BusinessObjects would slow down, but nothing could be further from the truth. BI 2025, the next major release of BusinessObjects, due for release at the end of the year is a whole quantum leap in new BI functionality. Get ready to be dazzled and entertained by InfoSol CEO, Paul Grill, as he discusses and demos both new functionality in the current BI 4.3 SP04 and what’s coming in BI 2025.

10:15 – 11:00 AM Building Complex Webi Reports from Multiple Data Providers: v4.3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

This presentation will provide an in depth look at how to add multiple data providers in v4.3 within a single document, including universes, Webi Documents, Excel, Text and Free Hand SQL. It will highlight changes from v4.2 to v4.3. It will include how to properly merge dimensions and the many merge options available. There will be a section on utilizing Excel files as a data provider, and how to import an Excel file, as well as properly update an Excel file already being utilized in a document. It will also include merging on local variables. Presentation will include tips and tricks and best practices.

11:00 – 11:30 AM Networking Break

11:30 – 12:15 PM BusinessObjects Co-Existence in 2024 – Paul Grill, InfoSol Inc.

With at least 85% of BusinessObjects customers using PowerBI or Tableau or both, the demand for integration has never been greater. With the release of the OData V4 connector in BI 4.3 and recent enhancements to it in Service Pack 4, it is now possible to move data from Webi reports/queries to Tableau and PowerBI. Other 3rd party products using the SDK’s of all three Bi solutions have taken those integration capabilities even further.
This enlightening session will not only show you what is possible but also present case studies of BusinessObjects customers using these capabilities.

12:15 – 1:00 PM Having Fun Building a Complex Webi Report: v4.3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

This presentation will provide an in-depth look at how to convert reports into other report types, with an emphasis on creating Master Detail Reports. It will highlight changes from v4.2 to v4.3. It will include many of the new features of v4.3, including how to hide columns, blocks and sections. The user will learn how to apply conditional formatting to a Detail Blocks at different levels to give reports a more dashboard like look. The user will also learn how to apply the many reporting functions to Master Detail reports.

Topics will include how to place both a report and a chart in a Master Detail Report and link those blocks together. Navigating a Master Detail Report utilizing the map tab will also be covered. Also included will be adding banners and/or adding stoplights to the report. The presentation will cover exporting a Master Detail Report to PDF and Excel. The use of input controls in a master detail report, as well as adding graphics such as stop lights and banners will be covered.

1:00 – 1:05pm Raffle and Wrap Up

Seattle BusinessObjects User Group (BOUG) on Monday, October 9th 2023

Back to BOUG Home

You are personally invited to join us at the Seattle BusinessObjects Users Meeting on Monday, October 9th from 9:30am – 2:00pm hosted by Creative Technology & Training Solutions and InfoSol Inc.  Attendance is free; however, we do ask that you register below for count purposes.

Location:

2320 California Street
Everett WA 98201, USA

Directions:

  • Commission Room is located on the 1st floor of the SNOPUD building.
  • Sign in at the desk in lobby
  • Free Parking available in Parking Garage

Agenda:

9:30am – 10:00am – Registration + Coffee and Bagels

10:00am – 10:45am – BusinessObjects Solid For the Next Decade and Beyond – Paul Grill, InfoSol

When SAP updated their Statement of Direction for BusinessObjects in June 2022, they also announced a revised roadmap for the product that projected out more than 10 years. This included a new release of BusinessObjects after BI 4.3, code named BI 2024, that will run both on-premises and in the cloud and continued evolution and enhancement of both Web Intelligence and Crystal Reports.

This session will show and discuss this new roadmap and the key features that have just been released with BI 4.3 SP03 along with what is currently planned for SP04 and beyond.

10:45am – 11:30am – Navigating The New World of Web Intelligence v4.3 SP 2/3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

In this live demo we will take an in-depth look at the new BI Launch Pad v4.3. We will visit the BI Launch Pad, Query Panel, and Report Viewer Windows. We will take a more in depth look at the Main Side Panel and Main Build Panels. It will include reading, design, structure and data options in Main Side Panel. Presentation will include a compare and contrast v4.3 vs v4.2. Presentation will include tips and tricks when navigating.

11:30am – 12:00pm – Networking Lunch

12:00pm – 12:45pm – BusinessObjects Co-Existence with PowerBI and Tableau – Paul Grill, InfoSol

About 80% of BusinessObjects customers use either PowerBI, Tableau or both. Most use BusinessObjects for BI reporting while using PowerBI/Tableau for data discovery and visualization. This state of co-existence is very much the new normal for organizations using BusinessObjects.

This session will explain how the different BI tool can complement each other and how you can integrate them by
accessing both Web Intelligence reports and universes from PowerBI and Tableau.

12:45pm – 1:30pm  – Applying Advanced Reporting Functions in v4.3 SP 2/3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

With the introduction of Web Intelligence v4.3 SP 2/3, we no longer have the Analysis Tab. This live demo will highlight the major reporting functions under v4.3 SP 2/3, where they are now located and how to properly use the functions.

The functions will include:

  • Break
  • Sort/Custom Sort
  • Filter
  • Group
  • Rank
  • Advanced Calculations
  • Conditional Formatting

Presentation will include best practices and tips and tricks.

1:30pm – 1:55pm BusinessObjects Q&A

1:55pm – 2:00pm Raffle and Wrap Up

New Jersey BusinessObjects User Group – Tuesday, April 4th 2023

The New Jersey BusinessObjects Users Group ran on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 from 9:30am – 2:00pm

Registration for this webinar is CLOSED. We will announce when the next New Jersey BOUG will run once it is scheduled.

Location:

State of New Jersey
300 Riverview Plaza
Building 300 first floor ITC Room
Trenton, NJ 0862

Directions:
Riverview Plaza complex is right off a main highway called route 29
Building 300 next to the Trenton thunder Ball park
Sign in at the desk in lobby
Free Parking available in Parking Garage

Agenda:

9:30am – 10:00am – Registration + Coffee and Bagels

10:00am – 10:45am – BusinessObjects Solid For the Next Decade and Beyond – Paul Grill, InfoSol

When SAP updated their Statement of Direction for BusinessObjects in June 2022, they also announced a revised roadmap for the product that projected out more than 10 years. This included a new release of BusinessObjects after BI 4.3, code named BI 2024, that will run both on-premises and in the cloud and continued evolution and enhancement of both Web Intelligence and Crystal Reports.

This session will show and discuss this new roadmap and the key features that have just been released with BI 4.3 SP03 along with what is currently planned for SP04 and beyond.

10:45am – 11:30am – Navigating The New World of Web Intelligence v4.3 SP 2/3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

In this live demo we will take an in-depth look at the new BI Launch Pad v4.3. We will visit the BI Launch Pad, Query Panel, and Report Viewer Windows. We will take a more in depth look at the Main Side Panel and Main Build Panels. It will include reading, design, structure and data options in Main Side Panel. Presentation will include a compare and contrast v4.3 vs v4.2. Presentation will include tips and tricks when navigating.

11:30am – 12:00pm – Networking Lunch

12:00pm – 12:45pm – BusinessObjects Co-Existence with PowerBI and Tableau– Paul Grill, InfoSol

About 80% of BusinessObjects customers use either PowerBI, Tableau or both. Most use BusinessObjects for BI reporting while using PowerBI/Tableau for data discovery and visualization. This state of co-existence is very much the new normal for organizations using BusinessObjects.

This session will explain how the different BI tool can complement each other and how you can integrate them by
accessing both Web Intelligence reports and universes from PowerBI and Tableau.

12:45pm – 1:30pm Applying Advanced Reporting Functions in v4.3 SP 2/3 – Michael Ward, CTTS

With the introduction of Web Intelligence v4.3 SP 2/3, we no longer have the Analysis Tab. This live demo will highlight the major reporting functions under v4.3 SP 2/3, where they are now located and how to properly use the functions.

The functions will include:

  • Break
  • Sort/Custom Sort
  • Filter
  • Group
  • Rank
  • Advanced Calculations
  • Conditional Formatting

Presentation will include best practices and tips and tricks.

1:30pm – 1:55pm BusinessObjects Q&A

1:55pm – 2:00pm Raffle and Wrap Up

Regional BusinessObjects User Groups

InfoSol will be participating in a series of free to attend, regional BusinessObjects User Group Meetings that aim to provide education and knowledge transfer. You can view a list of the upcoming meetings and view the location, check out the agenda details, and register for them by following the links below. All of these meetings are free to attend, but we do ask that you register for count purposes.

We miss our regular BusinessObjects User Group Meetings that we normally hold all over the country but there is nothing to stop us holding them remotely.

We have scheduled each one for a specific time zone but you are welcome to attend any or all of them as each one has unique content that you will just want to devour! Each presentation will be 30 minutes with lots of live demos and happy dancing presenters who you can see and interact with!

West Coast Virtual BusinessObjects User Group – Thursday December 16th

This West Coast Virtual BusinessObjects User Group meeting ran on Thursday, December 16th, 2021. You can view the recordings from this user group below!

Agenda:

1:00 – 1:05 pm | Welcome & Announcements

1:05 – 1:35 pm | BI 4.3 Ask the Experts at SAP – Samuel Polichouk – SAP

With 2022 being the year that most BusinessObjects customers are expected to move to the new BI 4.3 release, here is a golden opportunity for you to ask the SAP Product Experts your questions.

1:35 – 2:05 pm | Magic of Breaks: v4.3 – Michael Ward – CTTS

This presentation will provide an in depth look at the Break Function. Learn how to apply a single break as well as multiple breaks to a report block. Learn how to manage breaks to control display of headings and footings. Learn how to apply a value based break. Learn how to control page breaks through the break function. See how calculations are applied when adding breaks to a report. Learn how to control calculations when applied to a break. Learn how to rank based on subtotals. Learn how to display only the most current row of data based on a break. Learn how to control formatting with manage breaks. Learn about the difference between a break and master detail report.

2:05 – 2:20 pm | Break

2:20 – 2:50 pm | Using Webi with Squirrel to Run the Healthcare System: A Case Study – David Behr, USPI

One thing the pandemic has taught organizations is to leverage existing Business Intelligence tools, like BusinessObjects, while at the same time deploy new solutions quickly and with minimal resources. Nowhere is this better demonstrated than in healthcare organizations who have experienced unprecedented changes in their day to day operations. This fascinating case study from the VP of BI at United Surgical Partners and Tenet Health, David Behr, shows how they were able to accomplish this remarkable feat using a combination of their installed BusinessObjects deployment cleverly combined with the Squirrel365 no-code, rapid application development tool to produce an incredible number of critical applications to help their organization through the pandemic.

2:50 – 3:20 pm | Top 10 Tips to Mastering the new Webi 4.3 UI – Roxanne Pittman, InfoSol

Web Intelligence 4.3 is all HTML5 and with this big change came many changes to the layout of the user interface that we have become familiar with. There is a new look, new layout, new icons and new workflows for developing reports, but there is no need to worry. This session will cover 10 tips to help you master the new UI in no time.

3:20 – 3:30 pm | Raffle