A Jet Reports Connector enables direct connection from Jet Reports (Excel add-in) to a live data source. Data sources can be databases or other sources such as Excel files basically anything accessible via ODBC or OLE.
Each data source requires its own connector; you cannot reuse a single connector across multiple distinct sources.
Supported Jet Reports Connector Types
Jet Reports supports several types of connectors, including:
Microsoft Dynamics NAV / Business Central — for these ERPs, connector licensing is verified via the ERP’s license. In newer versions (post Jet Reports 2019), this allows connection to any number of databases under that ERP.
Microsoft Dynamics GP — this connector automatically handles master and company databases under GP; one connector typically manages all required GP databases.
Microsoft Dynamics F&SCM — a hybrid connector, designed to give near real-time, on-demand access to both operational and financial data in F&SCM.
Universal Connector — allows connecting to most generic ODBC- or OLE-compliant databases (e.g. SQL databases, other sources) via a generic connector.
Note: Some documentation or UI references might list “Universal” even when referring to one of the ERP-specific connectors—a quirk of naming, not an error.
When You Need a Connector
Whenever you point Jet Reports directly at a “live” database or data source (ERP, SQL, Excel, etc.), you need a corresponding Jet Reports Connector.
That connector must be licensed/activated appropriately (via activation code / license).
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Licensing & Activation
Jet (by insightsoftware) no longer uses traditional .JLF license files; licensing is managed via web-based activation (Activation Code) since version 2013.
At time of purchase, the Activation Code is provided and all license details (connectors, number of users etc.) can be reviewed and managed via the Jet License Portal.
If you have multiple data sources, each requires its own connector license.
When Jet Reports Connector Is Not Needed
If you plan to connect not directly to a live database, but to a data warehouse or cube built by Jet Analytics (or other data warehouse), you may not need a Jet Reports Connector, an Analytics Connector may suffice.
