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Why Crystal Reports for Enterprise Is Fading

Crystal Reports for Enterprise is on the way out. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how to move forward with something built for today’s needs.

Published May 07, 2025

Crystal Reports for Enterprise is being phased out. If your reporting still runs on CR4E, it’s time to make a decision.

SAP is shifting away from the tool in favor of newer options, and support is winding down fast. In this post, we’ll break down what’s changing, why it’s happening, and what your team should be thinking about next, especially if you’re looking for something more modern than just another Crystal version.

We’ll also walk through what makes a solid replacement and why some teams are switching to CxReports to avoid the same issues down the line.

Why SAP Is Retiring CR4E

SAP has confirmed that Crystal Reports for Enterprise will be removed in the 2025 release of SAP Business Intelligence. Mainstream support will officially end in 2027.

This isn’t just about phasing out an old tool. SAP is consolidating its reporting products to simplify its portfolio. That means putting more attention on SAP BusinessObjects and SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC), which are better aligned with current reporting needs and infrastructure.

Core Limitations of CR4E (Why Users Are Stuck)

For teams still using Crystal Reports for Enterprise, the roadblocks are starting to stack up:

  • Limited data connections
    CR4E mainly supports SAP BW and Universe data sources, which makes it hard to work with broader or newer data setups.

  • No real-time reporting
    It pulls from static data sets, which means you're always looking at old numbers, not live performance.

  • Outdated interface
    The UI is clunky and slow, especially compared to modern reporting tools that are built for speed and usability.

  • High costs at scale
    Licensing, maintenance, and admin time all add up fast, especially for growing teams.

  • Tough to roll out across teams
    It's a desktop-only app, which creates friction for large or remote teams who need flexible access.

  • Technical bugs and workarounds
    From disappearing VARCHAR fields to random performance lags, many users end up wasting time fixing or working around CR4E's quirks.

Why This Matters

Still running reports on CR4E? Here’s what’s at stake:

  • No support means no fixes
    Once support ends, bugs and issues won’t be patched. That’s a problem if something breaks during a critical reporting cycle.

  • Waiting too long can backfire
    Pushing off the switch can lead to rushed migrations, missed data, or even downtime.

  • You’re missing out
    Holding on to CR4E keeps you locked into outdated workflows while better, faster tools are out there.

The Wrong Way to “Replace” CR4E

A lot of teams try to move fast but end up stuck in the same old problems. Here’s what doesn’t work:

  • Copy-pasting reports into another rigid tool
    Tools like Crystal Reports 2020 might seem like the next step, but they come with the same limits CR4E had. It’s not really a move forward.

  • Dragging old workflows into new software
    Just swapping platforms without rethinking the process keeps the same bottlenecks in place.

  • Rushing the switch without a clear plan
    Teams often underestimate how long migration takes or how much effort it’ll require. Without real improvements, it’s just lost time and budget.

What a Modern Reporting Platform Should Offer

If you’re choosing what comes after CR4E, here’s what to look for:

  • Real-time data access
    Reports should pull from live sources so you’re never working off outdated numbers.

  • Cloud or hybrid setup
    You need the option to run things on-prem or in the cloud, depending on your setup.

  • Flexible access
    Web and desktop support makes it easier for teams to build and view reports from anywhere.

  • Easy-to-use design tools
    A visual editor with drag-and-drop controls saves time and lowers the learning curve.

  • Both pixel-perfect and dynamic reporting
    You shouldn’t have to choose get great layouts plus data that updates.

  • Future-ready architecture
    Bonus if it supports newer needs like AI workflows or embedded analytics.

  • Solid security and reliable support
    Reporting often includes sensitive data. You need controls, permissions, and someone to call when things go sideways.

Why Teams Are Switching to CxReports

Some teams are using the end of CR4E as a chance to move to something that fits better with how reporting works today. One option they’re choosing is CxReports.

  • Connects to your data, your way
    Whether it's SQL, API, or JSON, CxReports pulls it all together in one place.

  • Built for high-quality output
    It generates clean, branded PDF reports automatically, without hours spent tweaking layouts.

  • Flexible deployment
    Teams can run it in the cloud or on their own servers—whatever fits their setup best.

  • Familiar report quality, with more control
    It supports the kind of pixel-perfect reporting people are used to with Crystal, but adds more design options and flexibility.

  • Migration help exists
    Experience with other's transitions. Team offers professional services in migration migration from Crystal Reports.

  • Used in high-stakes environments
    Finance, healthcare, utilities, teams that can’t afford to get reporting wrong are already using it.

Final Words

Crystal Reports for Enterprise is being phased out, and for good reason. It wasn’t built for the way teams work today. Hanging onto it comes with more headaches than benefits.

But this isn’t just about replacing one tool with another. It’s a chance to rethink how reporting works across your organization and choose something that’s easier to use, easier to maintain, and ready for what’s next.

Want to see how CxReports fits into that picture?
Watch our quick intro video or schedule a quick meeting to talk through your reporting needs.

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