Designing SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports can be a challenging task. A SSRS Report Designer must have the following technical and business knowledge in order to prepare an effective report:
- extremely effective communication skills
- expert in writing Transactional SQL Statements
- expert in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
Communication
A SSRS Report Designer requires excellent communication skills along with a general understanding of business practices. The Report Designer must be able to gather requirements from end users so that report specifications can be created. It is important to understand what is desired from a report and what it will be used for. Screen shots, mock-ups etc., are very helpful.
Transaction SQL
After the specifications are created, the technical work begins for the SSRS Report Designer. A data set must be created and connected to the database. You can embed your SQL in the dataset, but Reporting Guru recommends that you connect the dataset to a database object such as a view or stored procedure. Creating a view or stored procedure with your SQL gives you the flexibility of then being able to reuse it on other SSRS reports, Crystal Reports etc.
SSRS
Now that you have your dataset, it is time to create the report itself. This is a matter of putting the proper columns onto the report palette. You can use different SSRS objects such as a matrix or chart. You can also add complex logic for calculating columns, hiding, etc, but again, Reporting Guru recommends that you put as much logic as possible in the SQL.
Finally, after the report is complete, you must publish the RDL file to the report server which is essentially a web portal. This allows other users to conveniently view and run the report you created from a web page.
Good luck with your SSRS Report Designer and remember that getting help is always a click away!!
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