How can you create a parameterized report in SSRS?

Steps to create parameterized reports in SSRS include the following aspects:

1. Prepare Data Source and Dataset

First, ensure you have a valid data source connection, which can be a SQL Server database or other supported data types. When creating a new report in SSRS, define and configure the data source first.

When creating a dataset, design the query to accommodate parameter addition later. For example, to filter report data based on user selection, use the WHERE clause in your SQL query. For instance:

sql
SELECT * FROM Sales WHERE Region = @Region

Here, @Region is a parameter that users can select when viewing the report.

2. Add and Configure Parameters

In the report data pane, parameters are often automatically added if detected in the query. You can also manually add new parameters. In the parameter properties, configure the following:

• Name: The unique identifier for the parameter.
• Prompt: Text displayed to users to guide input or selection.
• Data Type: The data type of the parameter (e.g., text, integer).
• Default Value: The default value for the parameter.
• Available Values: A list of values that can be provided for the parameter, which can be hardcoded or sourced from a query.

For example, to set possible values for the @Region parameter, create a dataset to query all regions:

sql
SELECT RegionName FROM Regions

Then use this dataset in the parameter's 'Available Values' setting so users can select a region from a dropdown list.

3. Design Report Layout

In the report designer, add tables, charts, or other visual elements as needed, and drag dataset fields to appropriate positions. Ensure report elements use the dataset containing parameters so they dynamically update based on parameter values.

4. Preview and Debug the Report

Use the preview feature to test the report's behavior. This step is crucial as it allows you to verify that parameters correctly affect data and that the user interface is intuitive.

5. Deploy and Share the Report

Once the report passes testing, deploy it to the report server. Ensure the report server's security configuration allows target users to access this new report.

Example

Suppose you need to create a sales report that allows users to filter data by region and time period. Follow the above steps to create parameters @Region, @DateFrom, and @DateTo. The SQL query might look like this:

sql
SELECT SalesID, Product, Quantity, SaleDate FROM Sales
WHERE Region = @Region AND SaleDate BETWEEN @DateFrom AND @DateTo

After configuring parameter properties, ensure the report layout appropriately displays sales data under these filter conditions, allowing users to input their selections via simple dropdowns or date pickers. Test the report using the preview feature, then deploy it to the SSRS server for team use.