How Can I Display Multiple Tables on SSRS Based on Parameters?

If you’re working with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and need to display multiple tables based on parameters, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of achieving this complex task. Buckle up, and let’s get started!

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have:

• A basic understanding of SSRS and its report structure
• SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) or Visual Studio installed on your machine
• A reporting services project set up with a data source and dataset

Step 1: Create a Parameter

The first step in displaying multiple tables based on parameters is to create a parameter that will control which table to display. Follow these steps:

1. Open your report in SSDT or Visual Studio.
2. In the Report Data pane, right-click on the Parameters folder and select “Add Parameter”.
3. In the “Parameter Properties” window, enter a name for your parameter (e.g., “TableName”) and set the data type to “String”.
4. Click “OK” to save the parameter.

Step 2: Create Multiple Tables

Create multiple tables in your report that will be displayed based on the parameter value. For this example, let’s assume we have two tables: “Table1” and “Table2”. Follow these steps:

Create Table1:

<table>
  <tr>
    <td>Column1</td>
    <td>Column2</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><= Fields!Column1.Value></td>
    <td><= Fields!Column2.Value></td>
  </tr>
</table>

Create Table2:

<table>
  <tr>
    <td>ColumnA</td>
    <td>ColumnB</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td><= Fields!ColumnA.Value></td>
    <td><= Fields!ColumnB.Value></td>
  </tr>
</table>

Step 3: Add a Tablix

A Tablix is a powerful control in SSRS that allows you to display data in a table, matrix, or list format. We’ll use a Tablix to display our tables based on the parameter value. Follow these steps:

1. Drag and drop a Tablix from the Toolbox onto your report design surface.
2. Right-click on the Tablix and select “Tablix Properties”.
3. In the “Tablix Properties” window, set the “Dataset name” to your dataset (e.g., “DataSet1”).
4. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Step 4: Add an Expression

We’ll add an expression to the Tablix to control which table to display based on the parameter value. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Tablix and select “Tablix Properties”.
2. In the “Tablix Properties” window, click on the “Visibility” tab.
3. In the “Visibility” tab, click on the “fx” button next to the “Visibility” field.
4. In the “Expression” window, enter the following code:

=IIF(Parameters!TableName.Value = "Table1", True, False)

This expression checks if the parameter value is “Table1”, and if true, sets the visibility of the Tablix to “True”, displaying the table.

Step 5: Add Multiple Expressions

We’ll add multiple expressions to display different tables based on different parameter values. Follow these steps:

1. Repeat steps 4-4.4 for each table you want to display, changing the table name and expression accordingly.
2. For example, to display “Table2”, enter the following code:

=IIF(Parameters!TableName.Value = "Table2", True, False)

Step 6: Run the Report

Now it’s time to run the report and see the magic happen! Follow these steps:

1. Click on the “Preview” tab in SSDT or Visual Studio.
2. In the “Parameters” pane, select a value for the “TableName” parameter (e.g., “Table1”).
3. Click on the “Run” button to render the report.

Voilà! You should see “Table1” displayed in the report. Change the parameter value to “Table2” and run the report again to see “Table2” displayed instead.

Tips and Variations

Here are some additional tips and variations to take your report to the next level:

• Use a dataset for each table: Instead of using a single dataset for all tables, create a separate dataset for each table. This will allow you to optimize the data retrieval and processing for each table.
• Use a single dataset with a filter: If you have a single dataset that contains all the data for both tables, you can use a filter to control which data is displayed based on the parameter value.
• Use a subreport: If you have a complex report with multiple tables and parameters, consider using a subreport to simplify the design and management of the report.
• Use a custom assembly: If you need advanced logic or complex calculations to control which table to display, consider using a custom assembly in SSRS.

Conclusion

Displaying multiple tables on SSRS based on parameters can be a challenging task, but by following these steps and tips, you can achieve this complex requirement with ease. Remember to keep your report design simple, organized, and easy to maintain, and don’t hesitate to explore advanced techniques and features in SSRS to take your reporting skills to the next level!

Parameter Value	Table Displayed
Table1	Table1
Table2	Table2

Happy reporting!

Frequently Asked Question

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