Combining Multiple Result Sets in SSRS: A Comprehensive Guide
SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) is a powerful tool that allows users to create, manage, and deliver interactive and dynamic reports. One of its key features is the ability to combine multiple result sets, which can greatly enhance the reporting capabilities of an organization. In this article, we will explore the various methods of combining result sets in SSRS and how they can be utilized to create more insightful and comprehensive reports.
Understanding Result Sets in SSRS
Before we dive into the methods of combining result sets, let's first understand what a result set is in SSRS. In simple terms, a result set is a set of data that is returned from a query or a stored procedure. This data can then be used to populate a report. In SSRS, a report can have one or more datasets, and each dataset can have one or more result sets.
Methods of Combining Result Sets in SSRS
There are three primary methods of combining result sets in SSRS: Union, Join, and Subreport. Let's take a closer look at each of these methods.
1. Union
The Union method is used to combine two or more result sets into a single dataset. This method is useful when the result sets have the same columns and data types. To use the Union method, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a new report in SSRS and add a dataset.
Step 2: In the dataset properties, go to the Query tab and click on the '...' button next to the query text box.
Step 3: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Add Table' button and select the table or stored procedure that you want to include in the result set.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for all the tables or stored procedures that you want to include in the result set.
Step 5: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Design' menu and select the 'Union All' option.
Step 6: Click on the 'OK' button to save the changes.
Step 7: In the dataset properties, go to the Fields tab to verify that the columns from all the tables or stored procedures are included in the result set.
2. Join
The Join method is used to combine two or more result sets by matching the values in a specific column. This method is useful when the result sets have different columns and data types but share a common column. To use the Join method, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a new report in SSRS and add a dataset.
Step 2: In the dataset properties, go to the Query tab and click on the '...' button next to the query text box.
Step 3: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Add Table' button and select the first table or stored procedure that you want to include in the result set.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for all the remaining tables or stored procedures that you want to include in the result set.
Step 5: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Join' icon and select the type of join you want to use (Inner, Left, Right, or Full).
Step 6: In the Join Properties window, select the columns that you want to join on and click on the 'OK' button.
Step 7: Click on the 'OK' button to save the changes.
Step 8: In the dataset properties, go to the Fields tab to verify that the columns from all the tables or stored procedures are included in the result set.
3. Subreport
The Subreport method is used to combine two or more result sets by embedding one report in another. This method is useful when the result sets have different columns and data types and cannot be combined using the Union or Join methods. To use the Subreport method, follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a new report in SSRS and add a dataset.
Step 2: In the dataset properties, go to the Query tab and click on the '...' button next to the query text box.
Step 3: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Add Table' button and select the first table or stored procedure that you want to include in the result set.
Step 4: Repeat Step 3 for all the remaining tables or stored procedures that you want to include in the result set.
Step 5: In the Query Designer, click on the 'Save' icon to save the changes.
Step 6: Create a new report and add a subreport control to the report.
Step 7: Right-click on the subreport control and select the 'Properties' option.
Step 8: In the Subreport Properties window, select the report that you created in Step 5.
Step 9: Click on the 'Parameters' tab and map the parameters from the main report to the subreport.
