Suppress Duplicate Values in Group in SSRS Reports
When generating reports in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), it is common to group data by a certain category or field. However, sometimes this can result in duplicate values appearing within the group. This can make the report difficult to read and understand. In this article, we will discuss how to suppress duplicate values in a group in SSRS reports.
Step 1: Identify the Group with Duplicate Values
The first step in suppressing duplicate values in a group is to identify the group that contains the duplicates. This can be done by looking at the data in the report and determining which field or category is causing the duplicates.
Step 2: Sort the Data
Once the group with the duplicate values has been identified, the next step is to sort the data within the group. This can be done by right-clicking on the group and selecting "Group Properties". Under the "Sorting" tab, select the field that is causing the duplicates and choose the sorting order. This will ensure that the data is arranged in a logical order before applying any suppression techniques.
Step 3: Use the First() or Last() Function
SSRS has two built-in functions, First() and Last(), that can be used to suppress duplicate values. These functions return the first or last value in a group and can be used in conjunction with the grouping level to remove duplicates. To use these functions, right-click on the text box containing the duplicate value and select "Expression". In the expression window, enter the following formula:
=First(Fields!FieldName.Value, "GroupName")
Where "FieldName" is the field causing the duplicates and "GroupName" is the name of the group.
Step 4: Use the Previous() or Next() Function
Another option for suppressing duplicate values is to use the Previous() or Next() function. These functions return the value from the previous or next row in a dataset. This can be useful when the duplicates are not consecutive within the group. To use these functions, right-click on the text box containing the duplicate value and select "Expression". In the expression window, enter the following formula:
=Previous(Fields!FieldName.Value)
Or
=Next(Fields!FieldName.Value)
Where "FieldName" is the field causing the duplicates.
Step 5: Use Conditional Formatting
Conditional formatting can also be used to suppress duplicate values. This technique involves formatting the duplicate values to be the same color as the background, making them invisible to the viewer. To use this method, right-click on the text box containing the duplicate value and select "Text Box Properties". Under the "Fill" tab, select "Expression" next to "Fill color" and enter the following formula:
=IIF(Fields!FieldName.Value=Previous(Fields!FieldName.Value), "White", "Black")
Where "FieldName" is the field causing the duplicates.
Step 6: Use the Distinct Count Function
If the duplicate values are caused by multiple fields, the Distinct Count function can be used to suppress them. This function counts the number of unique values in a group and can be used in an expression to remove duplicates. To use this function, right-click on the text box containing the duplicate value and select "Expression". In the expression window, enter the following formula:
