In SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services), the steps to create linked reports are as follows:
1. Create the Base Report
First, you need an existing base report containing data used for navigating to the linked report. For example, suppose you have a sales report listing sales figures for different products.
2. Create the Linked Report
Create a new report that serves as the target report, which users view after clicking the link. For example, this could be a detailed report on a single product's sales, showing trends, customer feedback, and other specific information.
3. Set Parameters (if needed)
If the linked report requires parameters to display relevant data (such as specific product IDs or time ranges), add these parameters in the linked report. In the report designer, add and define parameters through the 'Report Data' window.
4. Modify the Base Report to Create Hyperlinks
Return to your base report in the report designer and locate the text box or cell to be used as a link. For example, the product name field.
- Right-click the field and select 'Text Box Properties'.
- Switch to the 'Actions' tab.
- Select 'Go to Report'.
- In the 'Specify Report' section, select the target report created in Step 2.
- Set the 'Pass report parameters using these values' section to map fields from the base report (e.g., product ID) to the corresponding parameters in the target report.
5. Deploy and Test the Reports
After completing the design and settings, deploy the report to the report server. Then open the base report in a browser to test if clicking the link correctly navigates to the target report and if parameters are accurately passed to display the expected data.
Example Suppose you have a company-wide sales report listing various products and their sales figures. You create another report specifically showing detailed sales information for 'Product X'. In the sales report, add a link to the sales figure for 'Product X', which, when clicked, navigates to the detailed report with the product ID to display more information about 'Product X'.
This not only enhances report interactivity but also enables more in-depth and detailed data analysis.