SQL Server Reporting Services for Report Writers (SSRS2016)

This course provides a comprehensive guide to SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), covering everything from creating basic reports to advanced data visualization techniques. Designed for report developers, data analysts, and business intelligence professionals, this course equips you with the skills needed to design, deploy, and manage reports using SSRS.

The course begins with SSRS Overview and Tools, introducing the key features of Reporting Services and the various tools available within SQL Server. This module sets the foundation for understanding the SSRS environment and the role of each tool in the report development process.

In Working with Solutions and Projects, you will learn to use SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) and Visual Studio to create SSRS solutions and projects. You’ll explore the interface, understand the structure of SSRS projects, and get hands-on experience managing solutions, preparing you for efficient report development.

The Creating Basic Reports module covers the essentials of report creation, including working with data sources, datasets, and using the Report Wizard to build reports quickly. You’ll learn to create tabular, list, and matrix reports and add drill-down functionality, providing a solid foundation for report building in SSRS.

In Formatting Reports, you'll learn to enhance your reports by working with text boxes, images, lines, and page headers and footers. This module focuses on designing visually appealing reports that effectively communicate data insights, making your reports not only functional but also professional-looking.

The Summarizing and Sorting section teaches you to create and manage groups within your reports, add totals and aggregations, and sort data effectively. These skills are crucial for summarizing large datasets and presenting information in a clear and organized manner.

Introduction to Expressions explores how to use expressions to add dynamic content to your reports. You’ll learn to define and use expressions for calculations, formatting, and conditional logic, allowing you to create more interactive and customized reports.

In Add Flexibility with Parameters, you will discover how to incorporate parameters into your reports to make them more dynamic and user-friendly. This module covers the differences between report parameters and query parameters, using cascading parameters, and creating filtered and sorted reports based on parameter settings.

The Enhanced Report Items module introduces advanced reporting elements like charts, gauges, maps, data bars, and sparklines. You’ll also learn to create nested data regions, subreports, and drillthrough reports, providing you with powerful tools for creating visually rich and interactive reports.

Rendering, Deploying, and the Web Portal covers the deployment process of SSRS reports, working with the web portal, managing shared data sources, and rendering reports in various formats. This module ensures you can make your reports accessible to end users and manage report distribution effectively.

In KPIs and Mobile Reports, you'll explore how to create Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and mobile-friendly reports using the SQL Server Mobile Report Publisher. This module equips you with the skills to design reports that are accessible on various devices, enhancing the reach and usability of your SSRS solutions.

The course goes Beyond Basic Reporting by introducing advanced techniques such as using report templates, creating document maps, working with recursive data, and utilizing Lookup functions. You’ll also learn about interactive sorting, rendering options, and creating complex aggregates, enabling you to build highly functional reports.

If time permits, the course concludes with Using Report Builder, where you’ll learn to use the Report Builder tool to create datasets, design reports, and work with report parts. This module provides an alternative approach to report development, offering additional flexibility and ease of use for end users and developers alike.

By the end of this course, you will have a thorough understanding of SSRS and its capabilities. You’ll be able to create, format, and deploy sophisticated reports, making you an invaluable asset in any data-driven organization.