SSRS Parameter Default Value from Stored Procedure Does Not Refresh

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In this article, we will delve into the world of SSRS (Server-sided Reports Services) and explore a common issue many users face when working with parameterized reports. Specifically, we will examine how to automatically refresh the default value of a parameter based on a stored procedure in SSRS.

Background

SSRS is a reporting service that allows developers to create complex reports by integrating data from various sources into a single report. One of the key features of SSRS is its ability to parameterize reports, allowing users to input data at runtime. This can be useful for creating dynamic reports that adapt to changing data requirements.

However, when working with stored procedures as a data source in SSRS, there are cases where the default value of a parameter may not refresh automatically after changes are made to the procedure’s parameters. In this article, we will explore one such scenario and provide solutions for resolving this issue.

The Problem

The user in question has a stored procedure that retrieves a date based on various joins and conditions. This stored procedure is used as a data source in an SSRS report, which includes two parameters: @Classifierid and @StartDate. When the report first runs and the value for @Classifierid is set, the default value of @StartDate appears to refresh correctly.

However, when the user changes the value of @Classifierid, the default value of @StartDate does not update. Instead, it remains with the same date that was retrieved initially. The user has provided images illustrating this issue (not shown here).

The Cause

The cause of this behavior is due to a limitation in how SSRS handles stored procedures and their parameter values. When a report is executed, SSRS passes the parameter values to the stored procedure, but it does not automatically update the stored procedure’s parameters based on changes made outside of the stored procedure.

This means that even though the user changes the value of @Classifierid after running the initial report, the stored procedure still retains its original value for @StartDate. To resolve this issue, we need to find a way to dynamically refresh the default value of @StartDate based on the new value of @Classifierid.

Solution 1: Using a Parameterized Calculation

One possible solution is to use a parameterized calculation in SSRS that retrieves the updated value of @StartDate based on the new value of @Classifierid. This involves creating a custom calculation in SSRS that uses an expression to retrieve the data from the stored procedure.

Here’s how you can create this calculation:

Open your report and click on “Report Items” > “Data Set”.
Click on “New” to create a new dataset.
In the dataset properties, select the @StartDate parameter as the output field.
In the expression box, enter the following code:

=Parameters!Classifierid.Value

5. This code retrieves the value of the `@Classifierid` parameter and assigns it to a new variable.
6. Next, use an expression like this to retrieve the updated value of `@StartDate` from the stored procedure:

```markdown
=DATEDIFF(DAY,"2020-01-01","CONVERT(DATE,[@StartDate]))"

This code uses the DATEDIFF function to calculate the number of days between January 1st, 2020 and the current date (represented by [@StartDate]), which gives us a new value for @StartDate.

Save your changes and test the report.

Solution 2: Using SSRS Expression Language

Another possible solution is to use the SSRS expression language to dynamically refresh the default value of @StartDate. This involves using an expression in your report’s dataset that retrieves the updated value of @StartDate based on the new value of @Classifierid.

Here’s how you can create this expression:

Open your report and click on “Report Items” > “Data Set”.
Click on “New” to create a new dataset.
In the dataset properties, select the @StartDate parameter as the output field.
In the expression box, enter the following code:

=Parameters!Classifierid.Value +DATEDIFF(DAY,“2020-01-01”,“CONVERT(DATE,[@StartDate]))”


This code does essentially the same thing as before: it retrieves the value of the `@Classifierid` parameter and assigns it to a new variable, then uses an expression to calculate the number of days between January 1st, 2020 and the current date (represented by `[@StartDate]`).

5. Save your changes and test the report.

## Conclusion
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In this article, we have explored a common issue many users face when working with parameterized reports in SSRS: automatically refreshing the default value of a parameter based on changes made to the procedure's parameters.

We have presented two possible solutions for resolving this issue: using a parameterized calculation and using the SSRS expression language. Both solutions provide an effective way to dynamically refresh the default value of `@StartDate` based on the new value of `@Classifierid`.

By implementing these solutions, you should be able to resolve the problem and enjoy more flexibility in your reporting needs.

## Additional Tips
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### Best Practices for Parameterized Reports

When working with parameterized reports in SSRS, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

*   Always use parameterized calculations or expressions when retrieving data from stored procedures.
*   Use the `Parameters` collection to access parameter values and perform calculations on them.
*   Avoid hardcoding parameters directly into your report's dataset expression. Instead, use the `Parameters` collection to retrieve their values.

By following these best practices, you can create more dynamic and flexible reports that adapt easily to changing data requirements.

Last modified on 2023-11-12