How to Add a Data Set in Report Builder 3.0

Report Builder is a small report design tool that is installed on your report server as part of Microsoft SQL Server. Similar in look and feel to Microsoft Word, it is a comfortable environment for users of other Microsoft Office tools. You can create simple or complex reports very quickly through wizards and an intuitive interface. If you have SQL and scripting skills you can customize SQL queries within Report Builder, but it is often just as quick to follow the UI and use the wizards.

A dataset includes a connection to a data source, the query to execute, and a field list of the data types that will appear in the report. A report file can have multiple datasets.

An embedded dataset means that it is only used within this report.

In general, when creating a custom report, add as many fields to a dataset as you think you might possibly use.

When you open a Template in Report Builder or pull a Report Part into a Template, the associated datasets appear in the Report Data pane, already set up. In the case of a blank report, you will need to set up each dataset from scratch.

1. Right-click Datasets, click Add Dataset. The Dataset Properties window displays.
2. Type in a new name for the dataset, with no spaces in the name.
3. Select Use a dataset embedded in my report.

   An embedded dataset is one that you will create here and it will be used by this report only.

   A shared dataset is one that has been created and saved on the report server. You would have to browse to locate it.

4. Select the Warehouse Data source from the drop-down list.

   

5. Click OK.

   This creates a new dataset that is connected to the Warehouse data source. From here you can set up a query that will specify the fields that will provide the data for the report.