Automatic SQL Report Delivery

As a rule, SQL report creation doesn't require specialized skills, but it can often be a tedious and time-consuming process. An effective data reporting tool should allow users to create reports quickly and easily, without extensive training. Additionally, it should provide options to automate and schedule both report creation and delivery.

dbForge Studio for SQL Server offers a built-in SQL Report Builder that allows users to create ad hoc reports, deliver them to recipients, and automate the entire workflow.

There are two major things about data reporting - scheduling and distribution.

Report lifecycle

Report creation begins with designing a data report template from scratch or using a special wizard supplied with the application.

After the report template is ready, you can save it as an *.rdb file and use it every time you need to report on the same data and in the same format.

You can also export your report to one of the supported formats (PDF, HTML, MHT, RTF, XLS, XLSX, CSV, Text, Image), print, as well as send it by e-mail or upload by FTP.

Designing data report

When you decide what report type you need, open a blank report document and design your SQL report. Select the data source, adjust the report layout, add charts, and set other parameters. You can accept default settings or create a custom template.

Created data reports can be delivered to their recipients via e-mail or FTP in various formats, such as PDF, MHT, RTF, XLS, XLSX, or CSV. The same report file template can be applied many times to different tasks, making report creation a routine.

You can automate this process and schedule the corresponding task via the Windows Task Scheduler.

SQL report delivery

With dbForge Studio for SQL Server, you can automate report delivery tasks. Reports can be exported locally, sent via email, or uploaded through FTP. You can configure the task using the command line, and you have the flexibility to choose the desired report format.

Once the reporting task is configured in the wizard, click Save Command Line and specify the necessary parameters such as the report format and delivery method, in the Command line execution file settings.

Save the .bat file and use it to generate reports on demand or set up automatic scheduling with Windows Task Scheduler.

Scheduling automated reports

After saving the batch file for running the report, you can use the Windows Task Scheduler and let the computer carry out the task automatically.

Launch the Task Scheduler, navigate to the Actions pane, and click Create Basic Task. In the new window that opens, name the task and provide the task description.

Specify when to launch the task on the Trigger tab (the schedule can be based on the calendar, on common recurring events, or on specific events).

Schedule a program to start automatically on the Action tab, and select the created .bat file by clicking Browse on the Start a Program subtab.

Verify the settings and click Finish. After that, you will see the task in the Active Tasks section.

Schedule task to be performed automatically