SSRS CountDistinct and Previous Functions
SSRS has a lot of functions to simplify report building. In this tip we cover how to use the CountDistinct and Previous functions in report development.
I have a passion for crafting Business Intelligence Solutions for my user groups. My experience includes almost 15 years of SQL Server involvement with the last 12 years focused specifically on Business Intelligence, SharePoint, OLAP, SSRS, and Decision Support solutions. Currently, I am a Business Intelligence Architect in the healthcare industry, and I also teach database and analytics classes for Kennesaw State University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Reinhardt University. My education includes an MBA and an undergraduate in Accounting (yes I am a reformed accountant!), both from Kennesaw State University. I enjoy every day by trying to grow my faith and spend precious time with my family. I have been happily married to my wife of over 20 years, and we have two teenagers one who we home school with the help of a University Model School, Cornerstone Prep in Acworth, GA (cornerstoneprep.org). Our other child is a Construction Management major at KSU's Southern Poly / Marietta campus. We are a soccer and Cross Country (XC) family who play, coach, and referee soccer or run for fun most every day. For several years, our family has volunteered (and played with the dogs and cats) at Etowah Valley Humane Society in Cartersville, GA.
- MSSQLTips Awards: Champion (100+tips) - 2016 | Author of the Year - 2015 | Author Contender - 2014, 2016-2021
How to use the Power BI Enterprise Gateway
How do I use the new Power BI Enterprise Gateway? In this tip we walk through the steps needed to set this up.
SSAS Cube Processing Status Report
In this tip learn how to build a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Cube Status Report using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
SSRS SQL Agent Job Status Report
Learn how to generate a SQL Server Agent status report using SQL Server Reporting Services to get insight into successful, failed and in process Jobs.
SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services Mobile Report
New in SQL Server 2016 is the ability to create SSRS reports for mobile devices. In this tip we look at how to design flexible report layouts for different devices.
Connect to on-premises data sources with Power BI Personal Gateway
Read this tip to learn how to connect to on premise data sources with Power BI Personal Gateway.
SSRS report for SQL Server Database Backup Status
Learn now to create a SSRS report to show backup status for all of your SQL Server databases and also download the SSRS RDL.
Compare Power BI Desktop vs. Power BI Online
What is the difference between Power BI Desktop and Power BI Online? What are the main areas of for Power BI Online? What data visualization options are available?
Pinning a SSRS Report to Power BI
Learn how to pin a SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS report to the Power BI dashboards along with the associated limitations.
SQL Server Reporting Parameters Functions
Read this tip to learn about functions to interact with SSRS parameters.
Power BI Desktop Custom Visualization
What are Power BI Desktop custom visualizations and how can I use them? Are there any security concerns? What files comprise a custom visualization? How can I review the files?
Power BI Desktop Report and Panel Design
Can I really make great data visualization reports with Power BI Desktop? What visualizations are available? How can I access my data? How difficult is it to make changes to my reports to make them more user friendly?
SSRS String Manipulation
Learn about the SQL Server Report Services (SSRS) string manipulation functions including ASC, ASCW, CHR, CHRW, GetChar, InStr, InStrRev, Mid, StrComp, StrDup and StrReverse.
SSRS Formatting and Placeholders
Learn how to use the format and placeholders functions in SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS for dates, numbers, currency, and percent.
SSRS 2016 Subscription Enhancements
Learn about some of the new enhancements for SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) subscriptions in SQL Server 2016.
DBCC Commands for SQL Server Analysis Service 2016
Learn about the new DBCC commands for SQL Server Analysis Service 2016.
SSRS Logic Expressions Xor, AndAlso and OrElse
Learn how to use special conditional logic expressions Xor, AndAlso, and OrElse in an SSRS report.
Power BI Desktop Web Queries to Screen Scrape Data from Websites
Learn how the new Power BI Desktop can screen scrape data off websites and format the data for reporting purposes.
SSRS Unknown but Useful Functions
SSRS offers has functions for report generation and in this tip we look at several less common functions and how to use them.
Querying SQL Server Data with Power BI Desktop
Learn about querying SQL Server data with the Power BI Desktop including split columns, changing data types, using the advanced editor and more.
Find Tables, Columns or Stored Procedures used in a SSRS Report
Learn how to query SSRS report RDL data to find particular table, column, or stored procedure that is being used.
Getting Started with Power BI Designer
Power BI Designer is an application where report designers can query, model, shape, form data, and create rich reports and dashboards based on the data.
SSIS File Name Usage
How can I use file names and properties when loading files in SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS)? Is the only option writing VB or C# code? Are there any options directly available in SSIS?
SSAS Dimensions, Levels and Hierarchy
I would like to get a better understanding of my cube data and would like to know if there are ways to interrogate the level, hierarchy, and dimension for a SQL Server Analysis Services cube using MDX.