SSRS #66 – Reasons that you will need to modify the parameter queries

After I posted my blog SSRS & SSAS #63 – Stop SSRS 2008 MDX Query Designer from Overwriting Parameter Queries, a reader asked me why I wanted to modify the out-of-box parameter queries.

Here are the major reasons that I need to write customized parameter queries.

1. I want to use the Date calendar in SSRS, and allow users to select a date range.

The default date parameter that is generated from the MDX query designer uses a regular textbox, and does not allow users to select a begin date and end date. In order to use the Date calendar in SSRS, I will need to do a few customization. I’ll blog about how I did that when I get time in the future.

2. To implement cascading parameters, the auto-generated parameter queries must be customized.   

Again the default parameter query that is generated from the MDX query designer most likely does not meet my need for cascading parameters. In most cases, it is not using the right parameters I want to use. Modification of the queries are straightforward, but it does require changes in the default MDX query. 

3. Another major reason for the customization is for performance improvement

In the financial industry, the amount of data can reach an unmanageable level very quickly. Performance of the SSRS reports is a constant concern. Customizing my MDX queries for optimal performance is always on the back of mind, and it’s a never-ending task.   

When I get time in the future, I’ll try to share a few examples of the customized parameter queries.