How to: Schedule a Report Snapshot (Report Manager)
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A report snapshot is a report that contains layout information and query results that were retrieved at a specific point in time. Unlike on-demand reports, which get up-to-date query results when you select the report, report snapshots are processed on a schedule and then saved to a report server. When you select a report snapshot for viewing, the report server retrieves the stored report from the report server database and shows the data and layout that were current for the report at the time the snapshot was created.
Report snapshots are not saved in a particular rendering format. Instead, report snapshots are rendered in a final viewing format (such as HTML) only when a user or an application requests it. Deferred rendering makes a snapshot portable. The report can be rendered in the correct format for the requesting device or Web browser.
Report snapshots serve three purposes:
- Report history. By creating a series of report snapshots, you can build a history of a report that shows how data changes over time.
- Consistency. Use report snapshots when you want to provide consistent results for multiple users who must work with identical sets of data. With volatile data, an on-demand report can produce different results from one minute to the next. A report snapshot, by contrast, allows you to make valid comparisons against other reports or analytical tools that contain data from the same point in time.
- Performance. By scheduling large reports to run during off-peak hours, you can reduce processing impact on the report server during core business hours.
To schedule report snapshot execution
In Report Manager, navigate to the Contents page. Navigate to the report that you want to schedule the snapshot execution for. Click the report to open it.
Click the Properties tab.
Click the Execution tab.
Select Render this report from an execution snapshot.
Select Use the following schedule to create execution snapshots, and then either define a report-specific schedule or select from the Shared schedule list.
If you want to create a snapshot immediately, select Create a report snapshot when you click the Apply button on this page.
Click Apply.
See Also
Concepts
Scheduling Reports and Subscriptions
Creating, Modifying, and Deleting Schedules
Pausing and Resuming Shared Schedules
Administration: How-to Topics (Reporting Services)
Other Resources
Shared Schedules and Custom Schedules
Report Manager