Part 1: Create the report

• Part 1: Create the report
• Part 2: Design the report
• Part 3: Import the report into Operations Manager

In this series of blog posts will demonstrate how to create a custom report for Operations Manager using Visual Studio. I will not go in to the pre-work and how to design your SQL query or SP.

In the first part of the series I will create a custom report using SQL Server Data Tools. SQL Server Data Tools is a feature of the SQL Server setup and can be installed using the SQL Server install media. (In the 2008 version of SQL it was called Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS).)

First off, open SQL Server Data Tools and create a new project. Select Report Server Project and name the solution and project.

In the Solution Explorer (to the top right) right-click and chose Add -> New Item …

Select the Report template and give the rdl-file a fitting name.

Next, add an Add New Data Source from the Shared Data Sources folder in the Solution Explorer.

Name the Data Source.

Click Edit.. and then add the instance name and the database name for the Data Warehouse.

The Connection string has now been populated. Click OK.

Next, it is time to add a Data Source to the Report. Right-click on Data Sources and select Add Data Source …

Set the name of the Data Source (use DataWarehouseMain without spaces if want to use the predefined Data Source) and select Use shared data source reference. Select the previous created Data Source.

Right-click on Datasets and select Add Dataset …

Set a name for the Dataset and select Use a dataset embedded in my report. Select the previously created Data source. Either paste your Query or use a Stored Procedure. In my example I will use a SQL Query.

After clicking OK the first Dataset is created.

In the next post I will cover how to set the Query-parameters and start designing the report.

For further reading about Report authoring for SCOM I recommend the Operations Manager Report Authoring guide: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dd362600.aspx

The guide is for Operations Manager 2007 R2 but is still valid for the 2012 version.