sqlExports is a reporting engine report that allows one to export the output of a sqlReport to a tab or comma delimited file that is saved to the report queue. It will prompt you to enter any report parameters, the file type, and if you want to run the report right away or scheduled to run at a certain date and time.
Below is a screenshot comparing the output of a sqlReport to the sqlExports created file in the report queue:
To use a sqlReport with sqlExports, all you have to do is edit the sqlReport and check a box:
When you run sqlExports, you'll see a list of reports that have been checked:
You choose the report and if there are parameters, data for the last time the report will run will appear for them or you can change them.
The parameters are saved with the export, so if the export runs on a schedule, the same parameters will be used the next time the export runs. You can also create several exports of the same report and use different parameters each time. You can run the exports on a schedule or just run them in the background:
You can choose if you want to include column headers, if you want to create tab or comma delimited files, or if you want to wrap the data in quotes:
After you click on the Submit button on the page, you're taken to the report queue page. Once the export has finished, the word Completed will appear in the report queue and you'll be able to download the output file.
Advantages to Using sqlExports
- Integration with sqlReports - create the report in sqlReports and make sure it's returning the data you want. Then check the box to use with sqlExports and it'll show in the Select Report to Run menu.
- Use sqlReports Parameters - if your sqlReport has any user parameters, such as Term and Grade in the screenshots above, they will appear as options in sqlExports too.
- No Need to Create PowerQueries - exporting data via SQL is a lot easier to do in sqlReports vs a PowerQuery, especially if you've never created a PowerQuery. No need for PowerQueries with sqlExports.
- Access to Data - with sqlExports you can export any data you can use in sqlReports, which includes several tables not available in AutoSend, PowerQueries, or Data Export Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
sqlExports is available as part of the sqlReports Subscription.
Yes - you need to be on sqlReports 19 or higher.
No, you just load it once and choose the report you wish to use from the Select Report to Run when you run it.
99% of them should. Reports with "square bracket" coding in the sql will not work with sqlExports. That includes ~[if] commands and the ~[temp.table.current.selection:students] current selection command. The if commands though you should be able to replace with CASE commands. There's no work around for the current selection command.