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Defining the Report Dataset

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You use Report Dataset Designer in the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Development Environment to define the data model, or dataset, of a report. The dataset determines the data that is extracted or calculated from the Dynamics NAV database tables that can be used in a report.

You build the report dataset from data items and columns. A data item is a table. A column can be:

  • A field in a table.

  • A variable.

  • An expression.

  • A text constant.

    Typically, data items and columns correspond to fields in a table. When the report is run, each data item is iterated for all records in the underlying table. Filters are applied and the dataset is created.

    When a report is based on more than one table, you must set relations between the data items so that you can retrieve and organize the data. In Report Dataset Designer, you indent data items to establish a hierarchy of data items and control how the information is gathered.

Example

To create a report that displays a list of customers and lists the sales orders that were placed by each customer, you must define the following data items:

  • A data item that corresponds to the Customer table.

  • A data item that corresponds to the Sales Order table.

    You indent the second data item, which is the Sales Order table. As the report works through the records in the Customer table, it finds each customer's sales orders by examining the records in the Sales Order table.

    For more information about how to create a dataset, see How to: Create a Report Dataset.

See Also

Designing Report Layouts from the Microsoft Dynamics NAV Development Environment