Creation of Reports and the Required Software

Note: This content is no longer updated. For the latest content, please go to the user guide for M-Files Online. For information on the supported product versions, refer to our lifecycle policy.

The reports from M-Files to an external database are created by using the Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services infrastructure, which must be implemented and configured correctly.

When reports have been created and they are to be used in M-Files, the SQL Server Reporting Services system contacts the database to which the data export was done from M-Files, creating a report when M-Files Desktop so requires.

Microsoft's SQL Server Reporting Services infrastructure can be installed with the SQL Server installation package (Microsoft SQL Server 2012 or later).

The free SQL Server Express versions can also be used in reporting. If you are going to use SQL Server Express, you need the SQL Server Express with Advanced Services edition, which includes the necessary reporting services module. You can download it via Microsoft's web site at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/sql-server/sql-server-editions-express.

For more information, refer to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms159106.aspx (SQL Server Books Online).

In planning the reports, you also need Business Intelligence Development Studio or, a simpler tool, Report Builder. The person planning the reports must be experienced in this and have the skills required for creating reports. Please contact our consulting services personnel, and we will be happy to help you with planning of the reports ([email protected]).

For more information on installing Microsoft's reporting services, please consult Microsoft's web pages or write to our customer support at [email protected].

Note: Instructions for planning and creating reports and for using third-party software are available via the M-Files consulting services for a separate fee.