SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) is a powerful tool for creating and managing reports in SQL Server. To ensure optimal performance and efficiency, it is important for developers and DBAs to follow best practices when working on SSRS projects. In this article, we will discuss some key best practices that can help improve the performance and reliability of your SSRS implementation.

1. Enable Caching

One of the best practices for improving SSRS performance is to enable caching. By categorizing your reports based on their usage patterns, you can take advantage of the report caching feature in SSRS. Reports that are frequently accessed, run against historical data, or are slow running should have their cache enabled. This allows the server to store a version of the report in memory, reducing the processing and rendering time for subsequent requests.

2. Run Report Caching and Snapshots during off-peak hours

To minimize the impact on the report server during peak hours, it is recommended to schedule report caching or report snapshots during non-peak hours. This allows users to access the reports from a cached copy, improving the overall performance of the server and enabling faster execution of live reports.

3. Monitor Performance of Database Source system

The performance of the database source system directly affects the execution time of reports. It is important to periodically monitor the health and performance of the database source system to ensure fast and efficient data retrieval for reports.

4. Monitor Performance of Report Server system

Similar to the database source system, the performance of the Report Server system should also be monitored regularly. A slow Report Server system can significantly impact the processing time of reports, leading to slower report execution.

5. Use saved authentication when configuring report data sources

When configuring report data sources, it is recommended to use SQL Authentication login instead of Windows Authentication, especially when connecting to a remote SQL Server database. This avoids the need for double-hop authentication and ensures that the reports can run smoothly without any authentication issues.

6. Set Report Execution Timeout

To prevent long execution times and resource consumption, it is advisable to set a reasonable Report Execution Timeout. This helps to avoid queries that take too long to execute and ensures that the reports are processed efficiently.

7. Monitoring Execution Log Data to Identify Slow Reports

Monitoring the execution log data can provide valuable insights into the performance of the report server. By analyzing the data retrieval, processing, and rendering times, you can identify slow reports and take appropriate actions to improve their performance.

8. Backup Encryption Key

SSRS uses encryption to protect sensitive data such as connection strings and passwords. It is crucial to backup the encryption key and store it in a safe place. This ensures that the encrypted data can be decrypted when migrating SSRS to another server or in case of server failures.

9. Back up the SSRS Report Server Databases

Since the report server is a stateless server, it is important to regularly backup the reportserver and reportservertempdb databases. These databases store all application data, including reports, database connection strings, scheduling, and user information. Regular backups help to safeguard the data and ensure its availability in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

10. Practice SSRS migration to another server

Migrating SSRS to another server may become necessary at some point. It is recommended to practice the migration process at least once to familiarize yourself with the steps involved. This will help you bring a SSRS server back online faster in case of server failures or when migrating to a new environment.

11. SQL Server Reporting Services Security Best Practices

Controlling access to reports is essential for maintaining security. It is recommended to manage security at the folder level or by using Windows Active Directory Groups. This ensures that access to reports is properly controlled and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

12. Keep all reports under source control

To ensure proper versioning and centralized management of reports, it is advisable to use source control software such as SVN or SourceSafe. Storing reports in a central location with version control enables better collaboration among developers and helps track changes effectively.

By following these best practices, you can optimize the performance, reliability, and security of your SQL Server Reporting Services implementation. Implementing these practices will not only improve the user experience but also enhance the overall efficiency of your reporting system.