Create an SSRS Package Schedule in the PBRS Web Application

Before You Begin

Before creating an SSRS Package Schedule, make sure:

You have access to the PBRS Web Application and permission to create schedules.
The SSRS reports you want to include are available to PBRS.
The required SSRS accounts have already been configured.
The SSRS accounts have permission to access the reports you want to include.
You know the parameter values required by each SSRS report.
Any destinations required to deliver the completed package are available and correctly configured.

Note: A Package Schedule is designed to bundle multiple reports into a single delivery. Each report added to the package can be configured individually before the package is submitted.

Create an SSRS Package Schedule

Start from the Schedules page in the PBRS Web Application.

Sign in to the PBRS Web Application.
Select Schedules.
Select New in the upper-right corner
The Create a new schedule window opens.
Under Packages, select Package Schedule.
The Package Schedule wizard opens.

Configure the General Settings

The General section is used to provide the basic details for the SSRS Package Schedule.

Select the Package Folder where the new schedule should be saved.
Enter a descriptive Package Name.
Review the information entered for the package.
Select Next Step to continue.

Tip: Use a descriptive Package Name that makes the purpose of the package easy to identify from the Schedules page.

Configure When the Package Schedule Runs

The Scheduling section determines when the SSRS Package Schedule starts, how frequently it runs, and whether it is enabled for automatic execution.

Under Timing, select the Start Date for the package schedule.
Set the Schedule Time when the package should begin running.
Under Frequency, select how often the package should run:
- Daily — Run every day or at a specified interval of days.
- Weekly — Run on selected days of the week.
- Monthly — Run on selected days each month.
Configure the additional settings for the selected frequency. For example, when Daily is selected, enter the required interval under Repeat Every (Days).
If the package needs to run multiple times during the same day, enable Repeat During the Day and configure the repeat interval.
Review the scheduling summary at the bottom of the screen to confirm the selected recurrence.
Use Enable this schedule to determine whether the package should execute automatically.
Select Next Step to continue.

Important: If Enabled this schedule is turned off, the package schedule can be saved but will not execute automatically. This is useful when you want to review or manually test the package before enabling automatic execution.

Add SSRS Reports to the Package

The Reports section allows you to add reports to the Package Schedule and configure how the reports will be processed.

PBRS supports different report types within a package. For this article, we will focus on adding an SSRS Report.

In the Package Schedule wizard, select Reports.
Under Add Reports, select Add in the upper-right corner.
A drop-down menu displays the available report types:

Power BI Report — Reports hosted in the Power BI Service.
Power BI Paginated Report — Paginated reports hosted in the Power BI Service.
SSRS Report — Reports hosted in SQL Server Reporting Services.
PBIRS Report — Reports hosted in Power BI Report Server.

Select SSRS Report.
The Add SSRS Report wizard opens, allowing you to select and configure the report before adding it to the package.

Additional Package Options

The Reports screen also provides options for controlling how the reports are combined and processed.

Option	Description
Merge All PDF Files	Combines compatible PDF report outputs into a single PDF file. Specify the merged PDF file name.
Merge All Excel Files	Combines compatible Excel report outputs into a consolidated Excel file. Specify the merged Excel file name.
Run package using multiple threads	Allows PBRS to process reports in the package using multiple execution threads.

Note: Configure these options according to the required package output. PDF and Excel merging apply when reports are generated in the corresponding formats.

Configure the SSRS Report Details

After selecting SSRS Report from the Add menu, the Add SSRS Report wizard opens.

The General section allows you to select the SSRS report you want to include in the package and configure its basic settings.

In Report Name, enter a descriptive name to identify the report within the package.
Under SSRS Report, select the Account used to connect to SQL Server Reporting Services.
In Virtual Directory, confirm or enter the virtual directory used by the SSRS report server. This is typically reports.
Select Browse Reports to view the reports available through the selected SSRS account.
Browse the available reports and select the SSRS report you want to include in the package.
Confirm that the selected report appears in the Report section.
Select Next Step to continue.

Important: The selected SSRS account must have permission to access the report. If the report is not available, verify the account, virtual directory, and access permissions.

Configure the SSRS Report Datasource

The Datasources section displays the datasource associated with the SSRS report selected in the previous step.

This allows you to review the report's datasource before configuring its parameters and output format.

Under Datasource Name, review the datasource associated with the selected SSRS report.
Confirm that the expected datasource is displayed. In this example, the datasource is DataSource1.
Select Next Step to continue to the Parameters section.

Note: The datasource displayed here belongs to the SSRS report being added to the package. It is not a separate Data Driver configuration.

If the expected datasource is not displayed, return to General and verify that the correct SSRS report was selected.

Configure the SSRS Report Parameters

The Parameters section allows you to configure the parameter values that will be passed to the SSRS report when it runs as part of the Package Schedule.

PBRS displays the parameters associated with the selected SSRS report. In this example, the report contains a parameter named BusinessUnit.

Under Report Parameters, review the available parameters for the selected SSRS report.
Select the parameter you want to configure. In this example, select BusinessUnit.
The Set Parameter Value window opens.
Select the value or values you want to pass to the SSRS report.
If the report supports multiple parameter values, select the required values from the available list.
Select Save to apply the parameter configuration.
Repeat the process for any additional report parameters.
Once all required parameters have been configured, select Next Step.

Important: Ensure that all required SSRS parameters have valid values. Parameters without a default value may prevent the report from executing successfully if no value is supplied.

Note: Unlike a Data-Driven SSRS Schedule, a standard SSRS Package Schedule does not use a Data Driver to populate report parameters dynamically. Parameter values are configured for each report added to the package.

Set the SSRS Report Parameter Values

The Set Parameter Value window allows you to select the values that will be passed to the SSRS report when it runs as part of the Package Schedule.

In this example, the BusinessUnit parameter supports multiple values, allowing you to select one or more business units for the report.

In the Set Parameter Value window, review the available values for the selected parameter.
Use Search values to locate a specific value if required.
Select the checkbox beside each value you want to include in the report.
To select every available value, select Select all.
To remove the selected values, select Clear.
Review the Selected section to confirm the values you have chosen.
If the report accepts a value that is not displayed in the available list, enter it under Add a Custom Value and select Add.
Select Save to apply the parameter values and return to the Parameters section.
Confirm that the parameter configuration has been updated, then select Next Step.

Important: The values you select must be supported by the SSRS report. If the report parameter does not allow multiple values, only one value can be selected.

Note: The Add a Custom Value option allows you to enter a value that the report accepts but does not display in its available values list. Ensure that the value is valid for the SSRS parameter before saving.

Configure the SSRS Report Output Format

The Output Format section determines the file format in which the SSRS report will be generated when the Package Schedule executes.

You can also specify a custom output name to identify the report when it is generated.

Under Output Format, select the required format for the SSRS report. In this example, Acrobat Format (*.pdf) is selected.
If required, enter a Custom Output Name to specify the name of the generated report file.
Review the selected output format and custom output name.
Select Next Step to continue.

Note: If you intend to use Merge All PDF Files or Merge All Excel Files in the Package Schedule, ensure that the reports are configured to generate output in the corresponding format.

Tip: Use descriptive custom output names to make individual reports easier to identify, particularly when a package contains multiple reports.

Review and Add the SSRS Report to the Package

The Completed! section displays a summary of the SSRS report configuration before it is added to the Package Schedule.

Review the information carefully to ensure that the correct report, parameters, and output settings have been configured.

Under Report Name, confirm that the correct name is displayed.
Under SSRS report, verify the selected Account, Virtual Directory, and Report path.
Under Output, confirm the selected output format and any custom output name.
Under Datasources, verify that the expected datasource is listed.
Under Parameters, review the configured report parameters and their values.
If any settings are incorrect, select Previous to return to the appropriate section and make changes.
When the configuration is correct and the status displays Ready to submit, select Submit.
PBRS saves the report configuration and adds the report to the Package Schedule.

Configure the Package Destinations

The Destinations section determines where the completed SSRS Package Schedule will deliver its generated reports.

After adding the required reports to the package, you can configure one or more delivery destinations.

In the Destinations section, select Add Destination.
The Add Destination window opens.
Enter a descriptive Destination Name.
Select the required Destination Type, such as Email or Disk.
Complete the delivery settings associated with the selected destination.
Select Save Destination to add the destination to the package.
Repeat these steps if additional destinations are required.
Once all destinations have been configured, select Next Step.

Note: The available configuration options depend on the selected destination type. Ensure that all required delivery settings are completed before saving.

Review and Create the SSRS Package Schedule

The Completed! section displays a summary of the Package Schedule configuration before it is submitted.

Review the information carefully to ensure that the correct reports, scheduling settings, and delivery destinations have been configured.

Under Schedule Name, confirm that the package name is correct.
Under Folder, verify that the package will be saved in the intended PBRS folder.
Under Report package, review the number of reports and destinations configured.
Under Schedule, confirm the frequency and start date/time.
Under Destinations, verify that the required delivery destinations are listed.
If any information is incorrect, select Previous to return to the appropriate section and make changes.
When the configuration is correct and the status displays Ready to submit, select Submit to create the Package Schedule.

Important: In the example screenshot, Report package shows 0 reports and 1 destination. Before submitting a production Package Schedule, confirm that all intended SSRS reports have been added. If the report count is zero, return to the Reports section and add the required reports.

Confirm the SSRS Package Schedule Was Created

After selecting Submit, PBRS displays a confirmation message indicating that the Package Schedule has been successfully created.

Confirm that the message “The schedule has been successfully created!” appears.
Select OK to close the confirmation window.
Return to the Schedules page in the PBRS Web Application.
Navigate to the folder selected during configuration.
Confirm that the new Package Schedule appears in the folder.

Important: Successfully creating a schedule does not confirm that its reports will execute or be delivered correctly. Before relying on the package for automatic processing, verify that all required reports and destinations are configured and perform a controlled test execution.

Troubleshooting

The following troubleshooting steps address common issues encountered when creating and configuring an SSRS Package Schedule in the PBRS Web Application.

Unable to Select an SSRS Report

Possible cause: The selected SSRS account cannot access the report server, or the report is not available through the configured connection.

Resolution:

Confirm that the correct SSRS Account is selected.
Verify that the Virtual Directory is correct.
Confirm that the SSRS account has permission to access the required report.
Verify that the report is available and can be executed directly from the SSRS report server.
Return to General in the Add SSRS Report wizard and select Browse Reports again.

The SSRS Report Datasource Is Incorrect or Unavailable

Possible cause: The selected SSRS report uses a datasource that is unavailable, incorrectly configured, or inaccessible.

Resolution:

Confirm that the correct SSRS report was selected.
Review the Datasource Name displayed in the Datasources section.
Verify that the datasource is configured correctly on the SSRS report server.
Confirm that the datasource credentials and permissions are valid.
Test the report directly in SSRS to confirm that it can retrieve data.

A Required SSRS Parameter Has No Value

Possible cause: One or more required report parameters have not been configured, or the selected values are not accepted by the SSRS report.

Resolution:

Open the Parameters section in the Add SSRS Report wizard.
Review each parameter and confirm that all required values are configured.
Select the affected parameter to open Set Parameter Value.
Choose a valid value from the available list.
If the parameter supports multiple values, confirm that the required values are selected.
Verify that any custom values are accepted by the SSRS report.
Select Save and review the parameter configuration before continuing.

Important: If a parameter displays No values selected, confirm whether the report has a valid default value or requires an explicit selection.

The Package Contains No Reports

Possible cause: The SSRS report was not submitted successfully from the Add SSRS Report wizard.

Resolution:

Return to the Reports section of the Package Schedule.
Select Add > SSRS Report.
Complete the report configuration.
On the Review Report screen, select Submit.
Confirm that the report appears in the package.
Review the report count before submitting the Package Schedule.

Important: A Package Schedule should contain the intended reports before being enabled for production execution. If the Review Schedule screen displays 0 reports, return to the Reports section and correct the configuration.

PDF or Excel Reports Are Not Merging as Expected

Possible cause: The individual reports are not configured to generate the appropriate output format, or the package merging settings are incorrect.

Resolution:

Open the Reports section.
Confirm that Merge All PDF Files or Merge All Excel Files is selected as required.
Verify that the relevant reports are configured to generate the corresponding output format.
Confirm that a merged file name has been provided where required.
Review the individual report configurations before submitting the package.
Test the package with a small number of reports to verify the merged output.

The Package Schedule Does Not Run Automatically

Possible cause: The schedule is disabled, or its start date, time, or frequency is configured incorrectly.

Resolution:

Open the Package Schedule and review Scheduling.
Confirm that the Start Date and Schedule Time are correct.
Verify the selected Daily, Weekly, or Monthly frequency.
Review any repeat settings.
Confirm that Enable this schedule is turned on.
Verify that the PBRS Scheduler service is running.

Unable to Save or Submit the Package Schedule

Possible cause: Required configuration information is missing, or one or more package settings have not been completed correctly.

Resolution:

Review the General section and confirm that the Package Name and Folder are configured.
Verify that all intended reports have been added.
Confirm that each report has the required SSRS connection, datasource, parameters, and output format.
Review the configured destinations.
Check for validation messages displayed by the Web Application.
Correct any incomplete settings and attempt to submit the schedule again.

Excel Reports Cannot Be Merged into a Single Workbook

Possible cause: Two or more reports generate Excel worksheets with duplicate names, or the worksheet names exceed Excel's 31-character limit.

Resolution:

Confirm that Merge All Excel Files is selected.
Review the worksheet names generated by the individual SSRS reports.
Ensure that worksheet names are unique and do not exceed 31 characters.
Where necessary, adjust the report configuration or naming to avoid duplicate worksheet names.
Test the package with a small number of reports before using it in production.

This is an additional scenario worth including based on the support history, although the historical case involved SQL-RD rather than the current PBRS Web Application. The worksheet naming constraints are still relevant to Excel output.

Need Additional Help?

If you cannot add an SSRS report, configure its parameters, merge report outputs, or successfully create an SSRS Package Schedule, review the PBRS Error Log for additional information.

Before contacting ChristianSteven Support, collect the PBRS build number, the SSRS account and report configuration, the package settings, the exact error message, and any relevant entries from the PBRS Error Log. Include screenshots of the affected configuration with passwords and other sensitive information removed.

Log a Support Call