Configuring Custom Attribute

A custom attribute in Bold Reports® Report Server is a piece of code that acts like a parameter and is replaced anywhere in the query, varied by the users. The attribute name is replaced by the code, which is saved for each user so that reports render based on it.

What is the custom attribute hierarchy?

Bold Reports® Report Server defines custom attributes at three levels:

  1. User level

  2. Group level

  3. Site level

The user level attribute has higher priority than the other levels. The user level can override the group and site level attributes. The group level attribute can also override the site level attribute.

How do I set a user level attribute?

A site admin sets the user level attribute for a user in the Report Server user management profile page. The user’s attribute listing also shows the attributes inherited from the group and site levels.

User Level Add Custom Attribute Button

How do I set a group level attribute?

A site admin sets the group level attribute for a group in the Report Server group profile page. The group’s attribute listing also shows the attributes inherited from the site level.

Group Level Add Custom Attribute Button

How do I set a site level attribute?

The UMS admin sets the site level attribute for a site in the Report Server site details page.

Site Level Add Custom Attribute Button

How do I add a custom attribute?

A custom attribute in Report Server is a name-value pair associated with users, groups, and sites. The custom attribute window has the following fields.

Custom Attribute Window

Name – Name of the attribute.

Value – Value of the attribute.

Description – Explaining the purpose for this attribute.

Encrypt – Store it as encrypted one in database and the value will be shown as dots in the grid.

How do I apply a custom attribute for different users?

Each Report Server user can hold a different value for the same custom attribute name. For example, the user Adam has the custom attribute value Resource_Name IN (‘Oil’,‘Injection’) with the attribute name Resources.

Use custom attribute for user Adam

The user Christ has the custom attribute value Resource_Name IN (‘Oil & Gas’,‘Salt Water Disposal’) with the attribute name Resources.

Use custom attribute for user Christ

Where can I use a custom attribute?

You can use a Bold Reports® custom attribute in the following areas:

  1. Custom Query.
  2. Web Connection window.

1. Custom Query

You use a custom attribute in a custom query by entering the custom attribute name in code view with the following syntax.

Syntax: ${{:AttributeName}}.

Use custom attribute in code view

In a simple report created for Adam, the data is retrieved based on the condition for the column Resource_Name given in the custom attribute Resources.

Sample Report for user Adam

For Christ, the data is retrieved based on the condition for the column Resource_Name given in the custom attribute Resources.

Sample Report for user Christ

2. Web Connection window

You can use a custom attribute in the following sections of the web connection window:

  1. URL.
  2. Header(s).
  3. Parameter(s).
  4. Raw.
  5. User Name.
  6. Password.

Use the following syntax for the custom attribute.

Syntax: ${{:AttributeName}}.

Use custom attribute in web connection

Use custom attribute in web connection

In the simple report created here, data is retrieved based on the condition for the column country.

Use custom attribute in report

Frequently asked questions

Which custom attribute level has the highest priority?

The user level attribute has the highest priority in Bold Reports® Report Server. It can override the group and site level attributes.

Can I hide a custom attribute value?

Yes. Select Encrypt to store the value encrypted in the database. The value is shown as dots in the grid.

See also