View filters and view reports

Unlike a report filter that restricts how much data is retrieved from the data source, a view filter dynamically limits the data being displayed on a report without re-executing the report against the warehouse.

This feature allows analysts to create multiple reports out of a larger, parent report, without stressing the system or your data source. It also allows different users to access the same report cache but see different data according to their needs.

The advantage of using both standard report filters and view filters on a report is that the report can use the standard report filter to bring back more data than can usefully be displayed at any one time. The analyst can then use a view filter to change the data displayed, as long as it falls within the data already retrieved from the database. The analyst generates a view report, which is the result of a view filter. A view filter does not trigger re-execution against the data source. This capability translates to improved response time and decreased database load.

A report designer does not need to enable view filters for users to take advantage of them. If you have OLAP Services, view filters can be used on any report on which a user wants to use them.

For additional information on report caches and how they work with your data source, see Report caches in Answering Prompts and Refreshing Data. For steps to use a view filter, click Help.