Constant data source

Types of fixed value

There are several types of constant data source. They all represent a manually entered value, which can be populated by a user when they run the report.

Constant data sources can be used as query parameters within AQS and AQS statistics data sources, so they provide a handy way for users to customise the output of a report.

For example, imagine a custom report about defects. There are various possible ways to filter and sort those defects (e.g. by area, by status, by date). By including several constant data sources that take user input, and configuring an AQS data source to use them as parameters, the user can tailor the report to their requirements.

Create a constant data source

To create a constant data source in the Report Builder:

1. Open the Data sources tab and select Create data source.

   

2. Supply a distinct Name. Users see this when running the report, so make sure it describes the data source clearly. To ensure the data source is always populated when running the report, enable Required.

3. Select Type and choose one of the following:

   Type	Description	Example	Input Method
   Alloy Id	Represents an Item ID value	5f86c84e2bdc0600696cddb7	Type into the field
   Date	Represents a date value	11 May 2022	Select a value with the calendar picker
   Date Time	Represents a date and time value	2 July 2022 13:30:00	Select a value with the calendar picker
   Geometry	Represents geometry coordinates in GeoJSON format		Draw points, lines or polygons using the Geometry Editor
   Number	Represents a number value	314	Type into the field
   Seasonal	Represents a seasonal value (a date without a year)	25th December	Select a value with the calendar picker
   Text	Represents a text value	Hello world!	Type into the field
   Time	Represents a time value	14:20:00	Select a value with the calendar picker
   Yes/No	Represents a boolean value	Yes or No	Choose an option

4. Consider setting an appropriate Default value if possible. This helps to ensure your report always runs successfully. Users can still change the value when running the report.

5. If Type is set to Alloy Id and your report is intended to be run from an item, the data source can be populated automatically with that item's ID. Select the Tags field, set the Incoming item id tag and select Save.

   Details

   

6. Select Create to finish.

Customise sorting and headers

To configure these optional fields, edit the data source after creating it:

• Sorting - specify how the data should be sorted. See Data source sorting.

• Headers - retitle selected headers for easier identification. See Data source headers.

Use as a query parameter

For information about using a constant data source as a query parameter, see:

• AQS data source

• AQS statistics data source