The Future of Financial Reporting: How SSRS in Dynamics 365 is Transforming Finance Teams

In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 F&O), reporting is a critical aspect of delivering insights, decision-making data, and compliance information. While standard reports are available out-of-the-box, many organizations require customized reporting tailored to specific business needs. This is where X++ and SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) come into play.

In this blog, we’ll explore how reporting works in D365 F&O, the role of X++, and how developers can create powerful, customized reports using standard tools.

Overview: Reporting in D365 F&O

Dynamics 365 F&O offers multiple reporting options:

• –SSRS Reports (RDP, Query, and Report Data Provider-based)
• –Electronic Reporting (ER)
• –Power BI Embedded
• –Excel Add-ins

Among these, SSRS reports with X++ (RDP) are the most common for developers who need to generate transaction-based, formatted reports—like invoices, purchase orders, and audit summaries.

Key Components of an SSRS Report Using X++

To create a custom SSRS report using X++ in D365 F&O, you typically go through these components:

1. Temporary Table (InMemory/TempDB)
2. Report Data Provider (RDP) Class
3. Contract Class (for Parameters)
4. SSRS Report Design (via Visual Studio)
5. Menu Items and Security Configuration

Step-by-Step: Building a Report with X++

1. Create a Temporary Table

Create a temporary table that stores the data used for the report. Use InMemory or TempDB depending on your performance and persistence requirements.

TmpCustReport tmpCustReport; // Example TempDB table

2. Build a Contract Class

This class defines the parameters users will input when running the report.

[DataContractAttribute]
class CustReportContract
{
    private CustAccount custAccount;

[DataMemberAttribute(“CustomerAccount”)]
    public CustAccount parmCustAccount(CustAccount _custAccount = custAccount)
    {
        custAccount = _custAccount;
        return custAccount;
    }
}

3. Write a Report Data Provider (RDP) Class

This is where you write the business logic and data extraction in X++. This class extends SRSReportDataProviderBase.

[SRSReportParameterAttribute(classStr(CustReportContract))]
class CustReportDP extends SRSReportDataProviderBase
{
    TmpCustReport tmpCustReport;

public void processReport()
    {
        CustReportContract contract = this.parmDataContract();
        CustAccount custAccount = contract.parmCustAccount();

        while select * from CustTable where CustTable.AccountNum == custAccount
        {
            tmpCustReport.AccountNum = CustTable.AccountNum;
            tmpCustReport.Name = CustTable.Name;
            tmpCustReport.insert();
        }
    }

public TmpCustReport getTmpCustReport()
    {
        return tmpCustReport;
    }
}

4. Design the Report in Visual Studio

1. Open Visual Studio (with D365 extensions).
2. Create a new Report Project.
3. Add a new report and bind it to your RDP class.
4. Design the layout using a Table or List control.
5. Deploy the report to AOT.

5. Create Menu Items and Add to Navigation

To allow users to access the report:

• -Create an Output Menu Item.
• -Link the report design and assign a label.
• -Add to an appropriate menu or submenu.

Security Considerations

Always create a new Privilege and assign it to Duty and Role if this report needs to be secured. This ensures proper compliance with security best practices.

Best Practices

• -Use TempDB tables for better performance with large datasets.
• -Always use contracts for parameter-driven reports to ensure reusability.
• -Keep logic in RDP classes, not the report design.
• -Leverage extensions rather than overlayering standard objects.
• -Follow naming conventions: e.g., YourCompany_ReportNameDP, YourCompany_ReportNameContract.

To conclude, creating reports using X++ in Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations is a powerful way to deliver customized business documents and analytical reports. With the structured approach of Contract → RDP → SSRS, developers can build maintainable and scalable reporting solutions. Whether you’re generating a sales summary, customer ledger, or compliance documentation, understanding how to use X++ for reporting gives you full control over data and design.

I hope you found this blog useful, and if you would like to discuss anything, you can reach out to us at transform@cloudfronts.com.