Variable Grouping Using Parameters in Finished Reports – BridgeWorks Help Center

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Article Goal

Show how to create variable (dynamic) grouping in Finished Reports by using parameters and calculated expressions, allowing users to change grouping behavior at runtime.

What / Why – Variable Grouping

What: Variable grouping allows a report to dynamically group data based on a user-selected parameter (such as EmployeeID, OrderDate, or City).

Why: This provides flexibility by letting users change how data is grouped without needing multiple reports or redesigning the report layout.

Configuration Note

Item	Details
Sample data	This guide uses the Northwinds sample database.
Parameter type	Parameters used for variable grouping should typically be String data types.
Grouping logic	Grouping is controlled through a calculated field using logical expressions.

Use Case

Scenario	Description
Flexible reporting	Allow users to switch grouping fields at runtime.
Fewer reports	Replace multiple static grouped reports with one dynamic report.
User-driven views	Let users control how data is summarized and displayed.

Steps to Set Up Variable Grouping

Step 1: Add a Parameter

Open the Parameters tab
Click Add Parameter

Step 2: Configure the Parameter

Set the following properties:

Datatype: String (recommended)
Description: User-friendly label (optional)
Name: Internal parameter name
Type: Combobox

Step 3: Define Parameter Values

Open the Values List and enter the values that will control grouping.
Example values:

EmployeeID
OrderDate
City

Click OK when finished.

Step 4: Add a Calculated Field

Open Finished Reports
Right-click the Details field list
Select Add Calculated Field

Step 5: Edit the Calculated Field Expression

Right-click the new calculated field and select Edit Expression.

Step 6: Create the Variable Grouping Expression

Enter an expression using nested Iif() statements.
Each parameter value maps to a different field.

Example Format:

Iif([Parameter] = 'one', Field_One,
    Iif([Parameter] = 'two', Field_Two,
        'else'))

Example Expression:

For every additional grouping option, add another nested Iif() condition.

Step 7: Group Using the Calculated Field

Open Group and Sort
Click Add a Group
Select the new calculated field as the grouping field.

Step 8: Run the Report with Different Parameters

Search the View, select a grouping parameter, then open Finished Reports to preview results.

Variable Grouping Examples

Grouped by EmployeeID:

Grouped by OrderDate:

Grouped by City:

Article Summary

This article explains how to implement variable grouping in Finished Reports using parameters and calculated expressions. By combining a combobox parameter with a calculated field and grouping on that field, users can dynamically change how report data is grouped at runtime. This approach reduces report duplication, increases flexibility, and gives users more control over how information is presented.