How to Print Dynamic Columns in SSRS for D365 F&O

In today’s fast-moving business world, having reports that keep up with your data is no longer optional; it's essential. Imagine opening a report in D365F&O and seeing all the relevant columns automatically updated, reflecting the latest products, departments, or financial periods without touching a single setting.

Static SSRS reports with fixed columns often fall short, leaving you with extra work, outdated information, and delayed insights. That’s where dynamic columns come in. They let your reports expand, shrink, and adapt automatically, so every dataset is accurately represented, every time.

In this article, you’ll discover how to make your D365F&O reports smarter, understand the challenges to avoid, and learn best practices that save time, reduce errors, and make your reporting process truly future-ready.

Why Dynamic Columns Matter

Dynamic columns in SSRS adjust only when implemented through matrix column groups with metadata; SSRS alone does not auto-generate columns.

Use cases in D365F&O:

• Monthly sales reports with changing product categories.
• Financial reports with variable departments or cost centers.
• Inventory or warehouse reports with different products or stock levels.

Benefits of dynamic columns:

• Flexibility: Reports adapt to evolving datasets.
• Accuracy: Captures complete and correct information.
• Scalability: Supports growth in products, departments, and reporting needs.
• Reduced Manual Effort: Eliminates repetitive manual updates.

Dynamic columns ensure reports are future-proof, reliable, and aligned with business requirements.

Common Challenges in D365F&O SSRS Reports

Creating dynamic columns presents several challenges:

• Variable Datasets: Column numbers may differ across reporting periods.
• Data Binding: Proper alignment with RDP classes or temporary tables is required, including metadata like column name, label, and display order.
• Formatting & Export: Wide or dynamic tables may misalign headers, subtotals, or totals in Excel, PDF, or Word.
• Performance: Large datasets can slow report generation if queries or logic aren’t optimized.
• Maintainability: Hardcoded columns increase maintenance effort; modular, metadata-driven design is preferred.
• Handling Null or Inconsistent Data: Missing or inconsistent values can create blank cells or misaligned columns.

Properly addressing these challenges ensures reports remain accurate, professional, and scalable.

Implementation Strategy

A structured approach is essential for implementing dynamic columns in SSRS for D365F&O:

1. Data Preparation

• Use RDP classes or temporary tables to prepare datasets.
• Include metadata for each column name, type, and display order where relevant.
• Validate for null or inconsistent values to avoid errors.

Code Example: Data Contract + Temp Table + RDP Class

2. Report Design

• Matrix rows expand dynamically by default; columns expand only when grouped dynamically by metadata.
• Define column groups dynamically based on metadata.
• SSRS cannot bind fields programmatically at runtime; use a matrix with metadata-driven column groups to generate columns dynamically.

Use a Matrix control in SSRS for dynamic column generation

• Row Group: RowIdentifier (e.g., Department or Customer)
• Column Group: ColumnKey or ColumnLabel (dynamic metadata)
• Data Cell: Value

If you want a column serial number (like 1,2,3...) for dynamic columns, you can use custom code inside SSRS report:

Then in your column‑header textbox, use an expression like:

This will number dynamic columns in order they appear.

3. Formatting and Export

• Adjust column widths and headers for readability.
• Subtotals and totals for dynamic columns require custom group-level expressions in SSRS.
• Test exports in Excel, PDF, and Word to ensure consistent formatting.

Example Expression for Row Total:

4. Testing

• Validate with minimal, maximum, and null datasets.
  Ensure layout, performance, and calculations are accurate.

Best Practices

• Keep RDP logic modular for easier maintenance.
• Use metadata-driven design instead of hardcoding columns.
• Optimize queries for performance with large datasets.
• Ensure export-friendly formatting for professional outputs.
• Document report logic to simplify future updates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Hardcoding columns instead of using dynamic binding.
• Ignoring formatting or export issues.
• Overcomplicating RDP logic, making reports difficult to maintain.
• Failing to test across different data scenarios, causing blank or misaligned columns.

Benefits for Enterprises

Dynamic column reports deliver tangible business value:

• Flexibility: Adapts automatically to changing datasets.
• Efficiency: Reduces manual reporting effort.
• Accuracy: Eliminates errors caused by static templates.
• Scalability: Supports growing business requirements without redesign.
• Professional Output: Readable, export-ready reports suitable for management and audits.

Dynamic reporting enables timely, data-driven decisions and supports enterprise growth.

Why Tech Implement is the Ideal Partner

Tech Implement specializes in custom SSRS reporting solutions for D365F&O, offering:

• Expertise in RDP and temporary table design for dynamic datasets.
• Seamless integration with D365F&O modules.
• Professional, export-ready reports with accurate calculations.
• Scalable and maintainable solutions for enterprises of all sizes.

Partnering with Tech Implement ensures reliable, efficient, and flexible reporting systems that support real-time decision-making.

Real-World Example

A retail company needs monthly sales reports with variable product categories:

• Static reports: Require manual updates → time-consuming and error-prone.
• Dynamic SSRS reports: Automatically adjust columns, calculate totals accurately, and deliver timely insights.

This demonstrates the practical impact of dynamic columns in real-world reporting.

Conclusion

Dynamic columns in SSRS reports for D365F&O are essential for flexible, accurate, and scalable reporting. Implementing them with best practices ensures reports are professional, readable, and actionable, saving time and supporting informed decision-making.

Enhance your D365F&O reporting with Tech Implement’s expertise. Contact us today to implement dynamic column SSRS reports that deliver flexibility, accuracy, and actionable insights for your enterprise.