Overview

To provide extended reporting capabilities, IFS integrates with Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS). The level of integration is low since it only consists of a set of links and a presentation control in IFS Enterprise Explorer (IFS EE). This approach facilitates the use if MS BI tools once the relevant criteria in your installation and setup are fulfilled.

Any issues you may find with SSRS should be reported to IFS. Any issues concerning the related products, Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) and SQL Server, should be directed to Microsoft.

Contents

Architecture

The integration with SSRS is mainly on a client level. Thus, IFS Enterprise Explorer (EE) will communicate directly with SSRS and not via the application server. SSRS should be installed in the same location as the application server (i.e. not necessarily on the same machine, but at least on the same network, behind the same firewalls and on the same local area network (LAN)). It should be located close to the database for performance reasons. Same factors should be considered when selecting a location for the application server. Clients will use the protocols HTML and SOAP to communicate with SSRS as well as the application server.

Note: It is recommended to install all Microsoft tools shown within the blue block in the above diagram. It is recommended to install them on a physical machine rather than a virtual due to performance reasons.

You can also open a port in your firewall to facilitate communication between IFS EE clients and SSRS. The port is 80, by default, but it can be configured if required. The architecture must allow SSRS, via the configured port, to query the Oracle database when processing a cube. This can be achieved when the SQL server machine is located close to the application server.

 Both communications scenarios above are secured and must be set up correctly. Refer the Security section for further information >>.