The report server supports direct access to reports using a specified URL syntax. By using URL access, you can automate the process of downloading reports in your preferred format for further data processing.
For more detailed information, refer to the following external resources:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
You can access this feature from your MSL Admin site. Only Super Admins can access the Report Server.
For guidance on finding a group's ID for your URL parameters, see How to Locate a Group's ID Number.
For further information, see Report Server.
Building the URL
Basic Syntax
https://<report-server-url>/ReportServer?<path-to-report>[&<parameters>]
- Report Server URLs:
- UK/Ireland/UAE: https://reports.ukmsl.net
- Australia/ New Zealand: https://reports-ap.ukmsl.net
- Canada: https://reports-ca.ukmsl.net
- Path to Report:
- Starts with (/) followed by your site code and the folder structure visible in the report server.
- Example: /demo/Memberships/Organisation%20List
Spaces are URL encoded as %20.
- Parameters:
- Report parameters (e.g. group IDs, dates, etc.)
- 'Command' parameters prefixed with 'rs:' (e.g. rs:Format=CSV)
Testing the URL
Achieving the correct syntax for specifying report parameters can involve some trial and error. To streamline this process, you can test the URL by following the below steps. This method ensures you're already authenticated, so you won’t have to deal with any authentication issues:
- Log in to the Report Server (for further information, see How to Access the Report Server).
- Paste your URL into a new tab.
Examples
Organisation List Report in CSV Format
Below is an example URL for generating an Organisation List report in CSV format:
https://reports.ukmsl.net/ReportServer?/demo/Memberships/Organisation%20List&rs:Format=CSV
Detailed Members Report for Group ID 6013 in Excel Format
Below is an example URL for generating a Detailed Members report for group ID 6013 in Excel format:
https://reports.ukmsl.net/ReportServer?/demo/Memberships/Detailed%20Members%20Report&grouping_id=6013&rs:Format=EXCELOPENXML
Automating Report Downloads
Once your URL is set up correctly, you can use it in a script, either running it manually or as part of a scheduled task. You can use any tool or programming language that can issue an HTTP request with Basic authentication. Depending on your operating system, here are some options.
PowerShell
One option is PowerShell and the 'Invoke-WebRequest' cmdlet:
$Credentials = Get-Credential Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://reports.ukmsl.net/ReportServer?/demo/Memberships/Detailed%20Members%20Report&grouping_id=6013&rs:Format=EXCELOPENXML" -OutFile "DMR.xlsx" -Credential $Credentials
This example prompts for credentials. To store credentials in the script, refer to this technique.
cURL
Using the -u parameter for authentication:
curl -u username:password -o DMR.xlsx "https://reports.ukmsl.net/ReportServer?/demo/Memberships/Detailed%20Members%20Report&grouping_id=6013&rs:Format=EXCELOPENXML"