Reference Errors in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)

The error message indicates the field "TimeDiff" is unrecognized. Verify your dataset and chart configuration. Use "TimeInCrate" or alias it as "TimeDiff" in your SQL query. Refresh the dataset and update the chart's Y-axis expression to use the correct field name.

Introduction

The error message you're encountering suggests that the field TimeDiff is not recognized within the context of the report dataset or that there may be a case sensitivity issue with field names. Based on your query, the correct field name for the time difference calculation is TimeInCrate, not TimeDiff.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

Step 1. Check Dataset Fields

Ensure that the dataset in your report is correctly defined and matches the fields in your SQL query. The fields should be exactly as they appear in the query result.

Step 2. Verify Report Chart Configuration

Make sure that the chart Chart3 in your report is referring to the correct field names. Specifically, check the Y-axis expression and ensure it refers to TimeInCrate.

Step 3. Modify Query if Needed

If there is a need to include a TimeDiff field due to legacy report definitions or specific naming conventions, you can alias the TimeInCrate field as TimeDiff in your SQL query:

SELECT
    Date,
    LoadNumber,
    FarmName,
    TrailerQty,
    ActualCounter,
    GrossWeight,
    Tare,
    DOA,
    DOA_Perc,
    (GrossWeight - Tare) / 450.0 AS Kg_Per_Crate,
    FarmStart,
    SlaughterTime,
    AgeOfBirds,
    Temperature,
    NetWeight,
    DATEDIFF(HOUR, FarmStart, SlaughterTime) AS TimeDiff -- Alias TimeInCrate to TimeDiff
FROM
    [dbo].[sfsf_GetDailyBirdWeight](@StartDate, @EndDate);

Step 4. Refresh Report Data

After modifying the query, refresh the dataset in your report:

1. Open the report in your report designer.
2. Go to the dataset properties.
3. Refresh the fields to ensure the dataset fields are updated to reflect the latest query.

Step 5. Update Chart Expression

Ensure the chart Chart3 Y-axis expression uses TimeDiff:

1. Select Chart3 in the report designer.
2. Right-click and go to Properties.
3. Locate the Y-axis expression and update it to use Fields!TimeDiff.Value.

Step 6. Test Report

Run the report again to see if the error is resolved.

Example in Report Designer

If you are using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), here's how you might update the chart's Y-axis expression:

1. Open your report in SSRS Report Designer.
2. Right-click on the chart Chart3 and select Series Properties.
3. In the Values section, ensure that the Y value is set to =Fields!TimeDiff.Value.

Conclusion

The error you're encountering is due to a mismatch or incorrect reference to a dataset field. By ensuring that your query provides the correct field (aliased as needed) and updating the report definitions to use this field, you should be able to resolve the issue and generate the report successfully.