SQL Server Reporting Services: Schedule printing of the PDF file

I faced one situation in which it was recommended to implement the mechanism for scheduled printing of a PDF file which is captured through the SSRS Windows share subscription. 

Below is the ticket description -

Ticket Description: Create the mechanism to schedule the printing of the SSRS reports in PDF format.

Understanding: As per the above description we have to propose/find out an approach to print the SSRS report in pdf format on schedule basis.

Resolution: The requested functionality will be implemented by using the batch file and Windows Task Scheduler/SQL Server Agent.

Batch file sample code:

/*Take to the root*/

CD/

/*Get to the installed adobe reader driver, this location may differ based on the configuration*/

CD Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader

/*execute the adobe drive file and follow up with the printer properties*/

AcroRd32.exe /t "C:\Users\vipul.sachan\Desktop\Vipul\pdf-sample.pdf" "HP LaserJet 3055 PCL6 Class Driver" "HP LaserJet 3055 PCL6 Class Driver" "IP_172.16.16.103"

Assumption:

   1. The above requirement has been analyzed on 32 bit Microsoft windows operating system.

   2.  There is only one pdf file, above methodology will not be supporting in case of multiple pdf files.

Mandatory items: There are following items must be available into the respective computer system.

   1.     Adobe reader must be installed to read the PDF file.

   2.     Printer must be configured into the source laptop to capture the print command.

Input Required:

   1.     Adobe reader exe location (Example- C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader>AcroRd32.exe )

   2.     Subscribed SSRS pdf report location which is required to print on scheduled basis.

   3.     Printer name, Printer driver, Printer Port

Process flow:

   1.     Get the deployed SSRS report into PDF format using report subscription functionality

   2.     Print the same SSRS pdf report using command line utility which is a batch file

   3.     Schedule the batch file execution using Windows Task Scheduler or SQL Job Agent.

Windows Task Scheduler - Scheduled printing on single SSRS PDF file

Follow the below steps to configure the Windows Task Scheduler

1.     Open Task Scheduler by clicking the Startbutton, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Security, clicking Administrative Tools, and then double-clicking Task Scheduler.‌if you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

2. Click the Action menu, and then click Create Basic Task.

       
    3.     Do one of the following:

a.     To select a schedule based on the calendar, click Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or One time, click Next; specify the schedule you want to use, and then click Next.

b.     To select a schedule based on common recurring events, click When the computer starts or When I log on, and then click Next.

c.      To select a schedule based on specific events, click When a specific event is logged, click Next; specify the event log and other information using the drop-down lists, and then click Next.

4.     To schedule a program to start automatically, click Start a program, and then click Next.

5. Click Browse to find the program you want to start, and then click Next.

6. Click Finish.

SQL Server Agent - Scheduled printing on single SSRS PDF file using

Follow the below steps to configure the SQL Server Agent –

    1.     Go to SQL Server Agent from SQL Management Studio and explore the Job-

    2.     Right click to the jobs and Select new job.

    3.     In general tab, named the job and select the category as uncategorized (local).

    1. Select steps tab and select new steps. Then name the step name, select type as Operating system (CmdExe). In the command open the batch file or write the command.

     2.     Then select OK and job is ready.

See also:
Complete the Scheduled printing of PDF file using VBScript file