How to populate a report level variable from a dataset

Question

I want to populate a report level variable from a dataset.

Background: I have a report that needs to perform a DB lookup to get a single row/column value. That value needs to populate a report level variable. Of data type datetime.

Here is something I have tried. Click in report area Under report properties I navigate to variables Create a new variable and assign it a name. Click on the "fx" button to open the dialog. I use the "First" function in an attempt to assign the value. I get the "...value expression for the report 'body' uses aggregate function First..." error.

Is there any way to make this happen at the report variable level?

Thanks, Donnie

Answer 1

Why not use a parameter? You can set the default value based on a query. If you don't want your users to overwrite it, make it hidden.