Joined Reports in Salesforce represent an advanced reporting feature that allows administrators to combine data from multiple report types into a single, comprehensive view. This powerful capability enables users to analyze related information side by side, creating more meaningful insights from th…Joined Reports in Salesforce represent an advanced reporting feature that allows administrators to combine data from multiple report types into a single, comprehensive view. This powerful capability enables users to analyze related information side by side, creating more meaningful insights from their organizational data.
A Joined Report can contain up to five report blocks, where each block functions essentially as a sub-report with its own report type, fields, columns, and filtering criteria. All blocks share common groupings, which serve as the connection point between the different data sets. This structure makes it possible to compare metrics across different objects or examine the same object through various perspectives.
Common use cases for Joined Reports include comparing opportunities across different stages, analyzing cases by status and priority simultaneously, or examining account performance alongside related contact activities. Sales teams frequently leverage this feature to view closed-won deals next to pipeline opportunities, providing a complete picture of revenue performance.
To create a Joined Report, administrators select the Joined format when building a new report. They can then add additional blocks by clicking the Add Block option and selecting the appropriate report type for each section. Fields can be dragged into each block independently, and filters can be applied at both the block level and the overall report level.
Key limitations to consider include the inability to use Joined Reports as source reports for dashboards, restrictions on scheduling, and the requirement that all blocks must share at least one common field for grouping purposes. Additionally, Joined Reports cannot be used with certain features like bucket fields in cross-block calculations.
Mastering Joined Reports enables administrators to deliver sophisticated analytical capabilities to their users, reducing the need for multiple separate reports and streamlining data analysis workflows across the organization.
Joined Reports in Salesforce: Complete Guide for Administrators
What are Joined Reports?
Joined Reports are a powerful report format in Salesforce that allows you to view data from multiple report types in a single report. Unlike standard reports that pull data from one report type, joined reports can contain up to five report blocks, each potentially using a different report type. This enables administrators to compare and analyze related data side by side.
Why are Joined Reports Important?
Joined Reports are essential for several reasons:
• Cross-Object Analysis: They allow you to analyze data across different objects that share a common field, such as comparing open opportunities with closed opportunities.
• Consolidated Reporting: Instead of creating multiple reports and manually comparing them, you can view all related information in one place.
• Executive Dashboards: They provide comprehensive views that executives and managers need for decision-making.
• Time-Based Comparisons: Compare data across different time periods, like this quarter versus last quarter.
How Joined Reports Work
Joined Reports function through these key components:
1. Report Blocks: Each joined report can have up to 5 blocks. Each block is essentially a sub-report that can use a different report type.
2. Common Fields: Blocks are connected through common groupings. At least one grouping must be shared across all blocks for meaningful comparison.
3. Report Types: Each block can use a different standard or custom report type, but they should share at least one common field for grouping.
4. Format Requirements: Joined reports use the Summary or Matrix format within each block. Tabular format is not supported for individual blocks.
Creating a Joined Report - Step by Step
1. Navigate to the Reports tab and click New Report 2. Select a report type for your first block 3. Click Report Format and choose Joined 4. Add your first block's fields, filters, and groupings 5. Click Add Block to add additional blocks (up to 5 total) 6. Select report types for additional blocks 7. Add a common grouping across all blocks 8. Save and run the report
Key Limitations to Remember
• Maximum of 5 blocks per joined report • Cannot be used in dashboard components that require a single data source • Bucketing is not available in joined reports • Cross-block formulas are not supported • Each block has a limit of 100 columns • Row-level formulas must be defined per block • Cannot schedule joined reports for automatic refresh
Common Use Cases
• Sales Pipeline Analysis: Compare open opportunities, closed-won, and closed-lost in one report • Case Management: View new cases, escalated cases, and resolved cases together • Account Health: Combine account data with opportunities and cases for a 360-degree view • Multi-Currency Comparisons: Analyze deals across different currencies
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Joined Reports
Key Facts to Memorize: • Maximum blocks: 5 • Requires at least one common grouping across blocks • Cannot use Tabular format within blocks • Bucket fields are NOT available in joined reports • Cannot be used in most dashboard components
Question Patterns to Watch For:
1. Scenario-based questions: When you see requirements asking to compare different record types or time periods in a single report, joined reports are likely the answer.
2. Limitation questions: Know what joined reports CANNOT do - bucketing, cross-block formulas, and dashboard compatibility are common trap answers.
3. Use case questions: If the question mentions comparing opportunities at different stages, or viewing multiple object data together, think joined reports.
Red Flags in Answer Choices: • If an answer suggests using joined reports in a dashboard gauge or metric component, it is likely incorrect • If an answer mentions more than 5 blocks, it is incorrect • If bucketing is mentioned alongside joined reports, be cautious
Pro Tip: When the exam presents a complex reporting requirement involving multiple related datasets, evaluate whether the scenario truly needs joined reports or if a standard report with proper filters would suffice. Joined reports are the answer when you need to see data from different report types or the same report type with different filters side by side.