Staged Parameters

When you prompt the user for a series of related parameters, it is often desirable to guide the user through these choices in a certain order. This is called parameter staging. This technique allows you to constrain the options presented to the user at each stage so that only compatible parameter combinations can be selected.

For example, consider a Parameter Sheet that has two menus, one for 'State' and one for 'City'. Initially, you want only the 'State' menu to be enabled, so that the user is forced to select a state first. After the user selects a state, you want to then enable the 'City' menu, but restrict its values to those cities that fall within with the selected state.

There are therefore several aspects to parameter staging, as described in the following sections:

Creating a Parameter Sheet Layout
Add controls, and set 'Field' values to map to corresponding parameters.

Defining a Staged Parameter Flow
Specify the order for parameter control activation.

Filtering Parameter Options
Populate parameter controls with options that are consistent with previous selections.

Linking a Parameter Sheet to a Report
Link the parameter sheet to a report that has corresponding parameters.

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