Automating PDF Report Generation and Hot Folder Delivery Using Report Writer and Report Server

This article explains two approaches to automatically generate PDF reports on a schedule and deliver them to a hot folder monitored by a printer or downstream processing system.

You can implement this using either of the following methods:

1. A custom solution using Report Writer (without Bold Reports Server)
2. Bold Reports Server scheduling with automatic file export to a hot folder

Both approaches are described below.

Method 1: Custom Implementation Using Report Writer (Without Bold Reports Server)

This approach demonstrates how to programmatically generate PDF reports using Report Writer, schedule report generation, and save the exported files directly from a .NET application without requiring Bold Reports Server.

The sample application provides the following capabilities:

• Job Scheduling – Create scheduled report generation jobs that run automatically.
• CRUD Operations – Create, edit, update, and delete scheduled jobs.
• User Configuration – Configure the output folder, file count, and schedule date and time.
• Run Now – Execute a scheduled job immediately without waiting for the scheduled time.

Note: Since scheduling and file generation are managed entirely by the application, the application or hosting service must remain running for scheduled jobs to execute successfully.

Download the attached ReportWriter_ScheduledPDF_HotFolder_Sample.zip sample application.

Screenshots

• Home Page
  

  

• List of Schedules
  

  

• Meta Data
  

  
  

Method 2: Using Bold Reports Server Scheduling

Bold Reports Server provides built-in scheduling capabilities that automatically export reports and save them to a specified folder. In addition to creating schedules through the Report Server UI, you can also create schedules programmatically using the Report Server Schedule API.

This approach is ideal when report scheduling needs to be integrated into a custom application while leveraging the built-in scheduling engine provided by Bold Reports Server.

Features

The sample application demonstrates the following capabilities:

• Dynamic Schedule Creation – Create report schedules programmatically using the Report Server Schedule API.
• User-Defined Output Location – Allow users to specify a local or network folder for report delivery.
• Export Format Selection – Configure the export format (PDF, Excel, Word, CSV, and more) through the API.
• Custom File Name – Specify the output file name when creating the schedule.
• Hot Folder Integration – Export reports directly to folders monitored by printers or downstream processing systems.
• Built-in Scheduling Engine – Use the Report Server scheduler instead of implementing a custom scheduling service.
• Centralized Management – Continue using Report Server features such as report storage, security, permissions, and schedule management.

Workflow

1. Publish the report to Bold Reports Server.
2. Allow users to select the report, schedule frequency, destination folder, export format, and output file name from your application.
3. Create the schedule programmatically using the Report Server Schedule API.
4. Bold Reports Server executes the schedule and exports the report using the configured settings.
5. The generated file is saved automatically to the specified folder, where it can be processed by a printer hot folder or any downstream workflow.

Hot Folder Consideration: In automated printing workflows, the output file name and export format are often part of the integration contract between the reporting application, print workflow software, and printer or RIP systems. Using the Schedule API allows applications to configure these settings programmatically to meet workflow-specific requirements.

Download the attached BoldReportServer_ScheduledExport_HotFolder_Sample.zip sample application.

When to Use the Report Server Method

Choose this approach if you:

• Want to leverage the built-in scheduling capabilities of Bold Reports Server.
• Need users to create schedules from within a custom application.
• Want users to specify their own output locations.
• Require centralized report management and security.
• Prefer not to build and maintain a custom scheduling engine.

Conclusion

Both approaches provide reliable ways to automate PDF report generation and deliver reports to a hot folder.

• Use Report Writer if you need a lightweight, standalone solution without Bold Reports Server.
• Use Bold Reports Server Scheduling if you want built-in scheduling, centralized report management, enhanced security, and programmatic schedule creation through the Schedule API.

Choose the approach that best fits your deployment architecture and reporting workflow.