Hi Brenda,
We have built reports that pass parameter values to SPs and use the results of those SPs. As Dion Paul mentions, one way is to create query subjects in Framework Manager that reference the SP. If you're using SQL you can also use the SQL query insertable object within Reporting [studio] to call the SP. (FM of course is nice for re-usability).
We're not using any freeform text box prompting, but I did a quick example where I used a freeform text prompt along with a "Finish" button, and the technique of calling the SP from a SQL query object in Reports, and simply return the string I entered via an SP to a list. In your case, the SP would be doing more work than that. The key (as Dion noted) is to name the prompt in Cognos exactly the same as it is in the SP. Here's an example of the syntax I use when calling the SP via a SQL query within Reporting [studio]: {EXEC [DBname].[schema].[NameOfStoredProc] #prompt('@textbox1', 'nChar')#}
...and the name of the prompt in the Cognos report is "@textbox1" [no quotes]
From your description it sounds like you have the content store query in hand; I presume that within that query you'd also handle any case-sensitivity or wildcards around the freeform text entered by the user, but yes this sounds do-able.
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Mike Comiskey
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Original Message:
Sent: Mon October 06, 2025 12:00 PM
From: brenda grossnickle
Subject: How to build a report with an input text box that triggers a stored procedure and the text box contents is passed as a parameter.
I want to build a report where the user can enter text, press a button (or text box just loses focus) and the report definitions would be searched for matching text. Any matches would be displayed in a list: report name, report path, and a preview of the matching text. I know how to search report definitions today and build the contents for the list. What i need is how to create a report with an input text box and how to trigger it to run a stored procedure that is passed the text box contents as an input parameter.
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brenda grossnickle
BI Programmer Analyst
FIS
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