Database tuning to improve report performance
Performing routine database tuning and maintenance helps improve report performance. Work with your database administrator to determine the right tasks for your environment because tuning approaches vary by database vendor. Regardless of the database on which your application runs, these techniques can help you improve report performance.
To validate performance under realistic conditions, prepopulate a staging environment with production-like data. This approach helps you test reports with appropriate data volumes. Be aware that sensitive data often needs to be removed (scrubbed) or anonymized before use, which may require additional preparation time. Plan your testing accordingly.
Run Explain Plans on your queries
An Explain Plan shows how the database processes a query, which helps you determine whether the database is using the most efficient path to retrieve results. To generate an Explain Plan, first capture the exact SQL query with substituted parameter values by using the Database Profiler or by tracing the report during a run. After you have the full query, run the Explain Plan in your preferred database client to review the access path and identify opportunities for optimization.
Create table indexes
After exposing one or more columns in a database table, you can improve query performance by creating indexes on those columns. However, avoid creating excessive indexes because they can slow down write operations and degrade overall database performance.
In general, create an index on a column if any of the following statements apply:
- The column is frequently used in report filters or search conditions.
- A referential integrity constraint exists on the column.
- The column participates in a UNIQUE key constraint.
These guidelines help ensure that indexes are applied only where they provide meaningful performance benefits.
Purge and archive data
To improve report performance, manage data volume according to the data retention requirements of your application. Archive older or infrequently accessed data to Nearline or Offline storage, such as alternate database tables or a data warehouse. Reducing the amount of data stored in primary tables allows the database to process queries more efficiently and improves overall report execution times.
Use the Purge/Archive wizard to safely and consistently manage data retention while maintaining access to historical information when required.
For more information about purging and archiving data, see Archiving and expunging Case data.
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