Objective
Configure an external connection that Templates and Reports can use. For example, create a Data Source named
production-postgres that points to an external reporting database, or compliance-readonly for a read-only database user used by reporting operators.
When to use
Use this task when:
- the required Data Source is not already available in Reporter;
- a new database must feed reports;
- an existing report process needs a separate read-only connection;
- operators need schemas and fields available in Template Builder or report filters.
Before you start
Have these details ready:
- host, port, and database name;
- username and password;
- schema names, when the database uses schemas;
- SSL requirements and CA certificate, when required by infrastructure;
- a clear connection name, such as
production-postgresorcompliance-readonly.
Step by step
1
Open Data Sources
Go to Data Sources and click Add Data Source.
2
Fill in connection details
In Add Data Source, enter Connection Name, Database Type, Host, Port, Database Name, Username, and Password.
3
Configure schemas when needed
For database types where the Console shows Schemas (currently PostgreSQL in the selector), add the schemas that Reporter should inspect. Type a schema name and click Add, or press Enter.
4
Configure SSL when required
Expand SSL Configuration, turn on Enable SSL, select SSL Mode, and paste the CA Certificate if your infrastructure requires it.
5
Add metadata when useful
Expand Metadata to add key-value fields that help operators classify the connection.
6
Create the Data Source
Click Create.
7
Test the connection
The new Data Source appears with Disconnected status. Run Test Connection before using it in Templates or Reports.
Field guide
Expected result
The new external Data Source appears on the Data Sources page with Disconnected status until tested. After a successful test, operators can use its fields in Templates and Reports.
Common errors and care points
Using an application URL as Host
Using an application URL as Host
Host should be the database server address, such as
db.example.com, not the URL of an application or admin panel.Skipping schemas
Skipping schemas
If the database uses schemas and the required schema is not listed, operators may not see the expected tables and fields.
Ignoring SSL requirements
Ignoring SSL requirements
If infrastructure requires SSL or a CA certificate, the connection can fail until SSL Configuration matches that requirement.
Using unclear names
Using unclear names
Names like
db1 are hard to use safely. Prefer names that show environment and purpose, such as production-compliance-readonly.Next steps
- Use Test a Data Source Connection immediately after creation.
- Use Template Builder to use fields from the Data Source in a Template.
- Use Generate a Report after the Template and Data Source are ready.

