In Pega Report Definitions, we usually control the number of records using Max Records in the Data Access tab.
However, when a value is hard-coded there, the report always executes with the same record limit, which restricts flexibility.

Problem

• Max Records defined in the Report Definition is static

• The report is always invoked with that count

• Dynamic use cases (pagination, batch processing, email digests, APIs) become difficult

Recommended Approach: Dynamic Record Count via Activity

Instead of defining Max Records in the Report Definition, we can control it dynamically at runtime using an Activity and ReportParameters.

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Remove Static Max Records

• Open the Report Definition

• Clear the Max Records value in the Data Access tab

Step 2: Create an Activity

Create a reusable activity to invoke the Report Definition dynamically.

Step 3: Page-New

• Step: Page-New

• Page Name: ReportParameters

• Class: Embed-QueryInputs

Important: Make sure this page is also declared in the Pages & Classes tab.

Step 4: Property-Set

Set the required Report Definition properties dynamically.

Step Page: ReportParameters

Set the following properties:

Param.pyReportName = <Report Definition Name> Param.pyReportClass = <Applies-To Class> Param.pyPageName = <Output Page Name> Param.pyReportParamPageName = ReportParameters .pyMaxRecords = <Desired Record Count>

.pyMaxRecords controls how many records the report retrieves at runtime [It can be from DSS too ].

Step 5: Call Report Definition

• Use Call → Report Definition

• The report will now execute using the dynamic Max Records you provided

Key Benefits

• Dynamic control over report execution

• Cleaner and reusable design

• Ideal for email digests, dashboards, integrations, and batch jobs

• Aligns with Pega best practices

Reference (OOTB Example)

To understand how Pega uses this pattern internally, refer to the OOTB activity:

Activity Name: pzSendEmailDigest

This activity demonstrates how ReportParameters and dynamic record limits are applied effectively.