How to Automate Reports in MySQL

How do I automate recurring reports in MySQL without manual effort?

Use MySQL stored procedures, the Event Scheduler, and SELECT … INTO OUTFILE to generate and deliver recurring query results without manual intervention.

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Description

Example H2

Example H3

What does “automate reports” mean in MySQL?

Run a saved query on a schedule, export the result set (CSV, JSON, table), and deliver or store it automatically—no manual clicks.

When should I automate reports?

Automate whenever stakeholders need the same KPI list, sales summary, or inventory snapshot at fixed intervals (hourly, daily, weekly).

How do I enable the Event Scheduler?

Execute SET GLOBAL event_scheduler = ON; or start MySQL with --event-scheduler=ON. Verify with SHOW PROCESSLIST;.

How do I wrap report logic in a stored procedure?

Pack complex joins and calculations in a procedure so the event simply calls it. This keeps code reusable and testable.

DELIMITER $$ CREATE PROCEDURE daily_sales_report() BEGIN SELECT c.id AS customer_id, c.name, SUM(o.total_amount) AS daily_total FROM Customers c JOIN Orders o ON o.customer_id = c.id WHERE DATE(o.order_date) = CURDATE() GROUP BY c.id, c.name INTO OUTFILE '/var/lib/mysql-files/daily_sales_'.DATE_FORMAT(CURDATE(),'%Y%m%d').'.csv' FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' ENCLOSED BY '"' LINES TERMINATED BY '\n'; END $$ DELIMITER ;

How do I schedule the procedure?

CREATE EVENT IF NOT EXISTS ev_daily_sales ON SCHEDULE EVERY 1 DAY STARTS CURRENT_DATE + INTERVAL 1 DAY DO CALL daily_sales_report();

How can I export directly to CSV?

Use SELECT … INTO OUTFILE inside the procedure. Ensure the MySQL user has FILE privilege and the output path is writable.

How can I email or push the file elsewhere?

After export, call an external script via a cron job, AWS Lambda, or your CI runner to pick up the file and send it via SMTP or S3.

Best practices for secure automation

Write to a sandbox directory, revoke FILE from non-admin roles, log event execution with SHOW EVENTS, and version-control procedure code.

Common pitfalls and quick fixes

Event not firing: Scheduler off. Run SET GLOBAL event_scheduler = ON;.

Permission denied writing file: Grant FILE privilege and verify directory permissions.

CSV missing headers: Add a UNION header row or export via a script that prepends column names.

Wrap-up: key takeaway

Enable the scheduler, place report logic in a stored procedure, and attach a recurring event. You now have hands-free, reproducible MySQL reports.

Why How to Automate Reports in MySQL is important

How to Automate Reports in MySQL Example Usage


-- Daily customer revenue export
DELIMITER $$
CREATE PROCEDURE daily_customer_revenue()
BEGIN
  SELECT c.id, c.name, SUM(o.total_amount) AS revenue
  FROM Customers c
  JOIN Orders   o ON o.customer_id = c.id
  WHERE DATE(o.order_date) = CURDATE()
  GROUP BY c.id, c.name
  INTO OUTFILE '/var/lib/mysql-files/revenue_'.DATE_FORMAT(CURDATE(),'%Y%m%d').'.csv'
  FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' ENCLOSED BY '"' LINES TERMINATED BY '\n';
END $$
DELIMITER ;

CREATE EVENT IF NOT EXISTS ev_daily_customer_revenue
  ON SCHEDULE EVERY 1 DAY STARTS CURRENT_DATE + INTERVAL 1 DAY
  DO CALL daily_customer_revenue();

How to Automate Reports in MySQL Syntax


-- Enable scheduler (one-time)
SET GLOBAL event_scheduler = ON;

-- Create a stored procedure holding report logic
DELIMITER $$
CREATE PROCEDURE report_name()
BEGIN
    SELECT columns
    FROM   ...
    WHERE  ...
    INTO OUTFILE '/path/file.csv'
    FIELDS TERMINATED BY ',' ENCLOSED BY '"' LINES TERMINATED BY '\n';
END $$
DELIMITER ;

-- Schedule it
CREATE EVENT IF NOT EXISTS event_name
ON SCHEDULE EVERY <interval> STARTS <datetime>
ON COMPLETION PRESERVE
DO CALL report_name();

Common Mistakes

Mistake: Forgetting to turn on the Event Scheduler. The event never runs. Fix: Execute SET GLOBAL event_scheduler = ON; or set --event-scheduler=ON in my.cnf.
Mistake: Writing the CSV to a restricted directory causing ‘Permission denied’ errors. Fix: Use /var/lib/mysql-files or another directory with proper write access and grant FILE privilege.