Reporting Snapshot Running User
The Salesforce user whose permissions and data access determine which records are included when a Reporting Snapshot runs, similar to how a dashboard running user controls the data scope.
Definition
The Salesforce user whose permissions and data access determine which records are included when a Reporting Snapshot runs, similar to how a dashboard running user controls the data scope.
In plain English
“The Reporting Snapshot Running User is the Salesforce user whose permissions and data access determine which records are included when a Reporting Snapshot runs. It works like a dashboard running user, controlling the scope of data the snapshot captures.”
Worked example
Cloudridge Software's admin schedules a Reporting Snapshot to capture the daily Opportunity pipeline state for trend analysis. She sets the Reporting Snapshot Running User to the VP of Sales - that way, the snapshot captures the full pipeline visible at the VP's permission level, not whatever subset the snapshot's owner could see. Without configuring the right Running User, the snapshot would be limited to what the snapshot's setup user could read; with it, the snapshot captures the full data the analytics dashboard needs. The Running User concept appears in Reporting Snapshots and Dashboards alike, both controlling data scope independent of viewer.
Why Reporting Snapshot Running User matters
The Reporting Snapshot Running User is the Salesforce user whose permissions and data access determine which records are included when a Reporting Snapshot runs, similar to how a dashboard running user controls the data scope. The running user's visibility defines what the snapshot sees: records they can view get captured, records they can't see don't.
Choosing the running user matters significantly for snapshot data quality. A running user with limited access produces limited snapshots; a running user with broad access produces comprehensive snapshots. Mature orgs choose running users thoughtfully, typically selecting users with the appropriate scope of visibility for the analytical question being answered. Security concerns also matter: running users should not grant inappropriate data exposure through snapshots.
How organizations use Reporting Snapshot Running User
Uses service account users with broad read access as running users for comprehensive snapshots.
Matches running user scope to the analytical question being answered.
Documents running user selection rationale for each snapshot as part of governance.
Trust & references
Straight from the source - Salesforce's reference material on Reporting Snapshot Running User.
- Define a Reporting SnapshotSalesforce Help
About the Author
Dipojjal Chakrabarti is a B2C Solution Architect with 29 Salesforce certifications and over 13 years in the Salesforce ecosystem. He runs salesforcedictionary.com to help admins, developers, architects, and cert/interview candidates sharpen their fundamentals. More about Dipojjal.
Test your knowledge
Q1. What is a Reporting Snapshot Running User?
Q2. How does the running user affect snapshots?
Q3. What should you consider when choosing?
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