Table Use Report

Table Use Report – Help Guide

The Table Use Report provides insights into SQL Server table usage by displaying the last accessed time for each table. This helps database administrators identify actively used tables, detect unused tables, and optimize database performance.

Understanding the Report

The report consists of two sections:

  1. Graphical Representation
    • A fan chart categorizes tables based on their last usage:
      • Today (Blue) – Tables queried today.
      • Last 7 Days (Purple) – Tables accessed within the last week.
      • Unknown (Green) – Tables with no recorded query activity.
  2. Detailed Table View
    • A grid displays specific details for each table, including:
      • Table Name – The database table name.
      • Created Date – When the table was created.
      • Last Queried – The last time the table was accessed.
      • Range Used – The category indicating how recently the table was used (e.g., “Today”, “Last 7 days”, “Unknown”).

Use Cases

  • Performance Tuning: Identify frequently accessed tables for indexing or partitioning.
  • Database Cleanup: Detect unused tables that may be candidates for archiving or deletion.
  • Security Auditing: Ensure critical tables are actively used and identify anomalies.
  • Storage Optimization: Reduce database size by removing or compressing rarely accessed data.

How to Interpret the Report

  • Tables marked as “Today” are actively in use.
  • Tables marked as “Yesterday” are actively in yesterday but not today.
  • Tables in the “Last 7 Days” section indicate those in the last 7 days but before yesterday.
  • Tables in the “Unknown” category might be obsolete or unused, warranting further investigation. SQL Server only tracks this information since the last restart so if you have rebooted or restarted recently there may be more tables showing up in this category.

Next Steps

  • Consider using Database Health Monitor (DatabaseHealth.com) for continuous SQL Server monitoring.
  • If database optimization or cleanup is needed, contact Stedman Solutions for expert SQL Server management: Contact Us.

By regularly reviewing the Table Use Report, you can maintain an efficient and well-performing SQL Server environment.