2013 01 Essential Web Intelligence 4 (BE Int 1.0)

Essential Web Intelligence 4.
Author
This manual was prepared by:
Gabriel Ionescu
Business Consultant
BearingPoint
Izvor 80
050564 Bucharest
Romania
gabriel.ionescu@bearingpoint.com
For internal use only.

Not to be commercialized.
Essential Web Intelligence 4
2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Contents
1
Describe Web Intelligence Solutions ............................................. 8
1.1.
1.1.1.
1.1.2.
1.1.3.
1.2.
1.2.1.
1.2.2.
1.2.3.
1.3.
1.3.1.
1.3.2.
1.3.3.
Describe Web Intelligence Concepts ............................................................8

Accessing Information with Web Intelligence ..............................................8
Understanding Semantic Layer .....................................................................8
Quick and Easy Access to Information..........................................................9
Web Intelligence Core Functionality ............................................................9
Querying with Web Intelligence ...................................................................9
Reporting with Web Intelligence ..................................................................9
Analyzing with Web Intelligence ..................................................................9
Describing Web Intelligence and SAP BOBJ BI Platform ...............................9
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform Overview ...................9
About BI Launchpad....................................................................................10
Sharing documents with BI Launch pad.....................................................10
Build Queries with Web Intelligence ........................................... 11
2.1.
2.2.
2.2.1.
2.2.2.
2.3.
2.3.1.
2.4.
2.4.1.
2.4.2.
2.4.3.
2.5.
2.5.1.
2.5.2.
2.6.
2.6.1.
2.6.2.
2.6.3.
Query Process .............................................................................................11

Universes and objects .................................................................................11
Universes ....................................................................................................11
Objects represent a selection of data.........................................................11
Creating a New Document..........................................................................12
Launching WI Desktop application .............................................................12
Create WEBI document ..............................................................................12
Choose a universe in WI Desktop ...............................................................13
Build and run a query .................................................................................13
Save the document .....................................................................................13
Modifying a Documents Query ..................................................................14
Projecting Data from an Added Object ......................................................14
Understanding how data is aggregated......................................................14
Working in the Query Panel........................................................................15
The Query Panel Structure .........................................................................15
View Query Properties................................................................................16
View the querys SQL ..................................................................................17
Restricting Data Returned by a Query ......................................... 18
3.1.
3.1.1.
3.1.2.
3.1.3.
3.2.
3.3.
3.3.1.
3.3.2.
Restricting Data with Query Filters.............................................................18

The Purpose of Query Filters ......................................................................18
Components of a Query Filter ....................................................................18
Types of Query Filters .................................................................................18
Modifying a query with a predefined query filter ......................................19
Applying a single value query filter ............................................................19
Create a single value filter ..........................................................................19
Edit a single value filter...............................................................................20
2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only
3.3.3.
3.4.
3.4.1.
3.5.
3.5.1.
3.5.2.
3.5.3.
3.6.
3.6.1.
3.6.2.
3.6.3.
3.6.4.
Delete a single value filter ..........................................................................20

Using wildcards in Query Filters .................................................................20
Create a Query Filter with Wildcard ...........................................................20
Using Prompts to Restrict Data ..................................................................21
Prompted filters ..........................................................................................21
Create the Prompt Query Filter: .................................................................21
Editing ad Prompted query filter ................................................................22
Using Complex Filters .................................................................................23
Using Logical Operators for Multiple Conditions........................................23
Using the AND operator .............................................................................23
Using the OR operator ................................................................................23
Prioritizing the operators............................................................................24
Designing Web Intelligence Documents ...................................... 25
4.1.
Working with Web Intelligence Documents ...............................................25
4.1.1. Components of Web Intelligence Document .............................................25
4.2.
Customizing User Preferences ....................................................................27
4.2.1. Web Intelligence Desktop General Preferences .........................................27
4.2.2. Web Intelligence Desktop View Preferences..............................................27
4.2.3. Web Intelligence Desktop Locale Preferences ...........................................27
4.2.4. Web Intelligence Desktop Drill Preferences ...............................................28
4.2.5. Web Intelligence Desktop Proxy Preferences ............................................28
4.2.6. Change the password .................................................................................28
4.3.
Web Intelligence Application Structure......................................................29
4.3.1. Working with Left Panels View ...................................................................29
4.3.2. Displaying the Document Summary ...........................................................29
4.3.3. Managing reports .......................................................................................30
4.4.
Displaying data in tables .............................................................................30
4.4.1. Viewing tables in different display modes..................................................31
4.4.2. Create default vertical table .......................................................................31
4.4.3. Create a table using a template..................................................................31
4.5.
Working with tables....................................................................................32
4.6.
Presenting data in free-standing cells ........................................................33
4.7.
Changing the Default Number Format .......................................................33
4.8.
Insert Text Label in a Cell ............................................................................34
4.9.
Modify Default Text style of Multiple Cells Simultaneously .......................34
4.10. Presenting Data in Charts ...........................................................................34
4.10.1. Column charts .............................................................................................34
4.10.2. Line charts...................................................................................................35
4.10.3. Pie charts ....................................................................................................35
4.10.4. Point charts .................................................................................................35
4.10.5. Bar charts ....................................................................................................35
4.10.6. Radar charts ................................................................................................35
4.10.7. Other charts: ...............................................................................................35
4.10.8. Create a chart .............................................................................................36
4.10.9. Create a chart from a table.........................................................................36
4.10.10. Create a table from a chart .......................................................................36
4.11. Formatting WEBI.........................................................................................36
4.11.1. Formatting Documents ...............................................................................36

4.11.2. Formatting Charts .......................................................................................37
Analyze Data .............................................................................. 39
5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.3.1.
5.3.2.
5.3.3.
5.3.4.
5.3.5.
5.4.
Analyzing the Data Cube.............................................................................39

The Scope of Analysis .................................................................................39
Drilling in a Web Intelligence Document ....................................................40
Build a drillable document ..........................................................................40
Drilling down in the Data in a Hierarchy .....................................................40
Drilling across in the Data in a Hierarchy....................................................41
Drill Down Two Hierarchies at once ...........................................................41
Edit the Scope of Analysis ...........................................................................41
Drill in a Chart .............................................................................................41
Using Multiple Data Sources ....................................................... 42
6.1.
6.1.1.
6.1.2.
6.1.3.
6.1.4.
6.2.
6.2.1.
6.3.
6.3.1.
Synchronizing Data from Multiple Data Sources ........................................42

Project Data from single Query into Different Blocks ................................43
Project data from Multiple Queries Using the Same Universe ..................43
Project data from a Merged dimension into a block ..................................44
Project Data from Queries using Multiple Universes .................................44
Synchronizing Data with Merged Dimensions ............................................45
Rules about synchronizing merged dimensions .........................................45
Using a Personal Data Provider ..................................................................46
Linking Personal Data to Universe Data ....................................................47
Advanced Query and Reporting Techniques ................................ 48
7.1.
7.1.1.
7.1.2.
7.1.3.
7.1.4.
7.1.5.
7.2.
7.2.1.
7.3.
7.4.
7.5.
7.6.
Using Combined Queries ............................................................................48

Understanding when use a combined query..............................................48
Advantages of using combined queries ......................................................48
Build a combined query ..............................................................................49
Important facts about combined queries ...................................................49
Retrieving duplicate or unique rows ..........................................................49
Using Subqueries ........................................................................................50
Creating a subquery ....................................................................................50
Create query based on another query .......................................................51
Changing Data Sources ...............................................................................51
Data tracking...............................................................................................52
Additional report functions ........................................................................53
Enhance the Presentation of Data in Documents ........................ 54
8.1.
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.2.
8.2.1.
8.2.2.
8.3.
8.3.1.
8.3.2.
Using Breaks and calculations ....................................................................54

Adding Breaks .............................................................................................54
Adding Calculations ....................................................................................54
Using Sorts and Hiding Data .......................................................................55
Sort orders ..................................................................................................55
Hiding Data .................................................................................................56
Formatting Breaks and Cross Tables...........................................................57
Controlling Break Headers and Footers......................................................57
Prioritizing multiple breaks .........................................................................58
8.3.3.
8.4.
8.4.1.
8.4.2.
8.4.3.
8.5.
8.6.
8.6.1.
8.6.2.
8.7.
8.7.1.
8.7.2.
8.7.3.
8.8.
8.8.1.
8.8.2.
8.8.3.
8.8.4.
8.8.5.
8.9.
8.9.1.
8.9.2.
Formatting Cross Table Headers ................................................................58

Filtering Report Data ..................................................................................59
Simple report filters ....................................................................................59
Standard report filters ................................................................................59
Filter with Input Controls............................................................................60
Ranking Data ...............................................................................................61
Tracking Data Changes................................................................................61
Activating Data Tracking .............................................................................62
Formatting Data Changes ...........................................................................62
Highlight Information with Formatting Rules .............................................63
Creating and activating a conditional formatting rule ...............................63
Create and apply a single condition formatting rule ..................................63
Create multiple conditions formatting rules ..............................................64
Organizing a report into sections ...............................................................65
Create a section ..........................................................................................65
Display an aggregate...................................................................................65
Insert a block in each section .....................................................................66
Navigation from section to section ............................................................66
Delete a section ..........................................................................................66
Copying and Pasting Data Blocks ................................................................67
Copy a Chart to External Application ..........................................................67
Copy a Table to an External Application .....................................................67
Calculating Data with Formulas and Variables ............................ 68
9.1.
9.2.
9.3.
9.3.1.
9.3.2.
9.3.3.
9.3.4.
9.3.5.
9.3.6.
Formulas .....................................................................................................68
Variables .....................................................................................................68
Using Formulas and Variables ....................................................................68
Create a Variable as a Response to a Prompt.............................................68
Create a Formula ........................................................................................69
Create a Variable from Formula .................................................................69
Modify and Delete a Variable .....................................................................70
Creating Variable from Document functions..............................................70
Display Document Name as variables (Pre-defined values) .......................71
10
Calculation Contexts................................................................... 72
10.1.
10.1.1.
10.2.
10.2.1.
10.2.2.
10.2.3.
10.2.4.
10.2.5.
10.2.6.
10.3.
Understanding Calculation Contexts ..........................................................72

Dynamic Calculations..................................................................................72
Redefining Calculation Contexts .................................................................72
Input and output contexts ..........................................................................72
Forcing Input Calculation Context ..............................................................73
About the extended syntax operators and keywords ................................73
Forcing the output calculation context ......................................................73
Input vs. output calculation contexts .........................................................74
Using context operator IN with WHERE .....................................................75
Facts about calculation context ..................................................................75
11
Creating Formulas with Character and Date String Functions ...... 76
11.1.
11.2.
Using Character Strings...............................................................................76

Using Right() function .................................................................................76
11.3.
11.4.
11.5.
11.6.
11.6.1.
11.7.
Using Replace() function .............................................................................76

Using SubStr() function ...............................................................................77
Using the Pos() function .............................................................................77
Concatenating different character strings ..................................................77
Format a date concatenated with a string .................................................77
Using Date Functions ..................................................................................77
12
Managing and Sharing Web Intelligence Documents ................... 79
12.1.
12.2.
12.3.
12.4.
12.5.
12.6.
12.7.
12.7.1.
12.8.
Publishing Documents to Corporate Repository ........................................79

Logging In BI Launchpad .............................................................................80
Managing Documents in Launchpad ..........................................................81
Viewing Web Intelligence Documents in Launchpad .................................82
Sharing Web Intelligence Documents ........................................................83
Scheduling a document in BI Launchpad ....................................................83
Setting BI Launchpad preferences ..............................................................84
Document preferences (View options).......................................................84
Logging off from BI Launchpad ...................................................................85
Appendix WEBI Functions ................................................................... 86

References ............................................................................................ 93
1 Describe Web Intelligence Solutions

1.1.
-
Describe Web Intelligence Concepts

WI is a tool for analyzing organizations business information
It provides access to information trough SAP BusinessObjects semantic layer
1.1.1. Accessing Information with Web Intelligence

-
query organizations databases using everyday business terms and easy to use interface
create simple or complex reports and share with colleagues in enterprise
help making decisions. Right information at fingertips to make decisions
access to information using business vocabulary without technical details
share information with colleagues
Web Intelligence core functions: Querying, Reporting, Analyzing, Sharing
Allows users to access and analyze corporate data from heterogeneous data sources, online or
offline
Share information and insights with colleagues and partners on intranet or extranet
Data sources:
Relational databases (RDBMS)
Online analytical processing server (OLAP)
Personal data providers: Excel files and CSV
Bex queries from SAP infocubes
Web services
Advanced Analysis workspaces
SAP High Performance Analytical Appliance (HANA) data source
Can be accessed trough BI Launchpad then create and analyze and share documents with others
Can use Web Intelligence Desktop(WID) a Windows stand alone application: when want to make
calculations locally; or when want to use WI without installing BOBJ server
WID can connect with BI BOBJ server repository = Central Management Server (CMS), in
connected mode, so can export document created locally, that can be accessed from BI
Launchpad.
1.1.2. Understanding Semantic Layer

-
semantic layer = view of organizational data presented as one or more universes. Access to
Relational Databases and OLAP is made trough semantic layer = universes
other data sources such as BEx or Excel file can be accessed without an universe
Universes are based on business terminology, a shield for users from database technical
complexity
WI use universes to access data. Using universe data queries are built using everyday terms.
Terms used:
Object = element in a universe that map to a specific set of data in a relational database.
Each object in universe has a common business term in organization: Country, Year,
Revenue, Customer name etc. Are represented by blue diamonds, orange rectangles,
yellow funnels;
Class = logical groups or related objects. Classes are indicated by the yellow folder icon.
Ex. Store class contain State, City and Store name and a subclass called Stores details
Query filters = are used to restrict data returned by an object to a query. Are identified by
yellow filters;
Universe = a SAP BOBJ universe relates the objects for a business area to organizations
data in databases. Are created by universe designers that makes them available. Are
chosen before creating the query.
1.1.3. Quick and Easy Access to Information

-
1.2.
-
tools for generates reports automatically, easy analysis and help for decision make
WI has access directly to source databases allowing robust query and analysis options. This helps
to answer everyday problems and questions and to help easier decision making.
Web Intelligence Core Functionality

WI allows to perform query-ing, reporting and analysis in a single tool
1.2.1. Querying with Web Intelligence

-
Select the data source that gives access to data. For example an universe.
Use Web Intelligence Query Panel to add and organize objects from the universe
In query panel select the objects and filters that represent the business question. If connected to
CMS the query is sent to WI server (CMS) which generates the final SQL statements
The SQL is applied to database which returns the rows of data and send back to WI Server which
organize it in a microcube called data provider.
The data is displayed in a WI report as a table or complex chart, ready for analysis.
a document can contain many reports based on many queries
1.2.2. Reporting with Web Intelligence

-
can create professional reports with WI features

data can be displayed in multiple ways:
a table (vertical, horizontal, form, cross table)
a chart (bar, line, area, pie or radar)
a multiple block report with large amount of data
1.2.3. Analyzing with Web Intelligence

-
1.3.
drag and drop object, insert calculation, change display to make easier access to information
multi dimensional analysis at global level or drilling down to a more detailed level of information
Describing Web Intelligence and SAP BOBJ BI Platform
1.3.1. SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform Overview

-
SAP BOBJ BI is a BI platform that combines end-user insights with flexible system management
Allows administrators to deploy and standardize their BI implementations on a proven, scalable

and adaptive service-oriented architecture.
Web Intelligence documents as well: SAP Crystal reports, Desktop Intelligence, SAP BO Dashboard
models, Voyager workspaces, spreadsheets, etc.
1.3.2. About BI Launchpad

-
BI Launchpad = web desktop that acts like a window to business information

BI information in a secured and personalized view for users from inside and outside organization
Manage, view and distribute BI content
Its a portal and a BI content provider for enterprise information portal (EIP)
Can open and create new WI documents
1.3.3. Sharing documents with BI Launch pad

-
save as public document or sent document directly to other users if they are Launchpad users
The CMS stores public and sent documents and allows others to access them
Documents can also be saved in Excel or PDF format and sent to colleagues
Share web intelligence documents:
Save documents on workstation as .WID format, PDF, Excel or CSV format
Send by email in formats saved before
Export documents to CMS as public or personal document
from BI Launchpad send document to a user or group
from BI Launchpad save document to CMS as public or personal document
from BI Launchpad schedule to refresh and send document using BI Launchpad scheduler
depending on authorization given by administrator can schedule and view the list of scheduled
documents
when schedule a document, specify a time and date to refresh and send it to other users
10
2 Build Queries with Web Intelligence

2.1.
-
2.2.
Query Process
Using one of WI panels you construct a business question or query that represents the needed
information
Query is sent to WI server
WI server retrieves data from database and stores it in a form of microcube
The content of microcube is formatted and displayed in WI report in form of tables, cross tabs
and charts for analysis
Universes and objects
2.2.1. Universes
-
Easier access of data using business terms rather than technical SQL
BO Universe = semantic layer that maps everyday terms (business environment) with data stored
in database (SQL)
Data is accessed by drag and dropping
Is created by universe designer with BO Designer then make them available to users to select the
appropriate terms to create queries
In universes business term are listed as objects. Similar business terms are grouped in classes.
2.2.2. Objects represent a selection of data

-
Are elements in BO universe that correspond to data in database

Object names are taken from daily business activity terms: customer name, sales revenue etc.
Are used to build queries and retrieve data to be shown in queries
Are elements that map to data in a relational database and are named for familial business terms
3 types of objects:
- Dimension: data that provides the basis analysis in a report. Character type of data (blue
four sided figure )
Detail: descriptive data about a dimension. Provides additional information (blue four
sided figure with green star )
- Measure: numeric data, the result of calculations on data in database. Are often located
in measure class (orange rectangle )
Filters: restrict information returned by an object. Also can prompt to select a value (yellow
-
funnel -
11
2.3.
Creating a New Document
2.3.1. Launching WI Desktop application

Web Intelligence Desktop = Windows Application that let create and edit WI
documents stored locally or in BO repository; Web Intelligence Rich Client
Launch type:
-
Connected mode: CMS connected: YES (Central management server =

Business Objects Enterprise repository); Repository documents: YES;
Local documents: YES; Different security models:
Enterprise, LDAP, Windows AD, Windows NT or
SAP
Offline mode: CMS connected: NO; local
documents and universes secured by CMS: YES;
unsecured documents: YES;
Stand alone mode: CMS connect: NO; repository
documents: NO; unsecured documents: YES;
Launch procedure - steps:

1. From Start launch Web Intelligence Desktop
2. Select WebIntelligence and Login as
3. Select CMS in the System list
4. Enter valid user name and password
5. Select authentication mode
6. Make sure User in Offline mode is not selected
7. Click Log On
Launching Windows Desktop opens new instance
2.4.
Create WEBI document
There are 2 panels:

-
Query panel: to create and edit query

WI Desktop main window
When ready to save these information are associate with WI document:

-
Query definition
Data returned by query
One or more reports
One or more blocks and formatting
Local variables and conditional formatting rules
To create a WI document:
A. Choose the data source of the query
12
B. Build and run query

C. Save the new document
2.4.1. Choose a universe in WI Desktop
1. In the initial window of WI Desktop
under Choose data source to create a
new document click Universe
OR: Click the icon Create a new
document
2. Double click on a universe. The Query
Panel opens. To create a query drag
and drop objects from Universe Outline
to the Result objects
2.4.2. Build and run a query
1. In Universe outline click + to see
objects
2. Double click on objects to add in Result
Objects, to add a class to result
objects, drag and drop it
3. Repeat until all objects are added
4. Click Run Query. The Query Panel
closes. Result is shown in WID main
window. The values resulted are shown in a vertical table.
2.4.3. Save the document
Saving a new document:
- Locally on desktop or on CMS
- Refresh on open option is by default not checked
- Permanent regional formatting overrides the users default view options
Save document locally:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Click Save button on the toolbar

Navigate files and control display
In Save in field navigate to desired folder
Type description and keywords for the
document
5. Select options:
- Refresh on open
- Permanent regional formatting
- Save for all users accessible to all
even in standalone mode
- Remove document security
6. Select file name
7. Select file type:
- Web Intelligence document (.WID)
- PDF
13
- Excel document
For PDF and Excel the description, keywords and options are not saved
8. Click Save
2.5.
Modifying a Documents Query
2.5.1. Projecting Data from an Added Object

Projecting Data:
-
After created a query, is easy to add and remove objects in underlying query
In Data Access toolbox click on Edit to open Query Panel and add and remove objects and
predefined query filters
Run query and in WID main window can move easily the objects from Available Objects to
the report blocks by clicking and dragging this is called projecting data
Steps:
1. In Web Intelligence Desktop click on Data Access toolbox
2. Click Edit button -> Query Panel: add and remove objects by double click and by
dragging in the Result objects panel
3. Click Run Query button: Query Panel closes and new added objects are available in
Available objects panel in WID
Project data into a table steps:
1. When report is empty, choose a clas or object from Available objects and drag it on
the report
2. If report already contains a table or chart and want to create a new one, drag
objects or class to an empty space
3. To add an object to a table drag from Available object to the left or to the right of a
reports cell
4. Drop the object. A new column will appear. The column header contains the name of
the object.
Do not drop on existing block header or footer.
If the body of a cell is highlighted then the dragged object will replace the highlighted
one. The content is in a vertical table to change it use Turn Into feature
5. Save the document
2.5.2. Understanding how data is aggregated

Objects have a dynamic nature: the values of measures changes depending on the dimensions used:
-
High-level aggregation: when a report shows Sales revenue broken down by Year and
Quarter
Low-level aggregation: when add to report Store name, the report is broken down further
14
2.6.
Working in the Query Panel
2.6.1. The Query Panel Structure
Query panel has 4 separate panels:

-
Data Outline Panel (Universe Outline)

Result Objects Panel
Query Filters
Panel
Data Preview
Panel
Edit toolbar buttons:

1. Add Query button
2. Data Outline Panel: shows/hide data outline. Contains Master Perspective and Display
by Navigation Path
3. Filters Panel: Show/hide Query Filters
4. Data Preview Panel: Show/Hide Data Preview panel
5. Scope of Analysis Panel: show/hide scope of analysis panel (used for drill down)
6. Add a combined query: combine data from multiple queries with operators: minus,
union, intersection
7. Query Properties
8. View Script: view, copy and modify the SQL script
9. Run Query: run query in WI Desktop main window
15
10. Close: Apply changes and close or Revert

changes and close
Results Objects Panel buttons:
1. Add quick filter: apply a query filter on
selected object
2. Remove: remove selected object
3. Remove all: remove all objects
Query Filters Panel buttons:
1. Add a subquery: run a subquery to
restrict data in query
2. Add a database ranking: feature to
retrieve the top or bottom values
from database
3. Remove: remove selected object
from filters
4. Remove All
2.6.2. View Query Properties
Are available in Query Properties dialog box. Allows to:
-
Limit the runtime or the amount of

data returned
Set security option
Specify the order of prompts in the
report
Control potential ambiguous query
results
Restricts the retrieval of duplicate records
It contains:
1. Name: type the name. By default queries are named Query 1, Query 2
2. Universe: selected universe. Button on right allows to change it
3. Limits:
- Max rows retrieved - number of rows. It can be overridden by administrator in security
profile
- Max retrieval time when query run takes too long to run
4. Sample: returns a number of records (Sample Results Set) , the same one at each run or not (fixed
mark).
5. Data:
- retrieve duplicate rows
- retrieve empty rows
- enable query stripping
6. Security:
16
Allow other users to edit all queries: if not checked only the author has the right to
modify the query
7. Prompt order: The order of filters that take effects
8. Contexts: Allows to run the query context (for example rented cars vs sales cars)
- Reset contexts checked: the user is prompted at each start for desired context; otherwise
remembers the last one
- Clear contexts allows to remove the context set in last refresh
View or modify query properties:
1. In Query Panel click on Query Properties button
2. Modify the query properties as desired: additional restrictions can be added. Already
restrictions cannot be overridden
2.6.3. View the querys SQL
-
WBI generates the SQL. This can be

seen, modified or copied
1. In Query Panel click on View
SQL button
2. To copy the script click on
Copy
3. To edit the script: press Use
the custom query script
4. Click Validate to check the
syntax
5. Click Save to save the new
query script
17
3 Restricting Data Returned by a Query

3.1.
Restricting Data with Query Filters
3.1.1. The Purpose of Query Filters

-
Query Filters retrieve a subset of available data , based on the definition of the filter. Ex filter on
year to see sales of a specific year
Ensure to retrieve only the data that interests. Minimizes the quantity of data returned and
reduce the time required to create and refresh the document over the network.
Advantages:
o Retrieve and focus only on data needed to answer a specific business question
o Hide data the some specific users do not need to see
o Minimize the quantity of data to increase the performance
Some universes has predefined filter. Or filters must be created manually
Users without rights to modify the query cannot modify the filters. This ensures the data is
appropriate for those who view and analyze the document
Administrator can prevent objects from being filtered. A warning appears with filters that cannot
be used. These filters must be removed first.
3.1.2. Components of a Query Filter

-
filters are created in Query filters panel

query filters are made of three parts:
o Object - the filtered object
o Operator relationship between object and operand ( =, <>, >, >=, <, <=)
o Operand the object value used for filter
Every filter must contain these three elements
Operators:
1. Equal to
2. Different from
3. Greater than
4. Greater than or equal to
5. Less than
6. Less than or equal to
7. Between
8. Not between
9. In list
10. Not in list
11. Is null
12. Is not null
13. Matches pattern: all that contain a substring; %subs all that ends with subs
14. Different from pattern: all but those matching the operator above
15. Both: correspond to two specified values
16. Except: one value but not other
3.1.3. Types of Query Filters

-
There are four types of query filters:

Predefined query filters built right in the universe
18
3.2.
-
3.3.
Single and multi-value filters

Prompted filters
Complex filters
Modifying a query with a predefined query filter

Predefined query filter is an element in the universe that allows to restrict information returned
by a dimension, description or measure
Are created by universe designer and are showed in the list of classes and objects in the Query
Panel
Is represented by an yellow funnel icon
Steps:
1. Open Web Intelligence Document
2. Enter in Data Access tab and from Data Provider choose Edit: Query panels
shows up
3. Double click or drag and drop a filter
4. Click Run Query: WI sends the SQL to database server; IN returned data, Query
Panel closes all the data corresponding to the filter and display it in a table block
Applying a single value query filter
3.3.1. Create a single value filter

-
limit the data returned by an object to a single value

to do it, the object must be selected, then the value must be mentioned
steps to create a single value filter:
1. In Query Panel choose the object and drag it in the Query Filters panel
2. Select <In List> option and from bulleted list on the right choose Value(s) from
list option
- the list of object values is displayed in the list of values dialog box
19
3. In the List of Values double click the value or values or select and press > button
(to remove press < button)
4. Click OK. The new filter appears in the Query Filters panel
5. Click Run Query to generate the report based on query
3.3.2. Edit a single value filter
-
to include or restrict more values for the object used to create the query filter
this is done by editing the query in the Query Panel
Steps:
1. Enter Query Panel: Data Access -> Data Providers -> Edit
2. In the Query Filters click the Operand Type arrow and select Value(s) from list
option
3. Optionally press refresh button in the List of Values to update the values
4. In the list of values double click on the value wanted to be added or press >
button. Press < button if want to remove an existing value
5. Click OK
3.3.3. Delete a single value filter

-
steps:
1. Enter Query Panel (Data Access -> Data providers -> Edit)
2. Select the filter
3. press key Delete or Move the filter to the Universe outline or click remove button
3.4.
-
Using wildcards in Query Filters

to search partial values rather than entire values
restrict data to values that contain a certain character-pattern
wildcards are special character that replace one or more characters
_
for one character
%
for a number of characters
3.4.1. Create a Query Filter with Wildcard

-
must be used one of the following relational operators:

Matches pattern
Different from pattern
20
Steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
3.5.
-
In query panel add the desired objects in Query Filters

Click Operator Type list and choose Matches pattern
Click filter definition box and enter the wildcard
Run query
Using Prompts to Restrict Data

Prompt is a filter that requires the report user to select the data values at each refresh
Manually enter data or select data from a list of values
Empowers the user to determine the data they need to view at each document refresh and adapt
the report flexibly to their needs at a given moment
Can satisfy multiple needs in one report
3.5.1. Prompted filters

-
prompt dialog box allows to specify data needed to retrieve and display in the report
focus on a specific part of information available
allow multiple user to view a single document and to specify a different subset of data to display
in the same table and charts
define a question displayed each time the report is refreshed
answer the prompt is done by: typing value or selecting the value
prompts can be defined on each dimension, description or measure in the Universe Outline in
Query Panel
Is Null and Not Null operators cannot be used in prompting filters
3.5.2. Create the Prompt Query Filter:

-
Select the Prompt operand in Operand Type list
Press the Parameters properties button

to
open parameters properties window to define the
filter properties
Parameters properties dialog box:
1. Prompt Text: text used to prompt
the user
2. Prompt with list of values: display
all values for object and let user
select
21
3. Select only from list: prevent user typing values

4. Keep last values selected: the value selected at previous refresh. User can change
it.
5. Optional prompt: allows the user to not respond or to partially respond to the
prompt. If user do not respond, the filter is not applied
6. Set default values: the default prompt values:
- type a value and move them with > button
- press Values button and select the object values
Important notices:
When a document contains multiple data providers and is a prompt that include:
- Objects with same data type
- Operators of the same operator type
- The same prompt text
Then the two prompts are merged into a single one and a single message
will appear for two prompts
If a prompt is optional a text inform the user that if no value is provided, then the filter
does not apply
Steps:
1. In Query Panel drag the desired object in Query Filters
2. Click Operand Type arrow and select Prompt option
3. Click Parameter Properties button to open the PP dialog box to set the query
filter settings
4. Click Ok
5. Run Query the prompt dialog window opens
6. Select or enter the values and move to Selected Value(s) area
7. Click Run Query or Ok
Prompt dialog box
The options defined for prompt
determine how Prompt dialog box
shows and how users can specify
the values
Prompts are displayed in Prompt
Summary
Users select the prompt to display
it and specify the values
Prompt Summary also indicate if
prompt is optional
Prompt dialog box also displays
the date and time of the last refresh
3.5.3. Editing ad Prompted query filter

-
The modifications are made by editing the query in Query Panel

Steps:
1. In Query Panel in the Query Filter panel select the operator. If the operator is
changed the operand is lost.
2. Click Operand Type list and choose Prompt
3. Click Parameters Properties button
22
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
3.6.
-
Optionally, edit Prompt text

Optionally click Set default values
Type the value or select a value from the List of values
Select or deselect parameter properties
Click OK
Run query -> Prompt appears
Accept default values or enter new values
Press Ok - Run query
Save the document
Using Complex Filters

to refine the information returned more than one filter could be applied
3.6.1. Using Logical Operators for Multiple Conditions

-
more than one condition with relations of OR or AND between them. These are named logical
operators
AND is used when all conditions in all filters must be met for a row to be returned from a
database
OR is used when either one of conditions must be met for a row to be returned from
database
3.6.2. Using the AND operator

-
when add a second filter AND is used automatically

if a second filter was removed and new is
added, the WI is using the last operator used
the operator is changed by double clicking it
Steps:
1. Drag objects in Result Objects
Panel
2. Drag object in Query Filters Panel
3. Select the desired operator
4. Select from Operand Type list the Value (s) from list option
5. Select the desired values
6. Click ok
7. Drag the second object for the second filter
8. Select the operator
9. Select the Values from list option from Operand type
10. Select the desired values
11. Click ok. AND is automatically used. If last time the operator was OR, then OR is
used. Click to change
12. Run Query
13. Save Query
3.6.3. Using the OR operator

-
report returns data if either one of the operator is met

OR returns more data than AND
23
Steps:
1. Drag the required objects in Result Objects Panel
2. Select objects to be filtered and drag to Query Filters Panel (there must be at
least two filters to use OR)
3. Select the Operator from the list
4. Select the Operand from the Operand Type list
5. Group the query filters
6. Click the logical operator to change between AND and OR
7. Run query
8. Save
3.6.4. Prioritizing the operators

-
complex filter = combining multiple filters within a query

to retrieve the exactly data needed the operators must be prioritized
by positioning and grouping the filters. This depends on the logic of the information needed to
retrieve
Steps:
1. Query Panel create the query
and add some filters
2. Drag and drop the filters to
order. Drag one on top of the
other to group together. The
order is represented by groups
marked with brackets
3. Run query
4. Save
24
4 Designing Web Intelligence Documents

4.1.
-
Working with Web Intelligence Documents

Web Intelligence Desktop main window. Three components
WID main window allows to analyze data from query and present them in a way that calls
attention
4.1.1. Components of Web Intelligence Document

-
Web intelligence document:

One or more reports: may have several reports organized in tabs at the bottom of the
window. Reports contains blocks of formatted data as well texts and graphics
One or more blocks: a block is a table, cross table, form or chart that display information
in a report
A microcube of data returned by query also named data provider. It contains all the data
retrieved from database. It is a structure in which the retrieved data is stored in the
document.
A report is displayed in the Report Panel of WI Desktop main window. Data used in report is in the
Left Panel.
View reports in a document: Each report can show different views of the same information or
show completely different information regarding the same object
WI Desktop allows you to interact with:
Left Panel: different views of current document
Toolboxes, tabs and buttons: control data in Report Panel. They depend on the
application mode used.
Right-click on elements of Report Panel prompts to contextual menu: quick access to the
functions of the element in the application mode used
Designer might use Design Mode users might use Reading
Mode
Application modes:
1. DATA: create, edit and manage queries that
supply data to reports. It
provides access to Data
Access Toolbox:
- Create a New
document
- Edit, purge and
refresh and
existing
document
- Create a new variable
- Merge objects from different data sources
Also provides access to:
-
File tab: create, open, save, print, search and

send e-mail attachment
Properties tab: document and application
properties
25
2. READING: can view and perform some analysis tasks. When open an existing
report, it displays in reading mode.
Allows access to the main toolbar:
Create document
Open, save, print, search
Send as e-mail attachment
Copy, Cut, Paste, Undo, Redo
Refresh
Change tracking, Drill up or down in a report designed for drilling
Show/hide filters and Outlines
3. DESIGN: access to Data and Reading features and in addition some analysis and
formatting features.
Access to toolbox and features:
- Report Element: Allows to define tables, charts, cells and sections for
data display; color position and alignment of report elements, the
hyperlinks they contain
Format: define formatting elements: font, colors, borders, background,

text alignments and padding
Data Access: allows to create a new document, edit and purge a

document, create a new variable and merge objects from different data
sources
Analysis: allows to perform extensive analysis tasks: apply report filters,

ranking, input controls, data tracking, breaks, sort, conditional formatting
rules, drill up and down when enabled, apply calculations, show/hide
outlines, functions sum, count etc.
26
Page Setup: Add, delete, move, duplicate reports, page orientation,

header, footer, margins, scale reports
Also provides access to:
4.2.
-
- File tab: create, open, save, print, search and send e-mail attachment
- Properties tab: document and application properties
To change applications mode:
in Reading mode choose >> from upper right corner and choose the application mode
in design and data mode press the proper button in the right upper corner
Customizing User Preferences

Some personalization are available for Web Intelligence Desktop application in User Preferences
dialog box:
1. General
2. Viewing
3. Locale: interface and locale preferences
4. Drill
5. Proxy: proxy hosts and ports
4.2.1. Web Intelligence Desktop General Preferences

-
Select a default universe: the use of default

universe for a new created document
No default universe: no universe is selected.
For each document an universe must be
specified
Select a universe: browse for a universe that
will be used as default
Select default folders: select the folders for
documents, universes and help. In Launchpad the
help folder is stored on the CMS
Select a priority for saving to MS Excel:
Easy data processing: for optimum
performance
Formatting: ensure optimum readability
4.2.2. Web Intelligence Desktop View Preferences

-
Measurement unit: Inch and Centimeter

Grid: available options:
Show grid
Snap to grid: align objects to grid
Grid spacing: distance between lines
4.2.3. Web Intelligence Desktop Locale Preferences

-
Locales
27
Product locale: language of interface. WI must be restarted to take effect.

Preferred viewing locale: language for document. Is assigned to each new document
Formatting locales (When viewing a document)
Use document locale: saved in document
Use preferred viewing locale: this overrides document locales
4.2.4. Web Intelligence Desktop Drill Preferences

-
Start drill session

On duplicate report: drill session start in a
duplicate report. After this the both reports
remain open
On existing report: drill session remain in the
report. At the end the drilled values remain.
Drill options
Prompt when drill requires additional data:
When selected, it allows user to select whether start the drill. Useful for large drill data.
When not, no prompt.
Synchronize drill on report blocks: When selected, the drilled values show in all blocks. If
not, only in selected block.
Hide drill toolbar on startup: When selected, the drill toolbar at the top does not show.
Toolbar shows the value drilled. Useful when want to select filters during drilling.
4.2.5. Web Intelligence Desktop Proxy Preferences

-
Define Proxy for URLs. Embedded images do not need proxy:

Http Host and Port settings
Https Host and Port settings. If the proxy is the same as HTTP use check Same as Https
proxy checkbox
Steps to set user preferences:
1. Click Tools (in Reading Mode click on >> and Tools). Icon
2. Click Options
3. Click the tab of the option: General, View, Locale, Drilling, Proxy
4. Set preference and click OK.
The preferences are saved in the folder LocData in the folder SAP BusinessObjects
BusinessIntelligence folder;
4.2.6. Change the password

-
to change the password is needed to be connected in client-server mode

Web Intelligence must be launched as Desktop locally and not in lunch mode
Access Tools menu:
In read mode click >> button then Tools icon

In data mode and design mode click tools button on the right upper corner
Click Change Password
Enter the old password
Enter the new password
28
4.3.
-
Confirm the new password

Click OK
Web Intelligence Application Structure

Web Intelligence Application components in Design mode:
File and Properties Tab : new, save, open, print, search, and properties for document or
application
Toolboxes : Report Element, Format, Data Access, Analysis, Page Setup
The Left Panel : several panes with different views
Status bar: beneath report. Allows to activate tracking and switch between Quick display
and Page modes
4.3.1. Working with Left Panels View

-
several panes with different views (in Design Mode):

Document Summary: overview of the document properties.
Properties could be vied or changed
Report Map: List all the reports in the document in the Report
Panel. Can navigate through reports and sections
Input Controls: create and modify input control of the document
Web Service Publisher: list of BI services published from the
document
Available Objects: list of data providers and objects available
for building the report
Document Structures and Filters: displays the document
structure in a tree view: filters and report elements
In Data mode only Data panel is shown this allows to navigate the data providers in the
document
In Reading mode are available: Document Summary, Report Map and Input Controls panels
appears in the Left Panel, but the user cannot modify the information in these panes
By default the Available Objects is shown. This can be changed by clicking the appropriate icon on
the left toolbar or by clicking the drop-down button next to the name of the view
To hide Left Panel click on << on the right hand corner of the view or by selecting from Properties
View Left Panel Minimize
To show Left Panel just click either one Left Panel buttons
Steps to change Left Panel display:
1. Open a document in Web Intelligence Desktop main window. By default the Available
Objects pane is displayed (title and document objects)
2. Click on the left buttons to change the view
3. Drag the right edge of the Left Panel to expand the size
4. Click the << arrow to minimize the Left Panel
5. Click any view button to restore the Left Panel
4.3.2. Displaying the Document Summary

-
display and modify the document properties assigned by default to

WI document
Available options:
29
Steps:
General: displays the information about the document: title, author, creation date, locale,
keywords, description. Locale is international format: date, numbers, sort order
Statistics: details about last refresh, duration of last refresh, last modification and the
user who made last modification
Document Options: displays the document options and whether they
are activated or not
1. Enhanced Viewing: by default is off. Optimized for display.
2. Refresh on open: by default is off. This means manually refresh
should be made.
3. Permanent regional formatting: if document keeps the regional
settings despite the user has another one. It could be set also
from the Save of document.
4. Use query drill: drill in query drill mode instead of standard drill
mode
5. Enable query stripping: Query retrieve data only for objects that
contributes to the query. WI ignore non-contributing object and
retrieve only relevant data from data providers.
6. Hide warning icons in charts
Data Options:
1. Data tracking: date of reference data set for tracking change in
data
2. Auto merge dimensions: synchronize data providers by merging
similar dimensions in certain conditions
3. Extend merged dimensions values: extend dimensions values
with synchronized data providers
Parameters: provides document prompts and keydates
1. In the Left Panel click on Document Summary
2. Click Edit to change values. No all values can be changed from edit. For example, Data
Tracking can be activated from Status bar Track Changes or from Analysis menu
Data tracking.
3. Click OK.
4.3.3. Managing reports

-
4.4.
-
new report can be added, duplicate or delete from a document

Steps:
1. Right click on the Report Tab at the bottom and select
Add Report
2. On the new report tab right click and select Rename
3. Enter the new name of the report
Displaying data in tables

simplest style for displaying data is table
about tables:
30
Vertical Tables: default style. Header cells at the top and corresponding data in columns.
Header cell display the name of dimensions, details or measure. While cells display
measures.
Horizontal tables or financial tables: similar to vertical, except that the data runs
horizontally. Row headers display the name of dimensions, details or measures. The body
cells display the values. Used for financial reports such as balance sheets.
Cross tables: similar to a spreadsheet, display data in a matrix form. The rows and
columns header are the dimensions names while the values are the cross-section of
dimensions. Are used to display cross-section of three axes information.
Forms: useful to display detailed information per customer, product or partner. For ex
name, address, account. Are also useful for formatting address labels for customers.
4.4.1. Viewing tables in different display modes

-
in new queries data is displayed in vertical tables

by default all documents are displayed in Quick Display Mode.
Easier with large documents.
Quick display has 100 rows and 20 columns on page. This can be
changed
One or more tables can be inserted in an existing or new report
Drag the objects to a blank area of the report
In Report Elements toolbar in Table tab select the table
type then select Insert report element to add objects
Modifications and preview could be done in Quick mode and Page mode
Page mode display in the page layout with margins, header and footer
Modes can be changed by clicking Quick display or Page mod in the
Status bar
In Design mode could be used only Structure Only, without data,
without accessing data server. Many changes could be made in
Structure Only then at the end to populate data
To change from Structure Only and With data click on the arrow on
the design button at the right upper corner
4.4.2. Create default vertical table

1. Create a new query
2. Run the query - result is a vertical table
3. Save
4.4.3. Create a table using a template
1.
2.
3.
4.
Select the Design mode: structure only or with data

Click on Report Elements toolbox
Click on the down arrow near one table type and select Define Table
Select the place on the document where table be inserted Insert report element
table shows up
31
5. Select axis fields. To add an axis click on +. To delete an axis click on X. To move up,
down, insert, delete, format, hide select the down arrow next to +.
6. Click Ok. The table displays data selected.

7. To add objects, drag objects from Available Objects Panel to the table: left of column,
right of column, up of row or below the row.
8. Save
4.5.
Working with tables

-
Change table format

can switch from one table format to other if needed
Steps:
1. Right click on the table
2. Select Turn Into option
3. Click the table type needed
Add data to an existing table
drag and drop objects from Available Objects Panel
if new objects need to add to query, add objects in Query Panel by dragging in Results
Objects panel
Duplicate tables
1. Copy paste method to copy a table in another block and modify format
2. Choose one of the methods of copy:
32
4.6.
Presenting data in free-standing cells

-
4.7.

Delete table, row, column
1. Right click on column, row or table
2. Click Delete
free-standing cells are single cells that add meaning to report

1. text comments: report interactivity, additional
information
2. images: logos, icons, photographs
3. formulas or calculations: custom formula or
calculations
4. last refresh dates:
5. drill filter functions: name of objects by which data is
drilled
6. page numbers
Steps:
1. Inserting a free-standing cell: Report Elements
-> Cell tab: Blank and Pre-defined cells
2. Pre-defined options: Document name, Last
refresh date, Drill Filters, Query Summary,
Prompt Summary, Report Filter Summary, Page
Number, Page Number/Total Pages, Total Pages.
3. Click the area in the report when want to place the blank cell
4. Save document
Changing the Default Number Format

-
Steps:
1. Right click on a cell that contains number
(or from menu Format -> Numbers tab)
2. Click Format number
3. Click on tabs to display tabs number
samples
4. Click the sample format desired
33
5. Click OK
6. Save document
4.8.
Insert Text Label in a Cell

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
4.9.
Web Intelligence Desktop window - Report Element

In the Cell tab
Choose Blank and click on a place in the document to add a blank cell
Double click on the cell
Type the desired text and press Enter
Save the document
Modify Default Text style of Multiple Cells Simultaneously
1. Ctrl and click to select all the needed cells

2. Click Format toolbox
3. Click the buttons to define de needed format
- Format options:
- Font: font size and type
- Border: borders and border colors
- Cell: Merge and Clear
- Style: bold, italics, underlined, strikeout and font color and font
background
- Numbers: format numbers
- Alignment: horizontal and vertical alignment
- Size: define cell size: width and height
- Padding: space between cell content and cell border
4.10. Presenting Data in Charts

-
WI offers standard charts to graphically display business information: column, line, pie, bar
and point charts
4.10.1. Column charts

-
Are useful for showing data changes over time and for comparison among items
Vertical bars grouped by category
Types:
1. column charts
2. column charts with dual values
3. combined columns and line charts
4. combined columns and line charts with dual values axis
34
5. stacked column charts

6. 100% staked columns charts
7. 3D column charts
4.10.2. Line charts
-
are good for showing trends at equal time intervals or changes over time
connect different values with lines horizontally or vertically
types:
1. line
2. line with dual axes
3. surface chart
4.10.3. Pie charts

-
useful to show how each part contributed to the total

display data segments as a whole
only one measure can be included in a chart. For several measures, choose another chart type
types:
1. pie charts
2. pie charts with variable depth
3. donut chart
4.10.4. Point charts

-
for comparing specific data points

display data as points, similar with line charts but without a line to connect them
types:
1. scatter chart
2. bubble chart
3. polar scatter chart
4. polar bubble chart
4.10.5. Bar charts

-
for comparing similar groups of data: one time period to another

bar form, horizontally
types:
1. bar chart
2. stacked bar chart
3. 100% stacked bar chart
4.10.6. Radar charts

-
spider charts: several different factors related to one item

several axes with common origin and common scale. Each axis is an analysis category item
plots are placed on the axis according to associate values. They can be linked by lines
example: display revenue for different services in the hotel
4.10.7. Other charts:

-
Box
Map
35
Tag cloud
4.10.8. Create a chart

-
ways to create a chart:

- From Report Elements click on Charts tab or Others tab
- Right click in the document and choose Insert -> Insert Report Element from
contextual menu
- Right click on a table and choose Turn Into -> More Transformations
Steps:
1. in Report Elements
2. from tab Charts or Other choose the desired chart
3. click on a place in the document
4. drag required objects in the chart
5. save the document
4.10.9. Create a chart from a table

-
Steps:
1. Right click on the table and from contextual menu click turn into -> More
transformations
Or choose the chart from
menu
2. In the window Turn Into
on the left side choose the
chart category
3. Choose the chart type in the
middle area
4. In the left area choose the
category axis, the values
and colors
5. Click OK
4.10.10. Create a table from a chart

-
Steps:
1. Right click on the chart and from contextual menu choose Turn Into -> More
Transformations
Or choose the table from menu if available
2. On the left side choose Tables option
3. In the middle area choose the table type
4. On the right choose the axis type depending on the table type: Horizontal axis,
Vertical Axis, Body Axis.
To change the axis value click on the down arrow next.
To add a new value click on + icon
4.11. Formatting WEBI

4.11.1. Formatting Documents
Report, header and footer
Page Setup toolbox
36
Tables and cells
Format toolbox
Sections
Report Elements toolbox
Report format:
-
Right click on report tab Format report

1. General
2. Appearance
3. Header
4. Footer
Table Format:
-
Right click on table Format table:

1. General
2. Border
3. Appearance
4. Layout
Cell Format:
-
Right click Format Cell:

1. General
2. Font
3. Alignment
4. Border
5. Appearance
6. Layout
Section format:
-
Right-click - Format section:

1. General
2. Appearance
3. Layout
4.11.2. Formatting Charts

Chart Style:
- In Report Elements Chart Style toolbox
- Click Chart Style button: Normal, Flashy, High Contrast
Chart Format
-
Right click Format Chart or From Chart Style click on Format Chart button
37
38
5 Analyze Data
-
5.1.
-
5.2.
-
create document that user can drill data

when view data at summary level, there is need for analyze data at lower levels to identify trends
or reasons behind data
Analyzing the Data Cube

Drill mode = a feature that allows to view data from different levels of detail and zoom in on
different trends
drilling = quick and precise move through data hierarchies to view data at lower level
if the document has been enabled for drill analysis users in BI Launchpad or in Web Intelligence
Desktop can drill down to get more details on the data objects used in a table or chart
data returned by query is stored in documents data provider. For convenience we see it as a
CUBE
In document, data is showed in a flat
table. A table is a two dimensional view
of data cube.
Each column in a table is an axis in the
cube. Document can be edited by
swapping and manipulating data within
the cube on any axis.
When swap axis the results is projected
in a flat table in document
Data stored in cube allows to create any
report without having to send another
query to database
If want to add information in document that is not in data provider, then the query must be
changed and run again
The Scope of Analysis

scope of analysis = extra data from database to give more details
about data returned of each object
this data does not appear in initial document but it remains
available in data provider so can be accessed at any time
the process of refining data to lower levels of detail is called drilling
down on an object
in SAP BOBJ universe the scope of analysis correspond to the
hierarchical level below the object selected in the query. A scope
of analysis of one level for object Year would include the Quarter
object.
The scope of analysis can be set when build a query. It allows
objects lower down in hierarchy to be included in query without
showing in Results Objects Panel. The hierarchies built on a
universe allow choosing the scope of analysis.
This is done in Scope of Analysis Panel
39
5.3.
Drilling in a Web Intelligence Document
5.3.1. Build a drillable document

-
two related activities:

1. Setting up a WI Document so that users can analyze the report in drill mode
2. View the document in drill mode in WI Web Panels or in BI Launch Pad and analyzing
data on different levels of detail
A document must be built drillable
A drillable document can be built only if the administrator has authorized the user to create
documents using drill mode
Build a drillable document Steps:
1. Create a new document
2. Add desired objects to Result Objects Panel
3. In Query Panel click on Scope of Analysis button
: the Scope of Analysis panel appears
under the Query Filters panel.
4. If desired resize the Scope of Analysis Panel
- by default, the scope of analysis level is set to none
- the Scope of Analysis panel display hierarchical dimension
objects from Result Objects Panel
- the objects in Scope Of Analysis panel are dimensions
objects from Result Objects panel that are part of a hierarchy
in a universe
5. Click Display by Navigation Paths button at the top of
Universe outline. This shows all predefined hierarchies in the
universe.
6. Expand folders to see how universe objects are organized in hierarchies
7. Select the appropriate scope of analysis level in Scope of Analysis Panel
8. A number of objects corresponding to the level of analysis are added to
the dimensions in Scope of Analysis Panel from hierarchy
9. Run Query the result is shown in a vertical table
- the objects from Scope of Analysis Panel are shown in Available Objects
panel but not shown in the report but are available for drill down
- the document contains more data than shown in the report, for all
objects in the Scope of Analysis Panel
10. Change the table in cross table type right click and choose Turn Into -> Cross Table
5.3.2. Drilling down in the Data in a Hierarchy

-
Activate the drill mode steps:

1. Click the Analysis toolbox
2. Click Interact tab
3. Click Drill button or from drop-down menu choose Start Drill
- the cell values appears underlined with hypertext links that
allow to see data at more detailed level
4. Position mouse on a hyperlink a tooltip appears telling the
next level of details
40
5. Click the cell to drill down to next level of data

- The table displays rows of data applicable only to the cell
selected at the next level of hierarchy
- An arrow appears next to drilled down data. Click on it to
drill back up
- When drilling a new toolbar shows at the top. This displays
the values selected for drill
5.3.3. Drilling across in the Data in a Hierarchy
-
Steps:
1. After drilling down click the drop-down arrow in the Drill toolbar to see other
values that can be drilled to
2. From the list choose the desired value
5.3.4. Drill Down Two Hierarchies at once

-
Steps:
1. If position mouse on a dimension will drill down on that dimension.
If position mouse on a measure value cell will drill down on multiple hierarchies
A tooltip shows the dimensions that will be drilled
2. Click on selected measure
5.3.5. Edit the Scope of Analysis

-
5.4.
-
in case of deciding that want to drill on lower/higher levels than previously decided
Steps:
1. Click Data Access toolbar
2. Click Data Provider tab
3. Click Edit -> the Query Panel displays
4. Click the Scope of Analysis button
5. Change the level previously defined in Scope of Analysis Panel
Drill in a Chart
Steps:
1. In a report with drillable chart click Analysis toolbox
2. Click Interact Tab
3. Click Drill
- the drill toolbar appears at the top of the window
4. Position mouse on objects in the chart a tooltip shows if object is drillable
5. Click the section of the chart to drill down
- the chart indicate the drilled down data
- the legend indicate the level of data and an arrow for drill up
- a filter for the drilled objects is shown in the drill toolbar
6. To drill across click on the arrow next to value in toolbar and choose the new value
- the chart breaks down in chart sections to display the new values
- drill down, across and up from contextual menu with right click on drillable data
41
6 Using Multiple Data Sources

6.1.
-
Synchronizing Data from Multiple Data Sources
in a document can be inserted one or more queries. Queries can use one or more data sources
also can include data from flat files: excel, .CSV, text files. These data sources are named Local
data providers.
One universe can be used as a source of data while other can be used for another one
When run a query, the result is stored in a microcube and the query is known as data provider
Data also can be provided by Excel spreadsheets, .CSV or text files, local data files. These are
known also as data providers
Each data provider holds information from a single data source. This is useful when want to
present data from multiple data sources. Comparing data is more meaningful.
The combinations are multiple:

1. Two blocks with different views based on one multiprovider and one universe
2. Another block by same universe. Multiple queries on a single universe.
3. Another block that use another universe in the same query. Multiple queries on
multiple universes.
After merging multiple dimensions, dimensions from multiple data providers can be displayed in
the same block
Merged dimensions and data synchronization allows to synthetize data from different sources in
the same report
Synchronization = merging data from multiple data sources in a single block in the report
can create:
1. one block from two different data providers based on universe A:1U 2D 1B
2. another block with two different data providers from universe A and B:2U 2D 1B
42
6.1.1. Project Data from single Query into Different Blocks

-
two blocks can show different views of data based on the same query and the same universe
Steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Create the first block by dragging some objects

Create the second by dragging some other objects next to the first block
Both blocks are created using the same query
Save the document
6.1.2. Project data from Multiple Queries Using the Same

Universe
-
we can create another query with different objects from

the universe and use the two data providers
steps:
1. In the report click on Data Access
toolbox
2. Click Edit from Data Provider tab to
entry the Query Panel
3. Click Add Query and select from
Universe
4. Choose the universe
5. Press Select a second tab appears
named Query 2
6. Right click on the query name and
choose Rename
43
7. Enter the new query name

8. Double click on the objects needed in query
9. Click Run Queries button (or arrow down near run queries in older versions)
Three options show up:
Insert a table in a new report
Insert a table in the current report
Include the result objects in the document
without generating a table
10. Select the option how to display the table and click
OK
11. In Available objects the objects of two queries:
Top level icons (double rectangle ) show
automatically merged dimensions
Second level shows the icons, name of
dimension and the query name next
12. At the bottom have sort in Alphabetic order or by
Query
13. Select Query order the object order changes
grupped by query
14. Save
6.1.3. Project data from a Merged dimension into a block
-
Steps:
1. From Available Objects select all desired objects, including merged dimensions and drop
in the report. The data display values in a single block even is retrieved from different
queries.
When use the same object in two different queries, the WI automatically merge them in a single
dimension
The object is shown as a single object because object come from the same universe and have the
same object name and universe ID
This is done if the same object is in more than one query.
If not want to do this automatically, uncheck Auto-merge dimensions in Document Summary
section
If uncheck the effect takes place once with next query
Steps to change auto-merge dimensions option:
1. In Web Intelligence Desktop in Left Panel click on Document Summary button
2. Click Edit
3. Check or uncheck Auto-merge dimensions
6.1.4. Project Data from Queries using Multiple Universes

-
a new query can be built on a different universe and included in the document
Steps:
1. Enter Data Access toolbox
2. From Data Provider tab choose Edit
3. Click Add Query and select From Universe
4. Select the data source for the new query
44
5. Click Select
6. The new query appears. Select the objects and double click to move to Result Objects
panel
7. Right click on new query name and choose Rename
8. Enter the new name and press Enter
9. Click Run Queries. The Add Query dialog box shows up.
10. In the option window select Include objects without generating a table. The new query
objects are now in Available Objects panel.
11. In the report select the tab of the first report
12. From data tab drag and drop the desired objects next to the existing table
6.2.
-
Synchronizing Data with Merged Dimensions
data from different data source in a single block (table or chart)

for this some dimensions must be merged to recognize data in different data sources. Otherwise
the WI cannot know in what way the data is related.
Objects from different universes can be manually merged. This allows to identify the objects that
retrieve the common data in both queries.
After merging, the data from two queries can be compared more accurately.
Steps to merge two dimensions:
1. Web Intelligence Desktop -> Data Acess toolbar
2. Click on dimensions in Available objects the compatible dimensions are shown with
italics
3. Click the Merge button in the Data Objects tab
4. The Available Objects window shows up

5. Select the two dimensions that want to merhe and click OK
In the Available Objects Panel the new merged dimensions
appear.
This is called synchronizing data using merged dimensions
When project data of merged dimensions, the data is retrieved
from both queries
When create a merged dimension, WI create a new dimension
with all data of both merged dimensions
6.2.1. Rules about synchronizing merged dimensions
-
merging dimensions = process of creating a link between two queries based on an object with
same values, which in fact become one
rules to remember:
1. Only dimension objects can be linked (e.g. Store and Store name)
2. Dimension objects do not need to have the same name
3. Dimension objects must have common data format (cannot link a numeric with a char)
4. Data held in data provider is case sensitive so values must have the same case
5. Format of values must be the same (FY04 <> 2004). E.g. Extra spaces will not be
accepted.
45
6. Any number of queries can be linked by common dimensions

7. Any number of dimensions can be linked between two queries
8. A measure object can be synchronized only to the lowest level of detail common
between the two data sources. Year can be synchronized with Year and Month the
synchronization block is able to display data only at the level of Year.
6.3.
-
Using a Personal Data Provider
WID allows to upload personal data along with corporate data

Personal data formats: Excel, CSV and text
When refresh personal data the WI Desktop searches for the files in the locations:
The folder where data was located when the provider was created
The folder of WI document
The user BO documents (MyDocuments\My Business Objects
Documents\userDocs)
If the file is not found an error message is displayed.
Upload personal data to a document steps:
1. Create or add a query on a personal data:
Create from initial window choose Excel or text (also for .csv) and click OK
Existing one from Data Access toolbar choose Edit then click Add Query button:
from Excel or from text (also for .csv files)
2. In Custom Data Provider window browse the file path and select the file.
3. Select the file then Open
For CSV - a dialog box to specify the separator, text delimiter, locale and data
format
Excel file - dialog box to specify the sheet name, field selection , header row etc.
4. Select the options
5. To display the column header select First row contains column names
6. Click Next the Query Panel shows up
Result Panel: Objects corresponding to column
Data Samples: Sample of data from document
Object Properties: panel that allows to change the objects of personal data
provider
46
7. To define an object, select it in the Results Objects and modify in Object Properties
8. Click Run Query
9. Save
6.3.1. Linking Personal Data to Universe Data
-
personal data allows to supplement data from universes with pertinent data
just as combine data from separate universes, data from universes and personal data can be
synchronized. Use the Merge button
dimensions must have the same data type and be semantically-related
steps:
1. To view available for merging dimensions, click on them in Available Objects. The
compatible dimensions are shown with italics.
2. Data Access -> Data Provider click Merge button. The Available Objects window shows
up.
3. Select dimensions holding Ctrl
4. Click OK
5. Save document
47
7 Advanced Query and Reporting Techniques

7.1.
-
Using Combined Queries

create two queries and combine the results of both in a single data provider on a selective basis
using simple and complex filters can be very specific and limiting
there may be situations when want to combine the results of two queries into a single block
combined queries are built in Query Panel and can be built using a single universe. Each query
must have the same number of objects and same data type.
Three methods of combining queries:
Union:
Combines results that appear in query 1 OR query 2 (all items)
Combine data from two objects in a single table. Useful when working
with incompatible objects: two SQL statements for each objects and the
union forces results to show in one column
Remove all duplicate values
Intersection:
Combine results that appear in query1 AND query 2 (common items)
Data common to two sets of results
WI consider each SQL separately and combines the results at the end
Only values that are in each query
Very much the same as AND operator when create regular query with
multiple query filters
Minus:
Combine results that include everything in Query 1 except for what is true
in Query 2
Exclude the results of one query from the main query results. Which
customer bought product A but not B.
Minus considers each query separately and combines results at the end
Attention to the query orders. This is not commutative. Query 2 is always
subtracted from Query 1.
7.1.1. Understanding when use a combined query

-
For example when want to display all customer that made reservation or paid the invoices:
Invoice date is not compatible with Reservation date
If include in a standard query, two blocks appear and WI does not synchronize the values in a
single block
Using Union the both values are shown in one block
Combining queries is similar but now equivalent to Boolean logical operators: Intersection (AND),
Union (OR), Minus (NOT)
The header shows the information only from the first query (Invoice date) but the columns
contains the dates from both queries
7.1.2. Advantages of using combined queries

-
Reasons why use combined queries:

1. To make the construction of the query easier
2. When is not possible to set the query filters using Boolean operators
48
Disadvantages:
1. Multiple queries might slower the database process
A decision whether to use a combined query depends on how data is structured
Comparing query filters and combined queries
Due to relational database limitations when products are listed with Promotion
column (an extra column) only products that have Promotion value will show up.
This column has value only for products with promotional codes. This is a
common data integrity issue.
The first query produces a list of all products and the second produces only the
list of products with promotions. By using the minus function we can subtract the
promotional products from all products and list the remained products.
7.1.3. Build a combined query

-
Steps:
1. Create an initial Query in Query Panel
2. Click Combined Query icon on toolbar
Web Intelligence add a copy of the initial query with following
characteristics:
Same objects as initial query
Does not contain filters in original query
Its combined with initial query by Union relationship
3. To switch to a query click Combined Query n
4. To delete a query drag the Combined Query n in the classes
and objects area and click Yes
5. To change the combination type click the operator. It will
switch between the options: Union, Intersection, Minus
6. Build each query within combined queries as normal individual
WI query
7. Click Run query
7.1.4. Important facts about combined queries

-
Combined queries must use the same universe

Combined queries must have the same number of objects to run successfully
When build query to return data from more than one object in a column, objects of same type
must be used (character, date or number)
Only objects from the first query are displayed in the block. Other objects from other queries are
displayed in same columns of first query
WI default behavior is to perform an Union (not Union All) and return all values less than
duplicates.
For UnionAll a variable or formula must be defined
7.1.5. Retrieving duplicate or unique rows

-
the same data may be repeated

WI returns all rows even duplicated, that could return inaccurate values especially for Minus
operator
Only unique rows can be displayed
49
Steps:
1. From Query Panel click on Query Properties icon
2. Uncheck Retrieve duplicate rows option
7.2.
-
Using Subqueries
query result as an operand value for the filter of another query
subqueries are used when the results of the main query are dependent on the results of the inner
query
the inner query must be processed first
subqueries are always built in Query Panel
the operator included in filters determines the relationship between data set returned by inner
and outer query
the use of subqueries:
1. when the value of the operand is unknown
2. the query filter involves values that change over time
7.2.1. Creating a subquery

-
the query filter of the report involves a value that is

not known prior of the query being made and will
change over time
use subqueries: begin create a query then click the
button Add a subquery in the Query Panel
Steps:
1. Add objects that want to appear in the
Results Pane
2. Select the object that want to filter by
subquery
3. Click Add a subquery button . By default
the object selected appears as Filter and Filter
by
4. To add an WHERE condition drag the object
in the To filter the query area
5. Select the operator and value of filter for
WHERE condition
6. A standard filter can be used as WHERE
condition
- drag and drop the filter to To filter the
query .. area to move a filter
- hold ctrl and drag and drop to copy a filter
7. Click subquery to add a new query as a filter. A subquery can be used as a WHERE to
condition for another subquery. Drag and drop to move a subquery to WHERE to
condition and hold Ctrl to copy it.
- the two subqueries operator is as default AND. Clicking on it will change between AND
and OR.
50
7.3.
-
7.4.
-
Create query based on another query

WI allows you to create a query
This saves time with complex reports and ensure different
queries are defined in the same way
When create reports with many queries, duplicating can
accelerate the process especially when queries have objects in
common
When queries are similar with very little differences
Steps to duplicate queries:
1. Right click on the query tab at the bottom of Query
Panel
2. Select Duplicate. The newly created query is named
<query name> (1)
Changing Data Sources

WI allows to change data sources:
From one universe to another
From a local data source to a universe
Web Intelligence query interface, change data source:
When move a test universe into
production and want to use the
same documents on new universe
Change between different universes
covering different functional area
but on the same database
For example can move a query from Marketing
Universe to Sales universe, keep the common fields
and add a filter and a total on sales
Steps to change the data source:
1. Enter Query Panel by click on Edit Query
from Data Access tab
- for documents built on a local data source
the Data Source si shown in the Query
51
Properties tab
- for documents built on universe, click on query properties icon
and see the universe
open window
2. - Run Query -> Switch to Data View ->
- Right click on data source name in Data Manager
- Choose Change Source - a new window shows up
- Select: Choose an existing data source from document or Specify a new data source
3. - Select a data source: Universe or Bex
- Click Next
- WI propose the new mapping
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
7.5.
-
The green check mark means the object is mapped to a new one
The X sign means the object is removed from the query based on new data
source
To propose a new mapping click the
button on the line with object. A new window
shows up.
To remove the object option
To select a new object for mapping
Click OK to close Object Mapping Window
Repeat the steps before for each field
Click OK (Finish).
- the new data sources shows in Query Panel ->
Properties
- the Results Objects panel shows the objects of
the new data source
Click Run Query
Save the document
Data tracking
When data tracking, two microcubes are available: size of document is twice, time to refresh is
three times longer
52
7.6.
-
When clear the document data or change the data provider

1. Drilling out of scope
2. Query Drilling
3. Delete query
4. Modify SQL of query
5. Purge document
RefValue() RefValue([Revenue])
Additional report functions

NoFilter(expression) override report filter or ranking
RunningSum(measure, row |column, dimension): average, count, min, max
53
8 Enhance the Presentation of Data in Documents

8.1.
Using Breaks and calculations
8.1.1
Adding Breaks
8.1.2
-
breaks to structure long tables in data groups

when apply a break WI separates all data for each unique value of the selected variable. It inserts
blank row or column to allow inserting the subtotals.
Data becomes much clearer and simpler to read
Advantages of using breaks:
More efficiently organize how data is represented
Can display subtotals
When insert a break for a dimension the values of dimensions are automatically sorted in
ascending order
- If values are numeric, the lowest value in first row and the highest in last
- For alphabetical characters, sorted is done in alphabetical
order from top to bottom
Adding breaks:
In Analysis toolbox, in tab Display -> click Break
Right click on row or column -> Break -> Add break
Steps:
- Click a table cell in a column or row where want to
add the break
- Click Analysis toolbox
- Click Display tab
- Click Break button
A break appears in the table
Repeat the process for another row or column
Deleting a break steps:
- Click on the cell on row or column where want to remove the break
- Click on Analysis toolbox -> Display tab -> Down arrow of Break button ->
Remove break
- Save the document
Adding Calculations
standard calculations to help make quick calculations on data in
reports
Analysis toolbox -> Functions tab
Sum, averages and percentages. Also total count, minimum and
maximum values of variable
Make calculations steps:
- Click a table cell with data
- From Analysis toolbox -> Functions tab:
click Sum, or Count or more and choose the calculation needed
- the value is displayed in a new row at the end of the table (break) or
new column
- if percentage is chosen then a new column is added to the table
54
8.2.
-
- Repeat steps before to insert new calculations

- Save the document
Delete calculations steps:
- Right click on the calculation cell:
- in with data is the value cell
- in structure only is the aggregate formula
- Click Delete from contextual menu
- The delete window shows up and choose remove column or row
- Click ok
Using Sorts and Hiding Data

using sorts to organize the results of displayed tables, the order of the results
applied on dimensions and detail can sort alphabetically or chronologically; while on measures
help sorting ascending or descending;
sorts allow to order and structure data
hide allow to hide/show unwanted data
8.2.1. Sort orders

-
The following orders are available:

Default natural order: ascending numeric, ascending chronological, ascending
alphabetically
Ascending smallest value at top, highest at bottom
Descending highest value at top, smallest at bottom
Custom own sort order. Asc and desc applies to the table. Custom applies to the object
and is inherited in all document where the object is present. Custom order is applied to
data in dataprovider and not only in one table.
A temporary value can be added to the custom sort that does not exist in the database
(for ex add the 13th month for adjustment purposes or anticipate the addition of new
stores etc.)
Initially the non measure objects order control the order in table
different objects can be sorted in different ways: ex. Year ascending and stores descending
default sort order uses one of the orders above
custom orders allows to order information in own way. For example months names in
chronological way
when apply a break the default order for break dimension is
ascending. This can be changed.
Create default sort - steps:
- Click on the cell column or row where want to
apply the sort
- From Analysis toolbar from Display tab
- Choose Sort down arrow and select the
desired sort order. By clicking directly on Sort
button sort data in ascending order.
- Select the order
Delete sort order steps:
- Two ways:
- Click on down arrow of Sort button and
select None
55
Right click on row or column. From context menu select Sort and
then None.
Create custom sorts steps:

- Click on a cell of column or row that want to sort
Measures cannot have custom sorts
- Analysis toolbox Display tab Sort drop down
menu select Manage Sorts
- Click Add the Add Sort window appears
- Select the object that want to apply custom sort
- In Custom Order click Values button
Custom Sort window appear
- In Values to add in list can type the custom values
that want to be added to the existing list then click
> button
- In Customized Ascending list select values and
move in desired orders by up and down buttons
- Click OK to close Custom Sort
- Click OK to close Add sort window
8.2.2. Hiding Data

-
sometimes tables columns or rows display no data or undesired

data.
Tables, columns or rows that contain no data can be displayed or
hidden. This could be done also on the results of a formula.
A column can be used for sorting purposes then hidden from
report view
Toolbar Report Element -> Cell Behavior tab -> Hide down arrow
OR right click for contextual menu -> Format Table (or Hide)
Hide dimensions in table steps:
- Select the row or column
- Report Elements toolbox -> Cell Behavior tab
- Hide down arrow -> Hide Dimension
Show hidden dimension steps:
- Select the table containing hidden dimension
- Report Elements toolbox ->
Cell Behavior tab
- Hide down arrow -> Show
Hidden Dimensions
Hide or show a table, column or row steps
- Right click on table and from
contextual menu choose
Format Table
- Click the General in the Format
Table dialog box
- Select the desired option
- Hide always
56
8.3.
-
Hide when is empty

Hide when value is true
Show rows with empty measure values vertical and cross tables
Show rows with empty dimension values - vertical table
Show columns with empty measure values horizontal and cross tables
Show columns with empty dimension values horizontal tables
Show row/columns with empty dimension values cross tables
- OK
Show hidden tables, cells or sections steps: when tables are by default hidden
- Click on Document Structure and Filters tab in the Left Panel
When extend the Block, hidden objects are displayed in italics
- Right click on blocks name -> Hide -> Show hidden dimensions
Formatting Breaks and Cross Tables

the basic table formats (vertical, horizontal and cross) does not satisfy the working environment
format techniques using breaks to display the results of the queries in different ways than default
ones;
clearest way possible
8.3.1. Controlling Break Headers and Footers

-
use breaks to split tables in smallest groups

and to display subtotals
break footer is an additional row at the
bottom to display the subtotal clearly
also when create a break, create a new
header
default break settings can be modified from
Manage Breaks dialog form to
Display properties or how the results
display on the breaks
Page layout properties or how
breaks display on report page.
Manage breaks options:
Display properties:
- Break header display
header for each part
- Break footer add a row footer for each break.
- Apply Sort applies sort after break
Duplicate values:
- Display all
- Display first
- Merge
- Repeat first on new page
Page Layout:
- Start on a new page display each part of a
block in new page
- Avoid page breaks in block keeps each break section on the same page
- Repeat header on every page
57
- Repeat footer on every page

View and modify break settings steps:
1. Click the table where break is defined
2. Analysis Toolbox -> Display tab
3. Click down arrow next to Break and choose Manage Breaks
The manage breaks window show up with breaks in the left and options in the right
4. On the left select the break that want to modify
5. On the right select the desired options
6. Click ok
Guidelines when using breaks
Place breaks first and calculations after. If breaks are done after, the table does not do
the recalculations.
If place an automatic calculation (Sum, Count) after break formatting, lose all the
formatting of break footers. The default action for this calculations is to display in all
break levels no matter how were formatted.
8.3.2. Prioritizing multiple breaks

-
if have multiple breaks, change the default order

Year first, quarter second: each year appears with all quarters. Total done on year
Change to quarter first, year second: each quarter separately with all years. Total down on
quarter.
Steps to change the priority:
1. Analysis Toolbox -> Display Tab: Breaks-> Manage Breaks
2. Select the break and with up and down arrows move in order of priority
3. Click OK
8.3.3. Formatting Cross Table Headers

-
cross tables two levels of dimension objects (objects both in rows and columns) several
formatting issues may occur
when two or more measures are used in a cross table, an additional header is needed to display
both object names
format additional header rows - steps:
1. Right-click on table
2. From context menu choose Format Table
The Format Table dialog box displays
3. Click General Tab
4. Click Show objects name option
5. Click OK
6. To remove the two headings that appears in the left
corner CTRL and click them to select
7. From Format toolbox from Cell tab click Clear
The two headings in left corner disappear
enter column headers in Cross Tables steps:
1. Click the column header cell
2. From Format toolbox click Center
58
8.4.
-
Filtering Report Data

restrict data that shows in report with report filters and input controls
report filters and input controls allows user to show specific data they interest and to exclude
extraneous information;
methods of restricting data displayed in a document:
Query filters allows to limit the amount of data retrieved from data source and is
returned by query to WI document. These are done in Query Panel.
Report filters allow to restrict data in reports by hiding information that not interest. Data
is in the document but not displayed.
In Reading mode users cannot see the filters applied
Input controls, like report filters restrict data by hiding it in the report.
Input controls allows user in Reading mode to input the controls and to select the
filtered values.
for large tables applying a report filter or input control, allows to see only information that
interest
report filters apply to document in Web Intelligence Desktop when editing the document.
report filters and input controls can be defined on dimensions, measures and details available in
available objects panel
types of report filters:
Simple report filters: filters for one value. Use operator Equal To only and filter all data
blocks in the report.
This filter is global and affects data in all blocks.
Standard report filters: most flexibility in defining the filters. Simple or complex filters: all
operators are available and filter one value or a list of values.
Also offers flexibility in selecting data to apply the filter. It can be a report filter or a block
filter.
8.4.1. Simple report filters

-
Create simple report filters steps:

1. Click Analysis toolbox
2. Click Interact tab
3. Click Filter tab
The filter bar shows above document
4. Drag the objects on the bar
5. Select the value for filter
The WI exclude from the report all the values
different of selected one
Delete simple report filters steps:
1. Click on the filter objects icon in filter toolbar
2. Drag it to Available objects
8.4.2. Standard report filters

-
Create standard filters steps:

1. Select the report element that want to filter in
report or document structure and filters pane
59
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Analysis toolbox
Filters tab
Filter button -> Report Filter dialog with Filter Map Pane
Select from Filter Map Pane the level for filter then Click Add Filter button
Double click the object to add
Select the operator
Enter the operands in Type a value area or
double click the object to move to selected
values
9. Click OK
Delete standard report filters steps:
1. Click the report element with filter on it (in
Document Structure and Filters)
2. Analysis Toolbox -> Filters Tab -> Filter drop
down arrow
3. Click Remove Filter
8.4.3. Filter with Input Controls

- Create Input controls steps:
1. In the report where want to add filter click Analysis toolbox
2. Filters tab
3. Click the arrow of Controls and choose Define Control
Define Input Control Wizard display the guide for creating control
4. Choose the object for input control
5. Choose the control input type want to use and properties of
control type
6. Click Next
Assign Report Elements displays
7. Choose the report elements where want to apply the input
control and click Finish
Delete Input Controls steps:
1. In the report display Input Controls Pane in Left Panel
60
2. Hove the mouse over and delete button appears. Click it to remove
8.5.
-
8.6.
-
Ranking Data
Rankings allows to determine the top or bottom three or more values for a measure on a given
dimension
Combines aspects of filter and sort; top five in descending order
Applying ranking:
Database level
In Query Panel in Query Filters panel toolbar,
click Add a database ranking (database-specific
feature)
Report level
In report select data block and from Analysis
toolbox, from Filter tab choose Ranking
Apply ranking to a report steps:
1. In report, select the row, column or data
block where want to apply the ranking
2. Analysis toolbox -> Filters tab
3. Click Ranking ranking dialog box display
4. Select value for range of values:
- Top display the highest values in
the block
- Bottom display the lowest values in the block
5. Select the number of values to display in top and
bottom rank
6. Select the measure the rank is based in Based on
field
7. Click ranked by and select the dimension if want
to base on particular dimension and not all
8. Select the Calculation Mode:
- Count: count the records and display
first/last n records in the count
- Percentage: counts and returns the % number of records in range selected.
- Cumulative Sum: adds up the values and display top/bottom n records to
reach the sum specified in ranking selection
- Cumulative percentage: counts the total value of all records and display the
top/bottom n records required to arrive at the percent specified in ranking
selection.
Remove ranking from a report steps:
1. Select the data block where raking apply
2. Analysis toolbox -> click Filters tab
3. Click arrow next to Ranking and choose remove ranking
Tracking Data Changes

there are cases when want to identify changes quickly to analyze the cause and take the
appropriate action;
this is done in WI with data tracking;
61
when report users want to identify data that has changed since last refresh
track and highlight data changes to identify the significant changes quickly, disregard irrelevant
data and focus analysis on the root of changes
for example inventory levels changes;
without data tracking cannot identify how data was changed between two refreshes in order to
analyze the reasons for change;
types of data change:
added data
removed data
modified data
increased data values
decreased data values
8.6.1. Activating Data Tracking

-
with track button on Analysis toolbox Data Tracking tab -> Track
button
a data tracking dialog box activates and lets set particular data as
reference point for future changes. This is called reference data
reference data:
compare with last data refresh: use current data as
reference for next data refresh; reference data updates
automatically at each refres;
compare with data refresh from: uses data refreshed on a
date provided as fixed reference
when activate data tracking:
on data tracking tab the Show Changes button becomes
available and allows to display/hide highlighted data changes
the status bar indicates the tracking is activated and the type of reference data defined
(auto-updated or fixed data);
8.6.2. Formatting Data Changes

-
when activating data changes can accept default options for

appearance or can define other options (Data Tracking
Options tab)
can configure the appearance of:
inserted, deleted and changed dimensions and details
values;
increased or decreased measure values;
SAP BOBJ administrator defines the default properties in CMS
server; Changing them in WI overrides these values;
Activate data tracking steps:
1. Click Analysis toolbox
2. Data tracking-tab
3. Click Track
4. In Data Tracking dialog box select the reference
data option that want to use. For fixed data
reference, enter the date for reference;
5. Optionally select Refresh Data Now
62
6. Optionally in Options tab define the formatting for displaying

7. Click OK
8.7.
-
Highlight Information with Formatting Rules

conditional formatting rules particular attention on data that fulfills certain criteria to not
escape the attention of report consumers;
can create a simple rule to highlight a high or low result with particular color or advanced
conditional formatting rules that display text comment
formatting rules contains five elements:
1. name
2. object or cell contents
3. operator
4. operand value or another object
5. conditional formatting
the object cell, operator and operand make up the condition that determines whether the
formatting is applied
when apply a new condition to a cell, column or row, WI applies the condition to the cell and
display any value that meet the condition
Principles when create rules or alerters:
1. You can apply them to tables, forms, section cells and free-standing cells
2. Cannot apply to charts
3. 30 formatting rules in a document. Apply them to up to 20 columns, rows, free-standing
cells or section cells on reports. Maximum 10 formatting rules can be applied to a row,
column, free-standing cell or section cell;
The default format is applied. This format can be changed.
A rule can contain multiple conditions.
Advanced formatting rule can be created by inserting a formula.
8.7.1. Creating and activating a conditional formatting rule

-
Formatting rule Editor box: the filtered object or cell, the operand and operator;
then, define the formatting that applies when data satisfies a condition for the rule: formatting
for numbers, font style, backgrounds style and borders
Apply the rule to:
- Columns in vertical tables
- Rows in horizontal tables
- Cells in forms and cross tables
- Section headers
- Free-standing cells
8.7.2. Create and apply a single condition formatting rule

-
Create a condition formatting rule - Steps

1. Analysis toolbox
2. Conditional tab
3. Click New Rule:
The Formatting Rule Editor appears
4. Enter the Name of the formatting rule
5. Type the description of formatting rule
63
6. In filtered object or cell specify if the rule will act on object or cell content:
- Cell content the value of the cell where apply the rule
- Filtered object an object from available objects that meet the criteria:
Cannot define a rule on a cell that contains numeric or data value.
7. Select the operator type
8. Enter the values that triggers the formatting rule:

- Type the value
- Click the button next and choose Select Values and choose
the value from the List of values box
- Click Select an object or variable and select an object or
variable from available objects menu
Also can create a condition based on a FORMULA.
9. Optionally click format and choose the format properties in Format Rule editor
10. Click OK. The new formatting rule will be available in dropdown list.
Applying a condition formatting rule Steps:

1. Select the report element where want to apply the formatting rule
2. Analysis toolbox
3. Conditional tab
4. Click the arrow on Formatting Rules and select the rule to apply
- in report the data that meets the conditions displays in the format defined by the rule
8.7.3. Create multiple conditions formatting rules

-
Can apply multiple conditions in a single formatting rule and link them with AND. For this click the
button next to operands;

For example sales revenues bigger than 100.000 and state not California
The data that meet both the conditions trigger the formatting defined
To display data that meet different conditions with different formatting must create multiple Else
conditions by clicking
button upper to condition area
64
Maximum 30 formatting rules can be created in a document

To create a multiple conditions formatting rule:
1. In the Format Rule Editor click the
button next to Operands field in right side The
new condition will add with AND operator
2. Complete the condition fields as in formatting rule
3. Click OK.
8.8.
-
Organizing a report into sections

report can be organized in sections that group data based on a value
the value appears as a header outside the block
group the data logically and allow user to quick navigate among sections to find desired data
breaks only groups within the block while sections groups the entire report
when have multiple tables and charts, the section groups data for all tables and charts according
to the section value
advantages:
1. can have multiple blocks for the same multicube grouped within the same section
2. can insert subtotal cells repeated for each section, which are created by drag and drop
there can be applied sorts to the values within sections to organize the order of sections within
report tables.
Sorting sections allows to organize the section headers logically in a report. When create a section
for each year, can be sorted in descending order to show the last year first.
8.8.1. Create a section

-
steps
1. Right click on a cell of the column or row on which
want to create the section
2. From drop down menu select Set as Section
- the selected cell defines the object that is used to
divide tables in sections
- each value of this object defines the value
displayed in the sections header and the table
below displays the data concerning that value
8.8.2. Display an aggregate

-
steps:
1. click a cell for which want to display an aggregate
65
2. Analysis toolbox
3. Functions tab
4. Select an aggregate from More option an aggregate row or column will appear
- when display an aggregate in a section the overall total is not displayed as in the case of
table breaks
5. To display the aggregate at the sections header, right-click on the aggregate value and
select Copy
6. Then right click the sections header and click Paste. When make such a change to a
section, all sections will show the change.
8.8.3. Insert a block in each section
-
Steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
In sectioned report, click on Report Elements toolbox

Click on Table, Charts or Other depending on the type of the block need to be inserted
Click the drop down button and select the object want to be inserted
Click the area in the section when want to add the object the boundaries of the section
is shown
- the data block in one section will appear in all sections
8.8.4. Navigation from section to section

-
the Report Map panel in the main window allows to see for each report
the sections. Navigating can be done by clicking these sections
steps:
1. in WI Desktop, in the Left Panel click on Report Map tab
- the Report Map will display all the reports and sections in the
document
2. Click on the + in front of the reports names to unfold the
structure of sections
3. Click the name of sections to which want to navigate
- the report scroll down to chosen section
- with report map can navigate from report to report and section to section, very useful
with large documents
8.8.5. Delete a section

-
use View structure only when want to delete a section

steps:
1. right-click the sections header
cell and select from contextual
menu the option Delete
2. Select Cell and Section option
66
8.9.
-
Copying and Pasting Data Blocks

copy data from the report to other applications: Excel or Power point or as a text
this makes easier to present and share analysis in different formats
when copy and paste a chart in other application, the result is an image
when copy and paste a table, the result depends on the copy-paste technique:
- to display the data in table format and manipulate the data copy-paste the
table
- to transfer the table as an image format without being able to modify data drag
and drop the table in the other application
8.9.1. Copy a Chart to External Application

-
Steps:
1. Choose one of the following methods:
- Right click on the chart in WI and select copy then in the target application right
click and select paste
- Drag and drop the chart from WI to external application
2. Save the target document
8.9.2. Copy a Table to an External Application

-
Steps:
1. Follow the appropriate instructions depending on how the table should display in target:
- Display the table with data and allow manipulate data
- Right click on the table and select Copy
- Right click in the target and select Paste
- Display the table as an image and show the original format
- Drag and drop the table from WI to external application
2. Save target document
67
9 Calculating Data with Formulas and Variables

9.1.
-
9.2.
-
9.3.
-
Formulas
a complex calculation created to display data not retrieved by existing objects in the universe
two ways to use them:
type or drag and drop the formula in the formula bar
use Formula Editor to build the formula
the formula editor is an interface that allows to select different components of the formula
(operators, objects)
a formula is used in a table for a calculation that is not needed to be used again
Variables
is a formula saved with a name. a qualification is automatically assigned to it
it acts like an object in the document and is displayed in Available objects in WI main window
the formula can be this way reused without entering it again
they behave like standard objects in query and document
are saved in document so can be used in any report of the document
a formula can be converted in variable, but creating directly a variable is recommended
is useful when required a calculation to be used more than once in different blocks and report
tabs within document
online help could be accessed at any time. It includes a complete list of functions available for
creating formulas.
Steps to get the online help:
From Formula Editor or Create Variable dialog box click the Help Icon
In Contents tab click Using Functions, Formulas and Calculations in Web
Intelligence
Click the needed link
Using Formulas and Variables

when create formula always begin with = sign
9.3.1. Create a Variable as a Response to a Prompt

-
when create a prompt also a variable could be created that will use the selected prompted values
the exact text from creating the prompt must be used. The text can be
copied from the prompt
Steps:
1. In the report that use a prompt filter click Properties tab in the Left
Panel
2. Click View and Formula Bar
3. Click the cell where want too display the prompt response (e.g.
Report title)
4. On the Formula Bar click on Create Variable icon: the create
variable window shows up. Enter the characteristics of formula
68
5. In Formula Area delete all text except the equal (=) sign
6. Type the text wanted to show before the prompted values within quotes: text
7.
8.
9.
10.
In the Operators list click +

In Functions area expand DataProviders folder
Double click on UserResponse() function
Within the parenthesis enter the prompt text within quotes. The text must match exactly
the prompt text.
11. Click the Validate button

to check the formula
12. Click Ok. The cell displays the variable and formula values
13. Save
9.3.2. Create a Formula
-
The Formula Editor is similar to Create Variable dialog box, except the name, qualification and
type fields
Steps:
1. In the Left Panel select Properties Tab
2. From View menu select Formula Bar
3. Select the cell where want to enter the formula
4. Click the Formula Editor icon to enter the Formula Editor
5. Build the formula

9.3.3. Create a Variable from Formula
-
Steps:
1. Select the cell that contains a formula
2. Click on the Create Variable button on the Formula bar. The Create Variable window
shows up
69
3. Type the name

4. Select value in Qualification field (Dimension, Measure or Detail)
5. Click Ok. The variable is shown in Available Objects panel
Reuse of a formula:
- To reuse a formula save it as a variable
- Complex calculations could be made by using a variable within other variable formula
9.3.4. Modify and Delete a Variable

-
these can be done in the available objects where variable is

located
modify a variable - steps:
1. In the available objects right click on the variables name
and select Edit or double click on variable
2. Edit the variable in Variable Editor
3. Click OK
delete a variable - steps:
1. Right click on variable in Available Objects
2. Choose Remove. If the variable is used, a warning appears.
3. Click Yes
9.3.5. Creating Variable from Document functions

-
document information such as author or document name can be displayed in report

Steps:
1. Menu Report Elements
2. Click Cell tab
3. Click Blank
4. Click the area to display the variable
5. In the formula bar click the Create Variable icon
6.
7.
8.
9.
Enter name
Enter type: Measure
In Functions Area select + on Document folder
Double click on DocumentAuthor function
10. Validate with

button
11. Click OK
70
9.3.6. Display Document Name as variables (Pre-defined values)

-
Steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Report Elements
Select Cell tab
From Pre-defined select Document Name
Save
71
10 Calculation Contexts
10.1. Understanding Calculation Contexts
-
a way that Web Intelligence dynamically calculate values in the report by measure objects or
variables
in WI documents, measures are dynamically calculated based on the dimensions with which they
appear
WI performs by default calculations at the row level and at lowest dimension level available in
the block
10.1.1. Dynamic Calculations

-
when objects are placed in a block the values of measures are aggregated at the level of
dimension displayed in the block as opposed of values displayed in data provider
if Year and Sales revenues the values are aggregated to the Year level; if state is added the values
are aggregated by year and state; if year is removed the values are recalculated at the level of
State;
values are calculated at the row level the default context for any measure or variable placed in
a column;
if you set a new section any values are calculated using the section as the calculation context
the level of aggregation is affected by the environment of the report:
the projected value of a measure are aggregated to the level of dimensions displayed in
the block;
the position of measure within the body of report can control the aggregation level. If
report is sectioned the measure placed at the section level is aggregated on the
dimension of which the section is based
second way of calculation control is to force a level of aggregation. Ex. Placing a variable or
formula and force it to aggregate to the sum of all values
10.2. Redefining Calculation Contexts

10.2.1. Input and output contexts
-
input and output context must be added to calculation if want the context of calculation be
different from the default one
Input context: any dimension object that need to be included directly IN the calculation
context (WHAT)
Output context: one or more dimension objects that determines where the calculation
context is placed; the place where calculation is turned OUT in the report; (WHERE)
Example formula: = SUM ([Sales revenue]):
no dimension mentioned so the input context is the value returned by Sales Revenue
no output context mentioned so the dimensions with which the measures appear is
considered as default context
a context can be set to a level that exists in the data provider of the document. If want to change
the calculation from State to City, the city object must be in data provider;
72
10.2.2. Forcing Input Calculation Context

-
the dimensions taken in calculation of aggregate for a formula can be determined. This normally
is used when want to take in consideration dimensions that exists in data provider but are not
shown in report;
for example want to show revenue for each state and a report with best revenue of any year;
create a new table that shows only state and best revenue (no year)
first idea: create a variable that returns the state best amount: = max([Sales Revenue])
the result is not correct because the year is not taken in consideration; need to add a context
syntax for input/output context:
aggregate function ([Measure] input_context) output_context
available operators:
ForEach
In
The syntactic difference between IN/OUT context is where the operator is placed; for input
context the operator is placed within brackets of aggregate;
Enhanced formula: = max ([SalesRevenue] in [Year])
The above formula would not work. It doesnt take into consideration the dimension Store
The IN operator takes in consideration only specified dimension; So the correct formula would be:
= max ([SalesRevenue] in ([State]; [Year])
The ForEach operator takes in consideration all the dimensions in the table. So the formula:
= max ([SalesRevenue] ForEach ([Year]) would return the correct result too.
10.2.3. About the extended syntax operators and keywords

-
the extended syntax to redefine calculation context of measure include:

Extended projection context operators: In, ForEach, ForAll
Extended environment keywords: Report, Section, Break, Block and Body. These are used
in context with In operator.
The context operators available to redefine calculation context of measure include:
IN to specify the dimensions explicitly; also used in extended syntax keywords
Where limiting conditions to the data
ForEach Add dimensions to the context
ForAll Removes dimensions from the context
ForEach and ForAll are used when have a default context with many dimensions; its easier to
add or subtract than to explicitly specify with IN
10.2.4. Forcing the output calculation context

-
input context when want the measure to aggregate based on dimensions in table and data
provider;
the level of aggregation at which the variable value is displayed can be determined
extended syntax keywords: Report, Section, Break, Block and Body in conjunction with In allows
to change the default context from the Row level to another level
Example: want an alerter that highlights all the values lower than average value of year 2006
The formula for average is: = Average ([SalesRevenue])
No context is specified to it uses the default context: the block level . If a filter is applied the
result takes in consideration only the values retained by filter
73
If create an Average variable and put it in a column, the result is calculated at the row level. The
default context has changed
In footer the default context is the entire table
In table the default context is the individual row
To highlight the value lower than average will not work. ForAll or In Block operators should be
used:
Aggregate (measure) ForAll (dimension list): = Average ([SalesRevenue]) ForAll ([Store
Name]; [Year])
OR
Aggregate (measure) In Block: = Average([SalesRevenue]) In Block;
For All aggregates the measure for dimension in list while In aggregates for all dimensions in
Body, Block, Report level
When use IN operator the formula calculation is aggregated at specified level regardless
dimensions and variables used in report
Why use this syntax?: Because want to use the average based on entire table even if used on row
level (change the external default context)
Why not use input context: because the default input context is the block (the table) and needs
no change
The alerter can be created now based on the variable Average;
Extended syntax keywords- to be used with IN operator (how measures are calculated at different
levels within document):
Report - the projected value is aggregated for all dimensions within the page of report
Section - the projected value is aggregated for all dimension within the section of report
Break - the projected value is aggregated for all dimension within a break of the table
Block - the project value is aggregated for all dimension within the block
Body - the project value is aggregated for all dimensions at the level in the report that is
placed
10.2.5. Input vs. output calculation contexts

-
unless want to calculate measure value based on data in dataprovider but not in table, the output
context will suffice
when specify the output context is better to use IN operator; is more flexible and will not change
is dimensions are altered;
when specify the input context is better to use ForEach operator; it will take in consideration all
the dimensions in the block;
74
10.2.6. Using context operator IN with WHERE

-
two of the most used operators for input and output contexts; they may be used together in a
variable;
IN operator specify all parameters (dimensions) included in context; dimensions must be listed in
order of granularity and separated by ;
WHERE instructs the variable to calculate only where certain values are true;
In a table with columns: Year, State, Sales Revenue:
Sales revenue by year for California variable: = [SalesRevenue] WHERE ([State] =
California)
Highest revenue for any state: = max([SalesRevenue] in [State])
Highest annual revenue for California: =max([SalesRevenue] IN ([State],[Year])
WHERE([State] = California))
The variable used IN and WHERE operators to retrieve the correct value. Both were used in
defining the input context
The IN operators determines the max SalesRevenue in State and Year
WHERE restrict the max calculation only for the state California
Sales revenue for California for 2006: = [SalesRevenue] WHERE ([State] = California and [Year] =
2006)
Is not necessarily to list the components in order of granularity for WHERE but only for IN
operator.
Operator WHERE restricts the data used to calculate the measure expression:
[measure_expression] WHERE [boolean_expresion]
Average sales for country US: = average ([Sales] where [Country]=US)
Average sales for country US or FR: = average ([sales] where ([Country]=US OR
[Country]=FR)
Revenue for countries other than US or FR: = average ([Revenue] where (NOT([Country] in
list (US; FR))))
Variable [High Revenue]: =[Revenue] WHERE [Revenue]> 500.000
- If placed in a table the value is displayed only if > 500.000 or nothing
- The formula = average([High Revenue]) placed at the bottom of the table returns
the average value of values > than 500.000
10.3. Facts about calculation context

-
if not define the input or output context, Web intelligence assumes the default contexts
When use a variable for conditional, make sure it is saved as variable and not simple formula. A
variable is a formula with a name. To transform a formula in variable click on Create Variable
button on formula toolbar
If operator Where is used the values after it must be between parenthesis
75
11 Creating Formulas with Character and Date String Functions

11.1. Using Character Strings
-
character string = series of characters that form a text piece or the individual values of charactertype variable
character string functions:
o Right() - extract given number of chars starting from the right
o Replace() replace one string with another string
o Left() extract a number of chars from left
o SubStr() extracts a string from another string using position and length
o Length() identify the length of a string
o Pos() identify the position of a char in a string
Left() and Right() are used mostly when manipulate constant strings or strings with constant
length
SubStr() is more powerful and is used when length and position are not consistent
These functions are used within a formula. Formula are created in Formula bar or Formula Editor
The formula applies to the cell highlighted in the block
Also object can be dragged in Formula bar and completed manually
To use the formula for multiple cells or want to identify the formula as an object, define formula
as a variable
If want to use the value only for a cell, then formula is the best. If want to use a value for a
column then a variable is indicated.
When in doubt, use a variable. More things can be done with a variable than with a formula.
11.2. Using Right() function

-
Right() display a fixed number of characters starting from the right end of the character string
and remove the others
Syntax: Right(string input_string; integer number_of_characters)
o input_string the string from which select the characters to display
o number_of_characters the number of characters to display starting from right of
input_string
Example: to extract the only two last characters from the Year, use : =Right([Year]; 2)
The left character strings do the same but starting from the left
Example: the formula: =NameOf([Year]) + + Right([Year];2) display the name of the object
[Year] and the last two characters of the year: Year 04
11.3. Using Replace() function

-
Replace() replaces a specified string with another string

Syntax: Replace( string input_string; string string_to_replace; string replace_string)
o input_string the input string
o string_to_replace the string in input_string that need to be replaced
o replace_string the replacement string
Example: to replace Q with quarter will use the formula Replace([Quarter];Q;Quarter ) and
will replace Q1 Q2 Q3 with Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3.
For the whole column the formula above must be used as a variable
76
11.4. Using SubStr() function

-
SubStr() extracts a specified character string from within a string

Syntax: SubStr(string input_string;integer start; integer length)
o input_string the string from where the substring is extracted
o start the position of the first character in the input string
o length the number of characters to be extracted
Example: to extract the name of store name from the column with type e-fashion Store name
use the formula = Substr([StoreName]; 11; length([StoreName]))
11.5. Using the Pos() function

-
Pos() identifies the first instance of a unique character and returns the number of character
from the start of the character string to that instance
Syntax: Pos(string input_string; string pattern)
o input_string is the characters string that need to be searched
o pattern the string of which the position needs to be determined within input_string
Example: Extract the street name from the address (starting with the first space)
o Create variable space: = Pos([Address]; )
o Then substract the street name: = SubStr([Address]; [Space]+1; Length([Address])
11.6. Concatenating different character strings

-
the character used to link two strings in a formula or concatenate strings is +

Syntax: String1 + String2
Any number of strings can be concatenated
Example: To display the Last execution date: date must use the formula: =Last execution
date:+LastExecutionDate()
The syntax for the function LastExecutionDate() is: date LastExecutionDate(string data_provider);
data_provider parameter can be omitted.
11.6.1. Format a date concatenated with a string

-
if a cell contains only a date, to format it, right click on it and choose Format number and choose
the proper format
when is used in concatenated form the function FormatDate() must be used
Syntax: FormatDate(date date_to_format; string date_format)
To format the date in above example use the formula: =Last Execution Date: +
FormatDate(LastExecutionDate();Mmm dd, yyyy)
To convert a number to a string use the function FormatNumber()
Syntax: FormatNumber(number number_to_format; string number_format)
11.7. Using Date Functions

-
Most used date functions:

o ToDate: changes data type of a value to date
o CurrentDate: gives the todays date
o DaysBetween: number of days between two dates
Dates are often stored as character type at the database level to record data more efficiently
Example: OpeningDate displayed in format MM/dd/yy hh:mm:ss AM
o To create a variable that wants to number of years the stores had been trading
o The Opening date format is a string in Available Objects
77
First need to extract the date from the string, convert it to date then calculate the years
between current date and opening date
o Extract: Use substr() but date length is not constant, so we must use Pos() too. Create a
variable Date_substring:
=SubStr([OpeningDate];1;Pos([OpeningDate], )-1)
o Convert: Create another variable that converts the extracted string Open_Date:
=ToDate(Date_substring; MM/dd/yy)
o The date must be formatted in the same way like date in the string
To calculate the number of days to the current date, use CurrentDate() function and
DaysBetwen() function
Syntax of DaysBetween(): DaysBetween(date first_date; date second_date):
o first_date is the oldest date
o second_date is the most recent date
Create a new variable Trading_Years:
o DaysBetween([Open_Date]; CurrentDate())/365.25
Replace the Open_Date column with Trading_Years
Design mode:
With Data:
78
12 Managing and Sharing Web Intelligence Documents

-
Documents can be shared with users that use WI or not

BI Launchpad can be used to schedule a document to refresh automatically at specific times
12.1. Publishing Documents to Corporate Repository

-
so far we have used Web Intelligence Desktop that can be used standalone or connected to CMS
and saved documents locally
BI Launchpad - a portal accessed with web browser
Advantages of BI Launchpad is that documents can be published, accessed and shared by multiple
users
First of all must publish the document to CMS
Save document in current state including all modifications
Documents can be published to CMS without saving them locally
The initial default name is Document X where X is the document order
When publish a document must first select a folder and optionally a category to associate the
document with
Folders:
Are used as containers for documents to store and organize information within system
Can hold many documents. Any document belong to a folder. Shortcuts can be created
and placed in other folders.
Can be Public (Public Folders) or Personal (My
Favorites)
Files in Public Folders are available to other
launch pad users
Files in My Favorites are accessible only to you
Categories:
Used to tag documents to categorize them in a
meaningful way
Allows users to view documents across the system
because are not restricted by document storage
Can be Corporate (Corporate Categories) or Personal
(Personal Categories)
Corporate categories are accessible to others
Personal categories are not accessible to others
(associated with particular
project).
Folders and categories seen in Publish a
document to a folder are the same with those in
Documents tab in Launchpad
Public documents to CMS steps:
1. In the document select the down
arrow from Save and select Publish
to
2. In the Publish a document to a
server window select the desired
folder
79
3. To associate a category, click on Category tab and select one of available categories
4. Save it
After save, cannot cancel it
It will be available in the selected with associated category
12.2. Logging In BI Launchpad

-
every time when log in SAP BOBJ Enterprise will check user and password to see if authorized
some users may log and use the launch pad version instead of Web Intelligence Desktop
web browser must be used
user name and password must be known
from administrator
once in BI Launchpad can analyze and
enhance WI reports
steps:
1. Launch web browser
2. Point the browser to BI
Launchpad bookmark or URL
When have more BO tools
installed, Launchpad can be run
also from Start menu
3. In User Name enter username
4. In Password enter the
password
5. Click Log On
BI Launchpad homepage
appears
Home Page:
Home page opens by default when start Launchpad for first time. Depending on
administrator or personal configuration the display may differ.
From Home page click Documents tab then My Favorites or Inbox access the folders and
documents
To return home click the Home tab
BI Launchpad folders:
In My Favorites are the documents or sub folder created by user
In Inbox there are documents received from others
Public Folders are created by administrator and contains sub folders created by
authorized users
BI Categories:
Documents can be classified in Corporate or Personal categories
Folders and subfolders are used to categorize the documents while categories are used to classify
information.
Ex document in folder Finances can be classified as Payroll, Account Payable and Accounts
Receivable
In Documents tab can create new documents if authorized
BI Launchpad options can be defined by accessing the Preference option at the top of the window
Areas of BI Launchpad:
Title Bar: displays the logo and the user name
Navigation bar: Contains buttons and menus for: Applications, Preferences, Help and Log
80
Off
Home Tab: contains an overview of recently viewed or run documents, inbox, alerts and
on the right display buttons for quick access to Applications.
Document Tab: displays a left panel where display tabs for:
My Documents
Folders: Public Folders
Categories: Corporate and Personal Categories
Search
The Workspace Panel show the content or related tab
The Document Tab Toolbar allows to work with different tabs
12.3. Managing Documents in Launchpad

-
BI Launchpad acts like a portal to all information. Navigation can be done with three storage areas
and searches of documents can be done
Document Storage Areas following document storage areas:
Public Documents a catalog of documents that can access. Are made by others. Can be
accessed from Public Documents of Corporate Categories
My Favorites a documents saved for personal use. Are stored in CMS in a personal
reserved area.
Inbox documents that other users sent
BI Launchpad offers two ways to navigate trough documents and organize information: folders
and categories. These are hierarchical and are displayed in a tree form.
Other uses of BI Launchpad:
Search a specific document
Create shortcuts
Filter documents in a list
Searching a document allows to search documents within folders or categories based on a word
in title, keywords or all fields
By default all documents are available to be seen. If want to restrict or improve capabilities,
create a filter that shows only a certain documents type
Documents types that can filter: WI and other BOBJ end-user tools, Excel, Power Point, program
objects, object packages and text files
Steps:
1. Click Documents tab
2. In the Search field at the top of the window enter
the desired search term and click Search button
While typing a list with temporary results shows
based on typed characters
Any object with term in title are displayed in
Workspace Panel
Filters are shown in the tab Search under Refine
search results by:. They also allow to filter the
results on a criteria. A number of occurrences
corresponding to each filter also occur.
3. Optionally in the Search bar click a filter criteria
81
4. Choose from Workspace the desired document
12.4. Viewing Web Intelligence Documents in Launchpad

-
BI Launchpad allow to open WI documents for easy access

Edit documents only if authorized to use one of WI panels: Interactive HTML querying and
reporting or Java Report Panel
Report query can be modified if the user is authorized to access the universe
Open an WI document:
1. Locate and double click the name. The document opens in Workspace
2. Choose the desired mode: Reading or Design
Saving a document in BI Launchpad:
Choose to save the document in
Launchpad or locally in one of different
allowed formats
Save as option save document in Excel,
PDF, or CSV format while Save Report to
my Computer As allows to save only the
viewed report as Excel or PDF
Save a document steps:
1. In document click Save button
The Save As window opens
2. Select the folder
3. Type document name in Filename
field
4. Click the arrow >> button to see
additional saving options
5. If want, type a Description
6. If want click Refresh on open option.
If not, the user see the data when the
report was last refreshed before it was
saved
7. Click Save
Printing a document save the document as PDF and use

Acrobat Reader
Steps:
1. Click the Export button and choose the part of
document (Document or Report) and the type of
file
2. Click Save
3. In the Save As type the name of the file
4. Open the .pdf file and print it
Closing a document click the X
82
12.5. Sharing Web Intelligence Documents

-
send the document directly in their inbox or save it as public document in corporate repository
Sending document to users:
Save the document in Launchpad or in a folder in one of specific formats
Saving a public document:
When save in a public folder other users can access it and modify
it and resave
Public documents remains in repository until the administrator
remove them
Sending or saving to a public folder can be done only if the user is
authorized by administrator
Sending steps:
1. Click on down arrow next to send icon and select Send to user
2. Select the users or group where
want to send from the list
3. Click Automatically Generated name
4. Click Specific name
5. Click Shortcut or Copy
6. Click Send
Sharing beyond web intelligence save the
document as Excel, Pdf or Csv format. In PDF the
file retains the report format
12.6. Scheduling a document in BI Launchpad

-
scheduling let a document to run at a specific

time.
A new instance is created. An instance is a
version of an object containing the data at the
moment it was run. Instances created later
contains more recent data.
A list of instances can be seen by looking at a document history. Can be accessed by clicking the
historical instance.
If have rights to run an object by demand, can refresh the
document to see the latest data
By scheduling instances ensure the most recent data is
available
Before scheduling, check the time zone setting in
Preferences. The default time zone is the local of the server.
Steps:
1. In Documents tab locate the desired document
and select it
2. From toolbar click More actions down
arrow and select Schedule. The
Schedule window appear and the links
on the left allows to changes scheduling
settings
3. Click Recurrence
83
4. Click Run Object drop down and select the desired recurrence
Additional options shows depending on recurrence type selected
5. Based on access rights can modify: Format, Destinations, Caching, Events, Scheduling
Server Group
6. Click Schedule
7. The documents instances shows up in History window
12.7. Setting BI Launchpad preferences

-
use Preference button on toolbar

set general BI Launchpad preferences
Steps
1. In Home page click Preferences then go to General:
Modify:
Initial view when log in in BI Launchpad

Default view of Documents tab
Maximum number of objects on each page
For files in Documents set the file details (columns) that want to show.
Select if document opens in new browser windows
Set the locale
2. Select the option and click OK.
12.7.1. Document preferences (View options)
-
The view options can be se for display properties of documents when first open
View format always can be changed
View format aims:
Quality in view optimized for users that open document in web. WI provides Web and
Rich Internet application modes for users when want to look at reports online
Quality in Print optimized for users that print their reports. The print will be exactly as
shows on desktop and will have much better quality than HTML prints. WI provides PDF
format for printer
users.
BI Launchpad offers a number
of formats for viewing
documents. The view options
are set in Preferences page.
Choosing of viewing options
depends on license and
security profiles
View formats:
Web HTML interface
Rich Internet
Application view
using JAVA (java
applet must download
first)
Desktop with Web
Intelligence Desktop as stand alone and offline. WI requires to be installed first.
84
Portable Document Format (PDF) to view reports statically in PDF format

These are done in WebIntelligence area of Preferences other options:
How to view WI documents in Launchpad
Which interface to use to create WI documents
How to perform multi-dimensional analysis in WI
12.8. Logging off from BI Launchpad

-
better log off than closing browser windows

when log off the session will terminate and will improve server performance
closing BI Launchpad Session
by logging off. After save settings
will help administrator to keep tracking of logged on users and to configure the system
and transactions load efficiently
after a default time-out setting - the user is automatically logged out. This is set by
administrator.
To log off click the Log Out button. The log on screen appears. If no saves had been made a
confirmation window show up.
85
Appendix WEBI Functions

Function
Aggregate
Type
Aggregate
Average
Aggregate
Count
Aggregate
First
Aggregate
Last
Aggregate
Max
Aggregate
Median
Aggregate
Min
Aggregate
Mode
Aggregate
Percentage
Aggregate
Percentile
Aggregate
Product
Aggregate
RunningAverage
Aggregate
RunningCount
Aggregate
Returns the running count of a

number set
RunningMax
Aggregate
Returns the running maximum

of a dimension or measure
RunningMin
Aggregate
Returns the running minimum

of a dimension or measure
RunningProduct
Aggregate
RunningSum
Aggregate
ServerValue
Aggregate
Returns the running product of

a measure
Returns the running sum of a
measure
Returns the database value of
a measure
Description
Returns the default
aggregation of a measure for a
given member set
Returns the average value of a
measure
Returns the number of values
in a set of values
Returns the first value in a data
set
Returns the last value in a
dimension or measure
Returns the largest value in a
set of values
Returns the median (middle
value) of a measure
Returns the smallest value in a
set of values
Returns the most frequentlyoccurring value in a data set
Expresses a measure value as a
percentage of its embedding
context
Returns the nth percentile (a
number that is greater than or
equal to n% of the numbers in
a set) of a measure
Multiplies the values of a
measure
Returns the running average of
a measure
Syntax
num Aggregate(measure[;member_set])
num Average(measure[;member_set][;IncludeEmpty])
integer
Count(aggregated_data[;member_set][;IncludeEmpty]
[;Distinct|All])
input_type First(dimension|measure)
input_type Last(dimension|measure)
input_type Max(aggregated_data[;member_set])
num Median(measure)
any_type Min(aggregated_data[;member_set])
input_type Mode(dimension|measure)
num Percentage(measure[;Break][;Row|Col])
num Percentile(measure;percentile)
num Product(measure)
num
RunningAverage(measure[;Row|Col][;IncludeEmpty][;(
reset_dims)])
num
RunningCount(dimension|measure[;Row|Col][;Include
Empty][;(reset_dims)])
input_type
RunningMax(dimension|measure[;Row|Col][;(reset_di
ms)])
input_type
RunningMin(dimension|measure;[Row|Col];[(reset_di
ms)])
num
RunningProduct(measure[;Row|Col][;(reset_dims)])
num RunningSum(measure[;Row|Col][;(reset_dims)])
num ServerValue([measure])
86
StdDev
Aggregate
StdDevP
Aggregate
Sum
Var
Aggregate
Aggregate
VarP
Aggregate
Asc
Character
Concatenation
Character
Fill
Character
FormatDate
Character
FormatNumber
Character
HTMLEncode
Character
InitCap
Character
Left
Character
LeftPad
Character
LeftTrim
Character
Length
Character
Lower
Match
Character
Character
Pos
Character
Replace
Character
Right
Character
RightPad
Character
RightTrim
Character
Substr
Trim
Character
Character
Upper
UrlEncode
Character
Character
WordCap
Character
Returns the standard deviation

of a measure
Returns the population
standard deviation of a
measure
Returns the sum of a measure
Returns the variance of a
measure
Returns the population
variance of a measure
Returns the ASCII value of a
character
Concatenates (joins) two
character strings
Builds a string by repeating a
string n times
Formats a date according to a
specified format
Formats a number according to
a specified format
Applies HTML encoding rules
to a string
Capitalizes the first letter of a
string
Returns the leftmost
characters of a string
Pads a string on its left with
another string
Trims the leading spaces from
a string
Returns the number of
characters in a string
Converts a string to lower case
Determines whether a string
matches a pattern
Returns the starting position of
a text pattern in a string
Replaces part of a string with
another string
Returns the rightmost
characters of a string
Pads a string on its right with
another string
Trims the trailing spaces from a
string
Returns part of a string
Trims the leading and trailing
spaces from a string
Converts a string to upper case
Applies URL encoding rules to a
string
Capitalizes the first letter of all
num StdDev(measure)
num StdDevP(measure)
num Sum(measure[;member_set])
num Var(measure)
num VarP(measure)
int Asc(string)
string Concatenation(first_string;second_string)
string Fill(repeating_string;num_repeats)
string FormatDate(date;format_string)
string FormatNumber(number;format_string)
string HTMLEncode(html)
string InitCap(string)
string Left(string;num_chars)
string LeftPad(padded_string;length;left_string)
string LeftTrim(trimmed_string)
int Length(string)
string Lower(string)
bool Match(test_string;pattern)
int Pos(test_string;pattern)
string
Replace(replace_in;replaced_string;replace_with)
string Right(string;num_chars)
string RightPad(padded_string;length;right_string)
string RightTrim(trimmed_string)
string SubStr(string;start;length)
string Trim(trimmed_string)
string Upper(string)
string UrlEncode(html)
string WordCap(string)
87
CurrentDate
Date and
Time
CurrentTime
Date and
Time
DayName
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
DayNumberOfMonth
DayNumberOfWeek
DayNumberOfYear
DaysBetween
LastDayOfMonth
LastDayOfWeek
Month
MonthNumberOfYear
MonthsBetween
Quarter
RelativeDate
TimeDim
ToDate
Week
Year
Connection
Date and
Time
Date and
Time
Data
Provider
DataProvider
Data
Provider
DataProviderKeyDate
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
DataProviderKeyDateCa
ption
DataProviderSQL
the words in a string

Returns the current date
formatted according to the
regional settings
Returns the current time
formatted according to the
regional settings
Returns the day name in a date
date CurrentDate()
time CurrentTime()
string DayName(date)
Returns the day number in a

month
week
year
Returns the number of days
between two dates
Returns the date of the last day
in a month
Returns the date of the last day
in a week
Returns the month name in a
date
Returns the month number in a
date
Returns the number of months
between two dates
Returns the quarter number in
a date
Returns a date relative to
another date
Allows to build a time axis from
a date type universe object.
Returns a character string
formatted according to a date
format
Returns the week number in
the year
Returns the year in a date
int DayNumberOfMonth(date)
Returns the parameters of the

database connection used by a
data provider
Returns the name of the data
provider containing a report
object
Returns the keydate of a data
provider
Returns the keydate caption of
a data provider
Returns the SQL generated by
a data provider
string Connection(dp)
int DayNumberOfWeek(date)
int DayNumberOfYear(date)
int DaysBetween(first_date;last_date)
date LastDayOfMonth(date)
date LastDayOfWeek(date)
string Month(date)
int MonthNumberOfYear(date)
int MonthsBetween(first_date;last_date)
int Quarter(date)
date RelativeDate(start_date;num_days)
TimeDim([Date Type]; Period Type)
date ToDate(date_string;format)
int Week(date)
int Year(date)
string DataProvider(obj)
date DataProviderKeyDate(dp)
string DataProviderKeyDateCaption(dp)
string DataProviderSQL(dp)
88
DataProviderType
IsPromptAnswered
LastExecutionDate
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
LastExecutionDuration
Data
Provider
LastExecutionTime
Data
Provider
NumberOfDataProviders
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
Data
Provider
NumberOfRows
RefValueDate
RefValueUserReponse
Data
Provider
UniverseName
Data
Provider
UserResponse
DocumentAuthor
Data
Provider
Document
DocumentCreationDate
Document
DocumentCreationTime
Document
DocumentDate
Document
DocumentName
DocumentOwner
Document
Document
DocumentPartiallyRefre
shed
DocumentTime
Document
DrillFilters
Document
Document
Returns the type of a data

provider
Determines whether a prompt
has been answered
Returns the date on which a
data provider was last
refreshed
Returns the time in seconds
taken by the last refresh of a
data provider
Returns the time at which a
data provider was last
refreshed
Returns the number of data
providers in a report
Returns the number of rows in
a data provider
Returns the date of the
reference data used for data
tracking
Returns the response to a
prompt when the reference
data was the current data
Returns the name of the
universe on which a data
provider is based
Returns the response to a
prompt
Returns the InfoView logon of
the document creator
document was created
Returns the time when a
document was created
document was last saved
Returns the document name
Returns the InfoView
logon/user name of the owner
of the document (the last
person who saved the
document). (To return the
original author/creator of the
document, use the
DocumentAuthor function.)
Determines whether a
document is partially refreshed
Returns the time when a
document was last saved
Returns the drill filters applied
to a document or object in drill
mode
string DataProviderType(dp)
bool IsPromptAnswered([dp;]prompt_string)
date LastExecutionDate(dp)
num LastExecutionDuration(dp)
time LastExecutionTime(dp)
int NumberOfDataProviders()
int NumberOfRows(dp)
date RefValueDate()
string
RefValueUserResponse([dp;]prompt_string[;Index])
string UniverseName(dp)
string UserResponse([dp;]prompt_string[;Index])
string DocumentAuthor()
date DocumentCreationDate()
time DocumentCreationTime()
date DocumentDate()
string DocumentName()
string DocumentOwner()
bool DocumentPartiallyRefreshed()
time DocumentTime()
string DrillFilters(obj|separator)
89
PromptSummary
Document
QuerySummary
Document
ReportFilter
Document
ReportFilterSummary
Document
Even
Logical
IsDate
Logical
IsError
Logical
IsLogical
Logical
IsNull
Logical
IsNumber
Logical
IsString
Logical
IsTime
Logical
Odd
Logical
Abs
Numeric
Ceil
Numeric
Cos
EuroConvertFrom
Numeric
Numeric
EuroConvertTo
Numeric
Converts an amount to Euros
EuroFromRoundError
Numeric
Returns the rounding error in a

conversion from Euros
EuroToRoundError
Numeric
Returns the rounding error in a

conversion to Euros
Exp
Numeric
Fact
Numeric
Floor
Numeric
Interpolation
Numeric
Returns an exponential (e
raised to a power)
Returns the factorial of a
number
Returns a number rounded
down to the nearest integer
Calculates empty measure
Returns the prompt text and

user response of all prompts in
a document
Returns information about the
queries in a document
Returns the report filters
applied to an object or report
Returns a summary of the
report filters in a document or
report
Determines whether a number
is even
Determines whether a value is
a date
Determines whether an object
returns an error
boolean
null
a number
a string
Determines whether a variable
is a time variable
Determines whether a number
is odd
Returns the absolute value of a
number
Returns a number rounded up
to the nearest integer
Returns the cosine of an angle
Converts a Euro amount to
another currency
string PromptSummary()
string QuerySummary([dp])
string ReportFilter(obj)
string ReportFilterSummary(report_name)
bool Even(number)
bool IsDate(obj)
bool IsError(obj)
bool IsLogical(obj)
bool IsNull(obj)
bool IsNumber(obj)
bool IsString(obj)
bool IsTime(obj)
bool Odd(number)
num Abs(number)
num Ceil(number)
num Cos(angle)
num
EuroConvertFrom(euro_amount;curr_code;round_l
evel)
num
EuroConvertTo(noneuro_amount;curr_code;round
_level)
num
EuroFromRoundError(euro_amount;curr_code;rou
nd_level)
num
EuroToRoundError(noneuro_amount;curr_code;rou
nd_level)
num Exp(power)
int Fact(number)
int Floor(number)
num Interpolation(measure[;PointToPoint|Linear]
90
Ln
Numeric
Log
Numeric
Log10
Numeric
Mod
Numeric
Power
Numeric
Rank
Numeric
Round
Sign
Sin
Sqrt
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Numeric
Tan
Numeric
ToNumber
Truncate
Children
Numeric
Numeric
Set
Depth
Set
Descendants
Set
IsLeaf
Set
Key
Lag
Set
Set
Parent
Set
Siblings
Set
Ancestor
Misc
BlockName
ColumnNumber
CurrentUser
Misc
Misc
Misc
ForceMerge
Misc
GetContentLocale
Misc
values by interpolation
Returns the natural logarithm
of a number
Returns the logarithm of a
number in a specified base
Returns the base 10 logarithm
of a number
Returns the remainder from
the division of two numbers
Returns a number raised to a
power
Ranks a measure by
dimensions
Rounds a number
Returns the sign of a number
Returns the sine of an angle
Returns the square root of a
number
Returns the tangent of an
angle
Returns a string as a number
Truncates a number
Returns the child members of a
member in hierarchy
Returns the depth of a
member in a hierarchy
Returns descendant members
of a member
Determines whether a member
is a leaf member
Returns the key of a member
Returns a member at the same
level as the current member
and a given distance before it
Returns the parent member of
a member
Returns the member and the
sibling members of that
member
Returns an ancestor member
of a member
Returns the block name
Returns the column number
Returns the BI launch pad login
of the current user
Includes synchronized
dimensions in measure
calculations when the
dimensions are not in the
measure's
calculation context
Returns the locale of the data
[;NotOnBreak|(reset_dims)][;Row|Col])
num Ln(number)
num Log(number;base)
num Log10(number)
num Mod(dividend;divisor)
num Power(number;power)
Rank(measure;[ranking_dims][;Top|Bottom][;(reset
_dims)])
num Round (number;round_level)
int Sign(number)
num Sin(angle)
num Sqrt(number)
num Tan(angle)
num ToNumber(string)
num Truncate(number;truncate_level)
member_set member.Children
int member.Depth
member_set
Descendants(member[;level|distance][;desc_flag])
bool member.IsLeaf
string member.Key
member member.Lag(distance)
member member.Parent
member_set member.Siblings
member Ancestor(member;level|distance
string BlockName()
int ColumnNumber()
string CurrentUser()
num ForceMerge(measure)
string GetContentLocale()
91
GetDominantPreferredV
iewingLocale
Misc
GetLocale
Misc
GetLocalized
Misc
GetPreferredViewingLoc
ale
Misc
If...Then...Else
Misc
If
Misc
LineNumber
Misc
NameOf
NoFilter
Misc
Misc
NumberOfPages
Misc
Page
Misc
Previous
Misc
RefValue
Misc
RelativeValue
Misc
ReportName
RowIndex
Misc
Misc
UniqueNameOf
Misc
contained in the document

(the Document Locale)
Returns the dominant locale in
the user's Preferred Viewing
Locale group
Returns the user's locale used
to format the user interface
(the Product Locale)
Returns a string localized
according to the user's
Preferred Viewing Locale
Returns the user's preferred
locale for viewing document
data (the Preferred Viewing
Locale)
Returns a value based on
whether an expression is true
or false
Returns a value based on
whether an expression is true
or false
Returns the line number in a
table
Returns the name of an object
Ignores filters when calculating
a value
Returns the number of pages in
a report
Returns the current page
number in a report
Returns a previous value of an
object
Returns the reference value of
a report object when data
tracking is activated
Returns previous or
subsequent values of an object
Returns the name of a report
Returns the number of a row
Returns the unique name of an
object
string GetDominantPreferredViewingLocale()
string GetLocale()
string GetLocalized(string[;comment])
Input
string GetPreferredViewingLocale()
If bool_value Then true_value [Else false_value]
If(bool_value;true_value;false_value)
int LineNumber()
string NameOf(obj)
input_type NoFilter(obj[;All|Drill])
integer NumberOfPages()
integer Page()
input_type
Previous(dimension|measure|Self[;(reset_dims)][;o
ffset][;NoNull])
input_type RefValue(obj)
input_type
RelativeValue(measure|detail;slicing_dims;offset)
string ReportName()
integer RowIndex()
Notes
string UniqueNameOf(obj)
For full reference of functions and operators please see :

http://help.sap.com/businessobject/product_guides/boexir4/en/xi4sp4_ffc_en.pdf
92
References
SAP Web Intelligence: Report Design I BOW310

SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence: Advanced Report Design BOW320
Using functions, formulas and calculations in Web Intelligence
(http://help.sap.com/businessobject/product_guides/boexir4/en/xi4sp4_ffc_en.pdf)
SAP BusinessObjects Web Intelligence 4.0 (http://help.sap.com/bowebi )
93

2013 01 Essential Web Intelligence 4 (BE Int 1.0)

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Essential Web Intelligence 4.

For internal use only.

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only.

Describe Web Intelligence Solutions ............................................. 8

Describe Web Intelligence Concepts ............................................................8

Build Queries with Web Intelligence ........................................... 11

Query Process .............................................................................................11

Restricting Data Returned by a Query ......................................... 18

Restricting Data with Query Filters.............................................................18

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

Delete a single value filter ..........................................................................20

Designing Web Intelligence Documents ...................................... 25

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

4.11.1. Formatting Documents ...............................................................................36

Analyze Data .............................................................................. 39

Analyzing the Data Cube.............................................................................39

Using Multiple Data Sources ....................................................... 42

Synchronizing Data from Multiple Data Sources ........................................42

Advanced Query and Reporting Techniques ................................ 48

Using Combined Queries ............................................................................48

Enhance the Presentation of Data in Documents ........................ 54

Using Breaks and calculations ....................................................................54

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

Formatting Cross Table Headers ................................................................58

Calculating Data with Formulas and Variables ............................ 68

Understanding Calculation Contexts ..........................................................72

Creating Formulas with Character and Date String Functions ...... 76

Using Character Strings...............................................................................76

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

Using Replace() function .............................................................................76

Managing and Sharing Web Intelligence Documents ................... 79

Publishing Documents to Corporate Repository ........................................79

Appendix WEBI Functions ................................................................... 86

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

1 Describe Web Intelligence Solutions

Describe Web Intelligence Concepts

1.1.1. Accessing Information with Web Intelligence

1.1.2. Understanding Semantic Layer

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

1.1.3. Quick and Easy Access to Information

Web Intelligence Core Functionality

1.2.1. Querying with Web Intelligence

a document can contain many reports based on many queries

1.2.2. Reporting with Web Intelligence

can create professional reports with WI features

1.2.3. Analyzing with Web Intelligence

Describing Web Intelligence and SAP BOBJ BI Platform

1.3.1. SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform Overview

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only

Allows administrators to deploy and standardize their BI implementations on a proven, scalable

1.3.2. About BI Launchpad

BI Launchpad = web desktop that acts like a window to business information

1.3.3. Sharing documents with BI Launch pad

Essential Web Intelligence 4

2013 BearingPoint - Internal use only