Report variables

Overview

You can create a report variable when modifying a standard report or when creating a new custom report. Report variables allow you to:

• Create reusable, predefined formulas using report objects
• Run a formula in Report Designer instead of exporting the data to Excel to run formulas.

 Note: Report variables are only available with Report Designer.

Create a report variable for a standard or custom report

Create Variable dialog - Image

1. From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode.
2. From the Side Panel, click Available Objects ().
3. Right-click the Variables folder and select New.
   Or
   Navigate to Data Access > Data Objects > New Variable in the Design Toolbox.
4. In the Create Variable dialog:
   1. Enter a name for the variable.
   2. (Optional) Enter a description for the variable.
   3. Select the qualification for the variable.
      • Dimension (default)
      • Measure
      • Detail
         Note: If selecting a Detail, select the Associated dimension by clicking the  button.
   4. Enter the formula for the variable in the Formula box by double-clicking objects in the following lists:
       Note: A definition for the selected object, function, or operator appears in the Definition panel when available.
      • Available Objects
        If you are inserting values for a particular object into the variable formula, you can choose the values from the list of values:
        • Select an object from the Available Objects list.
        • Double-click Values... from the Available Operators list.
        • Select the value(s) to add to the formula and click OK.
      • Available Functions - Click More on this function to view a description of the function in a new browser tab.
      • Available Operators
5. Click the Validate formula () button to validate your formula.
   • If your formula passes validation, you will receive the following confirmation message: The formula is defined correctly. Click OK to close the confirmation message dialog.
   • If your formula fails validation, you will receive a warning message specific to your error(s). Click OK to close the warning message dialog.
     • Edit the existing formula 
       Or
       Click the Cancel formula () button to start over.
6. Click OK to save your variable.

Delete a report variable

You can delete variables from standard or custom reports.

1. Standard report: From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode and then click Available Objects () in the Side Panel.
   Custom report: From the Side Panel, click Available Objects ().
2. Right-click the variable you want to delete and select Delete.
3. In the Remove Variable dialog, click Yes to permanently delete the variable.

Edit a report variable

You can edit variables from standard or custom reports.