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Discoverer Plus - Customizing & Analyzing Data in Your Reports Student Guide
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Page 1: Discoverer Plus Student Guide

Discoverer Plus - Customizing & Analyzing Data in Your Reports

Student Guide

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Copyright © 2001, 2010, Oracle & The University of Virginia. All rights reserved. Disclaimer This document contains proprietary information and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You may copy and print this document solely for your own use in an Oracle training course. The document may not be modified or altered in any way. Except where your use constitutes "fair use" under copyright law, you may not use, share, download, upload, copy, print, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, post, transmit, or distribute this document in whole or in part without the express authorization of Oracle. The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. If you find any problems in the document, please report them in writing to: Oracle University, 500 Oracle Parkway, Redwood Shores, California 94065 USA. This document is not warranted to be error-free. Trademark Notice Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Editor:

M. Reitz [email protected]

This book was published using: Oracle Tutor

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Table of Contents

Introduction to Discoverer Plus [EDU3301U] ................................................................................................1-1 Introduction to Discoverer Plus ......................................................................................................................1-3 What is a Query? ...........................................................................................................................................1-4 Reporting Requirements and Query Development .........................................................................................1-6 Where to Get Helpful Information ...................................................................................................................1-10

Getting Started in Discoverer Plus [EDU3302U] ............................................................................................2-1 Sign-on ...........................................................................................................................................................2-4 Click the icon for Discoverer Plus: ..................................................................................................................2-5 Useful Information about using Discoverer 10g..............................................................................................2-6

Managing Queries [EDU3304U] .......................................................................................................................3-1 Setting Options to run a query........................................................................................................................3-3

Discoverer Plus - Setting Options [NAV3309U] ..........................................................................................3-4 Discoverer Plus - Setting Advanced Options [NAV3312U] .........................................................................3-7 Discoverer Plus - Workbooks - Managing Worksheets & Workbooks [NAV3313U] ...................................3-9 Discoverer Plus - Exporting to Excel [NAV3303U] .....................................................................................3-14 Discoverer Plus - Scheduling a Workbook [NAV3302U] ............................................................................3-20 Discoverer Plus - Worksheets - Customizing Worksheets [NAV3311U] ....................................................3-27

Applying & Creating Conditions & Parameters [EDU3306U] .......................................................................4-1 Applying & Creating Conditions & Parameters ...............................................................................................4-3 Applying Conditions .......................................................................................................................................4-4

Discoverer Plus - Conditions Adding Existing Conditions to a Worksheet [NAV3317U] .............................4-5 Discoverer Plus - Conditions - Creating Conditions [NAV3316U] ...............................................................4-7 Discoverer Plus - Conditions - Creating Advanced [NAV3318U] ................................................................4-13 Grouping Conditions [NAV3318U] ..............................................................................................................4-14 Nested Conditions [NAV3318U] .................................................................................................................4-16 Parameterized Conditions [NAV3318U] .....................................................................................................4-20 Creating a Parameterized Condition [NAV3318U] .....................................................................................4-26

Group Sorts & Totals [EDU3308U] ..................................................................................................................5-1 Group Sorts & Totals ......................................................................................................................................5-3 Group Sorts and Totals ..................................................................................................................................5-4

Discoverer Plus - Sorting [NAV3319U] .......................................................................................................5-5 Creating Totals [NAV3320U] ......................................................................................................................5-8

Creating Calculations and Percentage Items [EDU3309S] ...........................................................................6-1 Creating Calculations .....................................................................................................................................6-3 Passing a Parameter to a Calculation ............................................................................................................6-8 Creating Percentages ....................................................................................................................................6-9

Creating Queries in Discoverer Plus [EDU3303U] .........................................................................................7-1 Creating a Query ............................................................................................................................................7-4 Overview ........................................................................................................................................................7-5

Discoverer Plus - Queries - Creating a Query [NAV3310U] .......................................................................7-6

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Copyright © Oracle, 2009. All rights reserved.

Introduction to Discoverer Plus

Chapter 1 - Page 1

Introduction to Discoverer Plus

Chapter 1

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Introduction to Discoverer Plus

Chapter 1 - Page 2

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Introduction to Discoverer Plus

Section Objectives At the end of this section you will be able to explain to the instructor:

• How to determine when to create a new query.

• Why you would need to create a new query.

• Where to get help in working with Discoverer Plus.

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What is a Query? Discoverer is a powerful query and analysis tool developed by Oracle that enables end-users to view data stored in the database, and to analyze and create reports based on that data. Discoverer is a tool with a similar look and feel to Microsoft Excel. It uses workbook wizards to guide you through all the steps you need to create a query.

Predefined reports and queries are the heart of most information systems. Organizations invest a lot of money in developing them. Traditionally, queries and reports are fixed and impossible for the end-user to change. However, users and viewers of Discoverer can rearrange the data received from a query. Data sets can be sorted, sequences changed, cross tabs created, etc., allowing the end-user to analyze data from many different angles with one basic query to give you the data you need to make informed business decisions.

When we create a report in Discoverer, we actually create a query.

What is a query?

• A query asks the database a question.

• To define the “question” you need to understand the data available to you, where and how you can access the data, and what you want the end result to be.

Knowledge of your business, reporting requirements, and the database, will be critical in designing and running an effective query.

What are we referring to when we say know your business, your reporting requirements, and the database?

• Your Business

− Know your organization

− its objectives

− what it does

− and how it does it

• Your Reporting Requirements

− Things you need to know about your business

− Things you want to know about your business

• The Database

− Know what data is available and its relevance to your business

− Know from which business area you will be obtaining the information

Knowledge in these three areas – the business, reporting requirements, and the database, will be critical in designing and running an effective query.

Key Terms Business Area: A Business Area is a logical grouping of database tables or views that apply to your specific data requirements.

Although some of the data you need may be the same, the exact combination of tables and views for each department is usually unique. Using Discoverer's Administration Edition, your Discoverer administrator tailors the grouping of data to provide you with the proper access to the precise data needed for analysis, decision support, and presentation of results.

Folders: Folders store details about groups of related information. For example, details about student course loads may be stored in one folder, while information about the courses is stored in another folder. Folders map to database tables, to views, or to combinations of tables and views.

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Items: Folders are composed of items. Items map to columns in a database table. Each item has a name and contains a specific type of information.

Rows: A folder or item consists of any number of rows, each of which represents all the information about one member of that folder.

Queries: A query is composed of query items and retrieves information from the database. Running a query produces a report.

Workbooks and Worksheets: Discoverer uses workbooks. Workbooks contain one or more worksheets. A worksheet contains information retrieved from the database based on the items selected in the query. This feature of Discoverer has the same look and feel as Excel workbooks and worksheets. However, Discoverer saves the (query) only, and does not save the results of that query.

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Reporting Requirements and Query Development

Discoverer Plus Query Design

Business Purpose

Intended Report Audience

Query Designer Date Requested

Requestor Date Required

TASKS

1. Define all elements required.

2. Describe additional elements that would enhance the data.

3. Determine if the data required is captured in IS and in which tables.

4. Review Predefined reports in IS to determine whether the report you need already exists.

5. What is missing? Is it available?

6. Determine the restraints required.

1 Data Elements Required IS Module Location of data

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2 Additional desirable elements

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3 Request Details

Is data captured in IS?

Which Module or Modules?

Which form within the module(s)?

Level of access needed to see the data in IS?

4 Predefined reports review

List predefined report(s) that come close to what I need.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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5 Needed Data elements not included in reviewed predefined

reports Available? Y/N

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

6 Constraints/Conditions/Parameters Required If Yes / specify preference

1. Date constraint needed?

2. Date range needed?

3. Limit by Org?

4.

5.

6.

To design an effective query, consider your reporting requirements. Develop your query based on the following preliminary steps:

• Step 1: Ask yourself, what information do I already have?

• Step 2: Ask yourself, what do I need to know?

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• Step 3: Ask yourself, what would I like to know?

• Step 4: Use an incremental approach - don’t try to answer every question by using one query.

• Step 5: Document the “why” behind development and “what” the query is supposed to do and “who” requires this information. (This step is helpful should your reporting requirements change. It provides a history of the development process and a point of reflection.)

Once you have completed this process, you are ready to create the query and find the data that will answer the proposed questions. After obtaining a working query, you will want to format the report so that it is easy to read, attractive and logically organized.

Role of the Discoverer Administrator It is the responsibility of the discoverer administrator to create and maintain the End User Layer, and the conceptual view of the database. The Discoverer Administrator performs many functions, including the following:

• Defining business areas

• Controlling user access

• DB Security

• Creating the List(s) of Values (LOV)

• Creating views and joins

End User Layer The End User Layer (EUL) is the interface between you and the database. What you see when you log onto Discoverer is the EUL. It maintains all the links between you and the underlying database. Whenever you create a Discoverer Query, it is converted into a Structured Query Language (SQL) statement by the EUL.

The EUL is a metadata repository that preserves the database’s data integrity. Whatever the administrator or the end user does with Discoverer, it affects only the metadata in the EUL and not the database. Discoverer provides read-only access to the database.

Data Access Within the End User Layer, related folders are grouped into business areas (Lists). The information that is available to the end-user is defined by the responsibility assigned through SIS. Different users will see different folders within a business area due to database security. You can include items from a folder in your query only if you have access to the business area that contains the data.

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Where to Get Helpful Information

Learning Discoverer Online Help: Select Help—>Help Topics to search the Help system for a particular topic.

Oracle Discoverer 10g Handbook: ISBN 0-07-226214-1

Michael Armstrong-Smith and Darlene Armstrong-Smith, Oracle Press, McGraw-Hill

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Getting Started in Discoverer Plus

Chapter 2 - Page 1

Getting Started in Discoverer Plus

Chapter 2

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Chapter 2 - Page 2

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Section Objectives At the end of this section, with the help of the instruction manual and the online help files you will be able to:

• Sign on to iods for Finance and HR reports

• Sign or to CSRPT for SIS reports

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Sign-on

Make sure the VPN is connected.

Launch Internet Explorer from Start, Internet Explorer.

Navigate to the IS Home Page: http://www.virginia.edu/Integratedsystem

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Chapter 2 - Page 5

Click the icon for Discoverer Plus: − Discoverer Finance/HR or Discoverer SIS

− User Name: Enter your UVa computing id (do not include @virginia.edu)

− Password: Enter the password you have been assigned, or have chosen

Database: − For SIS it is: CSRPT

Database: − For Finance/HR it is: iods

Responsibility: − UVA ODS Specialist

− UVA ODS Specialist-Limited

− UVA ODS Specialist-Restricted

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Useful Information about using Discoverer 10g

We suggest that you change the number of Workbooks in recently used list from 0 to 9. • With a workbook open, from the menu

− Select [Tools], [Options], and the [General tab].

− Designate the number of recently used workbooks (9 is the max) to see a list of recently used workbooks.

SAVE your work often. • Discoverer for SIS times out after 30 minutes of inactivity and for HR/FIN after two

hours. In addition to the time-outs, there are just times when Discoverer 10g acts a little bit erratic. You may find that your toolbar icons have grayed out, or maybe a function you’re trying to use just doesn’t behave as usual. Usually you can find another way to perform the same task (i.e., menu bar vs icons, etc.) However, you may just wish to rest for a while and come in later to continue. Saving often is always a good idea.

• You can only have one open workbook per browser session however, a workbook can contain many worksheets.

• You can open additional instances of Discoverer Plus by launching a new browser session.

• If you wish to open a new workbook, you will be prompted to [Save] and [Close] the workbook that is currently open.

• When you begin to create a report, you are actually creating a query. A query is simply a question you ask the database.

• Discoverer does not save the results of your query; rather it saves the “question” you have defined to create your query. It saves the − items, − conditions, − calculations, − formatting, etc.,

When you save the query, with your formatting, conditions, etc., then it becomes your report.

The next time you open your report, Discoverer will re-query the database. The results of your query may be different each day according to the information that was entered into Production on the prior day.

The Reporting Database is refreshed seven days a week, so the first thing each morning, the data will be up to date. Changes made in the IS and SIS during the day will be available the following morning.

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Managing Queries

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Managing Queries

Chapter 3

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Setting Options to run a query

Section Objectives At the end of this section, referring to the manual and the online help, you should be able to:

• Set your options

• Distinguish between management of Workbooks and Worksheets

• Edit the name and description of Workbooks

• Edit the name and description of Worksheets

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Discoverer Plus - Setting Options

Discoverer Plus

Enter connection details > Go > Cancel > Blank Workbook > Tools > Options

General

1. Select the Run option that you want.

• Run a query automatically means that as soon as you open the workbook the query runs and you get the results worksheet.

Don’t run query (leave the sheet empty). If you want the results windows to appear,

you need to select the Refresh icon.

• The default option is set at ‘Ask for confirmation’ resulting in the appearance of this familiar decision box when you open a workbook.

2. Enter [9] in the number of workbooks to show in recently used.

• You can select the number of recently used workbooks list so that you can select a workbook you run often without searching for it. You change this setting to ‘9’.

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Query Governor 3. Select [Query Governor] tab.

Summary Data: The data administrator creates and refreshes summarized tables. Since the database is refreshed nightly, there is no need to make a selection in the Summary Data area of this window.

Query Governor: You can cancel a query while it is running. We recommend you leave unchecked:

• Warning me when the limit exceeds a certain number of seconds or minutes

• Prevent a query from running longer than a certain number of seconds or minutes.

• Limit retrieved query data to a certain number of rows

• Retrieve data incrementally in groups of a certain number of rows – no need to change

• Cancel list of values retrieval after a preset amount of time. – probably won’t need

Sheet 4. Select [Sheet] tab.

• Set your preference of layout formats.

− Column Headings, Row numbers, Gridlines

• If you are currently in a table report, the Options dialog box has a Table tab

• Two Style options are available for crosstab layouts:

− Inline and Outline.

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Formats 5. Select [Formats].

• Set formatting for all future worksheets, using the Format tab.

• Title: You can create a new title by default; the title will not appear in the current workbook, but will appear in the next new workbook.

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Discoverer Plus - Setting Advanced Options

Discoverer Plus

Enter connection details > Go > Cancel > Blank Workbook > Tools > Options

Advanced tab

1. Check [Disable] automatic querying from database

• If you create a lot of workbooks, you may want to disable automatic querying.

• Use the Refresh Worksheet icon when you are ready to run your query.

Disable fan-trap detection: 2. Leave unchecked [Disable] fan-trap detection.

• A fan trap, in very simple terms, is a SQL query that gives you unexpected results. The most common manifestation occurs when a master table is joined to two detail tables separately and results in incorrectly aggregated measures.

• There are times, however, when you may need to disable fan-trap detection. An example would be if you need to use data from three or more folders, you may get the message “Invalid join configuration – includes a master with two separately joined detail folders”.

• Disabling fan-trap detection may be necessary, but if you are unsure as to the results, or whether you should disable this feature, please phone the Help Desk (434-924-HELP) and ask to have your case escalated to the Reports team.

Joins Joins are defined by the administrator.Joins are a basic relational construct for combining information between folders.

You can have more than one join path between two folders. For example, there can be two joins between the SR Schedule of Classes folder and the SR Class Meeting Pattern folder:

• An equijoin that contains all courses offered by a department

• An outer join that contains the days of the week that the courses will be taught

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Multiple Join Path Detection: 3. Do not disable multiple join path detection.

• A multiple join path occurs when two folders have more than one join relationship defined between them.

• If you disable multiple-path detection, Discoverer will not check for multiple joins and will use all joins defined between the folders.

• This may very well result receiving incorrect data.

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Discoverer Plus - Workbooks - Managing Worksheets & Workbooks Workbooks contain one or more worksheets. Worksheets display the results of your queries.

When you modify a query, the same worksheet displays the new data unless you specifically request a new worksheet.

• You can save multiple versions of the same query as separate worksheets in a single workbook.

• You can group queries used frequently in a single workbook.

• You can group queries by function in a workbook.

Create a default worksheet title. 1. Select [Tools, Options, Formats, Title].

2. Select [OK].

3. Run a query.

4. Select [Edit, Title]

5. Select [Insert, Sheet Name]. This will insert the default title you created.

6. Select [Edit, Title].

You can change the default title as you wish here.

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• The Insert button gives you multiple choices for lines in the title. Scroll through the

options, and you will find that you can include conditions, parameters, etc.

− If this worksheet is copied as a second worksheet, the second line in the title will change to the new sheet name.

− When Date is selected it will automatically change to the run date of the query.

Renaming a Worksheet Discoverer provides a default name for each new worksheet. To rename a worksheet, use one of the following methods:

7. From the menu, select [Edit, Rename Worksheet] or [Edit, Worksheet Properties].

8. Enter the new name in the dialog box.

9. Double-click the tab for the worksheet and enter the new name.

You can also give your worksheet a brief description. The description will be displayed under the worksheet name when you browse for your reports list.

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Deleting, Adding, & Duplicating Worksheets 10. Select the worksheet to be deleted and from the menu, select [Edit, Delete Worksheet].

You cannot delete a worksheet in a workbook if it is the only worksheet.

11. Select the icon for [Add Worksheet]

12. Select the icon for [Refresh the worksheet] if you want to query using different parameters.

Duplicating a Worksheet

You can duplicate a worksheet as the same or a different output type. The duplicated worksheet appears as a new worksheet in the workbook. To duplicate a worksheet, follow these steps:

13. Select the worksheet to duplicate.

14. Click the Add Worksheet area arrow. Select Duplicate as Table or Duplicate as Crosstab. Alternatively, from the menu select [Edit, Duplicate Worksheet].

15. The wizard opens in a tabbed format so that you can modify the new layout.

Refreshing a Worksheet

16. Click the Refresh button on the toolbar to rerun the query for the current worksheet.

Saving a Workbook

Discoverer saves the query and the formatting, but not the results of the query.

17. Select [File, Save] to save the workbook.

Workbooks are saved in the database, so you can access your workbooks from any computer where you can run Discoverer.

Note: If you are saving a workbook that was originally created by someone else, you will get a message that says: “Workbook “workbook name” already exists. Do you want to overwrite it?

• If you answer [Yes], Discoverer will save the workbook with the same name, but includes your id in the name.

− Discoverer does not ever overwrite the original workbook.

• If you answer [No], you will be prompted to enter a new name for the workbook.

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Opening Saved Workbooks

18. Select [File, Open]. The Open Workbook dialog box is displayed.

19. Select the View or User Tree or search by partial name.

20. Select a workbook and then click [Open].

Note: When you first logon to Discoverer, you can select to open a workbook from the most recently used workbook list. The workbook opens with the last worksheet active when the workbook was saved, and a dialog box prompts you for permission to execute the worksheet or to open the worksheet without executing the query. (To modify the query before executing it, click [No].)

Rearranging Worksheets in a Workbook 21. Right click on the Worksheet tab, and select [Move Worksheets] or, from the menu, click

[Edit, Move Worksheet].

Change the order of the worksheets (using the Up & Down arrows) in the Move Worksheet dialogue screen.

Modify File Properties 22. From the menu select [File, Workbook Properties].

The properties include the owner and location of the saved workbook.

23. To include a description of the workbook enter it in the Description field and then click [OK].

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Discoverer Plus - Exporting to Excel

Discoverer Plus

M → File → Export

Discoverer

1. Select "Export" from the File menu.

Note: you can export either the Current worksheet or the entire workbook.

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2. You have the option of selecting Excel or other formats.

3. You can browse and select where to save the exported file or you can accept the default.

4. You are asked which Parameter values to include in the export.

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5. You are notified that the export was successful and asked if you want to open the report.

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6. If you opt to open the Excel file you will see this format with the warning that Macros have

been disabled. Enable the Macros to see the Discoverer formatting in Excel.

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Note: the Title does not format but the content of the worksheet does look the same as the Discoverer worksheet.

Export to HTML 7. When you select HTML as the file type the title does format the same as the Discoverer

Plus report.

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Discoverer Plus - Scheduling a Workbook

NOTE: Any query running longer than 2 hours will timeout. Therefore, it is useful to schedule long-running reports. If you were a Scheduler in Discoverer Desktop, you are still a scheduler in Discoverer Plus.

If you do not have the option to schedule, send an email to the ODS Administrator at [email protected] to have it turned on for you. There will be some restrictions on the use of the Scheduling Manager; these will be communicated to you by email.

Discoverer Plus

M → Tools→ Manage Schedules

Scheduling Manager

1. Click [Schedule].

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2. Select the workbook and worksheet(s) you want to schedule.

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3. Select the Worksheet(s) you want to schedule.

Note: you have the option of writing a description for the workbook you are scheduling.

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4. Click, [Next].

5. Select either all or particular values you want in the report.

6. Select [ok].

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7. Select [Next].

You will be asked to select values for each of the worksheets you opted to schedule.

8. Finally, you will be asked when you want it to run.

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9. Click [Finish].

10. Select the workbook to see your options.

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11. Once the report has run you will have the option to Open the report.

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Discoverer Plus - Worksheets - Customizing Worksheets

Discoverer Plus

Browse > Workbooks > Open > Run

Result Window

The Results Window Worksheet: The results of the query are displayed in this region.

Once you have viewed the results in the results window, you have many options for making changes. Below are summarized some of the short-cuts you may wish to routinely use to take advantage of Discoverer’s many capabilities. Remember there is usually more than one way to do almost everything, and you can use right clicks or the menu.

Block An Entire Worksheet Use (Control + a) as a quick way to block the entire worksheet.

After you have blocked the worksheet,

• Right click anywhere in the blocked area and you will see options available that will apply to the entire worksheet.

− (i.e., Format Data allows you to change the color, font size, etc. of all the data for the entire worksheet, rather than formatting one at a time.)

Without blocking the worksheet, there are right clicks that you can use for any column of data. The example (below) shows the choices available if you right click on a single column

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header. If you right click on a data point, you will see an additional tab [Number] where you can format currency, etc.

Format all Headings

*Note: You must select the first heading before you hold down the Shift key, and don’t release the Shift key until you have selected the last heading to be included.

To Format all headings,

• Select the first heading

• Hold down the Shift Key

• And then select the last heading.

• Right click anywhere on the headings or in the blocked body of the report: Format Heading is then available.

Re-arrange Headers using the right click

The example to the right shows you a way to re-arrange headers, by selecting the placement before or after other columns in your query.

You can also re-arrange the Headers (columns) using the Edit Worksheet icon.

Worksheet Description Right click on the worksheet name tab and select [Worksheet Properties]

You can type a description of the worksheet that you will be able to view prior to running a query.

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After you’ve created the Description, view below how this will help you in selecting an appropriate worksheet within a workbook.

Removing an Item • Select the item you want to remove (right click on the heading)

− And select [Remove from Worksheet]

− Or click on the column heading and select the delete key on the keyboard.

• Alternately, you can

− select the [Edit Worksheet] icon,

− [Select Items] tab.

− Drag the item to the Available list (or select and use the left arrow).

Adding an Item Select the Edit Worksheet icon

• To open the wizard, select the Edit Worksheet icon.

• Alternatively, from the menu, you can select [Edit], [Worksheet].

View Selected and Available items in the Results window

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From the menu,

• select [View, Available Items Pane] and/or

• [View, Selected Items Pane]

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Applying & Creating Conditions & Parameters

Chapter 4

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Applying & Creating Conditions & Parameters

Introduction Creating a query requires planning and an understanding of your business requirements, as well as understanding the policies and procedures that are applicable to the UVA environment. This part of the work should represent about 80% of the effort you expend. There is a document on HowDoI? designed to help with the process. It is filed under Coding Conventions, but it is really a worksheet to help you analyze the query you want to ask. http://www.virginia.edu/integratedsystem/howdoi/HTML/ODS_SPECIALIST.htm#

After you have decided upon the questions you want to ask you will have to decide:

− What business areas to use

− which folder or folders contain your information

− and what restrictions do you want to apply prior to running the query?

− Such as

− one or more Orgs

− a date

− a date range, etc.

− The Noetix help file can help you find the information about the locations of data and the kinds of joins between tables.

A Discoverer Plus wizard guides you through the process step by step. It is a process, and you can always make changes later.

Keep it simple is the first rule. Create a very basic query with a severe limitation so that it won’t run too long, and then you add elements as you go along.

Save often.

Section Objectives At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Select and apply conditions

• Create simple conditions

• Create complex conditions

• Create nested conditions

• Create parameterized conditions

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Applying Conditions

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Discoverer Plus - Conditions Adding Existing Conditions to a Worksheet

Discoverer Plus

M -> File -> Edit Worksheet

Selected Items - Conditions

Conditions Overview A condition is a filter that you place on an item to restrict the number of rows returned from the query. For example, you may want to see financial information for your Organization that is identified as Org 12345. To do this, you place a condition on the output to filter all Organizations that do not begin with 12345.

Applying a condition to a table or crosstab in a predefined report, or in a report you have created, does not remove the data from the workbook. It merely filters the data to show the precise data you want to see. To return the rest of the data to the table or crosstab, you must turn off the condition.

Selecting Conditions Select [Show Folders].

Scroll down in the Selected window to see which conditions apply to the report.

NOTE: Especially with the new consolidated finance report, not all conditions can be added to a worksheet as they are dependent on the folders the date filter is built on.

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Pre-defined conditions are available at UVA only when accessing pre-defined reports. You can select conditions from the list of available items in the wizard. While stepping through the wizard to build your query, you can choose to include the same conditions or new conditions.

Pre-defined conditions are displayed in the Conditions window and in the Available list in the Workbook Wizard. To see a condition, follow these steps:

1. Select the condition you want to see.

2. Right click the name of the Condition.

3. Select Add to the Worksheet.

If you do not apply at least one pre-defined condition when you create a query you might receive a vast amount of information that is not applicable to your question. Conflicting Conditions: If you select two or more conditions that conflict a warning message is displayed.

− For example, the two conditions Pa_Period Name=:Pay Period and Pa_Period_Name IN (Mar-02) will conflict if you choose any month in the parameter besides March 2002. In this example, if you have selected the Month of April, you will receive the conflicting conditions message. You will need to deselect the conditions that conflict prior to running a successful query.

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Discoverer Plus - Conditions - Creating Conditions

Discoverer Plus

M → File → Edit Worksheet

Edit Worksheet

Creating Conditions After you have selected the items to be included in your query, the next step is to create at least one or more conditions that will limit the data to your specific needs. If you do not create at least one condition, you will either receive much more data than you wanted, or you will have created a report that runs forever and ever.

• Before you select an item, click on the + sign to the left of the item to view choices. Some items contain defined Lists of Values (LOV)- such as the example below where the individual Trainer names are choices.

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1. Select the item you want to add..

− Selecting the specific name is an easy way to create a condition if a List of Values has been defined.

− If you select a specific item you might not get any data, because it is SO specific.

2. Either Drag the item to the Selected panel or click the Right arrow in the central panel to

add the item.

The screen shot shown below shows

− Selected Items and their folders

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• [New] button allows you to create Conditions, Calculations, Percentages and Totals.

− Conditions –limit your data retrieval.

− Be sure to create a condition (or conditions) that will limit the data to your specific requirements. In the example above the conditions set are the trainers’ names from an ITEM.

− In the example below you are creating a NEW condition.

3. Select, [New].

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• You can base the condition on an item or a condition.

• The default is to have the system generate a name automatically, but you can uncheck that option and give it a name of your choice.

• You can enter a description, but it is not required.

If you do not give the item a description here, make sure to note this step elsewhere, like in the title or the text area, so that you will not forget the reasoning behind the condition.

4. Select the down arrow under [Item].

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5. Select the item on which you want to base the condition.

− The screenshot below the Trainer Name is the item selected.

6. Select the Condition.

− “LIKE” allows the use of the wildcard, %.

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Conditions

Expression Meaning Example = Equals Region = ‘Central”; only the Central Region data is displayed.

<> Not equal Region <> ‘Central’; all other region data except Central is displayed.

> Greater than Profit SUM > 10000; all Profit Sum items greater than 10000 are displayed.

< Less than Profit SUM < 10000; all Profit Sum items less than 10000 are displayed.

<= Less than or equal to

Profit SUM <= 10000; all Profit Sum items less than or equal to 10000 are displayed.

>= Greater than or equal to

Profit SUM >= 10000; all Profit Sum items greater than or equal to 10000 are displayed.

LIKE Similar to (using Wildcard matching

Name LIKE ‘A%’; finds all names beginning with the letter A. The percent (%) sign matches any number of characters. A dash symbol (-) matches a single character. NOTE: You can use wildcard in multiple places, ie; org name like ‘%INMD-%’

IN Contains one or more values

City IN (‘Boston’, ‘Los Angeles’, ‘New York’); finds data that contains at least one of the values.

IS NULL Contains no data (not even zero)

Commission IS NULL; displays data only when commission has no value.

IS NOT NULL

Contains some data (even zero)

Commission IS NOT NULL; displays data when commission has any value.

NOT IN Is not contained in one or more values

City NOT IN (‘Boston’, ‘Chicago’); does not display data that contains the words Boston or Chicago.

BETWEEN A value that lies between two other values

Profit BETWEEN 1000 and 2000; displays profits greater than or equal to 1000 or less than or equal to 2000.

NOT BETWEEN

A value that lies outside of two other values

Profits NOT BETWEEN 1000 and 2000; displays profits less than 1000 or greater than 2000

NOT LIKE Not similar to Name NOT LIKE ‘A%’; finds all names not beginning with A. The percent (%) sign matches any number of characters. A dash symbol (-) matches a single character.

!= and ^= Not equals Region != ‘Central’; finds all regions except Central. *Note: these two expressions have the same meaning because both are supported by SQL programming. Therefore, if you use a SQL programming statement to create a complex conditional value, Discoverer can recognize it regardless of which expression you use in the program.

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Discoverer Plus - Conditions - Creating Advanced

Creating Complex Conditions

Advanced Conditions To create multiple conditions for the same condition name, click Advanced in the New Conditions dialog box. The Edit Condition dialog box is displayed. Then follow these steps:

1. Click the Add button.

2. Select an item from the Item drop-down list.

3. Select a conditional operator from the Condition drop-down list.

4. Select a value or option from the Values drop-down list. 5. Repeat these steps for each condition.

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Grouping Conditions

Grouping Conditions Condition groups are displayed in the Formula region in the Edit Condition dialog box. If you want to edit the conditions, you can do so from this dialog box.

The results window displays the results of the grouping conditions.

For instance, you want to find the expenditures for all Educational and Food and Drink expenditure category types.

In the example above, the condition is:

− Return all expenditure types named “Educational Supplies” or all expenditure types named “Food & Drink” AND the Burdened Cost Pay Period is greater than $500.

AND has precedence over OR, while nesting conditions alter the default precedence. Review the conditions above. In this example, AND has precedence over OR because it is a nested condition.

Note: To group, hold down the shift key and select items to group, chen click [And] or [Or] as appropriate.

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Changing Logical Operators By default, the AND operator is used to combine conditions. To toggle between AND and OR, double-click the Group field. To create a condition with multiple logical operators, follow these steps:

1. Create the conditions as described earlier.

2. Select the two conditions you want to group with either the [Shift] or [Ctrl] key.

3. Click the desired logical operator button.

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Nested Conditions A nested condition is a condition that contains other conditions as its components.

1. Select [Edit, Worksheet, Conditions tab].

2. Select [New].

3. Select [Condition] from the Items column dropdown.

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4. Select [Advnaced].

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5. Select a logical operator to group the conditions.

− And

− Or

6. Click at the drop down of the Item field. The following list appears:

− Create Calculation

− Select Condition (allows copy but not edit)

− Copy Condition (allows copy and edit)

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7. Select the particular condition you want to nest and select [OK].

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Parameterized Conditions A parameter is a value within a condition that you specify when you run a query. You use parameters to change conditions without having to change the query.

If a query includes a parameter, you are prompted to specify the information you want to see when you run the query.

For example, you can create a parameterized query that prompts you for an Event Activity Name.

1. Add to the worksheet the condition on which you want to base the parameter.

2. Select [Tools, Parameters] to edit existing parameters as in the case shown below, or to

create a new parameter.

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3. Select [Edit].

In the example below we selected:

− Event as the prompt

− Use LOV as the description

− Allow only one set of parameter values for all worksheets in the workbook.

− Require value.

− Enable multiple values.

− The default is all (%).

− You cannot edit the condition here.

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4. Select the Refresh icon.

The Edit Parameter values window appears.

5. Select the value(s) for the parameters you seek.

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− The % is the parameter you use for ALL values.

− If you select several items and LEAVE IN THE %, your query will retrieve all values for the parameter.

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6. Select [OK] to run the query.

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Creating a Parameterized Condition 1. Select [Tools, Parameters, New] to open the Parameters dialog box.

You can go to this window DIRECTLY from the condition. In the values area select [New Parameter].

2. When you modify a parameterized condition the name of the parameter appears in the

name field.

4. Description: Enter a description of the parameter that is displayed in the Description area of the Available Parameters dialog box.

5. Default Value: Select a value from the drop-down list to be used as a default if no value is selected in the Parameter Wizard.

Note: To change the conditional operator for a parameter, you must modify it in the Edit Condition dialog box. To disable a parameter, you must disable the condition.

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Group Sorts & Totals

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Group Sorts & Totals

Chapter 5

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Group Sorts & Totals

Section Objectives At the end of this section, you should be able to:

• Sort information

• Add group sorts to a query

• Create Totals

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Group Sorts and Totals Displaying data is an art in itself. How you sort the data returned by your query determines the emphasis of the report. One real value of the online report is the ability to vary the sort for analysis. For example, you can sort by Project to find out its total expenditures and you can sort by expenditure type – among all of your Projects to discern trends in expenditures.

Totals are the result of applying a function, such as the average or sum, to all the values in a particular item. In tables, totals appear below the values in the output item. In crosstab output, totals can be displayed below columns and to the right of rows.

When the value in a group sort item changes, any reporting functions applied to other items are calculated and produce a subtotal. A grand total for each reporting function is displayed at the end of the output.

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Discoverer Plus - Sorting • Select a column to sort on.

• Click the Sort icon on the toolbar.

Note: You can also sort a column by selecting Tools—>Sort from the menu bar.

Group Sort Output You can apply group sort to a sort column. For example, if you are have 50 lines of expenditures on an Award, selecting Group Sort will cause the project number to show only on the first of the 50 lines, and subsequent Awards’ expenditures in the same report will also be grouped.

You can group the information according to the values in one or more items. For example, you can group sort by Award and by Project.

Page items

Items in the Page Items position must be moved down to the Column Heading position in order to be available in the Sort Table list.

The example below is taken from GA Project Reconciliation Report. In this case both project number and project name had to be moved to the column heading position before the sort. That is because the Page Items position is a sort.

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Add a new item (column) to the sort table

In this example:

• Page Item Project Number (and project name) have been moved into the column header position.

• Project number has been Added to the sort.

• Project Number has been moved up to the first position in the sort.

The sort table options are as follows:

• Column: Select the name of the item to which the group sort is to be applied.

• Direction: Specify whether to sort the data from high to low or low to high by clicking an arrow in the Direction field.

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• Group: Specify the type of break:

− None,

− Group Sort,

− Page Break,

− or Hidden.

• Line: Specify the width of the break line by entering a positive integer in this cell. A higher number results in a thicker line.

• Space: This option indicates the number of rows below the break line before the value in the group sort item changes.

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Creating Totals Totals are the result of applying a function, such as the average or sum or count, to all the values in a particular item.

Totals appear

− In Table format - below the values in the output item.

− In crosstab format - below columns and to the right of rows.

A subtotal is displayed at the end of the group sorted item.

A grand total for each reporting function is displayed at the end of the output.

Sums of rows and columns of numbers, averages of values, standard deviations, subtotals, grand totals, and so on are all standard elements of tables and of crosstabs of numeric data. Whereas, Count and Count Distinct can be used on values that are not numeric – like count the number of names or count the number of Distinct names.

Several predefined totals are available in the Total dialog box. The functions in the table are predefined totals; some of them are also available as toolbar buttons on the Analysis toolbar. For text (indicated by C for character) and date items (indicated by D for date), only the Count, Count Distinct, Minimum, and Maximum functions are available.

Function Data Type Column Application

Average N Arithmetic average of all values

Count N, C, D Number of values

Count Distinct N, C, D Number of unique values

Maximum N, C, D Maximum value

Minimum N, C, D Minimum value

Standard Deviation N Arithmetic standard deviation

Sum N Total of all values

Variance N Arithmetic variance

Percentage of Grand N Arithmetic percentage of a value

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Discoverer Plus

Menu > Edit> Worksheet > Calculations >My Totals>

New>New Total

To edit an existing total select the one you want to edit and right click then select [Edit].

Alternately, you can click the total (or subtotal row) with the right mouse button; a drop-down list appears displaying two options:

• Copy: You can copy selected numbers to another document.

• Edit Total: You can edit total or subtotal items. This option brings up the Edit Total window saving the step below.

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NOTE: If the data column is not numeric you cannot create a numeric function on it. However, you might be able to find the same element in a numeric format in a different [Available Items] folder.

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If you want report to show the word “Sum” and the Project Number being subtotaled, then select Insert Value.

This is how it will look on the report where the project number is 102166 and the sum is 6,464.79:

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It is clearer if the currency shows as currency in this case, so edit the column to show currency.

Right click to select the column then select [Format Data].

The result shows this way:

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Add the word “Project” in the label field to have the following result on the report:

To calculate a sum such as a grand total and place it at the bottom of the page, select “Grand total at the bottom,” rather than Subtotal.

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To copy or edit a total you click the total (or subtotal row) with the right mouse button; a drop-down list appears displaying two options:

• Copy: You can copy selected numbers to another document.

• Edit Total: You can edit total or subtotal items. This option brings up the familiar Edit Total window.

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Creating Calculations and Percentage Items

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Creating Calculations and Percentage Items

Chapter 6

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Creating Calculations

Calculations A calculation describes an operation between items that a query requests. Calculations can be simple, such as an operation between items that belong to a folder, or they can be complex mathematical or statistical expressions.

Using Parentheses to Change Operator Precedence: The following arithmetic operators are used in calculations:

• Multiply (*)

• Divide (/)

• Add (+)

• Subtract (–)

When you use arithmetic expressions in a calculation, the multiply and divide operators are executed first, regardless of their position in the calculation. If you have multiple operators that follow the same precedence rule, they are evaluated from left to right.

Enrollment Capacity * 2 = New Enrollment Capacity (Enrollment Capacity * 2)/ 12 = (New Enrollment Capacity/12)

If you use parentheses around the expression (Enrollment Capacity * 2), the multiplication is executed before the division.

Creating a Simple Calculation in the Calculations Dialog Box

To create a new simple calculation, follow these steps:

1. Select the Edit Worksheet icon, Calculations tab, New, New Calculation

2. The New Calculation window is displayed

3. Enter the calculation for the item: − Name the calculation (this is your column heading name)

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− Select the item from the [Selected Items] list

− Paste the item into the Calculation window

− Paste the arithmetic values that are found in the calculation window

− Use items and functions as appropriate

3. Click OK to create the calculated item. The calculation appears selected in the Calculations dialog box.

4. Click OK in the Calculations dialog box.

Creating a Simple Calculation from the Toolbar icons

1. Click on the column (heading) on which you wish to base the calculation

2. Select the symbol that represents the operation you want to perform. The Calculation dialog box for that operation is displayed.

3. Name the calculation

4. Delete all syntax that follows the defined arithmetic value (example above: *)

5. Enter the appropriate value (example above: 2)

6. Select [OK] to create the new calculation.

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Building Complex Calculations You can create complex calculations using a combination of SQL functions and folder items. These calculations can be as simple as the example on the previous slide, or as complex as the DECODE example shown at the end of this chapter. The steps to create a complex calculation are similar to those for creating a simple calculation.

The New Calculations window contains Selected Items, Functions, Available Items, Calculation and Parameters (if they have already been created). Using a combination of the items and available functions you can create simple or complex conditions.

When you select a Function, you will see a description of the function in the Description area of the window. If the function meets your needs, paste the function to the Calculation window and using a combination of items along with the function, you can create a working calculation.

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Using the DECODE Function (Complex Calculation)

DECODE is a function that is used to compare an expression to a search criteria and return a value. The DECODE statement is very similar to the “if-then” statement in excel. For instance, if you want to perform a calculation based on two columns and plan to divide one column by the other, you will receive a negative result if the first column contains a zero. You can avoid the divide-by error by using the DECODE function.

EXAMPLE:

The syntax below states: If the data in the column named contains a 0, treat it as a 0 and do not perform a calculation; otherwise perform the calculation. Commas separate the operations.

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The results in your spreadsheet:

The DECODE statement is quite powerful and is used for many purposes. Among the uses of the DECODE statement is to avoid a divide by error (as above) or perhaps to order items in a query by assigning a numerical value.

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Passing a Parameter to a Calculation

To pass a parameter value to a calculation, use the following steps:

1. Select the Edit Worksheet icon, [Parameters] tab

2. Click [New] in the Parameters dialog box.

3. Create the parameter in the New Parameter dialog box. Select NONE in the For Item field. Give the parameter a name.

4. Click on the Select Items tab, Calculations tab. Create the calculation in the New Calculation dialog box. Select the item from the Available List, and select the Parameter from the Parameters List. Apply the calculation.

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Creating Percentages

Select Edit Worksheet icon, Calculations tab, My Percentages, [New], [New Percentage]

2. Name the percentage

− Select the data point

− Select “Grand total of all values” to display the percentages as data in the worksheet and to display a total of the item selected column.

− Select “Grand total for each column” to display the percentages in the bottom row of the worksheet.

− Select “Grand total for each row” to display the percentage as a column in the worksheet.

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Creating Calculations and Percentage Items

Chapter 6 - Page 10

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Chapter 7 - Page 1

Creating Queries in Discoverer Plus

Chapter 7

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Chapter 7 - Page 2

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Chapter 7 - Page 3

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Creating a Query

Section Objectives At the end of this section, with the help of the instruction manual and the online help files you will be able to use the Discoverer Plus Workbook Wizard and the results window to:

• Create, view, and refine queries

• Build table and crosstab layouts

• Select business areas

• Select folders

• Add and remove items

• Modify query layout

• View the results in a worksheet in the results window

• Modify a query in a worksheet.

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Overview

Creating and refining an ad hoc query is a cyclic process.

The tight integration between the wizard and the results window makes the process of creating a query easy.

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Discoverer Plus - Queries - Creating a Query

Discoverer Plus

Enter connection details > Workbook Wizard > Next

Workbook Wizard Step 1of 5

When you begin to create a query, the Workbook Wizard guides you through the process. You will progress through Workbook Wizard Steps 1 – 5 to create your query.

It is very important that you use the [Next] button to go to each window in the Wizard.

Ddo not select [Finish] at least through Step 3.

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This screen provides choices for the display in the worksheet. You can leave the defaults as selected, or make changes as you wish. You can always change your mind later; however, you will not see this initial Step 1 screen in this particular format once you have finished your query.

1. Select [Title]. This is the default.

2. Select [Table]

− Table output has columns of information with headings. Each column is also called a column item.

− Crosstab: Crosstab output looks like a bus or train timetable, with values running across the top, down the left edge, and in the intersection of rows and columns. These values are usually summarized to show a total or average. A crosstab is sometimes called a matrix report.

3. Select [Page-Items].

− Page Items can be used with both table and crosstab reports. Page items allow you to subdivide a large amount of data into more manageable chunks. The values of the page item appear outside the main body of the layout. We recommend you keep Page Items checked; even if you don’t use it initially, it makes it easy to rearrange the report later.

4. Uncheck [Graph].

− By default, Graph is checked. We suggest you uncheck this box. If you change your mind later, you can always view the graph; this is not your only chance to do so.

5. Select [Text]. This is the default.

− This is handy for documenting changes you make as you develop your query. You can turn this feature on and off at any time, so it is always available to you.

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Workbook Wizard – Step 2

• This is what you see when you begin to create a query.

− The highest level of information is the business area. It is represented by the icon that looks like a filing cabinet. In the screenshot above the business area is AP_Payables.

6. Select the Business Area that contains the data you need.

− The example below shows the drop-down list of business areas.

− Within each business area are folders.

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7. Select the plus sign beside the folder that contains the information that interests you.

− Within the folders are items that you will select to create your query. (The items become the column headings in your query).

Selecting Items for Inclusion 8. Select the item(s) you want to include in your query.

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• To open a folder, double click on the folder name or click on the + sign to the left of the folder to view the items in that folder.

Creating Conditions After you have selected the items to be included in your query, the next step is to create at least one or more conditions that will limit the data to your specific needs. If you do not create at least one condition, you will either receive much more data than you wanted, or you will have created a report that runs forever and ever.

• Before you select an item, click on the + sign to the left of the item to view choices. Some items contain defined Lists of Values (LOV)- such as the example below where the individual Trainer names are choices.

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9. Select the actual Trainer’s name.

− Selecting the specific name is an easy way to create a condition if a List of Values has been defined.

10. Either Drag the item to the Selected panel or click the Right arrow in the central panel to

add the item.

The screen shot shown below shows

− Selected Items and their folders

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• [New] button allows you to create Conditions, Calculations, Percentages and Totals.

− Conditions –limit your data retrieval. Be sure to create a condition (or conditions) that will limit the data to your specific requirements. In the example above the conditions set are the trainers’ names.

− we do not recommend that you create calculations, Percentages and Totals here – rather create them after you have created and run the query

11. Click [Next].

The Workbook Wizard – Step 3 of 5: Table Layout appears.

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Chapter 7 - Page 13

Workbook Wizard – Step 3 of 5

Layout

You can move items from the top Heading axis to the Page axis (and reverse).

You can change the order of the columns using the drag and drop technique.

You can also select [Show Page Item] and [Hide Duplicate Rows]

12. Click and drag the column heading to the position you want.

Look for the bold vertical line before releasing the item.

Properties: 13. Select [Properties]

14. Select [Table Format].

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15. Select [Show column headings].

16. Select [Show row Numbers].

There is no way to count the number of rows returned, so this is a way that you can scroll down to view the number of rows returned in your query.

17. Select [Show vertical gridlines] and [Show horizontal gridlines].

− Properties can be edited after you run your query by clicking [Edit/Worksheet Properties]

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Workbook Wizard – Step 4 of 5

Sort

You have the opportunity to create sorts while you are creating your query. However, it is usually preferred that sorts be created after the results have been viewed, because it “Adds Overhead.” - sorting slows down the query and uses memory.

Workbook Wizard – Step 5 or 5

Parameters

This screen is available for creating parameters, but we recommend that you do not create parameters until you have run your query and viewed the results.

Click the [Finish] button to run the query. The resulting output is displayed in the results window.

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Worksheet

The results of the query are displayed in this region.

After viewing the results, you may want to customize or save the output. The end-user component contains many tools and features for customizing and administering your output.

Menu and Toolbar

Menu Bar: The menu bar appears across the top of the screen. The options available depend on which action you are currently performing.

Toolbar: Below the menu bar are rows of icons and drop-down lists. As with the menu bar, the icons may be active or inactive depending on the action you are currently performing.

Edit Worksheet icon set

Edit Worksheet is the most direct method for adding/removing items from your query, creating conditions, parameters, sorts, etc. Using the Edit Worksheet icon allows the user to make changes to a query after you have viewed the results. You can make multiple changes and when you select [OK], the query runs only once.

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Edit Table is the quick way to bring up the Edit Worksheet window where you can edit the layout, add and remove items, move columns, sort, and add or edit parameters.

The New Condition icon area (arrow)

The New Condition icon can be used to create a quick (on-the-fly) condition using one of the logical operators available in the list. Click on the Column on which you wish to base the condition, and then select the New Condition icon area. You have now completed with a couple of clicks two segments of a three part formula.

You can also click on the icon and begin from scratch. However, you may simply wish to use the [Edit Sheet] icon, where you have multiple choices for changes and additions available to you.

Use the Refresh Sheet icon to run your query again. (i.e., if you have created parameters, you can change to a different parameter choice without closing the current workbook.)

New Calculation icon can be used to create quick (on-the-fly) calculations. simple and complex calculations. Click on the Column on which you wish to base the calculation, and then select the New Calculation icon area. You have now completed with a couple of clicks two steps in creating a simple calculation.

Summary

Creating and refining an ad hoc query is a cyclic process so save often!

With the help of the instruction manual and the online help files located at http://www.virginia.edu/integratedsystem/howdoi/HTML/ODS_SPECIALIST.htm#

You will be able to use the Discoverer Plus Workbook Wizard and the results window to:

• Create, view, and refine queries

• Build table and crosstab layouts

• Select business areas

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Chapter 7 - Page 18

• Select folders

• Add and remove items

• Modify query layout

• View the results in a worksheet in the results window

• Modify a query in a worksheet.

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