You analyze the dataset of the Business Information Warehouse by defining queries for InfoCubes. By selecting and combining InfoObjects (characteristics and key figures) in a query you determine in which way you navigate through and evaluate the data in the selected InfoCube.

You can give queries parameters. You can use variables for characteristic values, for texts and for formulas in the query definition. You create these variables in advance in the variable maintenance.

You can insert the defined query in its initial view in a workbook. Using different navigation functions you can analyze InfoCube data with the characteristics and key figures defined in the query. You can save various views for the query and publish them in the Web to form a Web query. You can save the workbook in your favorites or in activity groups (roles).

The Business Information Warehouse must contain at least one InfoCube.

Reporting consists of the steps query definition and navigation. With the query definition in the Business Explorer, you define a query that forms the basis for analyzing data in the InfoCube. If you imagine the InfoCube as an n+1 dimensional cube, then a sub-cube (query cube) is cut from the InfoCube with the selection and restriction of the characteristics and key figures. The data for the characteristics that is not selected for the query is aggregated.

The significant components of the query definition are the filter and navigation:

• For the navigation you select user-defined characteristics and determine the content of the rows and columns of the query. You use this selection to determine over which data areas of the InfoCube you want to navigate. In addition, how the contents of the rows and columns are arranged, determines the default view of the query and with it, the rows and columns axis in the results area.

With the definition of a query the InfoCube data can be evaluated specifically and quickly. The more precisely the query is defined the smaller the subcube is and the quicker the execution and navigation.

You define the queries by:

• Selecting reusable structures that already contain characteristic or key figure combinations (for example, contribution margin schema);

• Selecting characteristics from the InfoCube;

• Restricting selected characteristics to characteristic values, characteristic value intervals or hierarchy nodes;

• Using variables for characteristic values, formulas and texts;

• Selecting key figures from the InfoCube;

• Formulating calculated key figures;

• Restricting key figures via the combination with characteristics;

• Arranging the characteristics and key figures in rows or columns and thereby establishing an initial view for the query analysis.