Data Matrix 

Definition

User-defined table in Interactive Excel that can function as either a data entry form or as a report.

Use

You can use data matrices for the following purposes:

●     Entering financial data in an Access database for the offline data entry program

The parent in a consolidation group usually decides whether it will define the data entry matrices for all subsidiaries using Interactive Excel, or whether it will allow the subsidiaries to define their own matrices.

●     Reporting on the basis of current financial data in a SAP System or Access database for the offline data entry program

Structure

A data matrix consists of the following elements:

Header Data

Characteristics that are valid for a whole matrix and appear outside the row and column layout of the matrix. Single values (for example, fiscal year or version) or set aggregations (for example, a consolidation group consisting of several consolidation units) can be used for these characteristics. Each characteristic value that is defined as header data fills exactly one cell. The values that you select are inserted into the sheet in a block, but you can subsequently move them to a different position.

Constants

Characteristics that are fixed for a whole matrix. You specify these characteristics during matrix definition, after which they are hidden in the matrix and can not longer be selected during further definition.

Column Layout

Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, which extend across several columns. A column layout in a matrix can consist of several rows. These rows do not necessarily have to be positioned directly beneath one another.

Row Layout

Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, or one or more hierarchies, which extend across several rows. A row layout in a matrix can consist of several columns. These columns do not necessarily have to be positioned directly beneath one another.

User-Defined Entries

Empty rows or columns in the column/row layout (in other words where no characteristics are specified for a whole column/row). In reporting, you can these cells for your own functions, for example, an Excel formula.

Data Area

Area directly adjacent to the row and column layouts, in which financial data is entered or report data displayed.

Interactive Excel must be able to identify the row and column layout before it can identify a data area. The program cannot distinguish a layout that only covers one row/column from header data, and therefore cannot identify it as a row/column layout. If your layout cannot be identified, a message appears asking you to explicitly indicate the data area.

A Simple Data Matrix and Its Base Elements

If you have created a complex matrix and want to identify the various elements in the matrix definition, you can choose SAP ® Origin of data ® Active matrix ® Matrix definition. This function marks the row and column layout and the header data on a sheet.