Definition of Conditions

Use

You can define conditions for queries so that you can hide irrelevant figures. You define conditions in the BEx Query Designer, the BEx Analyzer, or in BEx Web applications.

Features

The definition for the condition consists of the following:

Type of Condition

You specify whether you want to define a ranked list condition, a threshold value condition, or a mixed condition. A standard characteristic assignment is specified using the type of condition.

Ranked List Condition: All entries for the displayed list or all entries for a logical section of the list (with multiple characteristics in the drilldown) are considered and their relationship to each other determines whether the entry is displayed. For ranked lists, the sorting is switched on automatically when the condition is activated. The operators Top N, Top %, Top Total, for example, can be used for ranked lists.

Threshold Value Condition: An entry is filtered independently of the other entries if its reference value has a specific relationship to a comparison value. For example, an entry is not displayed if its reference value exceeds or is less than a specific threshold value (for example, revenue < 50).

Mixed Condition: Condition that can have both a threshold value and a ranked list (such as top 2 products with respect to revenue, and products with a profit margin < 5%).

Parameters for the Condition

You specify one or more condition rows for a condition.

A condition row always consists of the specification of an element for every structure used in the query (usually one or two structures), an operator, and a suitable value for the operator.

You can choose from the following operators for threshold value conditions:

  • = Equal To
  • <> Not Equal To
  • > Greater Than
  • >= Greater Than or Equal To
  • < Less Than
  • <= Less Than or Equal To
  • [] Between
  • ][ Not Between

The values for these operators must be floating point numbers. For the operators [] Between and ][ Not Between, you must enter a value range, that is, an upper and a lower threshold value.

You can choose from the following operators for ranked list conditions:

  • Top N
  • Top %
  • Top Total
  • Bottom N
  • Bottom %
  • Bottom Total

For more information about using operators for ranked lists, seeConditions.

For Top N and Bottom N, you must enter a whole, positive number as the value. For Top % and Bottom %, you must enter a number between 0 and 100. For Top Total and Bottom Total, you can also enter a floating point number (for example, 15.7).

The input format depends on the country setting for the operating system.

You can also use formula variables instead of fixed values. By choosing Entry of Variables, the input help appears and you can select the required formula variable. The variables act as placeholders and are filled with fixed values when the query is executed.

The individual condition rows are linked with a logical OR. This enables you to display the top 3 and the bottom 3 products simultaneously.

For more information, seeBasics and Example Scenarios for Conditions.

Characteristic Assignment

You specify a characteristic assignment that deviates from the default setting. You have the following options:

  • All Characteristics in the Drilldown Independently

    This setting allows you to apply a condition in a general way. Depending on which characteristics you use in the drilldown, you obtain different results.

    This option is optimized for ranked list conditions, but can also be used for threshold value conditions with relative values.

  • Most Detailed Characteristic Along the Rows or Columns

    This option is optimized for threshold value conditions. The condition is applied to the most detailed characteristic of the rows or columns.

  • Single Characteristics and Characteristic Combinations

    This setting allows you to evaluate the condition for characteristics or characteristic combinations defined for specific drilldowns only. You can select any characteristic (of the characteristics used in the query in rows, columns, or in the free characteristics) or a characteristic combination.

Properties

Specify whether the condition is active or inactive and enter a description for the condition.

Activities

BEx Query Designer

In the Conditions screen area, choose New Condition in the context menu. The entry with the default text Condition <Number> appears and you can edit the description directly. In the context menu, choose Edit. The conditions editor appears. Its tab pages display the relevant information for defining the condition.

BEx Web Applications

You have the following options:

  • In the context menu, choose Filter → Conditions → Create New Condition.
  • In the List of Conditions Web item, choose Add.

The conditions wizard appears; it provides step-by-step instructions to help you define the condition.

BEx Web Analyzer

You have the following options:

  • In the context menu, choose Filter → Conditions → Create New Condition.
  • Choose Settings, and on the Conditions tab page, choose Add.

The condition wizard appears.

BEx Analyzer

You have the following options:

  • In the context menu for the selected cell, choose Query Properties → Conditions tab page and then New in the context menu.
  • In the context menu for the selected cell, choose Create Condition → via Conditions Dialog.

The conditions dialog appears.