Working with Variables
Variables are parameters of a query that you defined in BEx Query Designer and are filled with values when you execute the query or Web application. They serve as placeholders for characteristic values, hierarchies, hierarchy nodes, texts and formula elements. They can be processed in various ways.
The processing type determines how a variable is filled with a value for the runtime of the query or Web application. There are different types of variables depending on the object for which you want to define variables. These types specify where you can use the variables. Processing type Customer Exit enables, for example, the variable values to be prefilled customer-specifically using ABAP coding and a check for valid values or authorization to be performed.
Variables are reusable objects. This means that when you define a variable for a query in Query Designer, it can be used in all other queries. Variables are not dependent on the InfoProvider, only on the InfoObject. A variable that you define for an InfoObject is available in all InfoProviders that use this InfoObject.
In BW Integrated Planning, variables are used to parameterize a query, a planning function, a filter, a characteristic relationship or a data slice.
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For variables of type Manual Entry/Default Value and Replacement Path, there are no prerequisites.
For variables of processing type Customer Exit, SAP Exit, and Authorization, you must ensure that the respective prerequisites are fulfilled, such as the creation of an enhancement project, the activation of BI Business Content, or the maintenance of the authorizations.
Defining Variables
Define the variables using a Variables Editor in BEx Query Designer or - for planning applications - using a Variables Wizard or a Variables Editor in the Planning Modeler or Planning Wizard.
For variables with processing type Manual Entry/Default Value, Replacement Path, and SAP Exit, it is sufficient to make the definition in the Variables Editor.
For variables with processing type Customer Exit andAuthorization, define the variables in the Variables Editor. You also have to make adjustments in the ABAP coding of the enhancement project or in the authorizations.
More information:Defining Variables
Saving Variables
Save the variables in the Variables Editor in Query Designer or in the Variables Wizard or Variables Editor in the Planning Modeler or Planning Wizard.
Using Variables
Use the variables in the following contexts:
- To parameterize queries, drag the required variables from the InfoProvider screen area in BEx Query Designer to the required position in the Filter orRows/Columns screen area.
- To parameterize planning functions, you can use the variables in the area of the definition (for example, when specifying a conversion factor or a source version) as well as when creating a filter to restrict the selection. You can use a Web-based dialog to create, change, or delete the variables.
- To specify data slice selections, in the planning modeler, you can add variables to the selection on the Data Provider tab page in the Details when creating a data slice.
Deleting Variables
Once you do not need variables any more, delete them.
- In the InfoProvider screen area in BEx Query Designer, select the variable and choose Delete in the context menu.
- In the planning modeler, the restriction dialog of a characteristic shows a list of variables available for the selected characteristic in the filter in the Variables view. Select the variable and choose Delete.
Transporting Variables
To make the variables available in various BW systems, transport them.
If the transport system is activated, a dialog box for specifying a transport request appears when you save the variable. Enter the required transport request.
If a fixed standard BEx transport request is specified, the variables are automatically written to this request, and the transport request dialog box is not displayed.
To transport variables from the Planning Modeler, you have to use the standard BEx transport request.
ELEM (ELEM.VAR)
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More Information
BEx Query Designer:Variables
Planning Modeler:Variables, Editing Variables