Aggregation 

Use

In order to calculate the values of key figures, the data from the InfoProvider has to be aggregated to the detail level of the query and formulas may also need to be calculated. The system has to aggregate using multiple characteristics. In regard to a selected characteristic, the system can aggregate with another rule for each key figure.

Features

During aggregation, the OLAP Engine in BI proceeds as follows:

...

       1.      First, standard aggregation is executed. Possible aggregation types include summation (SUM), minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX). Minimum and maximum can, for example, be used for date key figures.

       2.      Aggregation using a selected characteristic occurs after standard aggregation (exception aggregation). The available exception aggregation types include average, counter, first value, last value, minimum, maximum, no aggregation, standard deviation, summation, and variance. Application cases for exception aggregation include warehouse stock, for example, that cannot be totaled over time, or counters that count the number of characteristic values for a certain characteristic. See also the examples in Scenarios for Using Exception Aggregation.

       3.      Lastly, aggregation using currencies and units is executed. A * is output when two numbers that are not equal to zero are aggregated with different currencies or units. See also Currency Translation.

Formulas are calculated once the numbers have been completely aggregated. There are three exceptions to this rule:

·        For the key figure, a calculation time was selected in which the calculation of the formula is to be done before aggregation. See the section Tab Page Aggregation in Properties of the Selection/Formula.

·        When using a formula variable with replacement from an attribute value in a calculated key figure. See the section Tab Page Aggregation in Properties of the Selection/Formula

·        During a currency translation that was set up in the Query Designer. See Currency Translation in the Business Explorer

The sequence in which the values are calculated affects the result of the query. See also the example for the Interpretation of Query Results

The aggregation types are set during the definition of the key figure. See also Tab Page: Aggregation. In this section you will find a detailed description of the aggregation types.

You can also override these settings with the settings in the query. See also:

In the Query Designer, in BEx Web Applications and in the BEx Analyzer: Calculate Result As... and Calculate Single Values As... (local aggregation)