Periodization and Time Variables (SAP Library - Corporate Performance Monitor (SEM-CPM))

Periodization and Time Variables

Use

Periodizations serve three purposes:

You can define aggregations on the basis of periodizations

You can filter the values to be used in the presentation on the basis of periodizations

You can also fill the BW variable of a query that is not a BW time variable (for example, a version variable) with content depending on the periodization. For example, it is possible to fill the BW version variable with version 1 in the first half of the fiscal year and with version 2 in the second half of the fiscal year.

For the definition of periodizations and time variables, SAP delivers time variables, which you can use to define your own variables, and you can divide fiscal years into intervals according to your own needs.

General Notes on Time Variables

You use time variables (= SEM time variables) to create a link between the input fields for the current and target period, and the data that is displayed in the presentation (for example, in a cockpit or a scorecard).

You can assign SEM time variables to the following objects of a query:

All time characteristics of the SAP Business Information Warehouse (SAP BW) that are supported by the Strategy Management and Performance Measurement functions (if a BW time characteristic is not supported, you also cannot assign a SEM time variable to the BW time characteristic).

As value fields can only accommodate one single value, you can only assign an SEM time variable of the type "single value" to a BW time characteristic; the assignment of an SEM time variable of the type "interval" is not possible due to the concept of a value field. However, frames in the Management Cockpit function are an exception to this: here you can assign an SEM time variable of the type "interval" to a BW time characteristic; however, in this case you have to assign the BW time characteristic in the graphic design of the frame - for example, in the case of a bar chart - to the category axis (= X axis with vertical bars) to be able to display the different values of the BW time characteristic. Consequently it is meaningless - and technically not possible in SEM - to use the graphic type "speedometer" for a frame with SEM time variables of the type "interval" because a speedometer graphic by its nature can only display a maximum of two values.

For the mapping of calendar dates to fiscal year periods, see: Time Variables.

BW variables (provided these represent BW time characteristics that are supported by the Strategy Management and Performance Measurement functions). These BW variables have to be ready for input in the query so you can assign an SEM time variable to them. In addition, the following applies to the assignment:

If the BW variable is of the type "single value", you also have to assign an SEM time variable of the type "single value" to the BW variable.
If the BW variable is of the type "interval", you have to assign an SEM time variable of the type "interval" to the BW variable.

When using BW variables, these also determine the type of aggregation.

BW variables of the type "formula variable". With these BW variables, the period is passed as a numerical value, so you can perform further numerical calculations with this value. These BW variables also have to be ready for input in the query so you can assign an SEM time variable to them.

General Notes on Aggregation (Year-To-Date, YTD)

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text

You can only use the Year-To-Date indicator when using an SEM time variable for the BW time characteristic but not for the BW variable.

The aggregation in the context of the Strategy Management and Performance Measurement functions determines whether and how the values of a measure are summarized using a time characteristic. The type of the aggregation itself (for example, totaling, or average) is performed according to the specifications in SAP BW. In addition, you have to specify for the aggregation for what time periods the system is to aggregate the values (for example, quarterly).

You have the possibility to specify the aggregation for all value fields at once (in the Balanced Scorecard and Value Driver Tree functions), and for each measure of a frame individually (in the Management Cockpit function).

You can only aggregate values if these are based on BW fiscal year time characteristics; however, it is not possible to aggregate if the values are based on BW calendar time characteristics.

General Notes on Periodization

With periodization you determine the values to be displayed by the system dependent on time. You increase the degree of granularity with the periodization.

Example

Let us assume you selected a Year-To-Date aggregation for your sales per period with the aggregation supplying the total; your periodization is carried out in three periods:

Example of Year-to-date Aggregation with Quarterly Periodization

Period	Sales in the Period (in thousands)	Aggregated Value (in thousands)	Value Displayed by the System (in thousands)
001	1100	1100	—
002	1200	2300	—
003	1000	3300	3300
004	1200	4500	—
005	1250	5750	—
006	1100	6850	6850
007	1000	7850	—
008	1050	8900	—
009	1100	10000	10000

Integration

You can access your periodizations, and use time variables, in the Balanced Scorecard, Management Cockpit and Value Driver Tree functions.

Features

Defining Periodizations

To define a periodization, choose Periodization in the dialog structure.

Choose

to switch to change mode.

Choose New Entries.

In the Periodization column, enter a name for the periodization (up to four characters).

In the Fiscal Year Variant column, choose the fiscal year variant on which you want to base the periodization. (The periodization itself is based on periods of the fiscal year variants.)

In the Long Text column, enter a descriptive name for the periodization.

Save your entries and return.

In the list of periodizations, select the periodization you just created.

Choose Interval in the Dialog Structure.

Choose New Entries.

In the Interval No. column, enter a sequential number for each period to be defined, starting with "1".

Specify the left time limit (= Start column) and the right time limit (= End column) of the range by entering the respective period of the fiscal year variant on which it is based.

Save your entries and return.

Defining Time Variables

To define time variables, choose Time Variable in the dialog structure.

Choose

to switch to change mode.

Choose New Entries.

Enter a technical name for the variable in the Time Variable field.

This graphic is explained in the accompanying text

The names of custom variables have to start with a number.

Enter descriptive text for the new variable in the Long Text field.

Determine the variable type:

If the variable is to be used for measures and initiatives, choose Measures and Initiatives.

If the variable will only be used for initiatives, choose Only Initiatives.

If you do not want to assign the variable to an interval, proceed as follows:

Choose a time variable in the Time Variable field.

In the Period Offset field, enter a value to determine how the new time variable should be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

Example

If you selected "Current period" as the source time variable, you can enter -1 in the Per. Offset field to model the previous period (the system automatically converts it to "1-"). If you want to map the subsequent period to your new time variable, enter 1 in the Per. Offset field.

In the Fiscal Year Offset field, enter a value to determine the fiscal year for the new time variable that is to be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

Save your entries and return.

If you want to map the variable to an interval, proceed as follows:

Set the indicator to Interval.

Determine the start time of the interval:

Choose a time variable in the Time Variable field.

In the Period Offset field, enter a value to determine how the new time variable should be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

In the Fiscal Year Offset field, enter a value to determine the fiscal year for the new time variable that is to be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

Determine the end of the interval:

Below To, select a time variable in the Time Variable field.

In the Period Offset field, enter a value to determine how the new time variable should be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

In the Fiscal Year Offset field, enter a value to determine the fiscal year for the new time variable that is to be mapped to the time variable on which it is based. If it is it is not to be changed, leave the field blank.

Save your entries and return.

In the list of time variables, you can display the where-used list for a selected time variable using .

With , you can test time variables to check whether they supply the values you need. To do this, select the time variant and fiscal year variant that you want to check in the test dialog. Depending on the type of variable, fill in the remaining fields, and then choose to perform the test. You obtain a table in which the value of different current periods is listed. This value is then compared to the value that is displayed in the tested time variable, or to the values, if it is an interval.

Activities

In the SEM menu, choose Strategic Enterprise Management ® Performance Measurement ® Design ® Various ® Periodization and Time Variables to define periodizations and time variables.

See also:

Using Time Variables