Standard Macros 

Definition

A standard macro is a macro that is executed automatically; its execution is not triggered manually by the planner.

A standard macro is one of the following types:

·        Default

A default macro is executed when the planner opens the planning desktop and loads data, regenerates the screen (for example, by choosing Enter or Tab), or saves the plan. If other types of standard macros can be executed, these are executed before the default macros.

·        Level change

A level change macro is executed when the planner drills up or down in interactive planning.

·        Start

A start macro is executed when the system loads data. This is for instance when a planner selects characteristic values in the shuffler and loads the data.

The sytems always reloads data after the user saves the data. This means that start macros are also carried out after saving.

 

·        Exit

An exit macro is executed when the planner saves the plan.

Use

To define a macro as a standard macro:

...

       1.      Drag and drop the macro from the macro tree to the appropriate standard macro icon in the Events section of the MacroBuilder (top right corner).

       2.      Set the attribute No direct execution for the macro; as required. Since these macros are automatically executed, it often makes sense to prevent users from executing them manually.

One possible use of standard macros is to calculate the difference between forecasts of different periods. This is part of the process for Statistical Error Analysis.

Macro Sequence

You can specify in which sequence the standard macros are executed. This is the order in which the macros are listed under the requisite heading in the Events screen section. This sequence is also displayed in the Macros screen section of the Macro Workbench. To change the order use drag & drop.

Example

You have defined start, end and default macros. You have entered or changed data in interactive and now save the planning book. The system first executes the end macro and saves the data in liveCache. Since it reloads the data, the start macro is executed followed by the default macro. Note that the data changed by the start and default macros has not been saved.