Data Matrix 
User-defined table in Interactive Excel that can function either as a data entry form or as a report.
You can use data matrices for:
Data entry
Enter financial data in the consolidation backend system
The parent in a consolidation group usually decides whether it will define the data entry matrices for all subsidiaries using Interactive Excel or whether it will allow the subsidiaries to define their own matrices.
For more information, see Online Data Entry with Interactive Excel.
Reporting
Report on the basis of current financial data in an SAP system
For more information, see Reporting with Interactive Excel.
Structure
Note
If you have created a complex matrix and want to identify the various elements in the matrix definition, you can click 
SAP Interactive Excel 
Origin of data Active matrix Matrix definition 
.
This function marks the row and column layout and the header data on a worksheet.
A data matrix consists of the following elements:
Header Data
Characteristics are valid for a data matrix as a whole and appear outside the row and column layout of the matrix. Single values (for example, fiscal year or version) or set aggregations (represented as Single Selections in the Business Consolidation (SEM-BCS) component) can be used for these characteristics. Each characteristic value that is defined as header data fills exactly one cell. The values that you select are inserted in the worksheet in a block, but you can subsequently move them to a different position.
Constants
Characteristics are fixed for a matrix as a whole. You specify these characteristics during matrix definition, after which they are hidden in the matrix and can no longer be selected during further definition.
Data Matrix Layout
Column Layout
Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, which extend across several columns. A column layout in a matrix can consist of several rows. You do not necessarily have to position these rows directly beneath each other.
For more information, see Definition of a Column and Row Layout.
Row Layout
Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, or one or more hierarchies, which extend across several rows. A row layout in a matrix can consist of several columns. You do not necessarily have to position these columns directly beside each other.
For more information, see Definition of a Column and Row Layout.
User-Defined Entries
Empty rows or columns are inserted into a column/row layout, that is, where no characteristics are specified for a whole column/row. In reporting, you can use these cells for your own functions, for example, you can use an Excel formula.
Data Area
Area directly adjacent to the row and column layouts, in which financial data is entered or reported data is displayed.
Caution
Interactive Excel must be able to identify the row and column layout before it can identify a data area. The program cannot distinguish a layout that only covers one row/column from header data and, therefore cannot identify it as a row/column layout. If your layout cannot be identified, a message appears prompting you to indicate the data area explicitly.