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BusinessObjects Web Intelligence XI 3.0/3.1: Report Design Learner’s Guide BOW310

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  • BusinessObjects Web Intelligence XI3.0/3.1: Report Design

    Learners GuideBOW310

  • Copyright 2009 SAP BusinessObjects. All rights reserved. SAPBusinessObjects owns the followingUnited States patents,whichmay cover products that are offered and licensed by SAPBusinessObjects and/or affliated companies: 5,295,243; 5,339,390;5,555,403; 5,590,250; 5,619,632; 5,632,009; 5,857,205; 5,880,742;5,883,635; 6,085,202; 6,108,698; 6,247,008; 6,289,352; 6,300,957;6,377,259; 6,490,593; 6,578,027; 6,581,068; 6,628,312; 6,654,761;6,768,986; 6,772,409; 6,831,668; 6,882,998; 6,892,189; 6,901,555;7,089,238; 7,107,266; 7,139,766; 7,178,099; 7,181,435; 7,181,440;7,194,465; 7,222,130; 7,299,419; 7,320,122 and 7,356,779. SAPBusinessObjects and its logos, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports,Rapid Mart, Data Insight, Desktop Intelligence, RapidMarts, Watchlist Security, Web Intelligence, and Xcelsius

    are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects,an SAP company and/or affiliated companies in the UnitedStates and/or other countries. SAP is a registered trademarkof SAPAG inGermany and/or other countries. All other namesmentioned hereinmay be trademarks of their respective owners.

  • C O N T E N T S

    About this CourseCourse introduction....................................................................................................xvCourse description.....................................................................................................xviCourse audience.........................................................................................................xviPrerequisites................................................................................................................xviAdditional education.................................................................................................xviLevel, delivery and duration....................................................................................xviApplicable certifications and designations.............................................................xviCourse success factors...............................................................................................xviCourse setup..............................................................................................................xviiCourse materials........................................................................................................xviiLearning process.......................................................................................................xvii

    Lesson 1Introducing Web IntelligenceLesson introduction.......................................................................................................1Describing Web Intelligence concepts........................................................................2

    Accessing information with Web Intelligence...................................................2Understanding the semantic layer.......................................................................3Quick and easy access to information.................................................................4

    Explaining Web Intelligence core functionality........................................................6Querying with Web Intelligence .........................................................................6Reporting with Web Intelligence.........................................................................7Analyzing with Web Intelligence........................................................................8

    Describing Web Intelligence and BusinessObjects Enterprise..............................10BusinessObjects Enterprise overview................................................................10About InfoView....................................................................................................10Sharing documents with InfoView users .........................................................10

    Quiz: Introducing Web Intelligence .........................................................................12Lesson summary..........................................................................................................13

    Lesson 2Creating Web Intelligence Documents withQueriesLesson introduction.....................................................................................................15

    iiiTable of ContentsLearners Guide

  • Querying with Web Intelligence................................................................................16About the query process.....................................................................................16Universes and objects..........................................................................................17Objects represent a selection of data.................................................................17Universe used in this course...............................................................................17

    Creating a new document...........................................................................................20Launching Web Intelligence Rich Client..........................................................20Creating a new Web Intelligence document....................................................22Saving a new document......................................................................................25Interrupting data retrieval..................................................................................26Modifying a document's query..........................................................................28

    Projecting data from an added object........................................................28Understanding how the data is aggregated..............................................30

    Working with query properties.................................................................................32Working in the Query panel...............................................................................32Viewing the query properties.............................................................................34Viewing the query's SQL.....................................................................................37Activity: Creating a document...........................................................................38

    Quiz: Creating Web Intelligence documents with queries ...................................40Lesson summary..........................................................................................................41

    Lesson 3Restricting Data Returned by a QueryLesson introduction.....................................................................................................43Restricting data with query filters.............................................................................44

    The purpose of query filters...............................................................................44Components of a query filter..............................................................................44

    Modifying a query with a predefined query filter..................................................49Using a predefined query filter to modify a query.........................................49

    Applying a single-value query filter.........................................................................51Creating a single-value query filter...................................................................51Editing a single-value filter.................................................................................51

    Using wildcards in query filters................................................................................54About wildcards...................................................................................................54Creating a query filter with a wildcard.............................................................54Activity: Restricting data.....................................................................................55

    Using prompts to restrict data...................................................................................56Prompted filters....................................................................................................56Creating a prompted query filter.......................................................................56Editing a prompted query filter.........................................................................61Activity: Adding prompts...................................................................................62

    Using complex filters...................................................................................................64Using logical operators for multiple conditions..............................................64Using the AND operator.....................................................................................65Using the OR operator.........................................................................................66

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guideiv

  • Prioritizing operators...........................................................................................67Activity: Restricting data with multiple filters ...............................................67

    Quiz: Restricting data returned by a query.............................................................69Lesson summary..........................................................................................................70

    Lesson 4Designing Web Intelligence ReportsLesson introduction.....................................................................................................71Working with Web Intelligence documents............................................................72

    Components of a Web Intelligence document.................................................72Viewing reports in a document..........................................................................72About the Web Intelligence Rich Client reporting interface..........................73Web Intelligence Rich Client window toolbars...............................................73Customizing your user preferences...................................................................74Web Intelligence Rich Client general preferences...........................................75Web Intelligence Rich Client viewing preferences..........................................76Web Intelligence Rich Client locale preferences..............................................77Web Intelligence Rich Client drill preferences.................................................78Working with the Report Manager tabs...........................................................80Displaying the document properties.................................................................83Managing reports.................................................................................................86

    Displaying data in tables and charts.........................................................................87About tables..........................................................................................................87

    Creating tables..............................................................................................................89Viewing tables in different display modes.......................................................89Inserting tables in a report..................................................................................91

    Working with tables....................................................................................................94Changing table formats.......................................................................................94Adding data to an existing table........................................................................94Duplicating tables................................................................................................95Deleting tables, rows, or columns......................................................................96

    Presenting data in free-standing cells.......................................................................97Inserting a free-standing cell..............................................................................97

    Presenting data in charts...........................................................................................102Bar charts.............................................................................................................102Line charts...........................................................................................................103Area charts..........................................................................................................103Pie charts..............................................................................................................104Radar charts........................................................................................................104Creating a chart..................................................................................................105Creating a chart from a table............................................................................106Activity: Designing Web Intelligence Reports...............................................108

    Quiz: Designing Web Intelligence reports.............................................................111Lesson summary........................................................................................................112

    vTable of ContentsLearners Guide

  • Lesson 5Enhancing the Presentation of Data in ReportsLesson introduction...................................................................................................113Using breaks and calculations.................................................................................114

    About breaks.......................................................................................................114About calculations..............................................................................................116

    Using sorts..................................................................................................................118About sort orders...............................................................................................118Deleting a default sort.......................................................................................120

    Formatting breaks and cross tabs............................................................................123Controlling break headers and footers............................................................123Formatting multiple break headers and footers............................................125About formatting breaks...................................................................................127Prioritizing multiple breaks..............................................................................128Formatting cross tab headers ...........................................................................131Activity: Formatting breaks and cross tabs....................................................131

    Using report filters.....................................................................................................133About report filters............................................................................................133

    Ranking data to see top or bottom values..............................................................138Applying ranking to data..................................................................................138Activity: Enhancing the presentation of a report .........................................139

    Tracking data changes...............................................................................................141Tracking data changes in Web Intelligence....................................................141Types of data change.........................................................................................143Activating data tracking....................................................................................144Formatting data changes...................................................................................145Activity: Tracking data changes.......................................................................146

    Using alerters to highlight information..................................................................148About alerters.....................................................................................................148Creating and activating an alerter...................................................................149Creating complex alerters.................................................................................151Activity: Creating complex alerters ................................................................152

    Organizing a report into sections............................................................................156About sections....................................................................................................156Navigating from section to section..................................................................159

    Copying data to other applications.........................................................................161Copying a block of data as text........................................................................161Copying an image of data using Microsoft Clipboard.................................162Activity: Creating sections in a report.............................................................164

    Quiz: Enhancing the presentation of reports.........................................................167Lesson summary........................................................................................................168

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidevi

  • Lesson 6Formatting ReportsLesson introduction...................................................................................................169Formatting documents..............................................................................................170

    Displaying the Report Manager Properties tab.............................................170Changing the display of the Properties tab....................................................172Modifying the default report properties.........................................................173Modifying the default table properties...........................................................173Modifying the default cell properties..............................................................174Modifying the default section properties.......................................................176Preparing documents for PDF and printing..................................................178Activity: Formatting and printing reports .....................................................178

    Formatting charts.......................................................................................................181Looking at the chart properties .......................................................................181Formatting a bar chart.......................................................................................182Formatting a pie chart ......................................................................................184Activity: Formatting charts ..............................................................................187

    Quiz: Formatting reports..........................................................................................190Lesson summary .......................................................................................................191

    Lesson 7Calculating Data with Formulas and VariablesLesson introduction...................................................................................................193Explaining formulas and variables.........................................................................194

    Formulas..............................................................................................................194Variables..............................................................................................................194Getting online Help............................................................................................195

    Using formulas and variables..................................................................................198Creating a variable as a response to a prompt...............................................198Creating a variable to calculate sales tax........................................................203Modifying and deleting a variable..................................................................209Creating a variable from document functions...............................................209Activity: Creating formulas and variables.....................................................212

    Quiz: Creating formulas and variables...................................................................214Lesson summary........................................................................................................215

    Lesson 8Using Multiple Data SourcesLesson introduction...................................................................................................217Synchronizing data from multiple data sources...................................................218

    Working with multiple data providers...........................................................218

    viiTable of ContentsLearners Guide

  • What is data synchronization?.........................................................................219Creating multiple queries in a document ..............................................................221

    Projecting data from a single query in different blocks ...............................221Projecting data from multiple queries using a single universe ..................222About automatically merged dimensions......................................................227Projecting data from queries using multiple universes ...............................230

    Synchronizing data with merged dimensions.......................................................233What happens when dimensions are not synchronized .............................233Synchronizing queries by manually merging dimensions .........................234Some rules about synchronizing with merged dimensions ........................237

    Using a personal data provider...............................................................................239Using personal data...........................................................................................239Linking personal data to universe data..........................................................242Activity: Synchronizing data............................................................................245

    Quiz: Using multiple data sources..........................................................................247Lesson summary........................................................................................................248

    Lesson 9Analyzing DataLesson introduction ..................................................................................................249Analyzing the data cube...........................................................................................250

    About the Web Intelligence data cube............................................................250What is scope of analysis?.................................................................................250

    Drilling in a Web Intelligence document...............................................................252Building a drillable document..........................................................................252Drilling down in the data in a hierarchy........................................................255Taking a snapshot of the drill report...............................................................258Drilling in charts.................................................................................................259

    Setting Web Intelligence drill options.....................................................................262Setting general drill options in Web Intelligence Rich Client......................262Using query drill ...............................................................................................265Understanding the impact of query drill on performance...........................265Activity: Analyzing data...................................................................................267

    Quiz: Analyzing data................................................................................................268Lesson summary........................................................................................................269

    Lesson 10Managing and Sharing Web IntelligenceDocumentsLesson introduction...................................................................................................271Exporting documents to the CMS...........................................................................272

    Exporting a Web Intelligence document.........................................................272Logging onto InfoView.............................................................................................274

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guideviii

  • Accessing the InfoView Log On page.............................................................274The Home page...................................................................................................275

    Managing documents in InfoView..........................................................................279Folders and categories in InfoView.................................................................279Creating folders..................................................................................................279Copying and moving documents and folders...............................................280Deleting documents and folders......................................................................281Creating categories.............................................................................................281Managing documents in folders and categories............................................283Filtering documents in a list.............................................................................284

    Viewing a Web Intelligence document in InfoView.............................................286Viewing Web Intelligence documents............................................................286Refreshing a Web Intelligence document.......................................................288Printing a Web Intelligence document............................................................290Closing a Web Intelligence document.............................................................290

    Sharing Web Intelligence documents.....................................................................291Sharing documents with InfoView users........................................................291Sharing beyond Web Intelligence....................................................................293Scheduling documents in InfoView................................................................294

    Setting InfoView preferences...................................................................................296Setting general InfoView preferences ............................................................296About document preferences in InfoView.....................................................297Setting Web Intelligence preferences..............................................................297About Web Intelligence viewing settings.......................................................297

    Describing the Web Intelligence report panels.....................................................299About the Web Intelligence report panels......................................................299Checking the report panel settings..................................................................303

    Logging off from InfoView.......................................................................................306Closing your InfoView session.........................................................................306Activity: Managing and sharing Web Intelligence documents ..................306

    Quiz: Managing and sharing Web Intelligence documents................................308Lesson summary........................................................................................................309

    Appendix AWeb Intelligence Toolbar ReferenceWeb Intelligence toolbars ........................................................................................311

    Appendix BOptional ActivitiesOptional Practice, Lesson 2......................................................................................317Optional Practice, Lesson 3......................................................................................319Optional Practice, Lesson 4......................................................................................321Optional Practice, Lesson 5......................................................................................324Optional Practice, Lesson 5......................................................................................326

    ixTable of ContentsLearners Guide

  • Optional Practice, Lesson 5......................................................................................328Optional Practice, Lesson 5......................................................................................330Optional Practice, Lesson 6......................................................................................331Optional Practice, Lesson 7......................................................................................332Optional Practice, Lesson 8......................................................................................334Optional Practice, Lesson 9......................................................................................336Optional Practice, Lesson 9......................................................................................337

    Answer KeyQuiz: Introducing Web Intelligence .......................................................................341Quiz: Creating Web Intelligence documents with queries .................................342Quiz: Restricting data returned by a query...........................................................343Quiz: Designing Web Intelligence reports.............................................................344Quiz: Enhancing the presentation of reports.........................................................345Quiz: Formatting reports..........................................................................................346Quiz: Creating formulas and variables...................................................................347Quiz: Using multiple data sources..........................................................................348Quiz: Analyzing data................................................................................................349Quiz: Managing and sharing Web Intelligence documents................................350

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidex

  • A G E N D AWeb Intelligence Report Design

    Introductions, Course Overview...........................................30 minutes

    Lesson 1Introducing Web Intelligence.................................................30 minutes Describing Web Intelligence concepts Explaining Web Intelligence core functionality Describing Web Intelligence and BusinessObjects Enterprise

    Lesson 2Creating Web Intelligence Documents with Queries..............1 hour Querying with Web Intelligence Creating a new document Modifying a document's query Working with query properties

    Lesson 3Restricting Data Returned by a Query.........................................1 hour Restricting data with query filters Modifying a query with a predefined query filter Applying a single-value query filter Using wildcards in query filters Using prompts to restrict data Using complex filters

    Lesson 4Designing Web Intelligence Reports............................................1 hour Working with Web Intelligence documents Displaying data in tables and charts Creating tables Working with tables Presenting data in free-standing cells Presenting data in charts

    xiAgendaLearners Guide

  • Lesson 5Enhancing the Presentation of Data in Reports.....................2 hours Using breaks and calculations Using sorts Formatting breaks and cross tabs Using report filters Ranking data to see top or bottom values Tracking data changes Using alerters to highlight information Organizing a report into sections Copying data to other applications

    Lesson 6Formatting Reports............................................................................1 hour Formatting documents Formatting charts

    Lesson 7Calculating Data with Formulas and Variables.........................1 hour Explaining formulas and variables Using formulas and variables

    Lesson 8Using Multiple Data Sources..........................................................1 hour Synchronizing data from multiple data sources Creating multiple queries in a document Synchronizing data with merged dimensions Using a personal data provider

    Lesson 9Analyzing Data....................................................................................1 hour Analyzing the data cube Drilling in a Web Intelligence document Setting Web Intelligence drill options

    Lesson 10Managing and Sharing Web Intelligence Documents.............1 hour Exporting documents to the CMS Logging onto InfoView Managing documents in InfoView Viewing a Web Intelligence document in InfoView

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidexii

  • Sharing Web Intelligence documents Setting InfoView preferences Describing the Web Intelligence report panels Logging off from InfoView

    xiiiAgendaLearners Guide

  • Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidexiv

  • About this Course

    Course introduction

    This section explains the conventions used in the course and in this training guide.

    xvAbout this CourseLearners Guide

  • Course description

    This two-day instructor-led course is designed to give you the comprehensive skills and in-depthknowledge needed to access, analyze and share data using BusinessObjects InfoView andBusinessObjects Web Intelligence.

    During this course, youll learn how to organize, manage and distribute documents usingInfoView. Youll also learn how to createWeb Intelligence documents for your reporting needs,to retrieve data by building queries using BusinessObjects universes and to useWeb Intelligenceto enhance documents for easier analysis.

    After taking this course, you will be able to efficiently and effectively manage personal andcorporate documents to access the information you need, when you need it. You will be ableto design your own reports using Web Intelligence and share your analysis with other users.

    Course audience

    The target audience for this course is report designers who need to access and analyzeinformation using InfoView and Web Intelligence.

    Prerequisites

    To be successful, learners who attend this course should have the following experience:

    Windows conventions Basic database concepts

    Additional education

    If you want to increase your skill level and knowledge of Web Intelligence, this course isrecommended:

    BusinessObjects Web Intelligence XI 3.0/3.1: Advanced Report Design

    Level, delivery and duration

    This core-level instructor-led offering is a two-day course.

    Applicable certifications and designations

    This course is not applicable to any Business Objects Certified Professional programs.

    Course success factors

    Your learning experience will be enhanced by:

    Activities that build on the life experiences of the learner

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidexvi

  • Discussion that connects the training to real working environments Learners and instructor working as a team Active participation by all learners

    Course setup

    Refer to the setup guide for details on hardware, software, and course-specific requirements.

    Course materials

    The materials included with the course materials are:

    Name card Learners Guide

    The Learners Guide contains an agenda, learner materials, and practice activities.

    The Learners Guide is designed to assist students who attend the classroom-based courseand outlines what learners can expect to achieve by participating in this course.

    Evaluation form

    At the conclusion of this course, you will receive an electronic feedback form as part of ourevaluation process, to provide feedback on the course content, instructor, and facility. Yourcomments will assist us to improve future courses.

    Additional resources include:

    Sample files

    The sample files can include required files for the course activities and/or supplementalcontent to the training guide.

    OnlineHelp

    Retrieve information and find answers to questions using the onlineHelp and/or usersguide that are included with the product.

    Learning process

    Learning is an interactive process between the learners and the instructor. By facilitating acooperative environment, the instructor guides the learners through the learning framework.

    Introduction

    Why am I here? Whats in it for me?

    The learners will be clear about what they are getting out of each lesson.

    Objectives

    How do I achieve the outcome?

    xviiAbout this CourseLearners Guide

  • The learners will assimilate new concepts and how to apply the ideas presented in the lesson.This step sets the groundwork for practice.

    Practice

    How do I do it?

    The learners will demonstrate their knowledge as well as their hands-on skills through theactivities.

    Review

    How did I do?

    The learners will have an opportunity to review what they have learned during the lesson.Review reinforces why it is important to learn particular concepts or skills.

    Summary

    Where have I been and where am I going?

    The summary acts as a recap of the learning objectives and as a transition to the next section.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guidexviii

  • Lesson 1Introducing Web Intelligence

    Lesson introduction

    This section presents key Web Intelligence concepts and vocabulary that are important tounderstand before beginning this course.

    After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

    Describe Web Intelligence concepts Explain Web Intelligence core functionality Describe the relationship amongBusinessObjects Enterprise, InfoView, andWeb Intelligence

    1Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Describing Web Intelligence concepts

    Web Intelligence is a tool for analyzing your organization's business information.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Explain howWeb Intelligence allows you to access information Describe universes, the Business Objects semantic layer that allows you to query your

    corporate databases using your own everyday business terms

    Accessing information with Web Intelligence

    With Web Intelligence, you can query your organizations databases using your everydaybusiness terms, and using an easy-to-use interface. You can create simple or very complexreports, and share the information you display with colleagues throughout the enterprise.

    Getting the right information to make decisions

    You and your colleagues need quick, easy access to information. As part of your job, youmakedecisions all the time. That means you need the right information at your fingertips to helpyou make the right decisions.

    You want to access information using your everyday business vocabulary without having tounderstand anything about the technical way the information is stored.

    And once youve analyzed this information, you need to be able to share it with your colleagues.

    Web Intelligence allows you to access, analyze, and share corporate data over intranets andextranets for both relational databases (RDBMS) and online analytical processing (OLAP)servers.

    To access Web Intelligence, you can log into the BusinessObjects portal InfoView via yourinternet browser. You can then create and edit Web Intelligence documents and analyze thedata displayed in them. Using InfoView, you can share documents with other users.

    Web Intelligence can also be used offline asWeb Intelligence RichClient, a standaloneMicrosoftWindows application that you can install on your computer. Web Intelligence Rich Client lets

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide2

  • you continue toworkwithWeb Intelligence documents (WID)when you are unable to connectto InfoView, when you want to perform calculations locally rather than on the server, or whenyour organization chooses to deploy Web Intelligence without installing BusinessObjectsEnterprise servers or an application server.

    You can also useWeb Intelligence RichClientwhile connected to the BusinessObjects Enterpriserepository. This repository is known as the Central Management Server, or "the CMS". If youuse Web Intelligence Rich Client while connected to the CMS, you are working in "connected"mode. In connected mode, you can export documents that you have created locally, so thatInfoView users can access them in the CMS repository.

    Understanding the semantic layer

    Web Intelligence allows you to access and analyze your organization's data by means of asemantic layer in one or more BusinessObjects universes. This semantic layer is a view of yourorganization's data, presented as one or more universes.

    Because universes are based on business terminology that is familiar to you and sharedthroughout the organization, they shield users from the technical complexities of the databaseswhere your corporate information is stored.

    Web Intelligence utilizes universes to provide access to data.Using a universe's business-orientedview of the data, you can create queries in Web Intelligence and get information using yourown everyday terms.

    The terms you need to be familiarwith in order to understand how this semantic layer functionsare:

    Object

    Class

    Predefined query filter

    Universe

    Object

    Objects are elements in a universe that map to a specific set of data in a relational database.Each object in a BusinessObjects universe is defined with a business term that is commonlyused in your organization, such asCountry,Year,Revenue,Customer name,Customer address,and so on.

    Class

    Classes are logical groupings of related objects.

    3Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • This diagram shows some of the objects used in this course to build queries and create WebIntelligence documents, and their organization into classes. Classes are indicated here by afolder icon. The objects shown in this diagramare indicated by blue diamonds, orange rectangles,and yellow funnels.

    For example, the Store class includes the objects State, City, and Store name. The Store classalso includes a subclass, called Store details, which contains other objects related to Stores.

    Predefined query filter

    The elements identified by yellow filters in the diagram are predefined query filters. Queryfilters are used to restrict the data returned by an object used in a query.

    Later in this course, you will learn more about the different types of objects that are availablein universes, as well as the role of the pre-defined query filter in the universe.

    Universe

    ABusinessObjects universe relates the objects for a business area such as finance, sales, humanresources, or purchasing departments to your organization's data stored in its databases.

    The diagram above shows the eFashion universe which defines the objects that you use in thiscourse.

    Universes are created by a universe designerwho is familiarwith your organization's databasesusing BusinessObjects Designer. The universe designer then makes the universes available toyou and other users in InfoView, the BusinessObjects portal.When you createWeb Intelligencedocuments, you first select a universe to query the database where the data that interests youis stored.

    Quick and easy access to information

    Business intelligence software offers tools for generating reports automatically whenever theyare needed andprovides easy analysis and querying to helpwith the decision-making businessprocess.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide4

  • Many business intelligence platforms require the intervention of an information service toproduce personalized OLAP cubes that are then used for reporting. Web Intelligence users onthe other hand, have access directly to the source database allowing for robust query andanalysis options. This helps in responding to everyday questions and in facing problems thatare present when trying to make good decisions quickly.

    The Business Objects business intelligence platform separates users from the complexity anddiversity of databases and associated technologies. It uses business terminology that is sharedthroughout the enterprise. Because it takes less time to gather information, users can concentrateon their analysis to make the best decisions.

    5Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Explaining Web Intelligence core functionality

    Web Intelligence allows you to perform querying, reporting and analysis tasks, all in a singletool.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Explain howWeb Intelligence queries retrieve data from your corporate databases

    Describe the different presentation styles you can choose from to display the data in WebIntelligence documents

    Understand howWeb Intelligence allows you to analyze data at different levels of detail

    Querying with Web Intelligence

    To gather the data you require, you begin by creating aWeb Intelligence document and selectingthe data source that will give you access to the appropriate data, for example a BusinessObjectsuniverse.

    Next, you use the Web IntelligenceQuery panel to add and organize the objects that interestyou from the universe you selected.

    This image shows theQuerypanel fromWeb Intelligence RichClient, one of the panels availablefor building queries and creating Web Intelligence documents.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide6

  • When you build a query in the Web IntelligenceQuery panel, you select the universe objectsand query filters that represent your business question. The query is sent to theWeb Intelligenceserver, if you are connected to the BusinessObjects Enterprise CMS, which generates the finalStructured Query Language (SQL) statements, the language used to query the database.

    The SQL query is then sent to the database to retrieve the data mapped to the objects youselected. The database returns rows of data to the Web Intelligence server, which populatesthe data as amicrocube, called a data provider. This information is then formatted anddisplayedin aWeb Intelligence report as a simple table, or even a complex chart, ready for your analysis.

    A Web Intelligence document can contain multiple reports and each report may have beenbuilt using different queries. Once you run the query and retrieve the data that interests you,you can structure and organize the data as you wish in the Web Intelligence document.

    Reporting with Web Intelligence

    You can use Web Intelligence document features to create professional reports from the datayou retrieve. Once you have the data you need, you can display or present it in multiple ways:

    As a table (horizontal, vertical, form or cross tab) As a chart (bar, line, area, pie or radar) As a multiple-block report containing large amounts of data

    7Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Analyzing with Web Intelligence

    You can analyze your reports and switch your business perspective by dragging and droppingobjects, inserting calculations, and changing the display to make the important informationeasy to see at a glance.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide8

  • You can also perform multi-dimensional analysis by looking at results at a global level ordrilling down to a more detailed level of information.

    9Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Describing Web Intelligence and BusinessObjectsEnterprise

    Users can choose to accessWeb Intelligence either as a stand-alone application on their desktop,or as a web application from within the BusinessObjects Enterprise portal, InfoView.

    Because Web Intelligence is a part of BusinessObjects Enterprise, it is useful to understandwhat BusinessObjects Enterprise is, and the function of Web Intelligence within it.

    After completing this unit, you will be able to:

    Describe what BusinessObjects Enterprise is Explain the relationship betweenBusinessObjects Enterprise, InfoView, andWeb Intelligence Describe the differentmethods available for sharingWeb Intelligence documentswith your

    colleagues

    BusinessObjects Enterprise overview

    BusinessObjects Enterprise is a business intelligence (BI) platform that combines end-userinsight with flexible systems management for a single BI standard. This allows administratorsto confidently deploy and standardize their BI implementations on a proven, scalable, andadaptive service-oriented architecture.

    BusinessObjects Enterprise stores Web Intelligence documents, as well as Crystal reports,Desktop Intelligence documents, Crystal Xcelsius models, Voyager workspaces, spreadsheets,and other documents. With BusinessObjects Enterprise, users can access this information andorganize it to suit their preferences.

    About InfoView

    BusinessObjects Enterprise comes with InfoView, a web desktop that acts as a window to abroad range of useful business information around your company.

    InfoView collects and consolidates a companys BI information and presents it in a secure,focused, and personalized view to users inside and outside an organization. InfoView lets userspersonalize how they view, manage, and distribute BI content. It is both a standalone BI portal(BIP), as well as a BI content provider for enterprise information portals (EIPs).

    Using InfoView, you can open existingWeb Intelligence documents and create new ones, usingInfoView's Web Intelligence report panels.

    Sharing documents with InfoView users

    InfoView allows you to share your documents with colleagues. You can choose to save themas public documents, and if your colleagues are InfoView users, you can send your documentsdirectly to them. The BusinessObjects CentralManagement Server (CMS) stores sent and publicdocuments and enables others to retrieve them.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide10

  • If they do not use InfoView, you can save your reports inMicrosoft Excel orAdobe PDF format,so that your colleagues can easily view and print them.

    Depending on howWeb Intelligence has been deployed in your organization, you can shareWeb Intelligence documents in many ways:

    Save documents as files on your workstation, in Web IntelligenceWID format, or in AdobePDF, Microsoft Excel, or .CSV format.

    Send in an email as an attachment, inWeb Intelligence .WID,Adobe PDF, orMicrosoft Excelformat.

    Export documents to the CMS as a public or personal document. From within InfoView, send a document to another user or group of users.

    From within InfoView, save a document as a public or personal document in the CMS. Fromwithin InfoView, schedule documents to be refreshed and sent automatically by using

    the InfoView scheduler.

    Depending on the rights assigned to you by your administrator you may be able to scheduleand view a list of your scheduled documents. When you schedule a document you specify atime and a date to refresh it and send it to other users.

    11Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Quiz: Introducing Web Intelligence

    Answer the following questions:

    1. True or False: Web Intelligence is a single tool for understanding, controlling, and sharingbusiness information.

    2. What is a universe?

    3. What is the core functionality of Web Intelligence?

    4. Describe three ways for sharing Web Intelligence documents with others.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide12

  • Lesson summary

    After completing this lesson, you are now able to:

    Describe Web Intelligence concepts Explain Web Intelligence core functionality Describe the relationship amongBusinessObjects Enterprise, InfoView, andWeb Intelligence

    13Introducing Web IntelligenceLearners Guide

  • Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide14

  • Lesson 2Creating Web Intelligence Documents with Queries

    Lesson introduction

    This lesson describes how to use Web Intelligence to create, edit, and run queries.

    The Web Intelligence Rich Client application is used for all of the activities presented in thislesson.

    After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

    Query with Web Intelligence Create a new document Modify a documents query Work with query properties

    15Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Querying with Web Intelligence

    To retrieve new data from your corporate data sources with Web Intelligence, you can createa newWeb Intelligence document or edit the query associated with an existing document.

    Creating a new document involves two steps:

    Choosing the appropriate data source.

    Using the Web IntelligenceQuery panel to create a query that will determine which datais extracted from the database.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Describe the query process Describe the universe used in this course to retrieve data

    About the query process

    This section presents the query process from the business user's point of view. Subsequentsections present the query process in greater technical detail.

    Using one of the Web Intelligence query panels, you construct a business question, or query,that represents the information you need.

    The query is sent to theWeb Intelligence server. TheWeb Intelligence server retrieves the datafrom the database and stores it in amicrocube. The contents of themicrocube are then formattedand displayed in a Web Intelligence report in the form of tables, cross tabs and charts for youranalysis.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide16

  • Universes and objects

    Web Intelligence makes it easy for you to access your corporate data by enabling you to workwith familiar business terms rather than the technical SQL code required to retrieve data froma database.

    Web Intelligence uses universes to achieve this. A BusinessObjects universe is the semanticlayer that maps everyday terms that describe your business environment to data stored in thedatabase.

    Using a universe, you can retrieve the data that interests you simply by dragging and droppingthe desired objects.

    In your company or organization, universes are created by a universe designer, usingBusinessObjects Designer. The designer then makes the universes available to you and otherusers in your organization, so that you can select the appropriate business terms to createqueries and retrieve data from the database.

    Within each universe, these business terms are listed as objects, while similar types of businessterms are grouped into classes.

    Objects represent a selection of data

    Objects are elements in a BusinessObjects universe that correspond to the data in the database.Ideally, the universe designer names the object with the business terms that you use in youreveryday activity, such as Sales revenue, or Customer name. You use these objects to buildqueries and retrieve the data you want to show in your report.

    Universe used in this course

    The universe used in this training course, eFashion, is an example of a database for a companythat runs a chain of retail stores.

    Universes are made up of classes and objects.

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  • Objects are elements that map to data in a relational database and are named for familiarbusiness terms. For example, some of the objects in the eFashion Universe include State, City,and Store name.

    Classes are logical groupings of objects.

    There are three different types of objects.

    Dimension - Retrieves the data that provides the basis for analysis ina report. Dimension objects typically retrieve character-type data, forexample, customer names, store names or dates.

    Detail - Provides descriptive data about a dimension. A detail is alwaysattached to the dimension forwhich it provides additional information.For example, the Customer dimension could have Age and Addressassociated with it because they provide additional information abouta Customer.

    Measure - Retrieves numeric data that is the result of calculations ondata in the database. For example, Revenue is the calculation of thenumber of items sold multiplied by the item price. Measure objectsare often located in a Measures class.

    Universes can also include predefined query filters.

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  • Query Filter- Restricts the information returned by objects, such aslimiting data concerning revenue to a specific year. Filters can alsoprompt the person viewing the report to select a value, such as thequery filter "Which product?"

    19Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Creating a new document

    This unit describes how to launch the Web Intelligence Rich Client application and how tocreate a newWeb Intelligence document.

    After completing this unit, you will be able to:

    Log onto Web Intelligence Rich Client Create a newWeb Intelligence document Select the data source you want to use to retrieve data Build the query to retrieve the data that interests you Save the newWeb Intelligence document

    Launching Web Intelligence Rich Client

    TheWeb IntelligenceRichClient application is a locally installedMicrosoftWindows applicationthat lets you create and edit Web Intelligence documents that are stored either locally on yourdesktop, or in the BusinessObjects repository.

    You can launch Web Intelligence Rich Client in one of three working modes:

    Connected mode:

    Web Intelligence Rich Client is connected to the BusinessObjects Enterprise repository, alsoknown as the Central Management Server, or CMS. You can work with documents fromthe BusinessObjects repository or with local documents.

    Note: In connectedmode, user authenticationmay be handled by different securitymodels:Enterprise, LDAP, Windows AD, Windows NT, or SAP.

    Offline mode:

    Web Intelligence Rich Client is not connected to the CMS repository, but applies CMSsecurity. You can work with local documents and universes that are secured by the CMSyou select at logon, or with unsecured local documents and universes.

    In Offline mode, you cannot import documents from or export documents to the CMSrepository.

    Standalone mode:

    Web Intelligence Rich Client is not connected to a CMS and no security is enforced. You canwork with local, unsecured documents and universes only.

    You cannot import documents from or export documents to a CMS.

    To launch Web Intelligence Rich Client

    There are several methods for launching Web Intelligence Rich Client.

    1. From the Startmenu, launch Web Intelligence Rich Client, according to your instructor'sdirections.

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  • The Web Intelligence log on page opens.

    2. Select a CMS in the System list.

    An icon shows what kind of connection was used for the last connection with the CMS:

    An icon of a desktop computer meansWeb Intelligence Rich Client last connected to thisCMS in client-servermode (local launch from the client computer). The name of the CMSis the server name.

    An icon of a globe means Web Intelligence Rich Client last connected to this CMS inHTTP mode (connection via InfoView). The name of the CMS is the full name of theconnected cluster.

    3. Enter a valid user name and password.

    4. Select an authentication mode from the list.

    Do not choose Standalone if you want to work in Connectedmode. When you chooseStandalone authentication you work in Standalonemode, with no CMS connection.

    5. Make sure the Use in Offline Mode option is not selected.

    6. Click Log On.

    21Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Web Intelligence Rich Client is launched in Connected mode and theWelcome wizardwindow opens.

    Note: WhenWeb Intelligence Rich Client is already running on your computer, launchingit again opens a new instance of the application. When you double-click a Web Intelligencedocument, the document does not open in the application instance that was already open.

    Creating a new Web Intelligence document

    Web Intelligence Rich Client consists of two separate panels:

    The Create Query or Edit Query panels, generically referred to as theQuery panel.

    TheWeb Intelligence Rich Clientmain window.

    You use these windows together to build queries and present the data returned by the queryin a report. When you are ready to save, the following information is associated with the newWeb Intelligence document:

    The query definition.

    The data returned by the query.

    One or more reports.

    One or more blocks of data (tables, charts) presented in the report(s), and the formattingyou have applied to the blocks.

    Local variables and alerters defined within the document.

    To create a newWeb Intelligence document, you: Choose a data source for the query. Build and run a query. Save the new document.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide22

  • To choose a data source for a new query in Web Intelligence RichClient

    To create a new document in Web Intelligence Rich Client, you first must select a data source.1. In theWelcome wizardwindow, click the Browse for more data sources... button.

    TheNew Document dialog box opens.

    Note: If you have already created a document or are editing an existing document, you cancreate a new document at any time simply by clickingDocument New from the WebIntelligence Rich Client menu bar.

    2. In theNew Document dialog box, click Universe and thenNext.

    3. In the Universe dialog box, select a universe.

    4. ClickOK.

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  • TheQuery panel opens, showing the universe's data in theData tab.

    You can now use theQuery panel to build queries in your document.

    To build the query,move the objects youwant in your report from theData tab to theResultObjects pane.

    Predefined query filters allow you to restrict data returned by the query.

    To build and run a query in Web Intelligence Rich Client

    1. In theQuery panel Data tab, when required, click the + beside the Class to display theobjects in the Class.

    2. Select the objects you want to include in the query and drag them to the Result Objectspane.

    Note: To add all the objects in the class, drag the class to the Result Objects pane.

    3. Repeat the previous step until the query contains all the objects you want to include.

    4. Click Run Query to run the query.

    The query is executed and theQuery panel closes.

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  • The data returned is displayed in a new document in theWeb Intelligence Rich Clientmain window. The values returned by the objects you selected are presented by default ina vertical table.

    Saving a new document

    You can save a document that you have created with Web Intelligence Rich Client locally onyour desktop or by exporting it to the CMS.

    By default, theRefresh on open option is not selected so that users always see the original datathat was retrieved when the document was created or last refreshed, and which was stored inthe document when it was saved.

    To see themost recent data available in the database, users can refresh the documentmanuallywhen they open it. Or, you can choose to select this option to ensure that the data is updatedautomatically each time the document is opened.

    If you select the Permanent regional formatting check box, it overrides the users defaultviewing options and always display the documents original regional setting for language andtime stamping.

    To save a new document locally

    1. When you are ready to save the new document locally, click File Save or File Saveas, or click the save icon on the toolbar.

    2. In the Save in list, select the folder where you want to save the document.

    The contents of the folder appear in the display box below the list. Use the buttons to theright of the list to navigate your file system and control display.

    25Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • 3. If you are saving the document as a Web Intelligence document, type a description andkeywords for the document if desired.

    4. If you are saving the document as a Web Intelligence document, choose options:

    DescriptionOption

    The document automatically refreshes when it isopened.

    Refresh on open

    The current regional settings (locale) for formattingare applied regardless of what the locale is on themachine where it is opened.

    Permanent regional formatting

    All security information stored in the document isremoved,making it accessible to all users and ableto be opened in Standalone mode.

    Save for all users

    Default document security is removed.Remove document security

    5. Type a file name.

    6. Select a file type.

    The file type that you select filters documents shown in the display box. You can save inthree formats: Web Intelligence document PDF document Excel document

    Note: If you save as a PDF or Excel document, you cannot enter a description or keywordsand the Web Intelligence Document options are unavailable.

    7. Click Save.

    Interrupting data retrieval

    When the query runtime is particularly long or you want to limit the demand on serverresources, for example, you can click the Cancel button in the Retrieving Data dialog box tointerrupt the query before Web Intelligence has returned all the data to your document.

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  • Next, the Interrupt Data Retrieval dialog box displays with the options for the data you wantto display in the report.

    The following table describes the options for the data displayed.

    DescriptionOption

    Web Intelligence restores the values to the document that wereretrieved the last time the query ran. Consequently, the values

    Restore the results from theprevious data retrieval

    displayed do not represent the most recent data available inthe database.

    Web Intelligence displays the document empty of values. Thedocument retains its structure and formatting.

    Purge all data from thedocument

    Web Intelligence displays:Return the partial results The new values retrieved prior to the interruption of data

    retrieval in the appropriate parts of the document The values retrieved at the last refresh in the rest of the

    document

    To interrupt data retrieval

    1. In the Retrieving Data dialog box, click Cancel.

    2. Select one of the options in the Interrupt Data Retrieval dialog box to determine the datathat displays in your document.

    3. ClickOK.

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  • Modifying a document's query

    To change the query definition, you can edit the original query that you used to retrieve dataand create the document.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Add and remove objects from the query Project the data returned by an added object into the report block

    Projecting data from an added object

    Once you have created a document, you can easily change the information that is displayed inthe resulting report by adding or removing objects in the underlying query.

    The Edit Query button on theWeb Intelligence Rich Client toolbar opens theQuery panel.You can then add or remove objects and predefined query filters to change the data availablein the document.

    Then, once you have run the query and returned to view the report in the Web IntelligenceRich Clientmain window, you can easily move the new objects from theData tab into thereport block by clicking and dragging them onto the table or chart.

    This process is called projecting data.

    To edit the query

    1. Click Edit Query on theWeb Intelligence Rich Clientmain window toolbar.

    TheQuery panel displays.

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  • You can change the data retrieved by this query by adding or removing objects, changingfilters, and by changing the order of the objects as they appear in the Result Objects pane.

    2. Click Run Query to execute the query.

    TheQuery panel closes.

    The new objects you added to the query are displayed now in theWeb Intelligence RichClient Data tab, but the values returned by those objects are not yet present in the reportblock.

    To project data into a table

    1. When the report is empty, select either a single object or a class folder on theData tab, andthen drag and drop the object or class onto the report.

    2. When the report already contains tables or charts, press the Alt key; then with the Alt keypressed, drag an object onto an empty area of the report.

    A new table header and body cell appears on the report. The table header displays the nameof the object.

    3. To add another object to the table, drag another object from theData tab and place it to theleft or right of the existing column header.

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  • 4. When the "Drop here to insert a cell" tooltip appears, drop the object onto the left or rightof the table header.

    When dragging and dropping objects onto a block, do not drop the objects onto a columnheader or footer. The results will not display as expected. Objects should be dropped in thedetail cells of the block.

    Note: If the tooltip "Drop here to replace a cell" displays, then you will replace the currentcolumn with the new object's data.

    A second column appears before or after the first column. The new column header displaysthe name of the object.

    Web Intelligence displays the values in a vertical table. You can quickly turn the verticaltable to a different table format, such as a cross tab by using the Turn To feature.

    Notice that although the Store name object has been added to the document microcube, itdoes not show in the actual report block. Now that you have retrieved additional data fromthe database with your modified query, you need to project this new data into the block inyour report. This process is called projecting data and is reviewed in the next section.

    5. Save the document.

    Understanding how the data is aggregated

    In the original table, Sales revenuewas broken down by Year andQuarter. This is an exampleof high-level aggregation.

    Now, Sales revenue is broken down even further to include Store name. All the values havebeen re-aggregated to produce a figure that represents the sales revenue earned by each storethis year. This is an example of low-level aggregation.

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  • This demonstrates the dynamic nature of measure objects - their values change depending onwhich dimension objects are used with them.

    An administrator assigns rights for access to specific universes.

    31Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Working with query properties

    In this unit, you explore the remaining features available in theQuery panel.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Describe theQuery panel toolbar buttons View and modify the query properties View, copy or edit the SQL statements that generate the query View and modify the user settings

    Working in the Query panel

    The default display of theQuery panel consists of three separate panes:

    TheQuery Manager Data tab.

    The Result Objects pane.

    TheQuery Filters pane.

    The toolbar buttons related to each of these three panes are described in the following tables.

    Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide32

  • Edit Query toolbar

    DescriptionButton

    Show/hide data manager button - Allows you to show or hide the datamanager, which consists of theData and Properties tabs.

    Show/Hide Filter Pane button - Allows you to show or hide theQueryFilters pane.

    Show/Hide Scope of Analysis button - Allows you to show or hide theScope of Analysis pane.

    Add Query button - Allows you to add a new query to the document.

    Add a combined query - Allows you to combine the data retrieved frommore than one query using the minus, union or intersection operator.

    ViewSQL button -Allows you to view, copy andmodify the SQL statementsused to generate the query.

    Run Query button - Allows you to run the query you built and retrieve thedata from the database. The results of the query are displayed in a report intheWeb Intelligence Rich Clientwindow.

    PurgeData button - Allows you to remove the data retrieved by one ormorequeries from your document.

    Close the query panel button - Allows you to close theQuery panel. Thedown arrow to the right of the button allows you to apply query changesand close, or to revert the query and close.

    Result Objects pane

    DescriptionButton

    Add Quick Filter button - Allows you to apply a filter on an object that isselected in the Result Objects pane.

    Remove button - Allows you to remove the selected object from the ResultObjects pane.

    33Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • DescriptionButton

    Remove All button - Allows you to remove all objects from the ResultObjects pane.

    Query Filters pane

    DescriptionButton

    Add a subquery button - Allows you to run a subquery to restrict the datareturned by the query.

    Add a database ranking - Allows you to use the database ranking featureto retrieve only top or bottom values from the database.

    Remove button - Allows you to remove the selected object from theQueryFilters pane.

    RemoveAll button -Allows you to remove all objects from theQuery Filterspane.

    Viewing the query properties

    In theQuerypanel, you can view andmodify the default query properties. The query propertiesallow you to:

    Limit the runtime for the query or the amount of data returned. Set security option. Specify the order of prompts in the report. Control potential ambiguous query results.

    These query properties are available in theQuery panel Properties tab.

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  • The sections you see in the Properties tab are described in the table below.

    DescriptionSection

    By default, each query in the document is named successively,Query 1, Query 2, and so on. You can type a name here thatdescribes the query.

    Name

    This field shows the universe you chose to create your query. Thebutton to the right of the Universe field allows you to select a newuniverse.

    Universe

    Max rows retrieved

    Limits

    Maximum number of rows of data that can be returned when aquery is run. If you only need a certain amount of data, you canset this value to limit the number of rows of data that is returnedto your document. This prevents a query from taking too muchtime or from returning unnecessary data to the document.

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  • DescriptionSection

    TheMax rows retrieved setting can be overridden by the limitsset by your administrator in your security profile. For example, ifyou set theMax rows retrieved setting to 400 rows, but yoursecurity profile limits you to 200 rows, only 200 rows of data willbe retrieved when you run the query.

    Max retrieval time

    Maximum time that a query can run before the query is stopped.This can be useful when a query is taking too long due to an excessof data, or network problems. You can set a time limit so a querycan stop within a reasonable time.

    This option allows you to retrieve a random sample of data withyour query. The sample selection occurs in the database and isdatabase-specific.

    SampleIn the Sample Result set field, define the number of values in thesample set.

    Select the Fixed option to retrieve the same values at eachrefresh.

    Clear the Fixed option to change the values at each refresh.

    Retrieve duplicate rows

    DataThis option is selected by default.

    In a database, the same data may be repeated over many rows.You can choose to have these repeated rows returned in a query,or to have only unique rows returned.

    Allow other users to edit all queries

    Security

    This option is selected by default. In this case, other users whohave the appropriate editing rights can edit the query and modifythe data contained in the document.

    If you clear this option, only the report creator can modify thequery(ies). Unlike the other query properties, which only apply tothe selected query, this option applies to all of the data providersin the document.

    If you have appliedmultiple prompted query filters, you can definethe order of priority that they will appear to a user refreshing thisdocument.

    Prompt Order

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  • DescriptionSection

    Prompted query filters are presented in detail in the next lesson.

    In a few cases, your universe structure may require you to specifya context for your report. In these cases, you receive a prompt to

    Contexts

    select a context and your selection determines the dataset returnedby your query.

    For example, a report on sales revenue for a car dealership can askyou to select a rental or purchase context. Depending on yourselection, your query returns sales revenue generated by car rentalor sales revenue generated by car sales.

    Your universe designer can advise you on how to select theappropriate context for the data that interests you.

    When your query requires the report user to specify a context, youcan set the following parameters:

    Select Reset contexts on refresh to prompt for a context at eachrefresh.

    Clear Reset contexts on refresh to retain the context from theprevious refresh.

    The Clear Contexts button allows you to remove the context set ina previous refresh.

    To view or modify the query properties

    1. In theQuery panel, click the Properties tab.

    2. Click the Fold/Unfold arrows at the top-right of each section of the options to expand orclose the Property groups.

    3. Modify the query properties as required.

    Note: In the query properties, you can place additional restrictions on the document relativeto the restrictions that already exist on the unvierse, the Web Intelligence server, and thedatabase where the data was retrieved. You cannot override restrictions that may alreadybe in place.

    Viewing the query's SQL

    When you build a query, Web Intelligence automatically generates the appropriate SQL toretrieve the data from the database that you are accessing. You can view and edit this SQL,and even copy and paste it to another application.

    37Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • To view a querys SQL statements

    1. In theQuery panel, click View SQL.

    The SQL Viewer dialog box displays the SQL behind the query.

    2. Optionally, to re-use the SQL in another application, click Copy to copy the SQL to theclipboard.

    3. Optionally, to edit the SQL statements, click Use custom SQL.The SQL becomes editable.

    4. Edit the SQL, and then click Validate to ensure that it is correct.

    5. Click Save to save the new SQL.

    Activity: Creating a document

    Objective

    Create a newdocument and retrieve data for the document by building and editing a query.

    Instructions

    1. Create a new document using the eFashion universe, showing Sales Revenue by State andStore name.

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  • 2. Run the query to view your results.

    3. Edit the document you just created to include a listing forQuantity sold byYear andQuarter.

    4. View the SQL that will retrieve the data.

    5. Run the query.Your report should appear as shown below.

    6. Save the document as Activity Create Document.

    39Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Quiz: Creating Web Intelligence documents with queries

    1. What is a BusinessObjects universe?

    2. List the object types used in a BusinessObjects universe, and the kind of data returned byeach type.

    3. What is the name of the interface element in the Web Intelligence Rich Client applicationthat allows you to build queries?

    4. What are the advantages of using theWeb Intelligence Rich Client application to create newdocuments?

    5. When you interrupt data retrieval, what can you choose to display in your document?

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  • Lesson summary

    After completing this lesson, you are now able to:

    Query with Web Intelligence Create a new document Modify a documents query Work with query properties

    41Creating Web Intelligence Documents with QueriesLearners Guide

  • Web Intelligence Report DesignLearners Guide42

  • Lesson 3Restricting Data Returned by a Query

    Lesson introduction

    This lesson describes how to set up and group query filters. Query filters allow you to limitthe data returned from the underlying database and displayed in your document.

    After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

    Restrict data with query filters Modify a query with a predefined query filter Apply a single-value query filter Use wildcards in query filters Use prompts to restrict data Use complex filters

    43Restricting Data Returned by a QueryLearners Guide

  • Restricting data with query filters

    Restricting queries allows you to limit the amount of data that is retrieved from the data sourceand returned to your Web Intelligence reports. This is known as setting up a query filter.

    After completing this unit you will be able to:

    Describe the purpose of using query filters Describe the components of a query filter

    The purpose of query filters

    Query filters retrieve a subset of the available data, based on the definition of the filter. Forexample, you can apply a query filter on the Year dimension, to view only Sales revenue fora specific year.

    Restricting the query ensures that you retrieve only the data that interests you. This increasesthe usefulness of your reports. It minimizes the quantity of data returned and reduces the timerequired to create and refresh the document over the network.

    Using query filters has the following advantages:

    You retrieve and are able to focus on only the data you need to answer a specific businessquestion.

    You hide data you do not want specific users to see when they access the document.

    You minimize the quantity of data returned to the document to optimize performance.

    Some universes have predefined filters built into them by the universe designer.

    Other times, you will want to create your own query filters to limit the data.

    Users without rights to edit the query cannot modify the query filters you define. This ensuresthat the data saved with a document is appropriate for those who view or analyze the datawithin that document.

    Note: Your administrator can prevent objects from being filtered. If you create filters on theseobjects, when you try to run the query a warning appears listing the filters that you cannot use. Youneed to remove these filters from the query in order to run the query.

    Components of a query filter

    Filters are created in theQuery Filters pane of the Web Intelligence report panels.

    Query filters are made up of three parts:

    Object - the object on which you want to filter data.

    Operator - the relationship between the object and operand. Common operators are: Equalto, Different from, Greater than, Greater than or equal to, Less than, and Lessthan or equal to.

    Operand - the object values to be used for filtering.

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  • Every filter must include an object, an operator and an operand. These elements act togetherto specify what subset of the data you want to retrieve.

    In the example above, the filter specifies that the query must return data where the FinancialYear is equal to FY03-04. Data concerning any other year will not be returned by the query.

    The following is a list of operators you can choose from:

    ExampleRetrieves DataOperator

    [Country] Equal to USretrieves data for the UScountry value only.

    equal to a value specifiedEqual to

    [Quarter] Different fromQ4 retrieves data for allquarters except Q4.

    different from a specifiedvalue

    Different from

    [Customer Age] Greaterthan 60 retrieves data forcustomers over age 60.

    greater than a specified valueGreater than

    [Revenue] Greater than orequal to 10000 retrievesgreater than or equal to a

    specified valueGreater than or equal to

    data for revenue startingfrom $10000 and up.

    [Exam Grade] Less than 40retrieves data for examgrades below 40.

    lower than the specifiedvalue

    Less than

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  • ExampleRetrieves DataOperator

    [Customer Age] Less thanor equal to 30 retrieveslower or equal to specified

    valueLess than or equal to

    data for customers age 30 orless.

    [Weeks] Between 25 and 36retrieves data forweeks from

    between two specifiedvalues; also includes valuesspecified

    Betweenweek 25 to 36, includingweek 25 and week 36.

    [Weeks] Not Between 25and 36 retrieves data for all

    outside the range of thevalues specified

    Not Between weeks of the year excludingweek 25 through week 36.Week 25 and 36 are notincluded.

    [Country] In list'US;Japan;UK' retrieves data

    same as values specifiedIn Listfor countries US, Japan andUK.

    [Country] Not in List'US;Japan;UK' retrieves datadifferent from multiple

    values specifiedNot in List

    for all countries except US,Japan and UK.

    [Children] Is nullretrieves data for customers

    for which there is no valueentered in the database

    Is null without childrenwhere Nullis entered as a value for thedatabase under the childrencolumn.

    [Children] Is not nullretrieves data for customers

    for which a value wasentered in the database

    Is not null with children where anyvalue is entered into thedatabase under the childrencolumn.

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  • ExampleRetrieves DataOperator

    [Phone] Matches Pattern,'773' retrieves data for all

    including a specific stringMatches pattern

    phone numbers that have'773' in them.

    [Store name] MatchesPattern %Sundance retrievesdata for all stores ending inSundance.

    [Phone] Differ