Objects for Business ReportingObjects for Business Reporting

MIS 497MIS 497

ObjectiveObjective

Learn about miscellaneous objects required for business Learn about miscellaneous objects required for business reporting.reporting.

Why?Why?

Our final goal in this project is to create business reports.Our final goal in this project is to create business reports. Business reports are made of other objects, namely attributes, Business reports are made of other objects, namely attributes,

metrics, filters, consolidations and custom groups.metrics, filters, consolidations and custom groups. In the following sections we’ll examine each of these groups In the following sections we’ll examine each of these groups

and then start making our own business reports.and then start making our own business reports. Example: Quarterly Sales Report for 1998Example: Quarterly Sales Report for 1998

FiltersFilters

What is a Filter?What is a Filter?

A Filter specifies the conditions that the A Filter specifies the conditions that the data must meet in order to be included in data must meet in order to be included in the report results. It affect the “WHERE’ the report results. It affect the “WHERE’ clause in SQL.clause in SQL.

Examples:Examples:– Year=1998Year=1998– City=BostonCity=Boston– Item=SKU107345Item=SKU107345

Defining a FilterDefining a Filter

Defining of a Filter might involve two distinct sets:Defining of a Filter might involve two distinct sets: Creation of the desired set(s) or report objectsCreation of the desired set(s) or report objects

– ComparisonsComparisons» Value (eg. Dollar Sales>10,000)Value (eg. Dollar Sales>10,000)» Rank (eg. Top 5 Customers)Rank (eg. Top 5 Customers)» Percentage (eg. Bottom 20% Stores)Percentage (eg. Bottom 20% Stores)» Pattern (eg. Customer Name “Begins With” John)Pattern (eg. Customer Name “Begins With” John)

Combination of the created setsCombination of the created sets– Logical OperationLogical Operation

» AndAnd» OrOr» NotNot

Set CombinationsSet Combinations

Union Operator (OR) – takes union of two sets. Data that Union Operator (OR) – takes union of two sets. Data that belongs to any of the united sets is returned with this operationbelongs to any of the united sets is returned with this operation

Exclusion Operator (NOT) which takes a negation of a set.Exclusion Operator (NOT) which takes a negation of a set. The Intersection Operator (AND) which intersects two sets.The Intersection Operator (AND) which intersects two sets. Example:Example:

– Set 1: Boston, Chicago, MiamiSet 1: Boston, Chicago, Miami

– Set 2: Boston, AtlantaSet 2: Boston, Atlanta

– Union: Set 1 OR Set 2 = Boston, Chicago, Miami, AtlantaUnion: Set 1 OR Set 2 = Boston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta

– Exclusion : Set 1 NOT Boston = Chicago, MiamiExclusion : Set 1 NOT Boston = Chicago, Miami

– Intersection: Set 1 AND Set 2 = BostonIntersection: Set 1 AND Set 2 = Boston

Comparison OperatorsComparison Operators Value Comparison Value Comparison

Operators – compare Operators – compare values. Values can be values. Values can be numbers, text, strings, numbers, text, strings, column names or column names or expressions. The expressions. The comparison operators are:comparison operators are:– BetweenBetween– Not betweenNot between– ExactlyExactly– Greater thanGreater than– Greater than or equal Greater than or equal

toto– Less thanLess than– Less than or equal toLess than or equal to– Different fromDifferent from

Pattern comparison Pattern comparison operators (case operators (case sensitive) – allow text sensitive) – allow text strings to be strings to be compared:compared:– Begins withBegins with– Ends withEnds with– ContainsContains– Does not begin Does not begin

withwith– Does not end withDoes not end with– Does not containDoes not contain– LikeLike– Not likeNot like

Rank operators – used Rank operators – used to define Metric to define Metric qualificationsqualifications

– BottomBottom– EqualsEquals– Exclude TopExclude Top– Exclude BottomExclude Bottom– TopTop

Filter CreationFilter Creation A Filter can be created as its own object or as a A Filter can be created as its own object or as a

part of a report.part of a report. Types of qualification:Types of qualification:

– Select ElementsSelect Elements

– Qualify on AttributeQualify on Attribute

– Qualify on MetricQualify on Metric

– Qualify on FilterQualify on Filter

– Advanced/Custom FilterAdvanced/Custom Filter

Filter CreationFilter Creation

Specific Instructions on how to create filters Specific Instructions on how to create filters can be found in the “Report Designer can be found in the “Report Designer Guide”Guide”

MetricsMetrics

What is a Metric?What is a Metric?

A Metric is a business value.A Metric is a business value. Metrics allow analysis of data.Metrics allow analysis of data. Metrics are built from Facts, Functions, Metrics are built from Facts, Functions,

mathematical operators and other Metrics.mathematical operators and other Metrics. Metrics are defined in MSTR Desktop, not in the Metrics are defined in MSTR Desktop, not in the

DW.DW. The DW contains fact columns; metrics are The DW contains fact columns; metrics are

defined by a combination of fact columns and defined by a combination of fact columns and aggregate functions or by using existing metrics.aggregate functions or by using existing metrics.

Types of MetricsTypes of Metrics

Simple MetricsSimple Metrics Compound MetricsCompound Metrics Conditional MetricsConditional Metrics Dimensional Metrics*Dimensional Metrics* Transformation Metrics*Transformation Metrics*

* Not covered in this class.* Not covered in this class.

Simple MetricsSimple Metrics

Simple metrics are built from Facts, Simple metrics are built from Facts, Functions and mathematical operators.Functions and mathematical operators.

Examples:Examples:Total Sales = Sum([Order Amt])Total Sales = Sum([Order Amt])

Total Cost = Sum([Unit Cost])Total Cost = Sum([Unit Cost])

Profit = Sum([Order Amt]) – Sum([Unit Cost])Profit = Sum([Order Amt]) – Sum([Unit Cost])

Price = Avg([Discount Price])Price = Avg([Discount Price])

Simple MetricsSimple Metrics FactsFacts

– Facts are stored as Facts are stored as Schema Objects. They Schema Objects. They are included into the are included into the metric by dragging and metric by dragging and dropping into the dropping into the Formula window in the Formula window in the Metric Editor.Metric Editor.

FunctionsFunctions– The default function is The default function is

SUM. Other functions SUM. Other functions ranging from Max/Min ranging from Max/Min to Rank and Between are to Rank and Between are available in the available in the Functions and Operators Functions and Operators folder in Schema folder in Schema Objects.Objects.

Compound MetricsCompound Metrics

Two existing simple metrics can be Two existing simple metrics can be combined with mathematical operators to combined with mathematical operators to create a compound metric.create a compound metric.

Examples:Examples:Profit = [Total Sales] – [Total Cost]Profit = [Total Sales] – [Total Cost]

Profit Margin = ([Total Sales] – [Total Cost])/[Total Cost]Profit Margin = ([Total Sales] – [Total Cost])/[Total Cost]

% To Market = [Total Sales]/[Market Sales]% To Market = [Total Sales]/[Market Sales]

Compound MetricsCompound Metrics FunctionsFunctions

– Functions, such as SUM are Functions, such as SUM are not used in the creation of not used in the creation of compound metrics.compound metrics.

Advanced FunctionalityAdvanced Functionality– The underlying definitions The underlying definitions

of the simple metrics of the simple metrics comprising a compound comprising a compound metric are carried through to metric are carried through to the calculation of the the calculation of the compound Metric.compound Metric.

– Compound metrics are Compound metrics are automatically updated when automatically updated when changes occur in the changes occur in the definitions of the metrics definitions of the metrics they include.they include.

Dimensional MetricsDimensional Metrics

Dimensionality Allows the creator of a Metric to Dimensionality Allows the creator of a Metric to determine the level at which a Metric can be determine the level at which a Metric can be calculated.calculated.

All metrics, by default are given dimensionality at All metrics, by default are given dimensionality at the “report level”. This means that the default the “report level”. This means that the default level of calculation of a metric is according to the level of calculation of a metric is according to the level of attributes on the template or report grid.level of attributes on the template or report grid.

Any attribute can be specified as the Any attribute can be specified as the dimensionality of a metric, thereby determining a dimensionality of a metric, thereby determining a level of calculation. If an attribute is specified, level of calculation. If an attribute is specified, report level calculations will be overridden. report level calculations will be overridden.

Dimensional MetricsDimensional Metrics

Dimensionality - FilteringDimensionality - Filtering

This setting governs the relationship between the report filter This setting governs the relationship between the report filter and the calculation of the metric.and the calculation of the metric.

– Standard – doesn’t impact the Report FilterStandard – doesn’t impact the Report Filter

– Absolute – will calculate a metric taking the report filter into Absolute – will calculate a metric taking the report filter into consideration but including related criteria in a WHERE consideration but including related criteria in a WHERE EXISTS clause rather than in the WHERE clause itself.EXISTS clause rather than in the WHERE clause itself.

– Ignore – will calculate a Metric completely disregarding Ignore – will calculate a Metric completely disregarding filter criteria directly related to the attribute specified in filter criteria directly related to the attribute specified in dimensionality (direct child, parent, grandparent).dimensionality (direct child, parent, grandparent).

– None – determine, from other level units how to handle None – determine, from other level units how to handle related filter attributes.related filter attributes.

Dimensionality - FilteringDimensionality - Filtering

Conditional MetricsConditional Metrics

Metric Conditionality Metric Conditionality allows a Filter to be allows a Filter to be applied to the definition of applied to the definition of a Metric.a Metric.

This allows any Metrics on This allows any Metrics on the Report to be calculated the Report to be calculated according to separate Filter according to separate Filter criteria.criteria.

Only one Filter may Only one Filter may applied at a time to the applied at a time to the definition of a Metric.definition of a Metric.

Conditionality may be Conditionality may be applied only to Metrics applied only to Metrics with an aggregate operator with an aggregate operator in the formula.in the formula.

Non-Aggregatable MetricsNon-Aggregatable Metrics Some facts don’t make sense if they are aggregated across some Some facts don’t make sense if they are aggregated across some

dimensions, thus when creating metrics based on them one dimensions, thus when creating metrics based on them one should designate them as non-aggregatable metrics.should designate them as non-aggregatable metrics.

Examples:Examples:

– Stock or inventory calculationsStock or inventory calculations

– Bank balancesBank balances Can’t be aggregated across Time, but might be summarized over Can’t be aggregated across Time, but might be summarized over

Geography or Product dimensions.Geography or Product dimensions. Uses Grouping functionality in the Metric Editor.Uses Grouping functionality in the Metric Editor.

Count of AttributesCount of Attributes

Metrics can be defined by a combination of Metrics can be defined by a combination of aggregate operators or attributes rather than aggregate operators or attributes rather than fact columns.fact columns.

Examples:Examples:– Count [Items]Count [Items]– Count [Customers]Count [Customers]

Metric CreationMetric Creation

Specific Instructions on how to create Specific Instructions on how to create metrics can be found in the “Report metrics can be found in the “Report Designer Guide”Designer Guide”

TemplatesTemplates

What is a Template?What is a Template?

A Template defines A Template defines the layout of the layout of general categories general categories of information in a of information in a report. In a report. In a template, you template, you specify the specify the information you information you want to retrieve want to retrieve from the DW and from the DW and the way you want it the way you want it to be displayed.to be displayed.

Template CreationTemplate Creation

A template can be created as its own object A template can be created as its own object (global template) or a part of a report (local (global template) or a part of a report (local template).template).

When it’s created as a separate object, it When it’s created as a separate object, it can be reused in other reports.can be reused in other reports.

Changes in local template will affect only Changes in local template will affect only that report where it was created; changes in that report where it was created; changes in a global template will affect all reports that a global template will affect all reports that use it.use it.

Template CreationTemplate Creation

Template is a quite simple object that is Template is a quite simple object that is created by dragging and dropping objects created by dragging and dropping objects (attributes, metrics, consolidations and (attributes, metrics, consolidations and custom groups). The best way to learn custom groups). The best way to learn more about templates is to play with them.more about templates is to play with them.

Template behavior is similar to the one of Template behavior is similar to the one of Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel.Pivot Tables in Microsoft Excel.

More on templates can be found in “Report More on templates can be found in “Report Designer Guide”Designer Guide”

ReportsReports

What is a Report?What is a Report?

A Report is a combination of a template A Report is a combination of a template (format) and a filter (content); it is the data (format) and a filter (content); it is the data presented to the end user.presented to the end user.

Report CreationReport Creation

Reports are Reports are created and created and modified using modified using the Report the Report Editor. Reports Editor. Reports can be created can be created using predefined using predefined Templates and Templates and Filters or create Filters or create them on the fly them on the fly through the through the Report Editor.Report Editor.

Report Display ModesReport Display Modes

GridGrid GraphGraph SQLSQL DesignDesign

Report ManipulationsReport Manipulations

Totals and SubtotalsTotals and Subtotals

Totals and subtotals can be set Totals and subtotals can be set separately for both rows and separately for both rows and columnscolumns

If there are several attributes on If there are several attributes on the Report, subtotals can be the Report, subtotals can be turned on for selected turned on for selected attributes.attributes.

There are many types of totals There are many types of totals beside usual total, including beside usual total, including count, minimum, maximum, count, minimum, maximum, average, median, mode, average, median, mode, standard deviation, variance, standard deviation, variance, geometric mean and product.geometric mean and product.

PivotingPivoting

Pivoting allows moving of Attributes or Metrics between rows Pivoting allows moving of Attributes or Metrics between rows and columns directly on the Report.and columns directly on the Report.

SortingSorting

Sorting can be done both in quick Sorting can be done both in quick and advanced mode.and advanced mode.

Pictured: Advanced ModePictured: Advanced Mode

DrillingDrilling Drilling allows one to look at specific data at level other than Drilling allows one to look at specific data at level other than

that of the original grid or graph. User can drill down, up or that of the original grid or graph. User can drill down, up or across Attributes.across Attributes.

Page ByPage By

For better view of a report, one might use the Page By For better view of a report, one might use the Page By functionality:functionality:

ExportingExporting

Export Destinations can Export Destinations can be one of the following be one of the following file types:file types:

– ExcelExcel

– WordWord

– AccessAccess

– Text FileText File

– HTML fileHTML file

What to readWhat to read

Microstrategy Report Designer Guide.Microstrategy Report Designer Guide.