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BEx Query DesignerBEx Query Designer

Unit 5: Variables

7/17/2007

Slide 2

Using VariablesUsing Variables

Variables are query parameters that you define in Query Designer and that are filled with values only when you execute the query or Web application.

Variables act as placeholders for:– Characteristic values– Hierarchies– Hierarchy nodes– Texts– Formula elements

If you use variables, a query definition can then serve as the basis for many different queries.

Slide 3

Characteristic Value VariablesCharacteristic Value Variables

Selecting Single Value Variables• Single Values

Selecting Single Value Variables as Variable Value Area Limits

• Value Range• Between, Greater than, Less than,

Greater than or equal to, Less than or equal to

Selecting Variables with Several Single Values or Value Ranges

• Depending on how they have been defined, you can not only select single values for variables, but also several single values, intervals, or selection options.

Slide 4

Text and Formula VariablesText and Formula Variables

Formula variables represent numerical values.

You can use formula variables in formulas and for calculating exceptions and conditions.

Text variables represent a text.

You can use text variables in query descriptions, calculated key figures and structural components.

This appears with its technical name, enclosed by ampersands (&), in the description.

Slide 5

Hierarchy VariablesHierarchy Variables

Hierarchy variables represent hierarchies.

You can use them wherever hierarchies can be selected.

Note

Note that the fields for Version and Key Date are only input-enabled if the characteristic can contain version or time-dependent hierarchies.

Slide 6

Hierarchy Node VariablesHierarchy Node Variables

If you use a hierarchy node variable, you can make selections by hierarchy node when you come to use the query.

Variable hierarchy node with a fixed hierarchy

– a report about any department (variable hierarchy node) for the hierarchy valid for 2002 (fixed hierarchy)

Variable hierarchy node with a variable hierarchy – a report about any department (variable hierarchy node) for the

hierarchy valid for the current calendar year (variable hierarchy)

Slide 7

Variable Processing TypesVariable Processing Types

User Entry / Default ValueEnables you to enter the required value for the variable manually in a dialog box when you execute the query

Replacement Path Enables you to specify the value that automatically replaces the variable when the query or Web application is executed

AuthorizationEnables you to fill the variables automatically with the values from the authorization of a user

Customer Exit Enables you to determine values for variables by means of a function module exit

SAP Exit Contained in variables that are delivered with SAP BW Business Content

Slide 8

Using the Variable OffsetUsing the Variable Offset

To analyze key figures that have a fixed time-relationship to one another, you can use the variable offset.

In your report definition, you can use the same variable several times to restrict the key figures and determine a difference from the input value.

You can also use the variable offset to select an interval as a restriction with upper and lower limits that refer to the same variable.

Example:Use the variable offset to compare the sales volume from the current time period with that of the same time period in the previous year.

Slide 9

Business Content VariablesBusiness Content Variables

Business Content variables are delivered for all types of variables to enable you to create complex queries quickly and easily.

For time characteristics, a range of variables are delivered that replace frequently-used time periods or specific times.

Examples:• current month• comparable month of the

previous year