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BusinessObjects Performance

Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1

windows
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2008-09-03
Contents
Chapter 1 Audience 7

Chapter 2 Performance Manager Administrator's Guide 9


High-level overview....................................................................................10
Database configuration and tuning............................................................10
Dashboard and Analytics repository..........................................................11
Metric domain (CI_ prefix).........................................................................11
Performance Manager domain (IPM_ prefix)............................................12
Set Domain (SET_ prefix)..........................................................................12
Standard options for servers......................................................................13
Changing the services startup parameters on UNIX.................................17
Changing the services startup parameters on UNIX.................................17
Metric Universes........................................................................................18
Universe overview................................................................................18
Metric universe overview......................................................................18
Multiple metric universes......................................................................19
Creating a Basic Enterprise Metric.......................................................19
Set-based Metrics................................................................................26
Advanced Topics..................................................................................42
Configuring universes for process control charts.................................44

Chapter 3 Performance Manager Setup and Administration Online Help 51


Dashboard and analytic applications.........................................................52
What is Dashboard Builder?.................................................................52
What is Performance Manager?...........................................................52
What is Predictive Analysis?................................................................52

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide 3


Contents

What is Process Analysis?...................................................................53


What is Set Analysis?...........................................................................53
Deployment of Dashboard and Analytics tools to your organization.........53
Performance Manager servers..................................................................55
Performance Manager server options..................................................56
Dashboard and Analytics launch errors...............................................63
The Performance Manager repository.......................................................65
Overview of the Dashboard and Analytics deployment........................65
Creating the Performance Manager repository....................................67
Central Management Server authentication.........................................70
Performance Manager repository migration.........................................71
Performance Manager repository integrity and cleanup......................72
Dashboard and Analytics system users....................................................77
Metric universes.........................................................................................79
About metric universes.........................................................................80
Building metric universes.....................................................................81
Making metric universes available to Dashboard and Analytics users.81
Defining connections for universes......................................................81
Updating a universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup......................83
Object metadata in universes...............................................................84
External metric refresh.........................................................................86
Sliced metric dimensions...........................................................................88
What are dimensions and sliced metrics?............................................88
Where are dimensions defined?..........................................................89
Sliced metrics.......................................................................................97
Analytics calendars....................................................................................97
Calendar properties..............................................................................98
Moving averages in calendars...........................................................105
Difference calculations in calendars...................................................110
Rollups in calendars...........................................................................113
Rules templates.......................................................................................115

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Contents

About rules and rules templates.........................................................115


Creating and editing rules templates..................................................118
Universe value list templates...................................................................121
Application activity tracing.......................................................................125
Individual Profiler portrait properties........................................................127
Analytic Template Publisher.....................................................................129
Installing the XCTemplateUploader.war File......................................130
Deploying the Crystal Xcelsius templates..........................................130
Publishing a new Crystal Xcelsius template.......................................131
Publishing a Crystal Xcelsius template archive..................................132
Downloading a Crystal Xcelsius template..........................................133
Working with the template properties file...........................................133
Data sources accepted by the Crystal Xcelsius data model..............137
Modifying the XLF file after the template has been published...........137
Modifying the XLS file after the template has been published...........138
Process Analysis control charts setup.....................................................138
Control chart samplings......................................................................138
Control chart filters.............................................................................141
Control chart alarms...........................................................................143
Terms and concepts.................................................................................145
Aggregation functions.........................................................................145
What is an analytic?...........................................................................151
What is binning?.................................................................................151
What is a control chart?......................................................................151
What is differencing?..........................................................................152
What is a dimension?.........................................................................152
What is a grain?.................................................................................152
What is a metric?................................................................................153
Moving averages explained...............................................................153
What is a sliced metric?.....................................................................157
What is a variable?.............................................................................157

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide 5


Contents

Appendix A Get More Help 159

Index 163

6 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide


Audience

1
1 Audience

This guide is for administrators of BusinessObjects Performance Manager.

The first section of this guide contains information on creating metric universes
used to build analytics in Performance Manager.

The second section of the guide contains a printable version of the


Performance Manager Setup and Administration Online Help for your
convenience.

For detailed information on installation and deployment of BusinessObjects


XI 3.0 refer to the following:
BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.0 Installation and Configuration Guide
for Windows
BusinessObjects Enterprise Deployment Planning Guide

8 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide


Performance Manager
Administrator's Guide

2
2 Performance Manager Administrator's Guide
High-level overview

High-level overview
As an administrator of the performance management products you need to
be familiar with of BusinessObjectsInfoView and with Designer.

For information on configuring the Dashboards and Analytics framework


refer to the Setup and Administration help that is available from the Setup
page. This help covers a number of important topics including:
Connecting to the dashboards and analytics repository
Connecting to the universe
Setting up calendars

Business Objects recommends that you have the guides listed below ready
for reference.
BusinessObjects XI 3.0 Administrator's Guide - provides information and
procedures covering a wide range of administrative tasks.
Designer's Guide - provides complete information on how to use Designer
to design, create, and manage Business Objects universes.
BusinessObjects XI 3.0 Installation Guide - guide provides information
and procedures for installing BusinessObjects, and includes detailed
instructions for the different installation modes available.

Database configuration and tuning


Although optimization of the Dashboard and Analytics repository leads to
performance gains, the typical deployment gains the most from a well set-up
source database.

A time period is one of the key factors in limiting queries in most deployments
that involve sets and metrics. Therefore, it is essential to consider the type
of SQL used in queries and key date fields.

Business Objects recommends using BusinessObjects or Web Intelligence


directly against the metric universe to generate a test SQL statement that
would be a typical metric. This SQL can then be tested and traced to check
that indexes are in place and are being used.

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Dashboard and Analytics repository 2
Dashboard and Analytics repository
The Dashboard and Analytics repository is split into three domains or sets
of tables that are created when you deploy a new PM repository.
Metric domain: Dashboard Builder tables in which metrics, rules and other
Dashboard and Analytics information is stored. The table names have a
CI_ prefix, for example, CI_PROBE_VALUE.

Performance Manager domain: Performance Manager tables in which


goals and target values are stored. These contain all the data required
by Performance Manager such as goals and target values, as well as
strategies and roles. The table names have an ipm_ prefix, for example,
ipm_analytic.

Set domain: Set Analyzer tables in which sets are stored for the
segmentation engine. These are the tables required to store the Set
Analyzer data. The table names have a SET_ prefix, for example,
SET_SET_DETAIL.

Metric domain (CI_ prefix)


The Metric domain (CI_ prefix) can initially be sized as the Universe domain.
In this case, the number of universes in the table corresponds to the number
of universes pushed in the Dashboard and Analytics setup page. These
universes are stored in tables in the metric domain as the basis for metric
creation.

CI_PROBE_VALUE
As with the set domain you can use a simple calculation to determine storage
size using the CI_PROBE_VALUE table for the metric values as follows:

Number of metrics * number of periods of history

Further storage may be required for dimensioning, so consider modifying


this calculation as follows:

Number of metrics * number of periods of history * number of distinct


dimension values

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2 Performance Manager Administrator's Guide
Performance Manager domain (IPM_ prefix)

CI_TARGET_VALUE
If you are using Performance Manager the CI_TARGET_VALUE table can also
be of significant size. You can estimate the size as follows:

number of goals * number of periods

If you are using dimensions, the calculation is:

number of goals * number of periods * number of distinct dimensions

CI_PROBE_VALUE
The metric domain can also be set up to allow separate table spaces for the
CI_PROBE_VALUE table, which typically grows quite large compared with the
other CI_ tables.

Performance Manager domain (IPM_


prefix)
The size of the Performance Manager domain is a simple calculation based
on the number of roles, actions, and other values that can be used.

Set Domain (SET_ prefix)


The set domain contains all set metadata, including the security and
special-set user information. Start with an initial size based on the number
of users. Business Objects recommends allocating 1/2MB per user.

If you plan to use sets in your deployment you must consider the storage
requirement for set membership by answering the following questions:
What type of sets will be used?
What is the size of the sets?
If the sets are dynamic, what are the history requirements and what
turnover is expected?

The following example shows how you can easily estimate the size of the
Set domain of the Dashboard and Analytics repository by creating a test
table.

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Performance Manager Administrator's Guide
Standard options for servers 2
You estimate:
the number of rows
the size of a row

Example:
100 dynamic sets, an average of 100,000 members, keeping 12 months
of history, with, on average, 25% turnover

100 * (100,000 + (12*(25,000))) = 40 million rows

A row in SET_SET_DETAIL (or SET_SET_DETAILC if using a character key)


consists of the following table structure:
SetID number(), ID number(), Points number(), Sdate date(),
Edate date()

The set domain performance is greatly influenced by the SET_SET_DETAIL


tables. For optimal results in a deployment in which sets are used, Business
Objects recommends:
allocating specific table space for the SET_SET_DETAIL table and its
index
using setup options such as table partitioning to greatly improve
performance
carrying out regular index analysis since table style and size can change

Set Analyzer also allows you to set parallel query options that improve
performance, if the database used to host the repository supports this.

Standard options for servers


These command-line options apply to all of the BusinessObjects Enterprise
servers, unless otherwise indicated.

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2 Performance Manager Administrator's Guide
Standard options for servers

Option Valid Arguments Behavior

Specify the friendly


name of the server.

The server registers this


name with the Central
Management Server
(CMS), and the name is
displayed in the CMC.
The default friendly
name is host-
name.servertype

Note:
-name string Do not modify -name
for a CMS.

If you modify -name for


an Input or Output File
Repository Server, you
must include "Input." or
"Output." as the prefix to
the value you type for
string, for example,
-name Input.Server01
or

-name Output.UK.

Specify the CMS with


which the server should
register. Add the port if
-ns cmsname [:port] the CMS is not listening
on the default (6400).
This option does not ap-
ply to the CMS itself.

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Standard options for servers 2
Option Valid Arguments Behavior

Specify the port on


which the server listens.
The server registers this
port with the CMS. If
unspecified, the server
chooses any free port >
1024.

-requestPort port Note: This port is used


for different purposes by
different servers. Before
changing, see the sec-
tion on Changing the
default server port num-
bers" in the BusinessOb-
jects XI Release 2 Ad-
ministrator's Guide.

[interface:]
-port
[port]

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Standard options for servers

Option Valid Arguments Behavior

Binds WCA or CMS to


the specified port , or to
the specified network
interface and port.
BInds other servers to
the specified network
interface. Useful on
multihomed machines
or in certain NAT firewall
environments.
Use -portport or
-portinter
face:port for
WCA and CMS.
Use -port inter
facefor other
servers. The port
command is used for
different purposes by
different servers. Be-
fore changing, see
Changing the default
server port numbers
" in the BusinessOb-
jects Enterprise XI
Release 2 Adminis-
trator's Guide.
If you change the
default port value for
the CMS, you must
perform additional
system configuration.
For more information
see Changing the
default server port
numbers "in the

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Changing the services startup parameters on UNIX 2
Option Valid Arguments Behavior

BusinessObjects En-
terprise XI Release
2 Administrator's
Guide

Server restarts if it exits


-restart with an unusual exit
code.

Changing the services startup parameters


on UNIX
If you want to change the services startup parameters on UNIX for example,
in the case of a DMZ deployment, you must:
1. Manually edit the INSTALLDIR/bobje/ccm.config file to add or change
the parameters values.
2. Restart the services.

Changing the services startup parameters


on UNIX
If you want to change the services startup parameters on UNIX for example,
in the case of a DMZ deployment, you must:
1. Manually edit the INSTALLDIR/bobje/ccm.config file to add or change
the parameters values.
2. Restart the services.

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Metric Universes

Metric Universes

Universe overview

A universe is used to represent the underlying data schema used with the
performance management products, allowing a visual view of what can lead
to complex SQL generation. You use Designer to build universes that specify
the SQL used to define metrics. You then usePerformance Manager to create
analytics that use metrics to track performance.

For detailed information on how to design, create, and manage


BusinessObjects universes refer to the Designer's Guide .

Metric universe overview

Metrics are time-based aggregate values based on sets, set behavior, or


filters. A metric is composed of the following:

Metric component Example

Measure object SUM(SALES)

Date-based self-join or where clause DATEFIELD between START and END

Set based: SETSTARTDATE =


START, for example, Joiners
Set or data based filter Data based: COUNTRY = 'Eng
land'

The process of creating a metric universe is comprised of the following stages


that are described in more detail:

Creating the universe on a target fact table.

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Metric Universes 2
Creating measures, with filters and date restrictions
Making the universe available to Performance Manager
Creating the metric in Performance Manager

For in-depth information on creating universes, and specifically, on creating


measures, refer to the Designer's Guide.

Multiple metric universes

The dashboards and analytics framework supports the ability to build metrics
from multiple universes. This simplifies a system universe by breaking down
the universe structure and creating a new universe for specific subject areas.

For enterprise metrics, multiple universes can be used to select from multiple
data sources.

In the diagram below subject areas 1 and 2 are defined as enterprise metrics,
and subject areas 3 and 4 as set-based metrics. The results of metric
calculations on connections 1 and 2 are written into the dashboard and
analytics repository tables that are located in the same schema as Set
Analyzer , which is Connection 3 in the diagram below.

Creating a Basic Enterprise Metric

Enterprise metrics

An enterprise metric is a metric that contains a date-based filter defined on


the entire population of entities limited by a simple

WHERE restriction, for example,

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide 19


2 Performance Manager Administrator's Guide
Metric Universes

COUNTRY=England

An enterprise metric is calculated at a non-set level, that is, without using


the set metadata tables

Creating the universe on a target fact table

A fact table is the starting point in creating metrics. In Designer you create
a universe based on the fact table and define a connection to the source
database. You then load the table into the structure pane. You create classes
to organize the measures into groups. You then use this universe in
Performance Manager to create metrics from the measures.

The following image shows a sample sales table that is used to create the
measures that are the basis of the metrics. The table contains a date field,
which is an important element for time-based metrics.

Creating a measure

To define the value for the basis of the metric calculation, in you need to
create a measure object using a field from the fact table. This example uses
the values in the sales_actual column from the sales table.

The select statement for the object, unlike that of an object in a typical
universe, does not contain an aggregate function, that is, sum, max, min,
avg, because you select the type of aggregate when you define the metric.
Creating a measure object
In Designer:
1. Using the "sales_actual " field from the Sales table, create an object.
2. Under the Properties tab, change the object qualification to Measure .

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Metric Universes 2
The SQL generated reads:
SELECT agrfunc (SALES_ACTUAL)FROM SALES

Definition of a filter

The final element of this enterprise metric universe is the population


restriction, or filter. You use these filters in Performance Manager to limit
metrics when you create them.

In this example we use the filter that is used does not limit the query at all,
which means that the query returns a total of sales on a period by period
basis for all orders in the fact table, Sales. The SQL behind the restriction in
this case is simply a true statement and does not limit the scope of the query.
Defining a filter
In Designer in the "Object Properties " dialog box, click the Properties tab.
1. In Designer in the "Object Properties " dialog box, click the Properties
tab.
2. Modify the object's qualification to Measure .
The SQL reads as follows:
SELECT agrfun(SALES_ACTUAL)FROM SALES WHERE sales.start_date
between @PROMPT ('BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) AND @PROMPT
('END_DATE','D','D',,mono,free) AND 1=1

Exporting the universe

Once you have created and saved the metric universe, you need to make it
visible to Performance Manager to used as the basis for metric creation. In
Designer, you create a connection for the metadata, then export the universe
to the dashboard and analytics metadata tables.

Before you begin creating metrics in Performance Manager you add this
universe to the list of available universes from the "Universes " page in the
Dashboard and Analytics System Setup.

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Metric Universes

Dimension table filters

When you create filter objects you are not restricted to using the fact table
on which the metric is based. You can also use other lookup/dimension
tables.

When you modify a universe by building filters on other tables, you need to
update Dashboard and Analytics metadata with the new structure and objects.
You do this from the Universes page in the Dashboard and Analytics System
Setup by selecting the saved universe and clicking Update. The changes
and new objects are then visible for metric creation.

In the example of a filter created against a dimension table, the metric SQL
generated is:
SELECT agrfunc(SALES_ACTUAL)
FROM SALES, PRODUCT
WHERE sales.start_date between
@Prompt('BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)
AND @Prompt('END_DATE','D',,mono,free)
AND SALES.PRODUCT_ID = PRODUCT.PRODUCT_ID
AND PRODUCT.DESCRIPTION='Motorola Timeport'

Refer to the Dashboards and Analytics online help for information on updating
metrics with changes in target universes.

Pre-selecting aggregate functions and measure parameter


passing

You may not want users to be able to set aggregate functions or perhaps
using aggregate functions is not possible, for example, in calculating an
average, as in the following SQL statement:
Sum(sales.sales)/sum(sales.volume)

In either case, you need to pre-set aggregate functions.

In the above example, if an aggregate such as sum is wrapped around the


SQL, it is invalid. If, for a particular period, there is no volume, the SQL
generates a divide-by-0 error.

You need to create an Average Sales object in Designer and then edit the
definition of the object in the"Edit Properties" dialog box.

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Metric Universes 2
In this case you create an Average Sales object and the enter the following
under "Description".
AGGR=SUM;DESC=Calculates average sales and avoids divide by
zero errors.

The statement says that the aggregate is already chosen and it is a sum. It
also passes in a description - note that parameters are delimited with a
semi-colon.

Under"Select" you enter the folllowing:


decode(sum(sales volume),0,0,sum.sales_actual/sum(slaes.volume))

When you look at the universe content in Performance Manager you see
that Aggregation has been pre-set and it cannot be modified.

Complexities of the self-join

A self-join is used in any generated SQL that involves the table with the
self-join. Using the self-join, however, may not always lead to the desired
results. For example, if you want to calculate a rolling value for the volume
over the past three months, the date restriction needs to take into account
the past three months rather than the fixed one-month, if a monthly calendar
is used.

To achieve the desired result you can use one of two methods that are
explained in the following examples:

Example: You replace the self-join with an object-based WHERE clause.


In Designer in the Edit Properties dialog box:
1. In the Select box type: sales.sales_actual

2. In the Where box type: sales.start_date between @Prompt('BE


GIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) AND
@Prompt('END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Example: You modify the date restriction to change the period of


observation.
1. In the Select box type: sales.volume

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Metric Universes

2. In the Where box type: sales.start_date between month


add(@Prompt('BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free),-2) AND
@Prompt('END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Date lookups

Period tables are often included in data warehouses, and are often required
in metric calculation because they contain time-related information.

A common fact table may not always contain true date fields, but may instead
contain date/period ids that provide the foreign key to a period/date dimension
table.

The figure below shows how the system universe can be made to
accommodate such a schema. Note the self-join, placed against the real
(actual) date field in the period table, or date table, in this example.

You need to force performance manager to use the period table, in this case
the dates table, when generating metric SQL. The simplest way to do this
is to modify the tables associated with the measure objects to force use of
the date table hence forcing use of the self-join as shown as follows:
SELECT agrfunc(SALES2.SALES_ACTUAL)
FROM SALES, DATES
WHERE SALES2.DATE_ID = DATE.DATE_ID)
AND DATES.ACTUALDATE between @Prompt('BE
GIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)
AND @Prompt('END_DATE','D',,mono,free)
AND SALES2.DATA_ID = DATES.DATE_ID

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Metric Universes 2
Tip:
Where there is no date field in your table (no ID) but there is a simplified date
such as a year field or a year + month field, you can use the following syntax
to transform the dates.

Example: For Oracle:


SELECT...
FROM...
WHERE... yyyy between @Prompt (to_char ('BEGIN_DATE','yyyy')

Example: For SQL Server and DB2


SELECT...
FROM...
WHERE... yyyy between @Prompt (year ('BEGIN_DATE'),...)

Dimensions and slicing metrics

The principle of slicing or dimensioning a metric is to take a metric value, for


example, Sales Actual, and break it down by a dimension object, for example
by promotion, by country, or by category. At the SQL level this means
employing a GROUP BY clause.

The example below shows a dimension, Promo Description. Information


about the promotion name is stored in the promotion table, therefore, this
table is added to the universe and joined to the fact table (sales) on promo
tion_type.

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Metric Universes

Standard dimension objects are then created for promotion_id and pro
mo_description from the "System Setup"against the dimension table. You
add a Global Slice Name in the "Dimension Creation" dialog box. You can
place restrictions on users to allow them to see only specific values.
You then select a measure, an aggregation function, and a dimension to
create a metric. You use these metrics to in Performance Manager to create
an Interactive Metric Trend analytic. The Interactive Metric Trend, which is
a visual representation of the data.

A link appears below the legend that allows the values in the chart to be
sliced. When selected, the Sales Actual value is split into the distinct available
values for promotion. The figure below is an example of a sliced metric.

Sliced metrics can be displayed well in Kiviat and radar diagrams.

Set-based Metrics

Set-based metrics

A set-based metric is a metric that contains a filter defined on a set, or the


behavior in a set, for example, Joiners of the Gold Set. This type of metric
is set to automatically refresh with the set at fixed processing time, rather
than an independent refresh.

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Metric Universes 2

Design principles and SET_SET_DETAIL[C/D]

When a set is built, the set information is saved in one of the tables shown
below.

The tables allow you to use different data types in set creation. If the set is
a list of customers, where the customer_id is text-based, the set tables
resemble the figure below.

If customer_id is a character-based value, the set is stored in the


SET_SET_DETAILC table where the ID field is character type. If you create
a set of, for example, products where the Product_Key field is numeric, the
SET_SET_DETAIL table can be used. This also holds true for date-based
sets. If you create date-based segments the SET_SET_DETAILD table can
be used in the same way.

The structure of this table allows Set Analyzer and the performance
management framework to store membership details over time. Using this
information you can section the set members/non-members into various
sub-sets. The following is an example of a set of customers where the ID is
the customer's name. As this is a character-based key you view
SET_SET_DETAILC. The set is refreshed on a monthly basis starting on
the 1st January 1999.

Example: Period 1
Joiners: Tom, Colin, Fran
Members: Tom, Colin, Fran

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Metric Universes

Stayers:
Leavers:

When first refreshed, the set contains one row per customer in the set. The
SDATE value is set to the period time at which the set was refreshed. The
EDATE value is set to a default date, which means that the customer has
not yet left the set. This is a reserved date that implies an infinite date; in
the case of Set Analyzer the date used is 1/1/2999.

At this point, the three entries represent three customers who have met the
set criteria for the period and are therefore Members who are Joiners.

Example: Period 2
Joiners: Edd
Members: Edd, Tom, Colin
Stayers: Tom, Colin
Leavers: Fran

In period two, Fran has left the set. Set Analyzer updates the EDATE value
with the current period date to represent this. Another customer, Edd, has
joined the set. Tom and Colin are still members at this time so their records
are not updated. They are Stayers.

Example: Period 3
Joiners: Fran

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Metric Universes 2
Members: Fran, Edd, Tom, Colin
Stayers: Edd, Tom, Colin
Leavers:

Period three shows only one change. Fran, the leaver for the second period,
has now met the criteria to be a set member again. Therefore a new row
is entered with the SDATE value as his time of joining and again the EDATE
value as the default for a member. He can now be classified as a re-joiner
as there is historic information on his membership.

Example: Period 4
Joiners:
Members: Fran, Colin
Stayers: Fran, Colin
Leavers: Tom, Edd

Period 4 shows no new joiners, however, the EDATE values for Tom and
Ed have been updated to the current period date. This means they have
left the set, leaving Fran and Colin as stayers/members.
A static (non calendar-based) set does not store the history of a segment's
membership over time. This lack of history means you are able to show
the membership of the set and not be able to break this into segments.

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A static set does not store history over time. It is a fixed view of a certain
period in time which explains why it is also known as a snap-shot. For
example, such a set can show all the customers who purchased goods
yesterday. This may change over time but information on who bought goods
three days earlier is not stored.

A hybrid of this is a 'vintage set', which is a set that never changes


membership, for example customers who purchased goods in January
1976. Therefore, unlike the time-based, dynamic segments, there are never
Joiners, Leavers, and so on. You need track only Members for metrics
based on such segments. The figure below shows how snapshot/vintage
sets are stored in the set membership tables.

The universe for set-based metrics is similar to an enterprise metric


universe. The notable addition is the inclusion of SET_SET_DETAIL[C/D]
in the schema.

As with an enterprise universe, you can use a self-join to limit the metric
calculation to the period of metric observation. This can also be defined in
the measure Where clause if required.
The method of passing values into prompts as used in the date restriction
is also used to select the set against which the metric is to be calculated.
The self-join syntax rules apply as with the date prompts, for example, a
case-sensitive string match.

Creating set-based metrics


You create set-based metrics Performance Manager in the same manner in
which you create enterprise metrics. With set-based metrics you have a
choice of the sets and subsets on which you base the metrics.

For example, in the set Collector, a dynamic set with membership history,
you can select behavioral subsets, such as Members, Joiners, Stayers, and
Leavers.

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Using Filter objects in Set-based metrics
In a set-based universe, you use filter objects to define subsets such as
Members, Joiners, and Leavers. You can copy them from the example
universe since the syntax is Set Analyzer-specific and does not change. The
figure below shows three separate classes. These class names directly relate
to the subject area that holds the sets in Set Analyzer. The suffixes T and
T2 denote the type of membership that can be monitored.

The members filter under Customer is used with non-dynamic, snapshot


sets. No membership date restrictions are needed because if the customers
are currently in the set they are entered in the set detail table. If they are not
currently in the set they are not entered in the set details table. In this case,
only a restriction on the set id is required. For example, "I want to have the
metric value for all the people in the XXX set."

Defining members for a snapshot set


Name=Member
1. In the Description box type: FILTER=M
2. In the Where box type:
set_set_detail.setversion_id=@Prompt('SET_VER
SION','N',,mono,free)

The filters under the Customer T class are used for dynamic sets with
time-based history. The members definition illustrates use of begin date and

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end date prompts. In this case, the dates indicate whether the customer
entered the set in the current period or an earlier one, and whether or not
he left after the end date of the current period. These dates determine whether
the customer is in the set during the observation period.

Defining membership for a time-based set


1. In the Description box type: FILTER=M
2. In the Where box type:
set_set_detail.sdate
<=@Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
set_set_detail.edat > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Once you have saved the universe you can make it available to the
performance management framework as you would an enterprise universe.

Creating the universe for set-based metrics


The universe for set-based metrics is similar to enterprise metric universes.
The notable addition is the inclusion in SET_SET_DETAIL[C/D] in the
schema. The figure below shows a universe that incorporates set tables.

As with the enterprise universe, you can use a self-join to limit the metric
calculation to the period of metric observation. The period of metric
observation can also be defined in the measure WHERE clause if required.

The method of passing values into prompts as used in the date restriction
is also used to select the set against which the metric is calculated. The
following example shows the self-join syntax. The string match is
case-sensitive.

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Example: Self-join
set_setdetail.setversion_id=@Prompt('SET_VER
SION','N',mono,free)

The measure Sales Actual is defined for set-based metrics in the same
way as for enterprise universe. However, a measure called count is
introduced in the set -based universe. This example shows the measure
definition of count. Note the aggregate is preselected and the count is of
the unique id, in this example, customer_id.

Example: Membership count measure definition


1. In the Description box type: AGGR=SUM; COUNT=Y
2. In the Select box type: count(set_set_detail.id)

Using Filter objects in Set-based metrics


In a set-based universe, you use filter objects to define subsets such as
Members, Joiners, and Leavers. You can copy them from the example
universe since the syntax is Set Analyzer-specific and does not change. The
figure below shows three separate classes. These class names directly relate
to the subject area that holds the sets in Set Analyzer. The suffixes T and
T2 denote the type of membership that can be monitored.

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The members filter under Customer is used with non-dynamic, snapshot


sets. No membership date restrictions are needed because if the customers
are currently in the set they are entered in the set detail table. If they are not
currently in the set they are not entered in the set details table. In this case,
only a restriction on the set id is required. For example, "I want to have the
metric value for all the people in the XXX set."

Defining members for a snapshot set


Name=Member
1. In the Description box type: FILTER=M
2. In the Where box type:
set_set_detail.setversion_id=@Prompt('SET_VER
SION','N',,mono,free)

The filters under the Customer T class are used for dynamic sets with
time-based history. The members definition illustrates use of begin date and
end date prompts. In this case, the dates indicate whether the customer
entered the set in the current period or an earlier one, and whether or not
he left after the end date of the current period. These dates determine whether
the customer is in the set during the observation period.

Defining membership for a time-based set


1. In the Description box type: FILTER=M
2. In the Where box type:
set_set_detail.sdate
<=@Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
set_set_detail.edat > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Once you have saved the universe you can make it available to the
performance management framework as you would an enterprise universe.

Insight into subsets

Below is the SQL for each of the four basic subset filters:
Members
Joiners
Stayers
Leavers

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In the case of Same-as-Set metrics,
TSET_END_DATE

and
TSET_BEGIN_DATE

contain the same values as the


BEGIN_DATE

and
END_DATE

prompts used in the joins described earlier. However, the nature of


independent set-based metrics may mean that the dates passed to the set
differ from those passed to the metric.

Below are descriptions of the filters in the Customer T section of the universe.
Members
FILTER=M; DESC=Members at the end of the period
CI_TID_01.sdate <= @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.edate > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Member (p) is a Member at the end of the period (p).

Joiners
FILTER=J; DESC=Members at the end of the period that were not members
at the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01 = @Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Joiner (p) is a member at the end of the period (p) that was not a member
at the end of the previous period.

Stayers
FILTER=S; DESC=Members at the end of the period that were members at
the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01.sdate < @Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)
and CI_TID_01.edate > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Stayer (p) is a member at the end of the period (p) that was a member at
the end of the previous period.

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Leavers
FILTER=L; DESC=Non-members at the end of the period that were members
at the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01.edate = @Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Leaver (p) is a Non Member at the end of the period (p) that was a member
at the end of the previous period.

Example:
You can apply a quarterly metric to a segment that identifies monthly high
revenue customers to show the total revenue for these customers. These
are calculated using the filters in Customer T2.

Types of subsets
Below are the SQL definitions for each of the subset types followed by a
description of what the SQL does.
Members
FILTER=M; DESC=Members at the end of the period
CI_TID_01.sdate <= @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.edate > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free)

In the scenario shown below the customer joined in p2 and left the segment
at p9, and was definitely a member during the period of observation (p4, p5
and p6).

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Joiners
FILTER=J; DESC=Members at the end of the period that were not members
at the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01.sdate <= @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.edate > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.id not in ( select set_set_detail.id from
set_set_detail where set_set_detail.sdate < @Prompt('TSET_BE
GIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_detail.edate >=
@Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_de
tail.setversion_id = @Prompt('SET_VERSION','N',,mono,free) )

Joiners must:
Not be present during the start of the period of observation.
Be present at the end of the period of observation for the metric.

If both these criteria are met the customers are classified as joiners. In the
diagram below, the period of observation starts at p4 and ends after p6. A
joiner is, then, a customer who is not present in p3, but who is present at the
end of p6.

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Stayers
FILTER=S; DESC=Members at the end of the period that were members at
the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01.sdate <= @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.edate > @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and
CI_TID_01.id in ( select set_set_detail.id from set_set_detail
where set_set_detail.sdate < @Prompt('TSET_BE
GIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_detail.edate >=
@Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_de
tail.setversion_id = @Prompt('SET_VERSION','N',,mono,free) )

To be classified as Stayers customers must be present at the start and at


the end of the period of observation. In the diagram below, stayers are
customers who are present at the start of p4 and at the end of p6.

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Leavers
FILTER=L; DESC=Non Members at the end of the period that were members
at the end of the previous period
CI_TID_01.id not in ( select set_set_detail.id from
set_set_detail where set_set_detail.sdate <=
@Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_detail.edate
> @Prompt('TSET_END_DATE','D',,mono,free) and set_set_de
tail.setversion_id = @Prompt('SET_VERSION','N',,mono,free) )
and CI_TID_01.sdate < @Prompt('TSET_BEGIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)
and CI_TID_01.edate >= @Prompt('TSET_BE
GIN_DATE','D',,mono,free)

Leavers are present at the start of the period of observation but not at the
end. In the diagram below, leavers are present at the start of p4 and absent
at the end of p6.

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Using multiple fact tables

Multiple fact tables are easily handled in the metric universe. The following
figure shows the customer subject area extended to encompass the
complaints fact table.

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As with the sales table, a self-join, or object WHERE clause is required to
enforce period-by-period calculations. Measure objects that become the
basis for metrics are also defined in the same way as the sales fact.

Multiple set subject areas

To create metrics against multiple subject areas defined in Set Analyzer in


your universe you need to create new class structures for products and a
supporting schema to query the product set information against the fact table.

The figure below shows a completed system universe that allows metrics to
be built against sets of customers and sets of products. The product key is
character-based, therefore, SET_SET_DETAILC is used to hold set
membership information.

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The schema for product is very similar to that of the customer subject area.
All prompt syntax is identical, and the only difference is the use of the aliases
of CI_PERIOD and the sales table, and the inclusion of the product table.

There is no limit to the number of subjects that can be represented in a


system universe, but Business Objects recommends that you create separate
universes to simplify viewing and editing very large schemas.

Advanced Topics

Metrics on metrics

Once you have stored metric information in the performance management


system tables, you can use the stored values as the basis for further metric
calculations. You load the metric metadata tables into the system universe
and create measure objects against these tables. Using metrics based on
metrics allows you to increase performance significantly. For example, if a
metric for sales and a metric for number of transactions have been defined,
rather than calculate average sales per transaction against the fact table,
the metric of sales can be divided by the metric for transaction, thus
calculating against the aggregated metric tables only.

Example: Metric of de-seasonalized sales


InDesigner the"Edit Properties " dialog box reads as follows:
Name: De-seasonalized Sales
Type: Number
Description: AGGR=SUM; LIST=N;DESC=Apply a MA2x12 moving average
on Monthly Sales metric. Don't calculate the last 6 periods.
Select:sum(probe_value_sta.prove_value*ci_peri
oc_stat.weight1)/sum(ci_period_stat.weight2)

Where:probe_value_sta.probe_id=8 AND ci_period_stat.id=1


AND period.period_type=4 AND period.period_overall
<=(ci_prove.end_overall-6)

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The metric takes the value of the sum of sales metric, metric id 8, and
computes a MA2x12 smoothing using the weightings stored in the statistical
roll up table, CI_PERIOD_STAT. The SQL is hard_coded with the IDs for the
metric, the period type, and the smoothing to apply.

Note:
This can cause additional overhead should metrics be changed in the future.
The figure below shows the tables with the appropriate joins to calculate
metrics against metrics using the statistical transformation tables. The self-join
on the table ci_period_stat.period_date follows the same syntax as the
fact table self-joins.

Tip:
When you refresh metrics first refresh the initial metric and the refresh the
metric that is based on the initial metric. Business Objects recommends that
you create a rule to refresh the second metric each time the first is refreshed.

Metrics functions in the rules engine

The rules engine contains a function builder that allows access to metric
values. You query the metric values directly and do not use the system
universe.

You define metrics as variables to be used as a condition in the "Condition


Formula Editor" that you access from the "Rules" page in Performance
Manager .

Metric attribute suffixes allow the metrics, when defined as variables, to be


used in a condition.
metric1.id - returns the id of the metric.

metric1.value - returns the latest value of the metric.

These can then be used in the metric functions.

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Example:
MetricValue(metric1.id) > MetricValue(metric1.id, -1)

If the current value of metric1 is greater than the value of metric 1 for the
last period.

Example:
MetricValue(metric1.id) > MetricValue(metric1.id, -12)*1.1

If the current value of metric1 has increased by 10% over the value of
metric1 twelve months earlier.

Example:
ForecastCubic(MetricValues(metric1.id, 6), 7) > MetricValue(met
ric1.id)

Take the last six values of metric1 and forecast the seventh point using a
cubic line fit, then compare values to see if the current metric value is below
this forecast.

Configuring universes for process control charts

This section explains how to create a universe for control chart analysis. You
must have a working knowledge of process control charts and universe
design.

The new performance management process control engine uses a Business


Objects universe as metadata to access the underlying data source. The
engine is capable of working with data at a transactional level, as well as at
any level of aggregation, but there are a number of requirements that must
be met by the data source to enable the process control engine.

The examples used below are taken from the manufacturing sample universe
included with the performance management installation.

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Universe configuration
The performance management process control engine uses a number of
elements from a specially configured BusinessObjects universe to access
the appropriate data for each control chart.
To create a universe for the process control engine, start by inserting the
appropriate fact tables that contain the transactions or aggregate values that
you chart. Each fact table needs a self-join on its timestamp to allow the
performance management framework to select data by date. Measures are
then organized into classes which are translated into subject areas.
Dimension objects for breakdown variables are also included in the
appropriate classes. Conditions are created and combined to create filters
for control charts. Any control chart that needs to draw data from two fact
tables (p, np, or u charts) needs to include filters that are based on a common
dimension that joins to both fact tables.

Measures
Measure objects in the universe are used by control charts to calculate the
actual data points on the control chart. Each control chart uses either one
or two measures to calculate its data points. During configuration, you select
the measure object or objects that are used in the control chart calculation.
Then, you organize these objects in classes that are translated into subject
areas.

Each measure comes from a fact table that contains the raw data. This raw
data may be at transactional level or aggregated. In the manufacturing
example, the tables individual_measurement, defect, reject, and inspection
are used as fact tables. For example, the fact table individual_measurement
is used to construct variable control charts. In the figure shown below a
number of measure objects have been created in a class called Manufacturing
Variable.

Depending on the nature of the data, it may or may not be necessary to


include aggregate functions in the measure objects themselves. If the values
in the table are already sufficiently aggregated that no further aggregation

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is necessary, as in the individual_measurement table, then no


aggregation function is included in the object.

Self-joins
Each fact table must include a self-join that is used to select values during
sampling. The self-join is on the date stamp column of the fact table and
follows this exact syntax. Changes in case and spaces can cause this self-join
to fail.

In the Expression box of the Edit Join dialog box type the following SQL:
<date stamp column> between
@Prompt('BEGIN_DT','D',,mono,free) AND
@Prompt('END_DT','D',,mono,free)

Breakdown variable
Breakdown variables are used to automatically generate control charts for
each value in a dimension. For each breakdown variable that is used, a
dimension object needs to be created in the appropriate class in the universe.

In the manufacturing example, Reject Type is a breakdown variable in the


Manufacturing Reject class. The breakdown variable can come directly from
the fact table, if appropriate, or it may be an object that is based on a column
in a joined table. In the case of Reject Type the object is based on
reject_type.name from the joined reject_type table.

Filters
Filters are used to limit a particular control chart (or set of control charts for
a breakdown variable) to a particular set of data. Control chart filters are
based on combinations of conditions that are created in the universe. In the
manufacturing example, the conditions include those that limit control charts
to particular product type, as shown below.

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The conditions can be based on columns directly on the fact table, or any
table that is joined to the fact table. When designing conditions, bear in mind
that control chart filters that are configured in Performance Management can
combine conditions together.

For p, np, and u charts you can draw the measures that are used in
calculating control chart points from two different fact tables. In p charts, for
example, the value on the control chart is calculated based on the number
of rejects, which may come from one table, and the number of inspections,
which may come from another table. When two tables are involved they both
need to be constrained by a common filter that is based on common
conditions.

In the manufacturing example the Manufacturing Reject class uses measures


from two different tables. For number of rejects the Nb Rejected object are
used, which is based on the reject.nb_rejected column. For the number of
inspections the Nb Inspections object is used, which is based on the
inspection.nb_inspected column. The common filters are based on the name
field in common dimension table item.

Systematic sampling
If systematic sampling is required in a particular subject area, a dimension
object is needed in the appropriate class based on the timestamp column in
the fact table. For the manufacturing example the Measurement Time object

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in the Manufacturing Variable class is based on the individual_mea


suremt.measuremt_time column.

Resolving loops in the universe


The universe design to support the process control engine can often result
in loops in the universe. There are two ways to deal with loops:
table aliases
contexts

A table alias was used in the manufacturing universe to resolve a loop. In


this case the defect_type and item tables both need to be joined with the
defect and reject tables creating a loop. This loop has been resolved by
aliasing defect_type as reject_type for the join with the reject table.

An alternative approach, which may be necessary in some cases, is to use


contexts to resolve the loop. For example, the use of two fact tables for
rejects and inspections may result in a loop if a number of filter and
breakdown objects are required from different dimension tables. One context
can be named for the tables included in the rejects query, and one context
for the inspection query.

Note:
Remember to include the self-joins in the relevant context.

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Database requirements
The database design must meet the following two requirements if it is to be
used for process control charts:
Each fact table must include a date stamp in the date/time format of that
database.
If two tables are used in p, np, or u charts then they must have a common
dimension table that can be used for a common filter.

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50 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide


Performance Manager
Setup and Administration
Online Help

3
3 Performance Manager Setup and Administration Online Help
Dashboard and analytic applications

Dashboard and analytic applications


BusinessObjects Dashboard and Analytics connects goals, metrics, and
people in order to drive improved management, analysis, and action across
the organization. Metrics offer up-to-the-minute snapshots of your key process
indicators (KPIs) and tracking goals allows you to monitor day-to-day activity
results.

Business Objects offers the following tools to help you mine your data for
trends:
Dashboard Builder
Performance Manager
Set Analysis
Predictive Analysis
Process Analysis

What is Dashboard Builder?

Dashboard Builder is a BusinessObjects Dashboard and Analytics application


that helps you manage and track your company's performance using analytics
and dashboards, as well as schedule the refresh of metrics, sets, control
charts, Predictive models and analytics.

What is Performance Manager?

BusinessObjects Performance Manager helps organizations align actions


with strategy. Through setting goals and tracking performance in scorecards,
people can focus their efforts, collaborate with others, and follow
recommended actions to improve organizational performance.

What is Predictive Analysis?

BusinessObjects Predictive Analysis quickly uncovers key business drivers


from your data and forecasts future business conditions. It helps people

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Deployment of Dashboard and Analytics tools to your organization 3
make proactive decisions more easily by providing insights via easy-to-use
dashboards across the organization.

What is Process Analysis?

BusinessObjects Process Analysis can be used for several purposes.


It helps you automate the mechanics of quality control.
It enables organizations to support quality improvement initiatives by
automatically tracking quality variables throughout the enterprise.
It helps uncover specific business processes where there is variation and
identify opportunities for improvement, by providing powerful web-based
quality management and automated control charts and alarms.

What is Set Analysis?

BusinessObjects Set Analysis helps organizations define, track and analyze


segments that drive the success of business activities.

Deployment of Dashboard and Analytics


tools to your organization
Before users in your organization can start working with Dashboard and
Analytics applications, you need to do the following tasks.

Mandatory tasks
Create the Performance Manager repository.
The Performance Manager repository stores the metrics, goals and
calendars leveraged across your deployment.
Define the system users.
System user accounts initialize the Dashboard and Analytics servers and
enable the Dashboard and Analytics application engines.
Connect to a universe.

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Deployment of Dashboard and Analytics tools to your organization

Universes provide the semantic layer that maps familiar business terms
to your corporate data sources.

Note:
Users can also define metrics manually. To find out how to do this, see
the Performance Manager documentation.
Define calendars.
The calendar time periods you define are used to build the aggregated
measure results for metrics over time. This allows users to perform
time-series analysis on KPIs. You can create standard calendars or import
custom calendars adapted to your business processes.

Optional tasks
For more powerful analysis, you can also:
Associate users to dimensions.
Create associations to allow users to analyze sliced metrics, where the
value for the metric is broken down by the values on a dimension, and
lets you secure dimensions by granting access to slices to users, so that
specific users can only see results for certain slices.

For example, you could select the [Sales] metric and slice it by the
[Region] dimension in order to analyze sales per region. You could then
secure the [Region] dimension so that users working in a specific regional
sales office could only see sales results for their region.
Apply statistical calculations such as moving average, difference, or rollup
to selected calendars.
You use statistical calculations for smoothing and aggregating time-series.
For more information, see the chapter in the documentation about
Performance Manager calendars.

Related Topics
Overview of the Dashboard and Analytics deployment on page 65
Moving averages in calendars on page 105
Rollups in calendars on page 113
The Performance Manager repository on page 65
Dashboard and Analytics system users on page 77
Metric universes on page 79

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Performance Manager servers 3
Analytics calendars on page 97
Sliced metric dimensions on page 88

Performance Manager servers


The following table provides a description of each Performance Manager
server:

Server name Service Description

Dashboard en- Renders dashboards created in


AADashboard
gine Dashboard Builder.

Renders the analytics by querying the


metrics metadata and then generating
AAAnalytics Analytics server
the desired visualization in the format
of the selected analytic.

Works like an ETL tool to extract each


metric value, aggregate it, and then
AAMetrics Metrics engine
load it into the metadata layer on the
Performance Manager repository.

Individual Profil- Used by the Individual Profiler analyt-


AAIProfiler
er engine ic.

Manages the Performance Manager


repository including user security
Repository
AARepomgt and privileges, updates to the system
manager
parameters, and writing new metrics
and rules back to the repository.

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Server name Service Description

Evaluates conditions placed against


AARules Rules engine metrics, goals, sets and then outputs
sending events to other components

Set Analysis Performs Set Analysis queries and


AAQueryManager
query manager builds and processes sets.

Used by Process Analysis.

AASPC SPC engine Note:


The SPC alerts are actioned upon and
handled by AARules

Predictive Analy- Used by Predictive Analysis. For


PAServer sis mining en- more information, see the Predictive
gine Analysis documentation.

Related Topics
Individual Profiler portrait properties on page 127

Performance Manager server options

In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options, set the
following options:
Mail Parameters
These parameters contain details of the Dashboard and Analytics SMTP
server, port number, and email address used to send automated emails
for alerts, rules, and generated lists.
Web Parameters

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These parameters contain details of the web server including the port
number, host name, and the login URL.
General Parameters
These parameters contain details of date and number formats applied
across Dashboard and Analytics applications, SQL query optimization
parameters, Individual Profiler query limits, and the frequency for
information on external events stored in the Central Management Server
to be written to the Performance Manager repository.
Scheduler Parameters
These parameters contain details of the directory used to cache scheduler
processes and the user account associated with those processes.
Database Parameters
These parameters contain details of the minimum number of database
connections you wished to be kept open for a specific Dashboard and
Analytics engine.

Setting mail parameters for Dashboard and Analytics


applications

You need to specify mail parameters so that users can use the email features
within Dashboard and Analytics applications. For example, users can build
rules, alerts, and lists that generate emails and have the ability to email some
of the analytics.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options.
2. In the "Mail Parameters" section, configure the following parameters:
"Outgoing SMTP server"
Type the name of the Dashboard and Analytics server from which
automated emails, such as email alerts and email lists, are sent.
"SMTP Port Number"
Enter the port number of the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
server.
"From Address"
Type the email address of the SMTP server that appears in the "From"
field in email messages.

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"Reply to Address"
Type the address to which automatic replies are sent. This is usually
the same as the "From Address".

3. Click Apply.
Any modifications you made are applied the next time you restart the
Dashboard and Analytics server.

Specifying web parameters for Dashboard and Analytics


applications

By default, the web server used for Dashboard and Analytics applications is
the same server on which Dashboard and Analytics is installed. The "Web
Parameters" options allow you to specify a remote web server. If you
performed a custom installation and defined a custom URL for end users to
use to access the InfoView login page, then you need to type the custom
URL you defined here.

Note:
For information on performing a custom installation, see the BusinessObjects
Enterprise installation guide available at: http://support.businessob
jects.com/documentation.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options.
2. In the "Web Parameters" section, configure the following parameters:
"Web server host name"
Type the name of the web server that host Dashboard and Analytics
applications.
"Web server port number"
Enter the port number of the host web server.
"Performance Manager URL"
Type the URL that end users use in their web browser to launch the
InfoView home page.

3. If you want to process XLS transformations on the client machines used


by end users across your deployment, activate Push XLS
transformations to the client.

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You can opt to process the XSL transformations, for example for SVG
format analytics, to the client instead of processing them on the server.
This helps lighten the load on the server, by passing the cost of the
transformation onto the client.

Note:
We recommend that you compare performance of processing the XLS
transformations on the client against processing the XLS transformations
on the server, in order to make the best decision for your deployment.
The optimum choice can differ depending on the client machines used
on your deployment and the number of concurrent users taxing the server.

4. Click Apply.
Any modifications you made are applied the next time you restart the
Performance Manager server.

General parameters for Dashboard and Analytics applications

The "General Parameters" options allow you to:


specify settings for number and date formats displayed on dashboards
optimize SQL query processing
limit the size of Individual Profiler queries
specify how often the data for external events stored on the Central
Management Console (CMC) is sent to the Performance Manager
repository.
Note:
External events defined on the CMC are used in Performance Manager
rules or alerts to trigger specific actions. For information about including
external events on the CMC, see the BusinessObjects Enterprise
administration documentation.

Related Topics
Specifying general parameters in Dashboard and Analytics Setup on
page 59
Specifying general parameters in Dashboard and Analytics Setup
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options.
2. In the "General Parameters" section, configure the following parameters:

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"Number Format"
Select a number format for analytics and dashboards.
"Date Format"
Select the date format for analytics and dashboards.
"Maximum Number of Columns for Optimized SQL"
Select a number to apply to SQL queries for analytics and documents.
The option allows Dashboard and Analytics to group SQL from columns
in the same table, for the number of columns you specify, and so
optimizes the calculation process.
"Individual Profiler Maximum Query Size"
Select the limit for the maximum number of rows returned for an
Individual Profiler query.
"BusinessObjects Enterprise Events Polling Time"
Select the amount of time between two polling events, measured in
seconds. The option specifies how often Dashboard and Analytics
checks for an event on the Events server in the CMC, and therefore
ensures that any new external events on the CMC are written to the
Performance Manager repository for use in rules and alerts.

3. Click Apply.
Any modifications you made are applied the next time you restart the
Dashboard and Analytics server.

Related Topics
Individual Profiler portrait properties on page 127

Specifying scheduler parameters for Dashboard and Analytics


applications

If their security profile allows, end users can schedule Dashboard and
Analytics tasks, such as refreshing metrics. As an administrator, you can
specify the location of the directory used to cache scheduler processes and
specify the user account associated with the processes.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options.

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2. In the "Scheduler Parameters" section, type the appropriate information
in the following text boxes:
"Scheduler working directory"
The directory path that appears in the text box comes from information
provided at installation.
"Scheduled programs will run under this user account"
The user name and password used should be for machine on which
you installed the Dashboard and Analytics applications.

Note:
If you change the parameters, any existing schedules become
incorrect. To update the definition of existing schedules to the new
schedule parameters, run the "Scheduled Programs""Check &
Cleanup" tool at Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools > Check
Integrity and Cleanup.

3. Click Apply.
Any modifications you made are applied the next time you restart the
Dashboard and Analytics server.

Specifying database parameters for Dashboard and Analytics


applications

The "Database Parameters" allow you to specify the minimum number of


database connections kept open for a specific Dashboard and Analytics
engine. This optimizes performance.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options.
2. In the "Database Parameters" section, click the drop-down arrow in the
text box on the right.
The list of Dashboard and Analytics engines appears.

3. Select the engine for which you want to specify the minimum number of
open database connections:
Analytics
The Analytics server renders the analytics by querying the metrics
metadata and then generating the desired visualization in the format
of the selected analytic.

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Repository Management
The repository manager manages the Performance Manager repository
including user security and privileges, updates to the system
parameters, and writing new metrics and rules back to the repository.
Process Analysis Engine
Process Analysys uses this engine.
Metrics Engine
The metrics engine works like an ETL tool to extract each metric value,
aggregate it, and then load it into the metadata layer on the
Performance Manager repository.
Mining Engine
Predictive Analysis uses this engine.
Rules Engine
The rules engine evaluates conditions placed against metrics, goals,
sets and then outputs sending events to other components.
Query Manager
The query manager performs Set Analysis queries and builds and
processes sets.
Profiler
The Individual Profiler uses this engine.

4. Enter the number of connections you want open concurrently for the
selected engine into the "Minimum Number of Database Connections
Kept Open" text box.
5. Click Apply.
Any modifications you made are applied the next time you restart the
Dashboard and Analytics server.

Server caching parameters

The cache refresh period settings determine how often Dashboard and
Analytics refreshes the server caches with the latest values on the
Performance Manager repository and the Central Management Server (CMS).

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In multi-node deployments, it is important to set the cache refresh and
clean-up periods to ensure that the Dashboard and Analytics servers across
your deployment reflect the same definitions of metrics and analytics to end
users.

Cache refresh and clean-up settings


You can specify the following cache refresh periods and clean-up periods:
"Metadata Cache Refresh Period" used to cache metrics, goals, and
sets. For example, you look at a speedometer the values displayed come
from this cache.
"App Designer Cache Refresh Period" used to cache the XML definition
of dashboards
"Server Session Cache Clean-up Period" used to cache session
information
"Corporate Dashboard Cache Refresh Period" used to cache corporate
dashboards

Modifying a cache refresh or clean-up period


1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Caching.
2. In the text box next to the option you want to modify, type the number of
minutes you want to set as the frequency for the cache refresh or clean-up.
3. Click Apply.
The settings are applied immediately.

Dashboard and Analytics launch errors

If you launch Dashboard and Analytics and an error message appears that
says that you cannot connect to Dashboard and Analytics, it is for one of the
following reasons:
Some of the Dashboard and Analytics servers are stopped or disabled.
The Initialization User that creates the Dashboard and Analytics server
proxies was defined inconsistently in the Central Management Server,
InfoView, and the InitConfig.properties file.

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Verifying the Dashboard and Analytics servers

1. Log into the Central Management Console (CMC), and then click Servers.
2. Verify that all the Dashboard and Analytics servers are started.
3. If a server is not running, select the check box next to the server name,
and then click Start.
4. Make sure that all servers are enabled.
If a server is not enabled, select the check box next to the server name,
and then click Enable.

Related Topics
Performance Manager servers on page 55

Verifying the Initialization User

1. On the Dashboard and Analytics server, open the InitConfig.properties


file and verify that the Initialization user name and password match those
in the Central Management Server (CMS).
The InitConfig.properties file is located in the following location:

[Install Directory]\Program Files\Business Objects\Performance


Management 12.0
The strings to search for are:
initialization.User=
initialization.Password=

2. Log into InfoView, and then click the "Preferences" button on the InfoView
toolbar.
3. In the "Dashboard and Analytics" tab, check the name of the initialization
logon user in the "Change initialization logon user" section is the same
as that specified in the InitConfig.properties file.
4. Log into the Log into the Central Management Console (CMC), and then
click Users.
5. Check that the user defined in the InitConfig.properties is listed among
the users.

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6. From the CMC home page, click Settings > Rights and check that the
initialization user has the appropriate rights.
Note:
For security reasons, it is recommended that you do not provide a real
user ID for the initialization user. The default user ID is PMUser.

7. In the Central Configuration Manager, restart all of the servers.


Note:
If you are using Dashboard and Analytics from a client machine, restart
the client machine.

The Performance Manager repository


The Performance Manager repository is organized as follows:
Performance Manager tables store the calendars, metrics, rules, goals
and target values used by Performance Manager.
Set Analysis tables store the sets for the segmentation engine used by
Set Analysis.
Note:
If this is the first time you have installed Dashboard and Analytics, you need
to create the Performance Manager repository before users can start to work
with Dashboard and Analytics applications.

Related Topics
Creating the Performance Manager repository on page 67

Overview of the Dashboard and Analytics


deployment

A Dashboard and Analytics deployment includes two repositories:


The Central Management Server (CMS) database stores user security
information, documents, dashboards, analytics, performance models,
schedules and the semantic layer that maps to your corporate data
sources (for example metric universes and business views).

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The Performance Manager repository stores the metrics, calendars,


goals, and sets specific to Dashboard and Analytics.

Note:
In previous Dashboard and Analytics versions, the Performance Manager
repository was called the Performance Management repository and the
Application Foundation repository (or AF Repo). In Application Foundation
6.x versions and earlier, the equivalent to the CMS was the BusinessObjects
repository.

The system tables stored in the repository

The Performance Manager repository stores information used in various


groups of tables used by different Dashboard and Analytics applications:
Tables with the ci_ prefix store the metrics, rules, calendars used by
Performance Manager, for example, the ci_probe_value.
Note:
Each time users refresh a metric in Performance Manager, the data is
retrieved from the universe or manual metrics data source, calculates the
values according to the calendar period you defined, and writes those
values to the Performance Manager repository.
Tables with the ipm_ prefix store the metadata related to publishing, next
actions, and strategy builder used by Performance Manager.
For example: ipm_analytic
Tables with the set_ prefix store sets used in Set Analysis.

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For example: set_sig_field

Creating the Performance Manager repository

When you install Dashboard and Analytics, you need to:


create a connection to the target database you selected for the
Performance Manager repository.
deploy the system tables to the Performance Manager repository so that
users can start to use Dashboard and Analytics applications.
Note:
The Total Electronics demo database is designed to accompany the
sample dashboards shipped with the Dashboard and Analytics
applications. We recommend that you do not use this demo database as
the basis of your corporate Performance Manager repository.
verify the options, such as encoding, applied to the new Performance
Manager repository.
Note:
To create the Performance Manager repository, and to make any
modifications in "Dashboard and Analytics Setup", you need to be logged
into InfoView as an administrator.

Creating a connection for the Performance Manager repository

If this is the first time you have installed the Dashboard and Analytics
applications, you need to create a connection to the database on which you
want to store the Performance Manager repository. You do this using
Designer.
1. Launch Designer.
2. In the "Connections" list, select Tools > Connections, then click Add.
3. Follow the instructions in the "New Connection Wizard".
For full information, consult the Designer documentation about working
with connections.

4. Verify the connection to the Performance Manager repository.

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Related Topics
Performance Manager repository migration on page 71
Verifying the connection to the Performance Manager repository on
page 68

Verifying the connection to the Performance Manager repository

Note:
If this is the first time you have installed Dashboard and Analytics, you need
to create a connection to the Performance Manager repository.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Repository.
2. In the "Repository Information display" section, click Check.
If there is a problem with the connection, an error message provides
details.

Related Topics
Creating a connection for the Performance Manager repository on page 67

Deploying the system tables using Dashboard and Analytics


setup

You need a connection to the target database before you can deploy the
system tables.

To deploy the system tables to the target database you have chosen as the
Performance Manager repository:
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Repository
> Repository Information.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to connection name.
3. Select the target database from the drop-down list.
The "System Tables Management" display section advises you whether
the system tables have been installed or not. If an earlier version of the
product has been installed, the module detects it and suggests an
upgrade. To upgrade the repository, click Upgrade.

4. The repository creation script runs.


5. Do one of the following:

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To deploy the tables now to Dashboard and Analytics, click OK.
To deploy the system tables via an external application, click Select
All, and then copy and paste the script into the external application.
6. Log off InfoView, and then restart all servers using the Central
Configuration Manager (CCM).

Related Topics
Creating a connection for the Performance Manager repository on page 67

Verifying the options applied to the Performance Manager


repository

The repository options let you specify settings optimized for the type of
database you are using for the Performance Manager repository. You can
view the options applied to the repository and change the options if necessary.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Repository
and click View Options.
The selected encoding appears in the "Encoding" box.

Encoding can be set while defining the connection to the repository or


during the repository creation.

Note:
By default, the encoding for Dashboard and Analytics is Unicode (UTF-8).
For encoding other than Unicode (UTF-8), the database and the processes
go through a convertor, so performance is slower.

2. To change the encoding, click the arrow next to the "Encoding" box, and
select the appropriate encoding from the list.
Note:
For certain databases, the following advanced options are activated and
allow you to customize the repository environment:
Tablespace
Index Post Script
Numeric Keys Precision
Use Long Integer Fields

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Related Topics
Creating a connection for the Performance Manager repository on page 67
Creating the Performance Manager repository on page 67

Central Management Server authentication

Access to the features in Dashboard and Analytics Setup is authenticated


against the Central Management Server (CMS). The CMS controls security,
such as which users or groups have access to which dashboards.

There are several types of authentication for BusinessObjects Enterprise


and Dashboard and Analytics:
"Enterprise" the system default authentication. This is recommended if
you prefer to create distinct accounts and groups for use with
BusinessObjects Enterprise, or if you have not already set up a hierarchy
of users and groups in a Windows NT user database, an LDAP directory
server, or a Windows AD server.
"LDAP" Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. This is recommended
if you want to integrate Dashboard and Analytics authentication with a
single list of authorized users and passwords for your enterprise web,
email, and file-sharing servers.
"Windows NT" or "Windows AD" You can also use Windows NT
authentication (for Microsoft Windows NT) or Windows AD authentication
(for Windows 2000).
You can verify the CMS authentication and change the authentication, if you
wish.

You can also point your Dashboard and Analytics server to a different CMS.
This is particularly useful if your deployment includes multiple CMS databases
used for different environments. For example, you may have one CMS for
your development environment and another CMS for your production
environment.

Note:
For information on how to setup CMS authentication, refer to the
BusinessObjects Enterprise administrator's guide available at:
http://support.businessobjects.com/documentation.
To modify parameters in Dashboard and Analytics Setup you need to
be logged into InfoView as an administrator.

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Verifying or changing the Central Management Server


authentication

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Repository.


The name of the web server where the Central Management Server
(CMS) is installed appears by default in the "CMS Name" box.

2. If you want to redirect to another CMS, type the name of the CMS using
the following syntax:
<server_name>.<server_domain>

For example: myserver.marketing.mycompany.com

The authentication appears in the "Authentication" box.

3. If you want to select a different authentication, click the arrow next to the
"Authentication" box and select the type of authentication you want from
the list.

Performance Manager repository migration

You can migrate the Performance Manager repository from a different


environment or from a previous version. The following table tells you which
white paper or guide provides information on each of the possible migration
paths:

Migration path Documentation

a test environment to a production BusinessObjects Enterprise adminis-


environment trator documents

Application Foundation 6.5.x to Per-


BusinessObjects Enterprise migration
formance Management XI R2 and
guides
higher

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Migration path Documentation

Performance Management XI to
BusinessObjects Enterprise installa-
Performance Management XI R2 and
tion guides
higher

Tip:
All documentation is in Adobe PDF format and available at: http://support.busi
nessobjects.com/documentation.

Performance Manager repository integrity and


cleanup

In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools the "Check Integrity and
Cleanup" section allow you to perform an integrity check on the following
information stored in the Performance Manager repository:
Universes
The metric universes stored on the Performance Manager repository.
Rules
The rules set up using Performance Manager.
Metrics
The metrics defined using Performance Manager.
Alerts
Email alerts (triggered by events) created using Performance Manager.
Users
User accounts already defined in the system.

Note:
You cannot remove users while they are logged into "Dashboard and
Analytics".
Predictive Analysis

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The populations, variables, binnings, models, and advanced metrics
defined using Predictive Analysis.
Scheduled Programs
"Scheduled Programs" allows you to update the scheduling parameters
for a pre-existing scheduled program to match those currently specified
in Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Options >
Scheduler Parameters.

These tools help you to remove faulty or redundant data from the
Performance Manager repository.

Note:
Erasing any of the entries physically removes them from the Performance
Manager repository database.

Checking system universe integrity in the Performance Manager


setup

Checking the integrity of the metric universes enables you to ensure that the
universes used to define Dashboard and Analytics metrics work correctly.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check Integrity" section, click Universe.
The "Check Integrity" window appears.

Any universes that contain errors are flagged here.

3. To find out more information about an error, click the universe.


The errors are detailed in the "Check Details" section.

For information about resolving errors in universes, refer to the Designer


documentation available at http://support.businessobjects.com.

Checking the integrity of Performance Manager rules

Checking rules allows you to ensure that any rules based on events, created
by Dashboard and Analytics users, function correctly.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check & Cleanup" section, click Rules.

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Any rules that include errors are listed. You can delete rules here or modify
rules in Performance Manager.

3. To delete a rule, select the rule you want to delete and click Erase.
Note:
To modify a rule, exit Dashboard and Analytics Setup, open Performance
Manager and in the "Rules" tab, select the rule and click Edit. See the
Performance Manager documentation for information on editing rules.

Checking the integrity of Performance Manager metrics

Checking metrics allows you ensure that the metrics created and analyzed
by Dashboard and Analytics users function correctly.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check & Cleanup" section, click Metrics.
The "Check & Cleanup Metrics" window appears.

Any metrics that contain errors are flagged here.

3. To find out more information about an error, click the metric.


The errors are detailed in the "Check Details" section.

4. To delete a metric, select the metric you want to delete and click Erase.

Checking the integrity of Performance Manager alerts

Checking alerts allows you to ensure any alerts created by Performance


Manager users function correctly.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check & Cleanup" section, click Alerts.
The "Check & Cleanup Alerts" window appears. Any alerts that contain
errors are flagged here.
3. To find out more information about an error click the alert.
The errors are detailed in the "Check Details" section.
4. To delete an alert, select the alert you want to delete and click Erase.

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Checking the integrity of Performance Manager users

Checking users allows you to remove user accounts that fail the integrity
test from the Central Management Server (CMS).
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check & Cleanup" section, click Users.
The "Check & Cleanup Users" window appears. Any user profiles that
contain errors are flagged here.
3. To find out more information about an error click the user name.
The errors are detailed in the "Check Details" section.
4. To delete a user, select the user you want to delete and click Erase.
Note:
You cannot delete users who are currently logged into Dashboard and
Analytics.

Checking the integrity of Predictive Analysis objects

You can check the integrity of the populations, variables, binnings, models,
and advanced metrics defined using Predictive Analysis.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools.
2. In the "Check & Cleanup" section, click Predictive Analysis.
The "Check & Cleanup Predictive Analysis" window appears.

3. Click the drop down arrow next to the list box at the top of the window,
then select the subject area for which you want to make the integrity
check.
Any populations, variables, binnings, models or advanced metrics that
include errors are listed and more information about each error is provided
in the "Check Details" section.
4. To delete a service, select the Predictive Analysis service you want to
delete and click Erase.
Note:
You cannot delete users who are currently logged into InfoView.

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Checking the integrity of parameters for a scheduled program


in Dashboard and Analytics Setup

The scheduling parameters integrity check verifies:


the user name and password specified as the user account for scheduled
programs.
By default, it is the user account for the operating system on which
Dashboard and Analytics is installed (for example, the NT user account).
the working directory in which the scheduled programs are run.

Note:
The schedule parameters can be modified in Dashboard and Analytics
Setup > Parameters > Options > Scheduler Parameters.
It is recommended you check the parameter integrity whenever the Scheduler
Parameters are modified, so that any existing scheduled programs are
updated to match the new parameters.

Some typical situations that cause errors to occur include:


the scheduled account user password changes for security purposes.
the scheduling program working directory changes from one drive to
another to suit disk capacity needs.
the system is migrated to a new environment, and so the scheduling
parameters need to be updated.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Tools > Check & Cleanup.
2. Click Scheduled Programs.
The "Check & Cleanup Scheduled Programs" window appears, displaying
the current scheduling user name and working directory, as well as a list
of all the currently existing scheduled programs that do not having
matching parameters.
For each inconsistency, the tool lists the task id, description, username,
whether the password matches, working directory, start date, end date,
and period type.

3. To update the parameters of a schedule to the current scheduling


parameters, select the schedule you want to update and then click Fix.
To update all the schedules with erroneous parameters, you can click
Select All, then Fix.

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Dashboard and Analytics system users
Before users in your organization can use Dashboard and Analytics
applications, you need to specify system users in "Dashboard and Analytics
Setup". These users initialize the Dashboard and Analytics servers and
enable the engines for Performance Manager and Set Analysis.

Note:
To modify the users defined in Dashboard and Analytics Setup, you need to
be logged into InfoView as an administrator.

Defining a Dashboard and Analytics system user

Specifying a Dashboard and Analytics system user enables the Performance


Manager engine, which end users need for goals.

Note:
The system user must have Administrator rights specified in the Central
Management Console (CMC). For information on how to set security rights
for Dashboard and Analytics, see the BusinessObjects Enterprise
administrator documentation.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > System
User.
2. In the "System User" section, type Administrator in the "User Name" text
box.
3. In the "Password" box, type the password.
By default, there is no password for Administrator. It is strongly
recommended that you define a password for the Administrator user. See
the BusinessObjects Enterprise administrator documentation for
information on passwords.

4. To verify that the CMC recognizes the user as a user with administrator
rights, click Check.
Note:
If an enterprise authentication error appears, the user name you entered
does not have Administrator rights allocated to it in the CMC. You need
to either launch the CMC and modify the security profile of the user, or

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enter a different user name that already has administrator rights in the
CMC.

5. To save the new user, click Apply.

Defining a Dashboard and Analytics Set Analysis


guest user

Typically, only a small number of users in a deployment create sets. Most


users use existing sets to build metrics when they use Performance Manager.

Specifying a Set Analysis guest user enables all valid Dashboard and
Analytics users to use sets. End users who do not have a profile to create
sets automatically borrow the Set Analysis guest user profile when they open
Dashboard and Analytics. The guest user allows users to visualize sets
for metric creation and analysis.

Note:
Before you can define the Set Analysis guest user, you need to set a user
in the Central Management Server (CMS) that has all of the Set Analysis
features enabled. You create the user in the CMS in the Central Management
Console. For information on how to do this, refer to the BusinessObjects
Enterprise administrator documentation.

You need to then create the same user in Set Architect, the Windows setup
application designed for Set Analysis. For information on how to set up the
Set Analysis guest user in Architect, refer to the Set Architect online help.

1. Verify that the Set Analysis guest user exists on the CMS and has all the
Set Analysis features enabled.
2. Verify that the same Set Analysis guest user is defined in Architect.
3. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > System
User.
4. In the "Set Analyzer Guest User" section, type the guest user name in
the "User Name" text box.
Note:
The Set Analysis guest user you type here must also be set up as a guest
user in Architect.

5. To verify that the user is a known user, click Check.

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Note:
If an enterprise authentication error appears, the user name you entered
is not registered as a guest user in Set Architect. If this is the case, you
need to launch Architect and create a guest user.

6. To save the new user, click Apply.

Defining a Dashboard and Analytics Initialization


user

Specifying the Initialization User allows Dashboard and Analytics to initialize


the Dashboard and Analytics servers and create the proxies in the server
cache.

Note:
For security reasons, it is recommended that you do not allocate Administrator
rights to the Initialization user and that you do not re-use a real user profile.
The default user ID is PMUser, defined as a member of the Everyone user
group.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > System
User.
2. In the "Initialization User" section, type in a valid user in the User Name
text box.
3. In the "Password" box, type the password.
4. To verify that the user is recognized by the Central Management Server
(CMS) as a user with Dashboard and Analytics rights, click Check.
Note:
If an enterprise authentication error appears, this means that the user
name you entered does not exist in the CMS. If this is the case, you need
to launch the Central Management Console, create the user, and assign
that user Everyone rights. You can then return to step 1, above.

5. To save the new user, click Apply.

Metric universes
The data for metrics can be supplied from metric universes built using
Designer or from data entered manually using Performance Manager.

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Metric universes

This section gives you information on:


Metric universes
Making universes available to users
Note:
For information about entering metrics manually refer to the Performance
Manager documentation.

Related Topics
About metric universes on page 80
Making metric universes available to Dashboard and Analytics users on
page 81

About metric universes

Metric universes contain the metrics and goals used by Dashboard and
Analytics users across a deployment. When you design universes for use
with Dashboard and Analytics, you need to follow specific design guidelines
to generate metrics.

For example, metric universes include a time parameter that allows users
to associate values of a specific calendar to the metric they want to analyze.
To create a time parameter, you need to define a query condition on a date
object.
Note:
The Performance Manager repository allows 34 characters as the maximum
length of the universe name.
Each time a metric is refreshed, the metric values for the selected calendar
are stored in the Performance Manager repository. This lets users analyze
metrics over time, and so perform time-series analysis on KPIs.

Note:
On metric universes, aggregates do not need to be defined for measures at
the universe level. This lets users apply different aggregate calculations
when they build metrics on the measures in Dashboard Builder. However,
if you select a metric universe to build an ad hoc query, using Web
Intelligence for example, measures are aggregated at the report level and
thus slow down the query run time.

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Related Topics
Overview of the Dashboard and Analytics deployment on page 65

Building metric universes

You build metric universes using Designer. For step-by-step information on


how to build universes and metrics universes see the Designer
documentation, available at: http://support.businessobjects.com/documenta
tion.

Making metric universes available to Dashboard and


Analytics users

Once you have a universe defined in Designer, you need to make the
universe available to Dashboard and Analytics users by following these steps:
export the universe to the Central Management Server.

For step-by-step information on how to export universes see the Designer


documentation.
add the universe to the Performance Manager repository.

Note:
You build metric universes using Designer. For step-by-step information on
how to do this, see the Designer documentation, available at: http://sup
port.businessobjects.com/documentation.

Related Topics
Adding a universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup on page 82

Defining connections for universes

A universe is the semantic layer that maps familiar business terms to table
structures in a database. Dashboard and Analytics users to select data from
universes for metrics and analytics.

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In order for data to be retrieved for metrics and analytics, a connection to


the specific database upon which the universe is mapped is defined in
Designer. For information specifying connections for universes, see the
Designer documentation, available at: http://support.businessobjects.com/doc
umentation.

Adding a universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup

Dashboard and Analytics users select source data from universes for metrics
and analytics. To make a universe available to end users, you need to add
the universe to the Performance Manager repository.

When you add a universe, certain elements that Dashboard and Analytics
applications need to build the SQL for the metrics are taken from the system
database and stored on the Performance Manager repository in the following
ci_ system tables:
ci_source contains the reference to the universe name
ci_subject contains the class names
ci_variable contains the names of the objects
ci_condition contains the conditions (or query filters)
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Universes.
2. Click Add Universe.
3. In the "Add a Universe" panel, select a universe.
If the universe does not appear, click the refresh icon next to the "Measure
Universe" list box to refresh the list of available universes. The name of
the universe and the name of the folder where the universe is located
appear in the "Name" and "Folder" boxes.

All the connection information is retrieved using the connection server.

4. Click OK.
A message appears confirming that the universe has been added
successfully.

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Updating a universe in Dashboard and Analytics


Setup
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Universes.
2. In "Universe Definition", select the universe you want to update.
3. If there are analytics based on the metrics using the selected universe,
activate Update Metrics and Control Charts Definitions. This option,
when activated, forces the update of the SQL definitions of each metric
according to the latest universe definition. When the option is deactivated,
all metric properties are updated except for the SQL definitions.
When this option is activated and you update a universe, all of the
analytics and metrics based on the selected universe are updated to
reflect the new definition of the universe.

4. Click Update
The information on the universe in the Performance Manager repository
is updated.

Removing a universe from the Performance Manager


repository

You can remove universes from the Performance Manager repository.

Note:
If you have metrics or goals based on a universe you want to delete, a
message appears proposing to remove these metrics and goals along with
the universe itself.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Universes
> Universe Definition.
2. Select the universe you want to remove.
3. Click Remove Universe.
4. If metrics and goals refer to the universe, a message appears that
suggests that you remove these metrics and goals along with the universe
itself.
5. If no warning message appears, click OK.

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The universe is removed from the Performance Manager repository.

Object metadata in universes

You can view the objects, sets, and filters on metrics universes once you
have pushed the universe to the Performance Manager repository. You can
check that any changes you have made to a universe are reflected in the
pushed universe on the Performance Manager repository.

You can:
view the measures and dimensions to verify the SQL for the measures
on universes.
view the conditions and subsets to see the descriptions of conditions (or
query filters) and subsets.
Note:
If you notice anything incorrect, you can open the universe using Designer,
and then make the necessary corrections. Information this is provided in the
Designer documentation at http://support.businessobjects.com/documenta
tion.

Viewing universe measures and dimensions

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Universes


> Universe Definition.
2. Select the universe you want to verify.
3. The next step depends on what type of objects you want to view on the
universe:
If you want to view metadata for measures and dimensions, select
Measures & Dimensions.
If you want to view conditions (query filters) or subsets, select
Conditions & Subsets.
The objects on the selected universe appear in the Available objects
list.

4. To view details of an object select the object in the "Available objects"


list.
The following information appears:

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Field Description

If the value here is Yes, the selected dimension or


measure is set-based. A temporal measure is a
"Temporal"
measure that used against time-based sets, as well
as static sets and enterprise calculations.

If the value is Yes, the selected dimension or mea-


sure is set-based and can be used in a list.
Note:
In order for an object to be made available for a list,
the LIST=N tag needs to be typed into the "Descrip-
"Appear in list" tion" field of the object properties dialog box, using
Designer. Objects that have a lot of data associated
with them may not be suitable for use in lists, since
lists can be very long and take time to generate.
For more information about designing universes,
see the Designer documentation at: http://sup
port.businessobjects.com/documentation.

Provides the number format for the metric as defined


"Format" for the measure at the universe level, using Design-
er.

Provides the aggregation function applied to the


object at the universe level, using Designer. For
example: SUM and MIN.

The aggregation functions applied to the selected


object depend on the source database. To see the
"Aggregation" aggregation calculations applied, view the ci_aggre
table on the Performance Manager repository. The
table lists all the aggregation functions you can use
and gives their help function.

For detailed information on each aggregation func-


tion, see the Terms and concepts section.

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Field Description

Contains the description from th euniverse level.


When designing universes for Dashboard and Ana-
lytics, the object "Description" field can be used to
inform the Dashboard and Analytics server that an
object has an aggregate function applied at the uni-
"Description" verse level. This prevents users from being able to
select an additional aggregate function when they
build metrics on that object using Dashboard Builder.
For information about designing universes for
Dashboard and Analytics, see the Designer docu-
mentation.

The SQL select statement used to retrieve the data


"SQL"
for the measure from the database.

External metric refresh

A metric can have one of two refresh types, "Independent" or "External"


refresh, that is applied in the metric's properties in Performance Manager.

An Internal refresh can be refreshed using the metric engine, however it


requires a link to a database supported by the metric engine. If you have a
database or database connection that is not supported by the metric engine,
you need to use the external refresh to delegate the refresh of the metric to
an external process.

To be able to create a metric with an external refresh, you need to connect


to a metric universe that has no executable_sql statement and have
modifications made to the ci_probe_values table after the metric is created.
The entire process for configuring an external metric refresh is available in
the BusinessObjects deployment documentation.

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Configuring an external metric refresh

This procedure contains steps that require Administrator permission. For


these steps, if you do not have the proper permissions, contact your Business
Objects administrator.
1. In Designer in an existing or new universe, create a new measure that
contains no executable_sql statement, and export it to the Central
Management Server.
2. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup, push the universe to the
Performance Manager repository.
3. Create a metric based on the new measure and in the "Refresh Type"
category, activate External refresh.
4. In the Performance Manager repository database execute the following
SQL statement in the probe_id:
Select * from ci_probe where probe_id=<your id>
Select * from ci_probe_value where probe_id=<your id>

Note:
The ci_probe_value is initially empty.

5. Populate the ci_probe_value table with relevant data.


The following table is an example of a ci_probe_value table containing
populated data:

peri peri probe_val


probe_id probe_dim_id dim_key
od_type od_date ue

71 101 5/1/2000 0 0 1162796

71 101 6/1/2000 0 0 1515285

6. Populate the following columns in the ci_probe table (all other columns
are updated when the metric is created):
end_date- 6/1/2000

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where the date is 6/1/2000 until you have populated the data in
ci_probe_value table. In the following example the column tells the user
at what time the metric was refreshed.
refresh_date- 11/15/2006 4:47:01 PM

7. Save your changes.


8. Restart all of the AA processes.
9. In Dashboard and Analytics, create an analytic and choose the newly
created metric.
The external metric refresh data now appears.

Related Topics
Adding a universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup on page 82
Updating a universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup on page 83

Sliced metric dimensions


Dimensions enable you to create sliced, or dimensioned metrics. A metric
is sliced when it is divided into separate slices of data to enable a more
detailed analysis.

For example, a Sales Revenue metric can be sliced by the Country


dimension, so that the revenue can be analyzed by individual countries or
cities, depending on the number of slices available.

What are dimensions and sliced metrics?

You obtain slice of data by applying a dimension to a metric. When you


refresh a sliced metric, a value is calculated for each distinct value of the
associated dimension.

For example, when you refresh the Sales Revenue sliced by the Country
dimension, sales revenue is calculated and returned for each country in the
metric universe.

Metrics can be sliced on different dimensions for display or security reasons.


For example, a large organization can slice a metric and restrict access to
specific slices, so that employees can only view data related to a specific
activity. The organization can apply an additional slice to the metric for

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geographical area, so that employees can only view data related to a specific
region. The result is a single metric with two slices, whose refresh returns
different data depending on the activity and geographical location of the
employee.

Sliced metrics allow users to drill down on individual segments of data,


providing them with a more detailed look at the data that interests them.

Access restrictions on sliced metrics

Dimensions can be associated with specific user profiles so that users can
only view certain slices of data. This could be useful in an extranet situation,
or when different departments in a company need to see different slices of
a specific metric by product line, or region, for example.

Related Topics
Editing the user association of a dimension on page 96

Where are dimensions defined?

Before you create a sliced metric, you must define dimensions in the metric
universe using Designer. When you create a sliced metric by applying a
dimension to a metric, the total value of the metric is calculated, as well as
an individual value for each slice (for each dimension value).
Tip:
For information on defining dimensions on universes, see the Designer
documentation available at: http://support.businessobjects.com/documenta
tion.
When a sliced metric is calculated, two SQL statements are executed:
a statement for the total value of all slices of the metric
a statement that includes a GROUP BY statement based on the dimension
that returns a distinct result for each slice, for each value of the dimension
object

For example, if you create a dimension object for product line on the Revenue
metric, refreshing the metric executes one SQL statement to calculate total
revenue, and one SQL statement with a GROUP BY statement on the product
line object, resulting in the display of revenue for each product line.

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The slice values are written to the Performance Manager repository:

Repository table Information stored about sliced dimensions

ci_probe_dim stores the name and description of the sliced dimension.

stores the list of slices generated for the dimension. Each


row returned corresponds to an individual slice and is al-
ci_probe_dim_val
located an ID. An additional row is returned whose ID is
ue
0 and whose value corresponds to the all value of the
metric.

stores the actual value of the metric for each distinct slice
ci_probe_val for the defined time period.
ue
Note:
No row is created for a slice that returns no data.

Note:
Since values are returned for each slice and stored in the Performance
Manager repository, Business Objects does not recommend creating a sliced
metric on a dimension with a large number of distinct values.
A dimension for use on a metric is typically built using two dimensions defined
in the universe:
dimension code: a short name used for the GROUP BY clause and joins
dimension description: the long name used in displaying the slice

Creating a dimension

Before you define a dimension, you must:


Create a dimension object on the metric universe in Designer. See the
Designer documentation.
Save and export the metric universe. See the Designer documentation.

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Update the metric universe in Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System
Setup > Universes tab. See the information on metric universes in the
Dashboard and Analytics Setup documentation.

Note:
Since values are returned for each slice and stored in the Performance
Manager repository, Business Objects does not recommend creating a sliced
metric on a dimension with a large number of distinct values.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Click Add.
3. In the Create Dimension panel, type a name for the new dimension.
4. To define a sliced metric for this dimension, click Yes, I want to create
sliced metrics on this dimension and select objects.
5. Click Next.
6. If the dimension has a sliced metric, click Refresh to list all the slices in
your dimension, then Next.
The slice names and slice codes are listed. You can also change the title
of the dimension in this panel.

7. Select a dimension association and click Next.


When you create a dimension, you are creating an association for the
dimension that dictates which users can access the slices or personale
the content of an analytic.

Related Topics
Configuring a dimension association on page 92
Sliced metrics for a dimension on page 91

Sliced metrics for a dimension

To configure a dimension using a sliced metric:


1. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions,
click Add.
2. In the "Create Dimension" panel, click Yes, I want to create sliced
metrics on this dimension.
3. Select a data source from the "Subject Area" list.

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4. Select the universe object to use for the dimension name from the "Object
for dimension name" list.
This name is typically a long name that helps you identify the individual
slices.
5. Select the universe object to use for the dimension code from the "Object
for dimension code" list.
This object is typically a numeric key or shortened name used for the
group by and joins.
6. In the "Global slice name" text box, type a name that refers to the set of
all slices of the metric.
For example, if you are slicing on regions, you name the global slice All
Regions.

Related Topics
Creating a dimension on page 90

Configuring a dimension association

An association dictates which users can access which slices. You can use
an association to personalize the content of an analytic (to show only the
data that interests the user) or to secure sliced metrics (by limiting the data
that different users or groups of users can access).
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Click Add.
3. In the "Create Dimension" panel, define the dimension name.
4. Click Next.
Note:
If you are using a sliced metric for the dimension, you first refresh the
sliced metrics and then you are asked to select the association.

5. Select one of the available association types and Click Next.


Select None for now if you want to create slices and associate them
to users at a later time.

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Note:
You can use this option only if the dimension is based on a sliced
metric.
Select Manually, by importing users from the Business Objects
repository to search for users in the repository.
Select Read from a database to import users from a Business Objects
universe.

Related Topics
Sliced metrics for a dimension on page 91
Creating a dimension on page 90
Importing users from a universe to secure dimension
This process shows you how to import users from a universe to create an
association on a dimension.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Click Add to create a dimension.
3. In the "Create Dimension" panel, you define the dimension name, click
Next.
4. Select Read from a database and click Next.
5. Select the universe containing user information from the list.
If necessary, click Refresh to refresh the list of available databases.
6. From the "Object for User Name" list, select the universe object (the
database column) that contains the user name.
7. From the "Object for Dimension Name" list, select the universe object to
use for defining the dimension name.
8. From the "Object for Dimension Code" list, select the universe object to
use for defining the dimension code.
9. Do one of the following:
Click End to confirm the user import from a universe.
Click Previous to return to earlier screens.
Click Cancel to cancel the dimension creation.

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Manually importing users from the Business Objects repository to secure


dimensions
This process shows you how to manually import users to create an
association on a dimension.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Click Add to create a dimension.
3. In the "Create Dimension" panel, you define the dimension name, click
Next.
4. Select Manually, by importing users from the Business Objects
repository and click Next.
5. If you did not activate Yes, I want to create sliced metrics on this
dimension in the first Create Dimension panel, you can provide a list
of slices to use with the association.
Click Add and enter the slice name and code. You can also edit existing
slices in the list by clicking Edit Slice. When you finish selecting slices,
click Next.
6. To select the users who only have limited access to the dimension, enter
character strings into the "Search" text box and click Go.
7. From the "Available Users" list, select the users for which you want to
create an association, and use the arrows to enter them into the list of
"Selected User"s.
8. Click Next.
9. If you want slices for a user in the "Available Users" list, select the user
and activate Visible next to the slice name.
You need to do this action for each user. Activate Select All Values to
check the visible box for all slices.
Note:
The global slice counts as a separate slice.

10. For each user in "Available Users" list, identify the default slice by
activating Default.
11. Do one of the following:
Click End to confirm the manual user import.
Click Previous to return to earlier screens.
Click Cancel to cancel the dimension creation.

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Editing a dimension

You can edit the definition of a dimension, or simply edit the user association
of a dimension.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Select a dimension from the list and click Edit.
The Update Dimension window appears.

3. Optioinally, you can modify the dimension name and the global slice
name. All other boxes are grayed out.
4. Click Next.
5. Optionally, click Refresh to list all the slices in a dimension, or change
the name of the dimension.
The slice name sand slice codes are listed.

6. Click Next.
In the next screen, you have the option of editing the association defined
for the dimension. An association dictates which people can access which
slices. Use an association to personalize the content of an analytic, or to
secure sliced metrics by limiting the data that different users or groups
can access.
7. Choose an association option.
An association dictates which users can access which slices. You can
use an association to personalize the content of an analytic (to show only
the data that interests the user) or to secure sliced metrics (by limiting
the data that different users or groups of users can access).
8. Do one of the following:
Click End.
Click Previous to return to earlier screens.
Click Cancel to cancel the dimension edit.

Related Topics
Editing the user association of a dimension on page 96
Configuring a dimension association on page 92

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Editing the user association of a dimension

An association dictates which users can access which slices. You can use
an association to personalize the content of an analytic (to show only the
data that interests the user) or to secure sliced metrics (by limiting the data
that different users or groups of users can access).

If you did not define an association when you created the dimension, you
can edit the association later.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Select the dimension from the list of available dimensions.
The dimension's current associations are listed in the bottom pane (if you
did not define associations for the dimension, this pane is empty). The
pane displays the user associated to each slice, and the slice name and
slice code of the slice to which the user is associated.

3. Choose an association option:


An association dictates which users can access which slices. You can
use an association to personalize the content of an analytic (to show only
the data that interests the user) or to secure sliced metrics (by limiting
the data that different users or groups of users can access).

4. Do one of the following:


Click End.
Click Previous to return to earlier screens.
Click Cancel to cancel the dimension edit.

Related Topics
Configuring a dimension association on page 92

Removing a dimension
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Select the dimension from the list.
3. Click Remove.

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Applying a secured dimension to a data source

For each data source subject you can choose a dimension to use for
individual security.

Individual security enables you to limit what users see based on a specific
dimension. Once you create dimensions, you can select a dimension for
each data source on which you want to apply Individual security. The
dimension you select, along with its associations, are applied as the secured
dimension of the data source, and dictate which data individual users can
access.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Dimensions.
2. Click Individual Security Setup at the bottom of the page.
The "Individual Security" window appears.

3. In the "Subject" pane, select the data source on which you want to apply
a secured dimension.
The available dimensions for the selected data source are listed in the
"Secured Dimension" pane.

4. Select the dimension with which you want to secure the data source.
5. Click OK.

Sliced metrics

Once you have created dimensions, you can slice metrics on them.

To create a sliced metric, go to Performance Manager > Metrics .

Analytics calendars
Most metrics are measured against a timeline, so you must create calendars
against which you can calculate metric values. You can create the calendars
based on the following types of periods:
calendar periods
custom periods

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imported periods
Calendars created on this page are used to create and calculate metrics,
sets and control charts. Calendars are stored in the Performance Manager
repository. The calendar name is stored in the ci_series table and the
calendar's definition (its dates and periods) are stored in the ci_period table.

Calendar properties

Use the "Calendar Properties" panel to define the first day of the week or
year and to specify whether weekend days are included in the calendar
definitions. Calendar properties apply to all calendars you create.

Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config and click Options.
The Calendar Properties panel appears.

Note:
If no calendars have been created, all fields are blank. Once a calendar is
created, the properties cannot be modified.
The "Calendar Properties" panel contains the following options:
First day of the week
Select the day on which to start the weekly grain period. For example, if
the review period is Wednesday to Tuesday, define a week as beginning
on Wednesday.
First week of the year
Select the first week of the calendar year. Define the first week of the
year as the week in which January first falls, or the first week whose days
are all in January.
Weekend days
Select the days that the calendar skips systematically as weekend days.

Note:
Once you have defined calendars based on the calendar properties, the
options cannot be changed. You can edit the calendar properties if no
calendars rely on them.

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Calendar granularity

A calendar's granularity is the scale on which the periods are defined.


Granularity is said to be fine if the detail is low-level.

Daily is the lowest possible level of granularity, therefore the shortest time
span on which a calendar can be based.

Adding a calendar

Before you create calendars, you need to define the calendar properties that
apply to all your calendars.
1. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar, click
Add.
The "Add a Calendar" window appears.
2. In the "Name" section, enter a name, and optionally, a description of the
calendar.
The name of the calendar is stored in the Performance Manager repository
ci_series table.

3. In the "Type of periods" section, select one of the following:


Calendar to support calendar periods.
If you select "Calendar", select an interval and specify the beginning
and end dates.
Custom to support custom periods.
Imported to support imported periods.
4. If you select "Calendar" or "Custom", configure the calendar span.
5. Select the period display.
6. Click OK to save the calendar.

Creating a custom period calendar

Custom periods are non-standard, but consistent blocks of time, like every
3.5 weeks, every eight months, every four days.

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1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar.


2. Click Add.
The "Add a Calendar" window appears.
3. Select Custom.
4. Type a number corresponding to the size of the interval.
For example, 1 for every day or every month, 2 for every other week, 3
for every three weeks.
5. Select an interval type.
6. Optionally, activate Skip weekend days if your custom calendar omits
Saturdays and Sundays.
7. Optionally, activate Skip, then define the days off by clicking days off, if
the custom calendar omits specific days.
If you activate days off, the "Selected days off" panel appears. Select
the days to omit from the calendar, and click Add to include them in the
list of days off. The days off you indicated are stored in the ci_days_off
table in the Performance Manager repository.
8. Return to the topic "Adding a Calendar" to finish the calendar.

Related Topics
Adding a calendar on page 99
Analytics calendars on page 97
Calendar span on page 103

Importing a calendar

Imported periods can be non-standard and inconsistent blocks of time. You


can import a calendar stored in a .csv file. Only the following analytics support
custom calendars: speedometers, traffic lights and interactive metric trends.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar.
2. Click Add.
The "Add a Calendar" window appears.
3. Select Imported.
4. Do one of the following:
Click Browse next to the "Document" text box to navigate to a csv
file.

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In the "Document" text box, type the path to a .csv file.
5. Select the format of the dates in the .csv file.
6. Optionally, activate First row contains column header to indicate that
the first row of the .csv file you have imported contains column header
text.
You can generate the .csv file format using a text editor or Microsoft Excel.
To create a .csv file for import, use the following guidelines:

Name of entry in Order within the


Description Data type
file file

Unique across all exist-


Period name* 1 ing time periods, for ex- Char(35)
ample F2000-Q1

Begin date* 2 Date when period begins date format

End date* 3 Date when period ends date format

* indicates mandatory columns

In addition to the mandatory columns, you can define the following


components of dates using the following standard formats:

Name of entry in Order within the


Example Data type
file file

Year 4 FY1998 Char(35)

Quarter 5 Q2 Char(35)

Month 6 07 Char(35)

Week 7 FW05 Char(35)

Quarter and Year 8 F1998-Q2 Char(35)

Month and Year 9 F1998-07 Char(35)

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Name of entry in Order within the


Example Data type
file file

(year-to-year comparison,
Date Prior Year 10 beginning on same period date format
last year)

Note:
You must use a carriage return (Enter) after the last line of data in the .csv
file.

Example: The following is an example of a Fiscal Months custom calendar


imported as a .csv file:
----------------------------------------
F2002-01,12/31/2001,2/3/2002,FY2002,Q1,1, ,F2002-Q1,F2002-01
F2002-02,2/4/2002,3/3/2002,FY2002,Q1,2, ,F2002-Q1,F2002-02
F2002-03,3/4/2002,3/31/2002,FY2002,Q1,3, ,F2002-Q1,F2002-03
F2002-04,4/1/2002,5/5/2002,FY2002,Q2,4, ,F2002-Q2,F2002-04
F2002-05,5/6/2002,6/30/2002,FY2002,Q2,5, ,F2002-Q2,F2002-05
----------------------------------------

Selecting period display options for a calendar

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar.


2. Click Add, or Edit for an existing calendar.
3. In the "Show" list, select the part of the period you want to display:
First Day of Period
Last Day of Period
If you selected Imported in the "Type of Periods" section, select Period
name.
4. If you selected First Day of Period or Last Day of Period, select the
display format from the "Format" list.
The list of formats includes standard date display formats and a custom
format that you can define in the box below the "Format" list.

5. Click OK to save your changes or continue to edit the calendar options.

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Related Topics
Adding a calendar on page 99
Editing an existing calendar on page 104

Calendar span

In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendars > Add,
set a calendar span.

The setting applies to "Calendar" and "Custom" periods.

The "From" period is the first period from which data is available. The "To"
period is typically set in the future. Extend this period as needed depending
on the grain of the calendar.

For example, if you have a three-year sales revenue goal you can extend
the calendar three years in the future. However, if you have a finer-grain
calendar (daily, for example) you can to extend it one month at a time into
the future.

Defining the span for a calendar based on Calendar periods


In the "From" section, select the first period of calendar. In the "To" section,
select the last period of the calendar.

Defining the calendar span for a calendar based on custom periods


In the "From" section, select the first period of calendar, the number of periods
for which the calendar should run, and in the "To" section, select the last
period of the calendar.

Note:
Business Objects does not recommend extending calendars too far into the
future, since this adds data to the calendar table in the Performance Manager
repository. Instead, revise the calendar.

Related Topics
What is a grain? on page 152
Calendar granularity on page 99

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Editing an existing calendar


1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar.
2. Select the calendar you want to edit.
3. Click Edit.
The "Edit an existing calendar" window appears.

4. You can change the name and description.


5. In the "Type of periods" section, select one of the following:
Calendar to support calendar periods.
If you select "Calendar", select an interval and specify the beginning
and end dates.
Custom to support custom periods.
Imported to support imported periods.
6. If you select "Calendar" or "Custom", configure the calendar span.
7. Select the period display.
8. Click OK to save the calendar.

Related Topics
Calendar span on page 103
Creating a custom period calendar on page 99
Importing a calendar on page 100
Selecting period display options for a calendar on page 102

Deleting an existing calendar from the repository

Before you remove a calendar, you must first remove any metrics that use
the calendar in their definitions.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Calendar.
2. Select the calendar you want to delete from the list.
3. Click Remove.

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Moving averages in calendars

Moving average is a method of calculating the average value of an indicator,


over a period of time. In some time series, seasonal variation is so strong it
obscures trends or cycles. Use moving averages as a smoothing method to
remove seasonality and make long-term fluctuations in the series stand out
more clearly. Use moving averages for forecasting.

Note:
All the moving average methods are externalized in the stats.ini file, which
can be customized.

Applying a moving average transformation to a calendar

You can apply moving averages to calendars. When you create a metric
based on a calendar that has a moving average associated to it, the data
points are smoothed according to the selected moving average calculation.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Moving
Average.
The "Moving Average Transformation" page appears.
2. Select a calendar from the "Calendar Name" list.
The average calculation you select is applied each time you select the
calendar for a metric.

Depending on whether you select a daily, weekly, or monthly calendar


different moving average transformations are listed in the "Available
Transformations" list.

3. From "Available Transformations", click the moving average you want to


associate to the selected calendar.
4. Click the >> button.
The moving average is added to the "Defined Transformations" list.
5. Click Add, then OK.
The selected moving average is added to the transformation page. The
next time you apply the calendar to a metric, the moving average
calculation is applied to the data series.

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Related Topics
Moving averages in calendars on page 105

Moving averages explained

What is the moving average?


In data analysis, you use the moving average to calculating the average
value of an indicator, over a period of time. In some time series, seasonal
variation is so strong it obscures any trends or cycles, which are very
important for the understanding of the process being observed.

Moving average may be used as a smoothing method that removes


seasonality and makes long-term fluctuations in the series stand out more
clearly. It may also be used for forecasting purposes.

Moving average transformations

Transformation Use

If your time series is monthly, use the MA 2x12 to re-


MA 2x12
move the seasonality.

If a stronger "seasonality filter" is required, use MA


MA 2x24, MA 2x36
2x24 or MA 2x36 for monthly series.

Also known as a double moving average, this moving


MA 3x3, MA 3x9,
average that is taken of a series of data that already
MA 3x5
represents the result of a moving average.

MA exponentially
weighted

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Transformation Use

A moving average transformation. Hendersons MA is


another centered symmetric weighted moving average
method. The 5- and 7-point averages are used for
Quarterly series. The 9-, 13-, and 23-point averages
MA henderson 9-pt,
are used for Monthly series.
13-pt, 23-pt
Note:
All the moving average methods are externalized in a
file (Stats.ini) that can be customized.

MA linearly weight-
ed

MA linearly weight-
ed center

This same months moving average method uses a


fixed-interval time window but with non-continuous
MA same months
data points. It is useful on seasonal data for smoothing
or forecasting purposes.

The Spencers weighted moving average is an ap-


proach to computing a moving average that will com-
MA spencer 15-pt,
pensate for a cubic trend in the data. It consists of two
21-pt
averages, one for 15 periods and the other for 21 peri-
ods. Spencers weights are centered and symmetric.

Related Topics
MA exponentially weighted on page 155
MA linearly weighted on page 156
MA linearly weighted center on page 156

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MA exponentially weighted
A moving average transformation. An MA exponentially weighted
transformation finds the number of points parameter required. The smoothing
constant parameter is required:
Less than 1 weights current data more heavily
Equal to 1 weights every points identically (same as simple MA)
Greater than 1 weights old data more heavily

The Single exponential smoothing (SES) forecast can be expressed as a


weighted moving average that applies exponentially decreasing weights to
the data, as the observations get older. Thus it is called exponential
smoothing.

The next period forecast is then:


Ft+1 = aYt+a(1 - a)Yt1 + a(1 - a)Yt2 + a(1 - a)Yt3 + +
a(1 - a)^ t1 Y1+a(1 - a)^ t F1

where a is a constant between 0 and 1, and F1 is the initial value that usually
is given the value of Y1.

As a guide in choosing a, try values close to 0 if the series has a lot of random
variation. If you wish the forecast values to depend strongly on recent
changes in the actual values, try values close to 1.

MA linearly weighted
A moving average transformation. You use a weighted moving average to
give more weight to current data. Weights can be calculated automatically
using a function.

The weight function for a Linearly weighted MA is defined as:


W(p)=(2/n(n+1)) p

where p is the sequence of the data points in the moving window ranging
from 1 to n. The weights must sum to a value of one.

The weight function for a exponentially weighted MA is defined as:


W(p)=power(a,n-p)

where a is the smoothing constant and p is the sequence of the data points
in the moving window ranging from 1 to n.

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Smoothing constants less than 1 weigh recent data more heavily. A smoothing
constant of 1 gives equal weight to each point. If the smoothing constant
exceeds 1, older data are weighted more heavily than recent data.

MA linearly weighted center


A moving average transformation. A centered weighted moving average,
also known as a double moving average, is a moving average that is taken
of a series of data that already represents the result of a moving average.

With a centered weighted moving average, the majority of the weight is


assigned to the middle portion of the data. A centered weighted moving
average is useful to de-seasonalize the data.

If your time series is quarterly, use the MA 2x4. If stronger seasonality


filters ? are required, use MA 2x8 or MA 2x12 for quarterly series.

MA centered
A moving average transformation.

Related Topics
What is the moving average? on page 153

What is single exponential smoothing?


Single exponential smoothing (SES) is a forecasting method that works best
for data which have no trend, no seasonality, or underlying pattern. It takes
the forecast for the previous period and adjusts it using the forecast error.

If Yt is the actual observation for period t and Ft is the forecast for the same
period, then the forecast for the next period is:
Ft+1 = Ft+a(YtFt)

where a is a constant between 0 and 1.

An SES analytic is based on the time series system universe. The SES
weight function is built into the universe. The end user can try different values
of the smoothing constant in order to find the best one.

Related Topics
MA exponentially weighted on page 155

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Removing a moving average transformation from a calendar

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Moving


Average.
The "Moving Average Transformation" page appears.

2. From the "Calendar Name" list, select the calendar from which you want
to remove the moving average.
Any transformations applied to the selected calendar appear in the
"Defined Transformations" list on the right.

3. Select the transformation you want to remove, and then click the <<
button.
A prompt asks you if you want to delete the selected transformation.

4. Click OK.
The transformation is removed from the calendar.

Difference calculations in calendars

What is differencing?

Differencing is a popular and effective method of removing trend from a time


series in analytics that analyze metric trends. This provides a clearer view
of the true underlying behavior of the series.

A stationary time series is one whose statistical properties such as mean,


variance, and auto-correlation are all constant over time. Most business and
economic time series are far from stationary when expressed in their original
units of measurement, and even after deflation or seasonal adjustment they
will typically still exhibit trends, cycles, random-walking, and other
non-stationary behavior.

To make the series truly stationary, it is often necessary to transform it into


a series of period-to-period and/or season-to-season differences or changes.

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The Metric Trend analytic uses differencing to calculate Change or Percent
change, and show it in a Web Intelligence report.

Differencing transformations include Annual difference, Adjacent-point


difference, Difference, and Difference of difference.

To make the series truly stationary, it is often necessary to transform it into


a series of period-to-period and/or season-to-season differences or changes.
Differencing calculations
The following differencing calculations are available:

Difference Transfor-
Description/Application
mation

Useful for seasonal data when you want to analyze


the difference between results for the same period
for two different years. For example, if the calendar
Annual Difference
is monthly, you could calculate the difference be-
tween sales in December 2004 and December
2003.

Useful if you want to compare results for two adja-


cent periods. For example, if the calendar is
Adjacent-pt Difference
monthly you could calculate the difference between
March and February.

The standard difference transformation, for which


you can specify the lag of your choice. For example,
to analyze the difference between results over six
Difference
periods using a monthly calendar, you could spec-
ify a 6pt lag, which would give you a comparison
of results every six months.

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Difference Transfor-
Description/Application
mation

The standard difference of difference transforma-


tion, for which you can specify the lag of your
Difference of Differ- choice. Difference of difference smooths trends,
ence because first it calculates a difference and then it
uses the variants that result from that calculation
to calculate a second difference transformation.

Associating a differencing transformation to a calendar

Differencing is a popular and effective method of removing trend from a time


series. Differencing provides a clearer view of the true underlying behavior
of the series.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Difference.
The "Difference Transformation" page appears.

2. Select a calendar from the list.


The differencing calculation you select will be applied each time you select
the calendar for a metric.

3. From "Available Transformations", click the differencing you want to


associate to the selected calendar.
4. Click the >> button.
5. The differencing is added to the "Defined Transformations" list.
6. Click Add, then OK.
The selected differencing is added to the transformation page. The next
time you apply the calendar to a metric, the differencing calculation is
applied to the data series.

Related Topics
Differencing calculations on page 111

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Removing a differencing transformation

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Difference.


The "Difference Transformation" page appears.

2. From the "Calendar Name" list, select the calendar from which you want
to remove the differencing.
Any transformations applied to the selected calendar appear in the
"Defined Transformations" list on the right.

3. Select the transformation you want to remove, and then click the <<
button.
A prompt asks you if you want to delete the selected transformation.

4. Click OK.
The transformation is removed from the calendar.

Rollups in calendars

Rollups are used to aggregate metrics according to the chosen packaged


transformation.
A moving sum (also called Time rollup) is a method of calculating the sum
of an indicator within a moving time window, which can be a fixed-interval
such as Rolling 12 months or a changing interval such as Year-To-Date. A
Rollup compare analytic uses moving sum methods.

Rollups create subtotals that roll up from the most detailed level to a grand
total.

Rollup calculations

The following rollup calculations are available:

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Rollup Transforma-
Description/Application
tion

The default setting, which does not apply any rollup


Actual Data
transformation to the data.

Calculates the sum of an indicator, within a moving time


Rolling Period
window that is a fixed-interval like rolling 12 months.

Calculates the sum of an indicator, within a moving time


Origin to Date window that is a changing interval like quarter-to-date
or year-to-date.

Calculates the sum of an indicator, within a period like


All Period
all quarter or all year.

Applying a rollup transformation to a calendar

When you create a metric based on a calendar that has a rollup associated
to it, the data points are smoothed according to the selected rollup calculation.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config > Rollup.
The "Rollup Transformation" page appears.
2. Select a calendar from the list.
The rollup calculation you select is applied each time you select the
calendar for a metric.
3. From "Available Transformations", click the rollup you want to associate
to the selected calendar.
4. Click the >> button.
The rollup appears in the "Defined Transformations" list.
5. Click Add then click OK.
The selected rollup is added to the transformation page. The next time
you apply the calendar to a metric, the rollup calculation is applied to the
data series.

Related Topics
Rollup calculations on page 113

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Removing a rollup transformation from a calendar

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > System Setup > Rollup.


The "Rollup Transformation" page appears.
2. From the "Calendar Name" list, select the calendar from which you want
to remove the rollup.
Any transformations applied to the selected calendar appear in the
"Defined Transformations" list on the right.
3. Select the transformation you want to remove, and then click the <<
button.
A prompt asks you if you want to delete the selected transformation.
4. Click OK.
The transformation is removed from the calendar.

Rules templates
You can choose standard rules templates that end users use to define their
own business rules in Performance Manager. Administrators can edit the
standard rules templates to define custom templates suited to the specific
needs of the enterprise.

Note:
For information on how end users can define business rules, consult the
Performance Manager documentation.

About rules and rules templates

Rules templates save end users time when they build rules in Performance
Manager to handle specific events.

For example, users could create a rule that states that when a specific metric
is refreshed, if its current value is below a certain figure, then the Dashboard
and Analytics server sends an email to the person responsible for that metric
so they can take the necessary action.

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Rule components

A rule has three components:


an event a process that occurs on the Dashboard and Analytics server
(for example, a metric or set refresh, a control chart refresh), or a process
that occurs in an external application (for example, a new case logged
into a customer complaints transactional application).
a condition an "if" statement you specify (for example, "If sales revenue
is below $ x...").
an action the process you want the Dashboard and Analytics server to
launch when the event you selected is met by the condition you stated
(for example, "...send an email to x").
The "Generic rule" template shipped with Dashboard and Analytics Setup
includes these three components. As an administrator, you can customize
this template to provide more specific choices to end users for the event,
condition, and action. This means that when end users build a new rule, they
can select from a list of options that is appropriate to their needs.

Rules templates

The following rules templates are available in Performance Manager:

Rules templates Description

The basic rules template, which includes an


Generic rule Event, Condition, and Action field that you can
modify.

A rules template based on a schedule, which is


Scheduled generic rule
useful for creating scheduled rules.

An example of how to customize the generic rule


Schedule List to create a rule that schedules the generation of
a list.

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Rules templates Description

Alert when a threshold An example of how to customize the generic rule


is reached template to generate an alert.

An internal template used to produce alerts based


on goals in Performance Manager.
IPM Template Note:
Do not delete this template if you want to build
events based on goals.

As an administrator, you can customize these rules templates (with the


exception of the IPM Template) so that when users build a new rule, the
choices for the event, condition, and action available to build that new rule
are adapted to their needs.

What makes up a rules template?

Rules templates are made up of three components:


"Template Name"
You can give the name of your choice to a custom template. For example:
'Send an email to Customer Services'
"Rule Description"
The description displays the condition that defines the rule. For example,
the "Generic rule" template includes the following description:
On this <e> if <c> <a>

The text strings and tags in the rule are interpreted as follows:
On this <events> if <a condition is met> <do actions>

When a user selects the template in Performance Manager, the event,


condition, and action tags in the template appear as hyperlinks. Clicking
the hyperlinks activates graphical lists and function options that end users

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can use to build a specific rule. It is these lists and function options that
you can limit or modify as an administrator.
"XML Text"
The XML syntax defines the rule. For example, the "Generic rule" template
includes the following XML text:
<TRIGGER><_1/></TRIGGER>
<CONDITION><_2/></CONDITION>
<ACTION><_3/></ACTION>

The <TRIGGER>...</TRIGGER> tags specify the event, the <CONDI


TION>...</CONDITION> tags specify the condition, and the <AC
TION>....</ACTION> tags specify the action. As a user builds a rule, the
appropriate XML string is added between each set of tags.

Related Topics
Rules templates on page 116

Creating and editing rules templates

Administrators can edit the standard rules templates to define custom


templates suited to the specific needs of the enterprise.

Note:
Instead of creating a rules template from scratch, you can duplicate an
existing template and then edit it.

Creating a rules template

As an administrator, you can modify the default rules templates in


Performance Manager.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Rules.
2. Click New.
3. In the "Template Edition" panel, type a name for the rule in the "Template
Name" text box.
4. In the "Rule Description" text box, type the text strings you want to appear.
5. Click the arrow next to the "Insert Description Link" box to add the
functions you want users to be able to specify for the rule.

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For example, a description contains a mix of text strings and functions,
where the functions appear in <> brackets:
On this <e> if <c> <a>

results in the following three hyperlinks appearing when users select the
template for a business rule:

On this events if a condition is metdo actions

The following table provides a description of each type of hyperlink you


can include in the description:

Link Tag

events <e>

schedule <s>

metric refresh <q>

set refresh <t>

named event <o>

control chart refresh <d>

a condition is met <c>

a metric <p>

a value <v>

do actions <a>

raise an alert <w>

send an email <m>

define a list <l>

generate an event <n>

refresh a report <k>

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Link Tag

generate a URL <u>

refresh a metric <x>

launch an application <j>

execute sql <i>

refresh a control chart <b>

feedback <f>

6. To modify the XML text, click the arrow next to "Insert XML Tag", and
then click the tag you want to insert.
7. To validate the syntax, click Parse.
The XML syntax is checked. If there is an error in the syntax, a message
notifies you of the error.

8. Click OK.
The modified template is now available to end users when they define
business rules in Performance Manager.

Editing a rules template

You can edit rules templates as end users' needs evolve.


1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Rules.
2. Select the template you want to modify.
3. Click Edit.
The "Template Edition" window appears.

For information on the template properties, see the topic on creating rules
templates.

Related Topics
Creating a rules template on page 118

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Duplicating a rules template

Instead of creating a rules template, you can duplicate a rules template you
have already customized, and then rename and edit it.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Rules.
2. Select the template you want to duplicate.
3. Click Duplicate.

Related Topics
Creating a rules template on page 118

Deleting a rules template

When you delete a rules template, it is no longer available to end users when
they build new business rules in Performance Manager. Any rules based on
that template are not impacted.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Rules.
2. Select the template you want to delete.
3. Click Delete.

Universe value list templates


Generate lists that list the values associated with a specific subject (or class)
on a universe. Lists based on sets can contain all the members of a set or
just a part of the set, such as Same Time Joiners or Same Time Leavers.

Lists can be generated in multiple formats and, if wished, can be generated


directly to external applications for use as input data for business processes,
such as marketing campaigns or mailings. For example, end users could
build a rule that generates a list of your new customers (or joiners) to an
external list server mailing application whenever the number of joiners
exceeds a specific target.

Administrators can create list templates that specify the data definition, output
format, and file location for the lists generated by end users. When users
want to build a rule that includes the automated generation of a list based

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Universe value list templates

on an event, they can select a predefined list template created by the


administrator.

The definitions of list templates are stored in the Performance Manager


repository in the ci_list_output table.

Configuring a list template

Administrators can define templates for Performance Manager rule lists.


When you want to create a rule that generates a list triggered by a specific
event, you populate the template with your data.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Lists.
The "List Output" panel appears. The available list templates listed here
are:
HTML useful for web pages.
SQL useful for building queries to RDBMS systems in external
applications
XML useful for web-based applications.
Query List useful for performing individual analysis on a single
customer
Download CSV file useful for exporting lists to external databases
or spreadsheets
XML to URL
2. Click one of the following:
To create a list template, click New.
To edit a list template, select its name from the "Available list outputs"
list, and then click Edit.
The "Create a List Output" panel appears.
3. In the Output Name box, type a name for the list template.
To specify the data content of the list, select a subject. A subject is a class
on a universe, for example, "Customers."

4. Click the drop-down arrow next to "Subject Area", and then select a subject
from the list.
The measures and dimensions in the selected subject appear in the
Content section, in the Available information pane.

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5. To add fields to the list for a measure or dimension, click the measure or
dimension you want, and then click the >> button.
The measures and dimensions you added to the list appear in the List
content pane.

6. To select the format type for the list, click the drop-down arrow next to
"Format", and then select one of the following formats:
SQL sentence returns the executable SQL that finds the list of
customers in the database. Use the format if you want to pass the
SQL to an external campaign tool.
For example, create a set of Leavers. Monitor spending over time
following mail shots and use the SQL generated by the list to build a
new set, and track response to campaign.
XML stream useful if you want to leverage the list via an XLTS tool.
CSV text useful for exporting lists to external databases or
spreadsheets.
HTML stream useful for building HTML format reports.
Profiler Search generates the list of the selected set in an applet
that provides Individual Profiler analysis capabilities. From the list, you
can drill to a single individual to analyze their individual profile.
For information about Individual Profiler, click Dashboard and
Analytics Setup > Parameters > Individual Profiler, and then click
Help on the services bar.
TSV File the Tab Separated Values format file is designed to work
with Siebel
Metadata XML useful if you want to leverage the list via an XLTS
tool, because metadata about attributes, such as formatting, is
included.
7. Click the drop-down arrow next to "Destination", and then select one of
the following destinations from the list:
Downloaded file the list is generated to a local file.
Server file the list is generated to a file on the server you specify.
URL the list is generated to a web server at the URL you specify.
email the list is generated as an email and sent to the address you
specify.
8. Depending on the destination you selected, type the appropriate
information into the text box that appears below the "Destination" box:

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Universe value list templates

Destination Details to specify

Downloaded The name of the file to which the list is generated. For ex-
file ample: filename.xml

The name of the server and the file location and file name
Server file where the list is generated. For example: \\server
name\directory\filename.xml

The URL of the web server and web page where the list
URL
is generated. For example: http://webserver/lists/

In the "Default Name" box, type the name that you want
to appear in the "Subject" field of the email.
In the "To" box, type the email address to where the
eMail list is to be sent.
If you want other email addresses on copy or blind copy,
you can also type email addresses in the "Cc" and "Bcc"
boxes.

9. Click OK.

Duplicating a list template

Instead of defining a new list template from scratch you can duplicate an
existing template and then modify it to create a template.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Lists.
The "List Output" panel appears.

2. Select the name of the template you want to duplicate, from the "Available
List Outputs" list, and then click Duplicate
3. In the "Output Name" box, type the new name you want to give to the list
template.
The output name needs to be meaningful to end users.

4. Define the data content, output format, and file location of the generated
list in the usual way.

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Application activity tracing 3

Deleting a list template


1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Lists.
The "List Output" page appears.

2. Select the name of the template you want to delete, from the "Available
list outputs" list, and then click Delete.
The list template is deleted from the ci_list_output table in the Performance
Manager repository, and is no longer available to users.

Application activity tracing


Tracing records all the internal actions within the Dashboard and Analytics
applications. Activating tracing allows you to track the activity of the
application and to identify any failures that occur while running it.

Each time you reactivate tracing, a new log file is created in the server
directory you specify. For example: server_date.log

Note:
We recommended you monitor disk usage whenever you activate traces.
On a deployment with a lot of user activity, log files can be large and therefore
have a significant impact on disk file space.

Activating tracing

You can activate tracing on Dashboard and Analytics user activity, processes,
and modules. When you activate tracing, each internal action for those
activities, processes, and modules is recorded in a log file.
1. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Trace, select the
server directory where you want the log files to be generated when tracing
is activated.
Each time you reactivate tracing, a new log file is created in the server
directory you specify, for example: server_date.log.

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Note:
We recommended you monitor disk usage whenever you activate traces.
On a deployment with a lot of user activity, log files can be large and
therefore have a significant impact on disk file space.

2. In the "Select the information to log" section, select one or more of the
following options:
SQL queries queries made to corporate data sources via metrics
universes (for analytics) and ad hoc query universes (for Web
Intelligence or Desktop Intelligence reports).
System Information
User Activity the activities of each user session
Internationalization
3. In the "Enable log for these modules" section, select the engines and
modules you want to trace.
You can trace activity for the following engines and modules:

Engine/Mod
Server name Description
ule

Renders the Corporate Dash-


Dashboard AADashboard boards that users create using
Dashboard Builder.

Renders analytics by querying the


Analytics En- metrics metadata and then gener-
AAAnalytics
gine ating the desired visualization in
the format of the selected analytic.

Works like an ETL tool to extract


each metric value, aggregate it,
Metrics En-
AAMetrics and then load it into the metadata
gine
layer on the Performance Manager
repository.

Individual Pro-
AAIProfiler Used by Individual Profiler.
filer

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Individual Profiler portrait properties 3
Engine/Mod
Server name Description
ule

Manages the Performance Manag-


er repository, including user securi-
Repository ty and privileges, updates to the
AARepomgt
Management system parameters, and writing
new metrics and rules back to the
repository.

Evaluates conditions placed


against metrics, goals, sets and
Rules Engine AARules
then outputs sending events to
other components.

Query Manag- Performs Set Analysis queries and


AAQueryManager
er builds and processes sets.

Used by Process Analysis. The


Process Analy- Process Analysis alerts are ac-
AASPC
sis Engine tioned upon and handled by
AARules.

Used by Predictive Analysis. For


Mining Engine PAServer more information, see the Predic-
tive Analysis documentation.

4. Click Apply.
The logs are set to be saved to the destination you indicated in "Select
the destination of the log".

Related Topics
Individual Profiler portrait properties on page 127

Individual Profiler portrait properties


Individual Profiler is a Set Analysis analytic that allows you to analyze a
segment of the customer base, as well as individual customers within that
segment, and compare the profile to the rest of the segment.

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Individual Profiler portrait properties

In the Dashboard and Analytics Setup, you define the look and feel of the
portrait portion, one of the views available for this analytic. You must define
the parameter for each subject area that is used for individual analysis.

If you have the Set Analysis licence, you can find the analytic in one of the
following locations:
the "Profiler" can be found in the Sets Analytic category on the Create
New Analytic tab of Dashboard Builder
the "Individual Profiler" can be found in the edit mode of a dashboard tab
at Toolbox > New Analytic > Individual.

Note:
The metric universes used with Individual Profiler should include specific
filters and description tags for dimensions. Building universes for Individual
Profiler is explained in the Designer documentation.

Configuring the Individual Profiler analytic view


1. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Parameters > Individual Profiler,
select the subject area you want to set up for a profiler analysis.
Note:
In Dashboard and Analytics applications, a subject is the name of a class
on the universe.

2. Select one of the following:


To set search fields on the header or in the portrait, select Header &
Portrait.
To set a query on the profiler so that the user is prompted to enter a
parameter upon opening the profiler, select Query Box.
3. Click Add.
The "Add a field" window appears.

4. If you selected Header & Portrait, configure the following:


Select the type of panel to configure.
Select the type of field to add.
If you select Dimension, a list of dimensions appears in the box.
If you select Report, a list of available documents appears in the
box.

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Select the dimension or report, then click OK.
If you selected a dimension, the name of the dimension appears
next to a box on the Individual Profiler page.
If you selected a report, the "Enter prompt name window" appears.
Select one of the two options. If necessary, enter the name of the
prompt.
Click OK.
A link to the report appears on the "Individual Profiler" page.
5. If you selected Query Box, select fields from the list and click OK.
6. Click Apply to save your changes.

Analytic Template Publisher


You use the "Analytic Template Publisher" to publish your Crystal Xcelsius
templates to the BusinessObjects Enterprise Central Management Server
(CMS). This allows you to use them in Dashboard Builder to create new
analytics.

Note:
You can log into any CMS from the Analytic Template Publisher.

Access rights.
Before you can publish Crystal Xcelsius templates to the CMS, you need to
have the ability to publish to and retrieve documents from the CMS. If you
do not have the correct rights for this, contact your system administrator.

Data Exploration and Dashboard Builder analytics


The Data Exploration analytics, as well as the Bubble, Radar and Pie charts
in the Dashboard Builder analytics are Xcelsius template-based analytics
that are available in the Dashboard Builder Create New Analytic tab. You
use the Analytic Template Publisher to deploy these templates.

Note:
The "Analytic Template Publisher" is only available in English, however these
template-based analytics once deployed are available in all languages in
which Business Objects distributes its Business Objects Enterprise products.

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Installing the XCTemplateUploader.war File

Deploy the XCTemplateUploader.war file to the Java applications folder.


Do one of the following:
If you are using Tomcat, copy and paste the XCTemplateUploader.war
file in the webapps folder.
Tomcat recognizes and deploys the file.
If you are using another application, refer to the application
documentation for information on deploying a war file.
When the war file has been deployed, the "Xcelsius Template Publisher"
is available at: http://[machine name][port#]:XCTemplateUploader/.

Deploying the Crystal Xcelsius templates

You need to manually deploy the templates for the Data Exploration, Bubble,
Pie and Radar chart analytics so that they can be used in Dashboard Builder.

To install the Bubble, Pie and Radar chart analytics, run the following
command line in the [BO_INSTALL_DIR]\Performance Management 12\setup
folder:
java -jar XCTemplateUploaderBatch.jar -cms [MACHINE_NAME]
-user [ADMIN_LOGIN_NAME] -pass [ADMIN_PASSWORD]
-fmkdir templates.zip

To install the Data Exploration analytics,run the following command line in


the [BO_INSTALL_DIR]\Performance Management 12\setup folder:
java -jar XCTemplateUploaderBatch.jar -cms [MACHINE_NAME]
-user [ADMIN_LOGIN_NAME] -pass [ADMIN_PASSWORD]
-fmkdir data_exploration_templates.zip

Note:
If the password is blank, you can remove the parameter -pass in the
command line.

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Publishing a new Crystal Xcelsius template

After you have created analytic templates in Crystal Xcelsius, use the
"Analytic Template Publisher" to make the templates available in Dashboard
Builder.
1. In the "Analytic Template Publisher" home page, click Publish new
Crystal Xcelsius Template.
The "Main Template Properties and Files" page appears.
2. In the "General Properties" section, enter a template name in the
"Template Name" box.
3. Select a "Template Category" from the drop-down list.
The categories correspond to those available from InfoView in Open >
Dashboard and Analytics > Dashboard Builder > Create New Analytic.
4. Type a description.
5. In the "Template Model Properties" section, type the maximum number
of rows.
6. Select either single or multiple metrics/measures.
If you select Multiple metrics/measures, set a minimum and a maximum.
7. To have slice analysis, activate Allow Slice Analysis.
8. To allow slice navigation, activate Allow Slice Navigation.
9. In the "Upload Files" section, click Browse to navigate to the SWF and
icon files.
10. In the "Upload Files for Edition" section, click Browse to navigate to the
XLF and XLS files.
11. In the "Destination" section, select Force overwrite if you want to
overwrite an existing template with the same name.
Note:
If you select Force overwrite and inadvertently use the name of an
existing analytic, that existing analytic is overwritten. There is no way to
recover an analytic once it is overwritten.

12. Select the folder in which you want to save the template.
13. Click Next to add additional properties for the template's edit panel, or
Finish to save your template.

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14. To create additional properties, type a name for each property in the
"Label" box.
15. Select the type of property.
If you select Text input, enter a default value option.
If you select Combo box, type the options list, with each option
separated by a carriage return.
Note:
To remove a property, highlight it and click Remove. To change the order
of the properties, use the Move up and Move down options.

16. Click Finish.


The template is now available from InfoView in Open > Dashboard and
Analytics > Dashboard Builder > Create New Analytic in the category
that you selected.

Related Topics
Analytic Template Publisher on page 129

Publishing a Crystal Xcelsius template archive

When you update any item for a Crystal Xcelsius template that has already
been published to the Central Management Server (CMS), you can use the
"Analytic Template Publisher" to republish it to the BusinessObjects Enterprise
repository.
1. In the "Analytic Template Publisher" home page, click Publish new
Crystal Xcelsius Template Archive (Zip file).
The "Upload Crystal Xcelsius Template Archive (Zip file)" page appears.
2. In the "Upload File" section, click Browse to navigate to the ZIP file.
3. To force a folder to be recreated in the CMS, activate Force folders
creation.
4. If there is an existing template in the ZIP file with the same name the one
in the CMS that you want to replace, activate Force overwrite.
5. Click Finish.
Note:
To download all of the templates in one action, click Download all templates.

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Related Topics
Analytic Template Publisher on page 129

Downloading a Crystal Xcelsius template

Use the "Analytic Template Publisher" to download Crystal Xcelsius template


files, including the zip file, or one of its components (the SWF, icon, XLF,
and XLS files).
1. In the "Analytic Template Publisher" home page, click Download an
existing Crystal Xcelsius Template from Business Objects Enterprise
Repository.
The "Template File Download" page appears.
2. Click the link for each file that you want to download, and navigate to
where you want it saved.
3. If you just published a new template or a zip file and it does not appear,
click Refresh List.
4. Click Finish.

Related Topics
Analytic Template Publisher on page 129

Working with the template properties file

The following information is provided for advanced users of the "Analytic


Template Publisher". The properties file is only available in the zip file. It is
created the first time you publish a template.

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Property Indicates

Whether slice analysis, the use of a second di-


mension, is allowed with this template. For exam-
ple this parameter is set to true for Pie, Radar
and Bubble charts.

SI_ALLOW_ANALYSIS If this is set to true, then the third column of the


SerieValues Excel sheet is used to refer to the
slices on which the analysis was performed.

The slices themselves are stored in the SliceList


sheet.

Warning: This parameter is used by BusinessOb-


SI_ALLOW_GOAL
jects Enterprise. Do not modify it in any way.

Whether the Crystal Xcelsius data model uses a


second dimension for slice navigation.

This parameter is only useful if you tie the


SI_ALLOW_SLICE_
SliceList Excel sheet to a graphical component
NAVIGATION
of the analytic in Crystal Xcelsius.

Only one slice can be picked at any given time


(like the Barometer gauge).

The Dashboard Bulder analytic category in which


SI_ANACATID
the template is saved.

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Property Indicates

The custom parameters assigned to a template


that include:
For a Combo box:
<PARAM RANK\="[parameter rank defined
by Move up and Move down buttons]"
NAME\="[parameter name]" TYPE\="[param
eter type]"><OPTION NAME\="[option
title for Combo Box]"/>

For a Check box:


SI_CUSTOM_ PARAME-
TERS <PARAM RANK\="[parameter rank defined
by Move up and Move down buttons]"
NAME\="My Checkbox" TYPE\="Check
Box ?/>

For a Text input:


<PARAM RANK\="[parameter rank defined
by Move up and Move down buttons]"
NAME\="[parameter name]"
TYPE\="TextBox" VALUE\="[text val
ue]"/>

SI_DESCRIPTION The description of the template.

The maximum number of "data sources" accepted


by the Crystal Xcelsius data model.

SI_MAX_GRAPHS Note:
The maximum number of data sources should not
exceed the number of columns allocated for data
sources in the SerieValues Excel sheet.

The maximum slices that can be used for an


analysis.
SI_MAX_SLICES The parameter is required for templates that allow
slice analysis. For example, this parameter is set
to 20 for the Pie, Radar and Bubble charts.

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Property Indicates

The maximum number of rows accepted by the


Crystal Xcelsius data model. The number must
match the number of rows in the SerieValues
Excel sheet.
SI_MAX_VALUES
Note:
If a metric or query brings more data than expected
by the model, then a partial result flag appears in
the analytic information pane.

The minimum number of data sources (metrics


SI_MIN_GRAPHS or universe measures) required by the Crystal
Xcelsius data model.

Warning: This parameter is used by BusinessOb-


SI_SERIAL_ID
jects Enterprise. Do not modify it in any way.

SI_TITLE The title of the template.

Whether there is an icon assigned to the tem-


XCT_HAS_ICON
plate.

Whether there is a SWF file assigned to the


XCT_HAS_SWF
template.

Whether there is an XLF file assigned to the


XCT_HAS_XLF
template.

Whether there is an XLS file assigned to the


XCT_HAS_XLS
template.

XCT_PATH The location in which the template is saved.

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Related Topics
Analytic Template Publisher on page 129

Data sources accepted by the Crystal Xcelsius data


model

The first two columns of the SerieValues Excel sheet (three columns if the
template allows slice analysis) are reserved as identifiers or to store
dimension values, so they do not count as data sources.

For example:
there are three columns in the spreadsheet used by the Gauge template
(no slice analysis, one data source)
there are four columns in the spreadsheet used by the Pie Chart template
(allowing slice analysis and one data source only)
there are eight columns in the spreadsheet used by the Radar Chart
template (allowing slice analysis and accepting up to five data sources)

Modifying the XLF file after the template has been


published
1. Download the XLF file from the template zip file.
2. Open the XLF file in Crystal Xcelsius and make the necessary formatting
changes.
3. Save the file and export it as a Macromedia Flash (SWF) file.
4. Replace the obsolete SWF file in the zip file with the revised SWF file.
5. Upload the zip file.

Related Topics
Downloading a Crystal Xcelsius template on page 133
Publishing a Crystal Xcelsius template archive on page 132

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Modifying the XLS file after the template has been


published
1. Download the XLS file from the template zip file.
2. Open the XLS file in Excel and make the necessary formatting changes.
Note:
Do not modify the yellow columns in the Excel file. These are used by
the Dashboard and Analytics applications.

3. Save the file and export it as a Macromedia Flash (SWF) file.


4. Replace the obsolete SWF file in the zip file with the revised SWF file.
5. Upload the zip file.

Related Topics
Downloading a Crystal Xcelsius template on page 133
Publishing a Crystal Xcelsius template archive on page 132

Process Analysis control charts setup

Control chart samplings

As an administrator, you can define samplings for Process Analysis control


charts.

Specifying samplings for control charts

A sample is a finite part of a statistical population whose properties are


studied to gain information about the whole.

The following sampling methods are available:


"Systematic"
Systematic samplings generate samples of constant size.
"Time-based"

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Time-based samplings generate samples of variable size.
"Calendar-based"
A custom calendar, a *.csv file uploaded to the Central Management
Server, can be imported to support periods other than calendar year
periods.

As an administrator, you specify the sampling parameters for Process


Analysis control charts.
Specifying a systematic sampling
A systematic sampling creates a sample on a regular time interval based on
the application.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Samplings.
2. Click Add.
The "Create a New Sampling" window appears.
3. In the "Sampling Name" box, type a name for the sampling.
4. Select Systematic.
5. In the "Sample Size" box type a numeric value or use the "+" and "-"
buttons to specify the size of the sample you want.
6. In the "Gap Size" box, type the gap size.
The gap is the number of measurements to be skipped between two
samples. The default value is 0.
7. From the "Time Stamp" list, select the subject area you want to use in
the sampling, and then select the time stamp you want to use from the
list on the right.
The time stamp is the measurement unit for time to be used for the
sampling.
8. Select or type the date and time for the "Start Time".
9. If you want to indicate a stop time, select "Stop Time", then enter the
appropriate time.
10. Click OK.
Specifying a time-based sampling for control charts
When you create a time-based sampling, you create and update a sample
at specific intervals. These intervals can be in terms of:
minutes

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hours
days
months

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Samplings.


2. Click Add.
3. The "Create a new sampling" window appears.
4. In the "Sampling Name" box, type a name for the sampling.
5. Select Time-based.
6. Select the frequency and the time period from the two list boxes next to
"every".
7. Select or type the date and time for the "Start Time".
8. If you want to indicate a stop time, activate "Stop Time", then enter the
appropriate time.
9. Click OK.
Specifying a calendar-based sampling for control charts
When you create a calendar-based sampling, you select a calendar from a
list of available calendars.

Note:
Calendars are defined in Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Time Config.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Samplings.
2. Click Add.
3. The "Create a new sampling" window appears.
4. In the "Sampling Name" box, type a name for the sampling.
5. Select Calendar-based.
6. From the "Select Calendar" list box, select the calendar you want to use
for the sampling.
7. Select or type the date and time for the "Start Time".
8. If you want to indicate a stop time, activate "Stop Time", then enter the
appropriate time.
9. Click OK.

Related Topics
Analytics calendars on page 97

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Editing control chart sampling parameters

You can edit samplings to change parameters, such as the time period or
the calendar on which a sampling is based.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Samplings.
2. Select the sampling you want to edit.
3. Click Edit.
4. The "Edit an Existing Sampling" panel appears.
To modify the parameters, see the topic on specifying samplings.

Related Topics
Specifying samplings for control charts on page 138

Removing a control chart sampling

If any control charts in the Dashboard and Analytics Setup deployment use
the sampling you want to remove, you need to delete those control charts
before you can remove the sampling.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Samplings.
2. Select the sampling you want to remove.
3. Click Remove.
A prompt asks you to confirm if you want to remove the selected sampling.
If any control charts use the selected sampling, those control charts are
listed. You need to remove those control charts before you can remove
the sampling.

4. Click OK to remove the sampling.

Control chart filters

As an administrator, you can add, edit and remove filters for Process Analysis
control charts.

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Adding a filter to a control chart

As an administrator, you can define filters for use in Process Analysis control
charts.
1. In Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Filters, click
Filters.
2. Click Add.
The "Create a New Filter" panel appears.
3. In the "Filter Name" box, type a name for the new filter as it should appear
in the list of available filters in Process Analysis.
4. Click the arrow next to "Subject Area" to select a subject area (or universe
class).
A list of available filters appears for each subject area.
5. Select the filters you want to make available for control charts.
You can select one or multiple filters.
6. Click OK.
The new filter appears in the list of available filters.

Editing a control chart filter

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Filters.


2. Select the filter you want to edit.
3. Click Edit.
The "Edit an Existing Filter" window appears.
For information on the filter settings, see the section on adding filters.

Related Topics
Adding a filter to a control chart on page 142

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Removing a filter from a control chart

If any control charts in the Dashboard and Analytics Setup deployment use
the filter you want to remove, you need to delete those control charts before
you can remove the filter.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Filters.
2. Select the filter you want to remove.
3. Click Remove.
A prompt asks you to confirm if you want to remove the selected filter. If
any control charts use the selected filter, those control charts are listed.
You need to remove those control charts before you can remove the filter.

4. Click OK to remove the filter.

Control chart alarms

As an administrator you can set parameters for the alarms that end users
can select when they create control charts, using Process Analysis. When
you create an alarm you set a number of rules that, when met, trigger the
alarm. By using one or more of these rules you determine the sensitivity of
the alarm. The rules are based on points that appear on the chart.

Defining alarms for a control chart

As an administrator, you can define alarms that end users can then select
when they create control charts. Alarms allow you to increase the power of
control charts is to use rules to supplement the ordinary rule governing control
limits.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Alarms.
2. Click Add.
The "Create a new Alarm" window appears.

3. In the "Alarm name" box, type a name for the alarm.


4. Select the rules to trigger the alarm and enter the number of points that
correspond to the rule.

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5. Click OK to save the new alarm.

Editing a control chart alarm

1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Alarms.


2. Select the alarm you want to edit.
3. Click Edit
The "Edit an Existing Alarm" window appears.

4. Edit the rules.


5. Click OK to save your changes.

Removing an alarm from a control chart

If any control charts in the Dashboard and Analytics deployment use the
alarm you want to remove, you need to delete those control charts before
you can remove the alarm.
1. Go to Dashboard and Analytics Setup > Control Charts > Alarms.
2. Select the alarm you want to remove.
3. Click Remove.
A prompt asks you to confirm if you want to remove the selected alarm.
If any control charts use the selected alarm, those control charts are listed.
You need to remove those control charts before you can remove the
alarm.

4. Click OK to remove the alarm.

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Terms and concepts

Aggregation functions

What is arithmetic mean?

The Arithmetic mean (also called average or simple mean) is the sum of the
values divided by the number of values. The arithmetic mean is relevant any
time several quantities add together to produce a total.

It answers the following question: if all the quantities had the same value,
what would that value have to be in order to achieve the same total?

Related Topics
What is harmonic mean? on page 146
What is geometric mean? on page 146

Average functions

Average: Returns the average by transaction.


Average by individual: Returns the average by individual for individuals
of a subset.
Average distinct: Returns the average by transaction of distinct values.

Count functions

The following count aggregate functions are available:


Count all: Counts the number of occurrences of all values.
Count distinct: Counts the number of occurrences of a distinct value.
Count null: Counts the number of occurrences of null values only.

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What is geometric mean?

The Geometric mean is the nth root of the product of the n values. Less often
used than the arithmetic mean, it is appropriate for averaging ratios such as
rates of change, interest rates or inflation rates. More generally, the geometric
mean is relevant any time several quantities multiply together to produce a
product.

The geometric mean answers the question: if all the quantities had the same
value, what would that value have to be in order to achieve the same product?
The formula for Geometric mean is as follows:

Note:
The values must be greater than zero.

Related Topics
What is harmonic mean? on page 146
What is arithmetic mean? on page 145

What is harmonic mean?

The Harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocals
of the values. It is used to calculate average rates such as distance per time,
or speed. The formula for harmonic mean is:

Related Topics
What is arithmetic mean? on page 145
What is geometric mean? on page 146

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What is a median?

The median is the midpoint of the values after they have been ordered from
the smallest to the largest, or the largest to the smallest. There are as many
values above the median as below it in the data set.

The median is less sensitive to outliers (extreme values or errors) than the
arithmetic mean is. For an odd number of values, the median is the middle
value in the ordered set. For an even number of values, the median is the
arithmetic mean of the two middle values.

One measure related to median is:

Depth of the median = (number of values + 1) / 2

What is maximum?

Used as an aggregate function, maximum returns the maximum value of a


set of values.

What is minimum?

Minimum used as an aggregate function returns the lowest value of a set of


values.

What is population kurtosis?

The coefficient of Kurtosis measures the relative peak of the curve defined
by the distribution of the values. Standard normal distribution has a Kurtosis
coefficient of 0. A Kurtosis coefficient of greater than 0 indicates that the
distribution is more peaked than the standard normal distribution. A Kurtosis
coefficient of less than 0 indicates that the distribution is flatter than the
standard normal distribution.

The formula for population coefficient of Kurtosis is:

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Terms and concepts

What is population skew?

The skew statistic measures the degree to which a variable deviates from
symmetry with the mean at the center. A skew of value zero means that the
distribution is a symmetrical curve. A positive value indicates that the values
are clustered primarily to the left of the mean with most of the extreme values
to the right of the mean. A negative skew indicates clustering to the right.
Distributions with positive skew are more common than distributions with
negative skew.

An example of positive skew is the distribution of income:

The formula for population skew is:

What is population standard deviation?

Returns the square root of the population variance. Standard deviation is


expressed in the same unit as the data. The formula for population standard
deviation is:

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What is population variance?

Variance is a sum of the squared deviations from the mean, divided by n-1
or n. The formula for population variance is:

What is sample kurtosis?

The coefficient of Kurtosis measures the relative peak of the curve defined
by the distribution of the values. Standard normal distribution has a Kurtosis
coefficient of 0. A Kurtosis coefficient of greater than 0 indicates that the
distribution is more peaked than the standard normal distribution. A Kurtosis
coefficient of less than 0 indicates that the distribution is flatter than the
standard normal distribution.

The formula for sample coefficient of Kurtosis is:

What is sample skew?

The skew statistic measures the degree to which a variable deviates from
symmetry with the mean at the center. A skew of value zero means that the
distribution is a symmetrical curve. A positive value indicates that the values
are clustered primarily to the left of the mean with most of the extreme values
to the right of the mean. A negative skew indicates clustering to the right.
Distributions with positive skew are more common than distributions with
negative skew. An example of positive skew is the distribution of income.

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Terms and concepts

The formula for sample skew is:

What is sample standard deviation?

Returns the square root of the sample variance. Standard deviation is


expressed in the same unit as the data. The formula for sample standard
deviation is:

What is sample variance?

Variance is a sum of the squared deviations from the mean, divided by n-1
or n. The formula for sample variance is:

What is sum?

Sum returns the total of a set of numeric values.

What is sum distinct?

Sum distinct returns the total of a set of distinct numeric values.

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What is an analytic?

An analytic is a pre-built analysis technique for extracting business insight


from data and creating alerts, lists, and interactive data visualization applets.

Add analytics to dashboards to display data in a meaningful and efficient


manner.

What is binning?

In Predictive Analysis, binning allows you to compress the range of values


of a variable into a smaller number, for example, binning of age into age
groupings.

Binning can be explicitly defined or statistically derived.

Related Topics
What is a variable? on page 157

What is a control chart?

In Process Analysis, a control chart plots the variation in the output of a


business process over time.

A control chart includes upper and lower limits that show the expected
variation in the process and a center line that shows the mean value of the
points in the chart.

Control charts on dependent (or auto-correlated) data produce too many


false alarms, even for a low level of correlation over time. The simplest
technique is to set the interval between samples large enough to make the
effects of auto-correlation negligible.

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Terms and concepts

What is differencing?

Differencing is a popular and effective method of removing trend from a time


series in analytics that analyze metric trends. This provides a clearer view
of the true underlying behavior of the series.

A stationary time series is one whose statistical properties such as mean,


variance, and auto-correlation are all constant over time. Most business and
economic time series are far from stationary when expressed in their original
units of measurement, and even after deflation or seasonal adjustment they
will typically still exhibit trends, cycles, random-walking, and other
non-stationary behavior.

To make the series truly stationary, it is often necessary to transform it into


a series of period-to-period and/or season-to-season differences or changes.

The Metric Trend analytic uses differencing to calculate Change or Percent


change, and show it in a Web Intelligence report.

Differencing transformations include Annual difference, Adjacent-point


difference, Difference, and Difference of difference.

To make the series truly stationary, it is often necessary to transform it into


a series of period-to-period and/or season-to-season differences or changes.

What is a dimension?

A dimension is a filter placed on an object in the universe that allows you to


drill down to obtain a more detailed view of your data.

Related Topics
What is a sliced metric? on page 157

What is a grain?

A grain is the duration of the time periods or slices that make up metrics.

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Terms and concepts 3
The metric grain can vary in span size, and is dependent on the calendar;
the finer the grain, the shorter the time period between metric value
calculations.

Related Topics
What is a metric? on page 153

What is a metric?

A metric, or KPI, is the measure of actual performance. A metric is defined


using objects in the universe, and is usually made up of the following:
a measure
a filter
a date restriction

You can use metrics to track actual performance and compare it to a goal,
or use it to project a trend.

Metrics can also be created on a set universe. Set metrics allow you to track
a measure over time for a particular subject within a set.

Related Topics
What is a sliced metric? on page 157

Moving averages explained

What is the moving average?

In data analysis, you use the moving average to calculating the average
value of an indicator, over a period of time. In some time series, seasonal
variation is so strong it obscures any trends or cycles, which are very
important for the understanding of the process being observed.

Moving average may be used as a smoothing method that removes


seasonality and makes long-term fluctuations in the series stand out more
clearly. It may also be used for forecasting purposes.

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Terms and concepts

Moving average transformations

Transformation Use

If your time series is monthly, use the MA 2x12 to re-


MA 2x12
move the seasonality.

If a stronger "seasonality filter" is required, use MA


MA 2x24, MA 2x36
2x24 or MA 2x36 for monthly series.

Also known as a double moving average, this moving


MA 3x3, MA 3x9,
average that is taken of a series of data that already
MA 3x5
represents the result of a moving average.

MA exponentially
weighted

A moving average transformation. Hendersons MA is


another centered symmetric weighted moving average
method. The 5- and 7-point averages are used for
Quarterly series. The 9-, 13-, and 23-point averages
MA henderson 9-pt,
are used for Monthly series.
13-pt, 23-pt
Note:
All the moving average methods are externalized in a
file (Stats.ini) that can be customized.

MA linearly weight-
ed

MA linearly weight-
ed center

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Transformation Use

This same months moving average method uses a


fixed-interval time window but with non-continuous
MA same months
data points. It is useful on seasonal data for smoothing
or forecasting purposes.

The Spencers weighted moving average is an ap-


proach to computing a moving average that will com-
MA spencer 15-pt,
pensate for a cubic trend in the data. It consists of two
21-pt
averages, one for 15 periods and the other for 21 peri-
ods. Spencers weights are centered and symmetric.

Related Topics
MA exponentially weighted on page 155
MA linearly weighted on page 156
MA linearly weighted center on page 156
MA exponentially weighted
A moving average transformation. An MA exponentially weighted
transformation finds the number of points parameter required. The smoothing
constant parameter is required:
Less than 1 weights current data more heavily
Equal to 1 weights every points identically (same as simple MA)
Greater than 1 weights old data more heavily

The Single exponential smoothing (SES) forecast can be expressed as a


weighted moving average that applies exponentially decreasing weights to
the data, as the observations get older. Thus it is called exponential
smoothing.

The next period forecast is then:


Ft+1 = aYt+a(1 - a)Yt1 + a(1 - a)Yt2 + a(1 - a)Yt3 + +
a(1 - a)^ t1 Y1+a(1 - a)^ t F1

where a is a constant between 0 and 1, and F1 is the initial value that usually
is given the value of Y1.

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Terms and concepts

As a guide in choosing a, try values close to 0 if the series has a lot of random
variation. If you wish the forecast values to depend strongly on recent
changes in the actual values, try values close to 1.

MA linearly weighted
A moving average transformation. You use a weighted moving average to
give more weight to current data. Weights can be calculated automatically
using a function.

The weight function for a Linearly weighted MA is defined as:


W(p)=(2/n(n+1)) p

where p is the sequence of the data points in the moving window ranging
from 1 to n. The weights must sum to a value of one.

The weight function for a exponentially weighted MA is defined as:


W(p)=power(a,n-p)

where a is the smoothing constant and p is the sequence of the data points
in the moving window ranging from 1 to n.

Smoothing constants less than 1 weigh recent data more heavily. A smoothing
constant of 1 gives equal weight to each point. If the smoothing constant
exceeds 1, older data are weighted more heavily than recent data.

MA linearly weighted center


A moving average transformation. A centered weighted moving average,
also known as a double moving average, is a moving average that is taken
of a series of data that already represents the result of a moving average.

With a centered weighted moving average, the majority of the weight is


assigned to the middle portion of the data. A centered weighted moving
average is useful to de-seasonalize the data.

If your time series is quarterly, use the MA 2x4. If stronger seasonality


filters ? are required, use MA 2x8 or MA 2x12 for quarterly series.

MA centered
A moving average transformation.

Related Topics
What is the moving average? on page 153

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What is single exponential smoothing?

Single exponential smoothing (SES) is a forecasting method that works best


for data which have no trend, no seasonality, or underlying pattern. It takes
the forecast for the previous period and adjusts it using the forecast error.

If Yt is the actual observation for period t and Ft is the forecast for the same
period, then the forecast for the next period is:
Ft+1 = Ft+a(YtFt)

where a is a constant between 0 and 1.

An SES analytic is based on the time series system universe. The SES
weight function is built into the universe. The end user can try different values
of the smoothing constant in order to find the best one.

Related Topics
MA exponentially weighted on page 155

What is a sliced metric?

A sliced metric is a single metric whose data is sliced by the defined


dimension, and therefore returns distinct data per dimension value.

Related Topics
What is a metric? on page 153

What is a variable?

In Process Analysis and Predictive Analysis, a variable is a measured


characteristic or attribute. It can be "actual data" or data derived using a
look-up, aggregation or other calculation.

A variable can be:


A dimension defined in a BusinessObjects universe
A measure

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Terms and concepts

Derived variables representing a calculation based on measures,


dimensions and/or sets that is defined interactively by a user.

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A
A Get More Help

Online documentation library


Business Objects offers a full documentation set covering all products and
their deployment. The online documentation library has the most up-to-date
version of the Business Objects product documentation. You can browse
the library contents, do full-text searches, read guides on line, and download
PDF versions. The library is updated regularly with new content as it becomes
available.

To access the online documentation library, visit http://help.sap.com/ and


click Business Objects at the top of the page.

Additional developer resources


https://boc.sdn.sap.com/developer/library/

Online customer support


The Business Objects Customer Support web site contains information about
Customer Support programs and services. It also has links to a wide range
of technical information including knowledgebase articles, downloads, and
support forums.

http://www.businessobjects.com/support/

Looking for the best deployment solution for your company?


Business Objects consultants can accompany you from the initial analysis
stage to the delivery of your deployment project. Expertise is available in
relational and multidimensional databases, in connectivities, database design
tools, customized embedding technology, and more.

For more information, contact your local sales office, or contact us at:

http://www.businessobjects.com/services/consulting/

Looking for training options?


From traditional classroom learning to targeted e-learning seminars, we can
offer a training package to suit your learning needs and preferred learning
style. Find more information on the Business Objects Education web site:

http://www.businessobjects.com/services/training

160 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide


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Send us your feedback
Do you have a suggestion on how we can improve our documentation? Is
there something you particularly like or have found useful? Drop us a line,
and we will do our best to ensure that your suggestion is included in the next
release of our documentation:

mailto:documentation@businessobjects.com

Note:
If your issue concerns a Business Objects product and not the documentation,
please contact our Customer Support experts. For information about
Customer Support visit: http://www.businessobjects.com/support/.

Business Objects product information


For information about the full range of Business Objects products, visit:
http://www.businessobjects.com.

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide 161


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162 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide


Index
A calendars (continued)
deleting 104
actions in rules 116 differencing 112
alarms editing 104
creating for control charts 143 granularity 99
editing for control charts 144 importing CSV files 100
removing for control charts 144 moving average tranformations 105
alerts moving averages 105
check integrity 74 period display options 102
analytic templates properties 98
deploying 130 removing moving average transformations
Xcelsius 129, 130, 132, 133, 137 110
analytics rollups 114, 115
Xcelsius templates 137, 138 setting the span 103
associations in dimensions 92 CMS authentication 70, 71
condition in rules 116
connections
B defining to universes 81
binnings Control Chart analytic
check integrity 75 alarms 143, 144
Bubble Chart analytic filters 141, 142, 143
deploying template 130 samplings 138, 139, 140, 141
control charts
updating universe definitions 83
C CSV files 100
cache refresh 62, 63
caching 62 D
calculations
rollups 113 dashboard and analytics
calendar applications 52
removing difference 113 dashboard builder
rollups 113 description 52
calendars 97 Data Exploration analytics
adding 99 deploying templates 130
custom periods 99 database connections 61

BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide 163


Index

database parameters 61 granularity in calendars 99


date formats 56
deployment
Dashboard and Analytics tools 53
I
deployment overview 65 Individual Profiler
designing universes 81 configuring view 128
differencing properties 127
adding 112 individual profiler engine 61
calculations 111 initialization user
removing 113 defining 64
dimensions 88 Initialization User
adding 90 defining 63
associations 92
defining 89
editing 95 L
editing association 96
importing users from universe 93 list templates
importing users manually from universe 94 creating 122
removing 96 deleting 125
secured 97 duplicating 124
using sliced metrics 91 explanation 121
domains
on the repository 65 M
domains on the repository 65
mail parameters
explanation 56
E mail parameters setup 57
events in rules 116 measure objects 20
metadata
viewing on universes 84
F metric universe 89
metrics 18
fact tables access restrictions 89
multiple 40 check integrity 74
filters configuring an external refresh 87
for control charts 141, 142, 143 creating sliced 97
format external refresh 86
numbers, dates 56 metric universes 79
set-based 26
G sliced 88
updating universe definitions 83
general server parameters 59 metrics engine 61

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metrics on metrics 42 repository


mining engine 61 cleanup tools 72
models CMS authentication 70
check integrity 75 connecting to 67
moving averages deployment 65
MA exponentially weighted 108, 155 explained 65
MA linearly weighted 108, 156 integrity check tools 72
MA linearly weighted center 109, 156 migration 71
removing transformations 110 options 69
transformations 105, 106, 108, 109, setup 67
154, 155, 156 system tables 66, 68
multiple sets 41 verifying connection 68
restrictions
access to sliced metrics 89
N rollup
number formats 56 adding 114
removing 115
rules
P check integrity 73
components 116
performance manager creating templates 118
description 52 deleting template 121
Pie Chart analytic duplicating templates 121
deploying template 130 editing templates 120
populations template components 117
check integrity 75 templates 115, 116
predictive analysis working with templates 118
description 52 XML 117
process analysis rules engine 61
description 53
Process Analysis engine 61
profiler engine 61 S
samplings
Q calendar-based 140
control charts 138
query manager 61 editing 141
for control charts 138
R removing 141
systematic 139
Radar Chart analytic time-based 139
deploying template 130 scheduler parameters 60
scheduling program integrity 76

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Index

server U
descriptions 55
server parameters universe value lists 121
general 59 universes
server session cleanup 62, 63 building 81
servers checking integrity 73
starting 64 defining connections 81
Set Analysis domain 65 metric 79, 80
Set Analysis guest user 78 object metadata 84
set-based metrics 26 predictive analytic services 44
sliced metrics 88 pushing to repository 81
creating 97 removing 83
used on dimensions 91 system tables 82
SMTP updating 83
specifying server and port number 57 viewing metadata 84
starting servers 64 user
subsets 34 initialization 79
system tables 82 users
deploying 68 check integrity 75
system user 77 importing into a dimension 93
defining 77 importing manually into a dimension 94

T V
templates variables
deploying templates 130 check integrity 75
rules 115
Xcelsius 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 137,
138
W
traces web parameters
activating 125 explanation 56
tracing web server parameters 58
activating 125

X
XML for rules 117

166 BusinessObjects Performance Manager XI 3.1 Administrator's Guide

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