Business Objects Express

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide
BusinessObjects Enterprise 6 Windows
Copyright
No part of the computer software or this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Business Objects S.A. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. If you find any problems with this documentation, please report them to Business Objects S.A. in writing at documentation@businessobjects.com. Business Objects S.A. does not warrant that this document is error free. Copyright Business Objects S.A. 2003. All rights reserved. Printed in France.
Trademarks
The Business Objects logo, WebIntelligence, BusinessQuery, the Business Objects tagline, BusinessObjects, BusinessObjects Broadcast Agent, Rapid Mart, Set Analyzer, Personal Trainer, and Rapid Deployment Template are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects S.A. in the United States and/or other countries. Contains IBM Runtime Environment for AIX(R), Java(TM) 2 Technology Edition Runtime Modules (c) Copyright IBM Corporation 1999, 2000. All Rights Reserved. This product includes code licensed from RSA Security, Inc. Some portions licensed from IBM are available at http://oss.software.ibm.com/icu4j. All other company, product, or brand names mentioned herein, may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Use restrictions
This software and documentation is commercial computer software under Federal Acquisition regulations, and is provided only under the Restricted Rights of the Federal Acquisition Regulations applicable to commercial computer software provided at private expense. The use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to restrictions set forth in subdivision (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 252.2277013. U.S. Patent Numbers 5,555,403, 6,247,008, and 6,578,027. 347-10-610-01
Patents Part Number
Contents
Preface Maximizing Your Information Resources 5 Information resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Useful addresses at a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 About this guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chapter 1 Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack 13
What is the Express OLAP Access Pack? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Connecting to Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The OLAP Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Chapter 2 Using the OLAP Panel 29
Working with the Grid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Working with Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Changing Dimension Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Using the Add/Remove Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Drilling in the OLAP Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Setting General and Fonts Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Express and BusinessObjects Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Index 51
Contents
Contents
Maximizing Your Information Resources
preface
Overview
Information, services, and solutions
The Business Objects business intelligence solution is supported by thousands of pages of documentation, available from the products, on the Internet, on CD, and by extensive online help systems and multimedia. Packed with in-depth technical information, business examples, and advice on troubleshooting and best practices, this comprehensive documentation set provides concrete solutions to your business problems. Business Objects also offers a complete range of support and services to help maximize the return on your business intelligence investment. See in the following sections how Business Objects can help you plan for and successfully meet your specific technical support, education, and consulting requirements.
Information resources
Whatever your Business Objects profile, we can help you quickly access the documentation and other information you need.
Where do I start?
Below are a few suggested starting points; there is a summary of useful web addresses on page 10. Documentation Roadmap The Documentation Roadmap references all Business Objects guides and multimedia, and lets you see at a glance what information is available, from where, and in what format. View or download the Business Objects Documentation Roadmap at www.businessobjects.com/services/documentation.htm Documentation from the products You can access electronic documentation at any time from the product you are using. Online help, multimedia, and guides in Adobe PDF format are available from the product Help menus. Documentation on the web The full electronic documentation set is available to customers with a valid maintenance agreement on the Online Customer Support (OCS) website at www.businessobjects.com/services/support.htm Buy printed documentation You can order printed documentation through your local sales office, or from the online Business Objects Documentation Supply Store at www.businessobjects.com/services/documentation.htm Search the Documentation CD Search across the entire documentation set on the Business Objects Documentation CD shipped with our products. This CD brings together the full set of documentation, plus tips, tricks, multimedia tutorials, and demo materials. Order the Documentation CD online, from the Business Objects Documentation Supply Store, or from your local sales office.
Information resources
Multimedia Are you new to Business Objects? Are you upgrading from a previous release or expanding, for example, from our desktop to our web solution? Try one of our multimedia quick tours or Getting Started tutorials. All are available via the Online Customer Support (OCS) website or on the Documentation CD.
How can I get the most recent documentation?

You can get our most up-to-date documentation via the web. Regularly check the sites listed below for the latest documentation, samples, and tips. Tips & Tricks Open to everyone, this is a regularly updated source of creative solutions to any number of business questions. You can even contribute by sending us your own tips. www.businessobjects.com/forms/tipsandtricks_login.asp Product documentation We regularly update and expand our documentation and multimedia offerings. With a valid maintenance agreement, you can get the latest documentation in seven languages on the Online Customer Support (OCS) website. Developer Suite Online Developer Suite Online provides documentation, samples, and tips to those customers with a valid maintenance agreement and a DEVELOPER SUITE license via the Online Customer Support (OCS) website.
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: 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: www.businessobjects.com/services/support.htm
Services
A global network of Business Objects technology experts provides customer support, education, and consulting to ensure maximum business intelligence benefit to your business.
How we can support you?

Business Objects offers customer support plans to best suit the size and requirements of your deployment. We operate three global customer support centers: Americas: San Jose, California and Atlanta, Georgia Europe: Maidenhead, United Kingdom Asia: Tokyo, Japan and Sydney, Australia Online Customer Support Our Customer Support website is open to all direct customers with a current maintenance agreement, and provides the most up-to-date Business Objects product and technical information. You can log, update, and track cases from this site using the Business Objects Knowledge Base.
Having an issue with the product?

Have you exhausted the troubleshooting resources at your disposal and still not found a solution to a specific issue? For support in deploying Business Objects products, contact Worldwide Customer Support at: www.businessobjects.com/services/support.htm
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: www.businessobjects.com/services/consulting.htm
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 website: www.businessobjects.com/services/education.htm
Services
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Useful addresses at a glance

Address
Business Objects Documentation www.businessobjects.com/services/ documentation.htm
Content
Overview of Business Objects documentation. Links to Online Customer Support, Documentation Supply Store, Documentation Roadmap, Tips & Tricks, Documentation mailbox.
Business Objects Documentation mailbox documentation@businessobjects.com Product documentation www.businessobjects.com/services/ support.htm
Feedback or questions about documentation.
The latest Business Objects product documentation, to download or view online.
Business Objects product information Information about the full range of Business Objects products. www.businessobjects.com Developer Suite Online www.techsupport.businessobjects.com Knowledge Base (KB) www.techsupport.businessobjects.com Available to customers with a valid maintenance agreement and a Developer Suite license via the Online Customer Support (OCS) website. Provides all the documentation, latest samples, kits and tips. Technical articles, documents, case resolutions. Also, use the Knowledge Exchange to learn what challenges other users both customers and employees face and what strategies they find to address complex issues. From the Knowledge Base, click the Knowledge Exchange link. Practical business-focused examples.
Tips & Tricks www.businessobjects.com/forms/ tipsandtricks_login.asp
11
Address Online Customer Support www.techsupport.businessobjects.com
Content
Starting point for answering questions, resolving issues. Information about registering with Worldwide Customer Support. The range of Business Objects training options and modules.
www.businessobjects.com/services Business Objects Education Services www.businessobjects.com/services/ education.htm
Business Objects Consulting Services Information on how Business Objects can help maximize your business intelligence investment. www.businessobjects.com/services/ consulting.htm
Useful addresses at a glance
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About this guide

This guide describes the Express OLAP Access Pack, a data provider that lets BUSINESSOBJECTS users access Express multidimensional servers.
Audience
This guide is intended for the person who uses the Express OLAP Access Pack with BUSINESSOBJECTS to access data from Express multidimensional servers.
Conventions used in this guide

The conventions used in this guide are described in the table below. Convention This font
Some code more code
Indicates Code, SQL syntax, computer programs. For example: @Select(Country\Country Id) Placed at the end of a line of code, the symbol ( ) indicates that the next line should be entered continuously with no carriage return.
Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack
chapter
14
Overview
This chapter: describes the BusinessObjects Express OLAP Access Pack and the OLAP Panel provides the instructions for installing the BusinessObjects Express OLAP Access Pack at your site
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What is the Express OLAP Access Pack?

Online analytical processing (OLAP) describes a software technology extracts and presents multidimensional data from different points of view. The Express OLAP Access Pack is a data provider that lets BusinessObjects users access Oracle Express multidimensional servers. An Express OLAP server is a data manipulation engine that supports and operates on multidimensional data structures. These data structures are represented by objects that you manipulate with the Express OLAP Access Pack. The data structures represent how you think about your business. Your products, the territories in which they are sold, the time in which sales occur or costs accrue, and how you measure your business activity (units sold, net profit, etc.) are represented as dimensions. How you measure your business activity is represented as a special type of dimension, an account, which BusinessObjects represents as a measure. You create a focus on a part of your business by selecting dimensions and measures to analyze. From these dimensions and measures, you create a data provider from which you generate a BusinessObjects report. You use the BusinessObjects report for query and analysis with the multidimensional data structures in the Express OLAP server. The Express OLAP Access Pack complements BusinessObjects access to Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).
What is the Express OLAP Access Pack?
16
Connecting to Express
You can connect to an Express server to create a new BusinessObjects report using the New Report wizard, or from a BusinessObjects report to edit or refresh the data provider.
Connecting to an Express server for a new report

You can connect to an Express Server via the BusinessObjects New Report Wizard. To do this: 1. Launch BusinessObjects. 2. Start the New Report wizard by selecting the New command from the File menu, or by clicking New Report Wizard on the Standard toolbar. The welcome screen of the wizard appears.
New Report Wizard
17
3. Select Generate a standard report option button. Click Begin. The Specify Data Access panel appears.
4. Select the Others option button, then OLAP Express from the drop-down list box. Click Next. The Select a Connection panel appears. 5. If this is your first time connecting to an Oracle Express server, type a connection name, then click Edit. Make the appropriate selections in the Edit Connection to Oracle Express Server dialog box, then click OK. The options for the Edit Connection to Oracle Express Server dialog box are described on page 19. 6. Select a connection, then enter your user name and password. Click Next. 7. Select a database and, if necessary, enter your password. Click Finish. The OLAP panel appears.
18
NOTE
Your ability to establish a connection to an Express server depends on your access rights to the server and on the server security. For more information on setting up a connection to an OLAP server, contact your IS manager.
19
Edit Connection to Oracle Express Server Options Group box Connection Name Express Server Type Note: This option is available only if you select Express Server 5 Express Server Binding Server Daemon Option Description The name of the connection you want to use or save Select to access a server Select to access a daemon
Server version Object UUID
Select Express Server 5 or Express Server 6 (see Note on below). This option has to be specified only if you select Express Server 5, then select Daemon. Select the transport appropriate to your LAN configuration. The host name If you need to use this option, speak with your Information System (IS) manager. The domain name of your server
Transport Host Endpoint
Domain
NOTE
If you select Express Server 5: Enter the UUID and host name, available from your IS manager. If you select Express Server 6: For a Windows NT server: Select the transport ncacn_ip_tcp and enter the host name. For a UNIX server: select the transport ora_ro_tcp, then enter the host name and the endpoint.
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Connecting to an Express server from an existing report

To edit or refresh the data provider from an open BusinessObjects report, you must be connected to an Express server. If you are not connected to the server, follow the steps below. 1. From the open BusinessObjects report, click the appropriate toolbar button to edit or refresh the data provider. 2. In the OLAP User Identification dialog box that appears, type your user name and password, then click OK. If you are connecting to an Express server, you must type a password to connect to the server, then type another password to connect to the database you want.
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The OLAP Panel

The OLAP Panel is the graphical interface that lets you create reports from the data in an Express server. An Express server is a multidimensional database for storing data with an unlimited number of dimensions, such as time, accounts, region, or product. It manages data models, data storage, calculations, and data security.
a c
e f g h i j
a. b. c. d. e.
The OLAP toolbar The Database Objects box The Filters box The Grid Displays a dialog box from which you can set the font used for text and numbers in the Grid or filters, and set options for managing the volume of data to be retrieved.
The OLAP Panel
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f. The status bar indicates the results of an action. f. Clears the panel of all dimensions, dimension values, measures, filters, and data values. g. Generates a BusinessObjects report. h. Closes the OLAP Panel and returns to the New Report wizard from which you can select another Express application or database. i. Displays OLAP Panel online help.
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The Database Objects box

The Database Objects box displays the measures available in the attached Express database. Once you have dropped a measure in the OLAP Panel Grid, the measure's associated dimensions are also listed in the Database Objects box. In the OLAP Panel, the Database Objects box uses a tree structure to show the dimensions, values, and measures in the database, and to represent their relationships. These elements of a database are discussed below.
measure
dimension view by dimension value view by dimension level
The Database Objects box in View by dimension value mode, showing dimensions and measures. The box shows the name of the Express database and server name, in the above example xademo and Chester respectively.
The OLAP Panel
24
Dimensions A dimension is one of the organizational elements of a database. A dimension lists components that you group according to the requirements of your business. For example, YEAR, QUARTER, MONTH, and DAY can comprise a time dimension. In Express, a dimension can have one or more hierarchies, which identify the values that contribute to subtotals and totals in the data. For example, DAY can appear in different TIME hierarchies: YEAR, QUARTER, MONTH, DAY and YEAR, WEEK, DAY. BusinessObjects dimensions support default or standard hierarchies. In the Database Objects box of the OLAP Panel, a dimension is represented by the symbol. Dimension value Dimension values, also referred to as values, identify data needed for specific purposes. For example, BOSTON, MIAMI, and NEW YORK can be dimension values for a CITY dimension. In the Database Objects box of the OLAP Panel, a dimension value is represented by the cube symbol. Level A level corresponds to a set of dimension values in a hierarchy. For example, the CITY level corresponds to the dimension values BOSTON, MIAMI, and NEW YORK in the DISTRICT hierarchy. In the Database Objects box, a level is represented by the double cube symbol. Measures A BusinessObjects measure is an Express variable or formula associated with specific dimensions. For example, a SALES measure may be associated with MONTH, PRODUCT, and DISTRICT. In the Database Objects box, measures are represented by the pink ball symbol and contained in a folder named Measures, which is represented by the pink ball folder symbol.
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Viewing the database objects

To show or hide the Database Objects box, click Show/Hide Database Objects.
Show/Hide Database Objects
You can view the Database Objects box in one of two modes: dimension value or level. You can select the mode by clicking one of the option buttons below the Database Object box. View by dimension value When you view the Database Objects box in dimension value mode, you can select individual values of a dimension and drag them into the Grid or Filters box. For example, if you want to view values for Q1 only, first view the outline by dimension value, then drag Q1 into the Grid. View by level When you view the Database Objects box in level mode, you can view and select the levels in the database dimensions. For example, if you want to view values for all quarters, first switch the mode to view by level, then drag the Quarter symbol into the Grid. In view by level mode, the dimension and its levels appear.
Database Objects box in view by level mode.
The OLAP Panel
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The filters box

Filters restrict the data values returned from the database and allow you to view data by slices. The Filters box allows you to place one or more dimensions, values, or levels that act as filters on the Grid. The Grid applies filters to measures based on the selected values of the dimension.
Show/Hide
To show or hide the Filters box, click Show/Hide Filters. You can position the filters vertically within the Filters box if there are at least two filters in the Filters box. To do so, click Wrap Filters.
Wrap Filters
A filter based on the Market dimension
The grid
The Grid is an area of the OLAP panel that you populate with dimensions and measures from the Database Objects box. The Grid can display many dimensions, values, and measures at any one time. It is made up of three areas:
Area 1, the body, is typically the drop point for measures. Area 2, the down edge, is a drop point for dimensions. Area 3, the across edge, is a drop point for dimensions.
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The toolbar
The buttons on the toolbar allow you to modify the OLAP Panel display, reverse actions, hide or display areas of the OLAP Panel, and add or remove values. The toolbar buttons are described below.
The OLAP Panel toolbar
Toolbar Button Description Displays or hides the Database Objects box in the OLAP Panel. Displays or hides the Filters box in the OLAP Panel. Displays or hides the Status Bar in the OLAP Panel. Aligns filters horizontally within the Filters box. Any filters that cannot be viewed on one line in the Filters box are displayed on a second, third, or further line. Allows you to reverse actions you performed. When you click the button for the first time, you reverse the most recent action; the second time you click the button, you reverse the action preceding the most recent one. In this way, you can reverse up to five consecutive actions. Displays the Add/Remove Panel, which allows you to add values to, or remove values from, a dimension as necessary. The panel is useful for obtaining more refined data values. Allows you to exchange the dimensions and measures in the down edge with those in the across edge. Swap Edges does not alter the values of dimensions in any way. Opens the Dimensions Properties dialog box, which allows you to modify the properties of the selected dimension.
The OLAP Panel
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Using the OLAP Panel
chapter
30
Overview
Working with the OLAP Panel includes: swapping or moving dimensions in the Grid applying filters and drilling on them adding or removing values from dimensions drilling up or down setting information retrieval and appearance options creating BusinessObjects reports
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Working with the Grid

The Grid contains the dimensions and measures necessary for reporting and analysis. The data values are the intersections of these dimensions and measures. To begin populating the Grid drag a measure from the Database Objects box and drop it in the Grid. When you drop a measure into the Grid, its associated dimensions become visible in the Database Objects box and in the Grid. You can remove all values from the Grid at any time by clicking Clear.
Swapping dimensions
1. Click a dimension that you want to swap and hold down the mouse button. 2. Hold down the Shift key and drag the dimension until it is on top of the dimension you want to swap. 3. Release the mouse button.
TIP To swap the contents of the Down Edge with the contents of the Across Edge, Swap Edges. You can swap dimensions between the Filters box and the Grid, and within either of these two boxes.
Moving a dimension or a measure

1. Click the dimension or measure you want to move and hold down the mouse button. 2. Drag the dimension or measure to the desired location, then release the mouse button.
TIP You can move dimensions not only inside the Grid and Filters box, but also between these boxes.
Working with the Grid
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Removing a measure
You can remove a measure from the Grid in either of the following ways: Right-click the measure's name, then select Remove Measure on the popup menu that appears. or Drag the measure from the Grid and drop it in the Database Objects box.
Resizing the columns of the grid

1. Position the pointer over the right border of a column. 2. Use the left mouse button to drag the border to the left or right. 3. Release the mouse button when the column is the appropriate size.
NOTE
You cannot resize individual columns.
Resizing the rows of the grid

1. Position the pointer over the bottom border of a row. 2. Use the left mouse button to drag the border up or down. 3. Release the mouse button when the row is the appropriate size.
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Working with Filters

Filters, which restrict the data returned from the database, appear in the Filters box of the OLAP Panel. When you begin populating the Grid by adding a measure, the measure's dimensions appear in either the Filters box or the Grid. You can move dimensions between the Filters box and the Grid to obtain the results you want.
NOTE
When you perform actions in the Grid, the status bar indicates the results of the action.
Applying a filter
Drag the dimension from the Grid and drop it in the Filters box.
Removing a filter value

1. Right-click on the filter. 2. In the popup menu that appears, select Remove Current Value.
Adding or removing dimension values

1. Right-click on the filter. 2. In the popup menu that appears, select Add/Remove Values. The Add/Remove Panel appears. 3. In the Filters tab, select and move the values you want: To... add values, Select... values in the Available Dimension Values list box. Either click the arrows pointing to the Selected Dimension Values list box, or drag the selection and drop it in the list box. values in the Selected Dimension Values list box. Either click the arrows pointing to the Available Dimension Values list box, or drag the selection and drop it in the list box.
remove values,
Drilling on a filter
1. With the right mouse button, click the filter you want. 2. In the popup menu that appears, select Drill Down or Drill Up.
Working with Filters
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Changing Dimension Properties

The Dimension Properties dialog box allows you to change the properties of a selected dimension and the appearance of the BusinessObjects report. To open the Dimension Properties dialog box, do one of the following: Click Dimension Properties. In the Database Objects box, right-click a dimension or measure, and in the popup menu that appears, select Dimension Properties. The Express Dimension Properties panel appears.
Dimension Properties
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Express Dimension Properties
Option selection Apply sort defined on server
Description In the BusinessObjects report, displays values in the same order as in the Express database.
Turn hierarchy into a single Displays all the hierarchy levels as one dimension Report Dimension in the BusinessObjects report. Display totals after subitems Display totals after the subitems in the BusinessObjects report. To activate this option, you must check Apply sort defined on server and Turn hierarchy into a single Report Dimension. Indentation Controls the appearance of the BusinessObjects report. To activate this option, you must check the Turn hierarchy into a single Report Dimension. Subitems: Applies a left indent to the subitems in the report. Totals: Applies a left indent to the totals in the report.
Changing Dimension Properties
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Using the Add/Remove Panel

The Add/Remove panel lets you manage data retrieved from the Oracle Express database by adding values to, or removing values from, the dimensions in the OLAP Panel, one value at a time. You cannot apply one value at a time when you work directly in the OLAP Panel. The Add/Remove panel contains tabs representing the areas of the OLAP Panel in which you can place dimensions. Each tab appears only when the corresponding area contains at least one dimension. The Filters tab allows you to select the values of the dimensions used as filters in the Grid. The Down Edge tab allows you to select the values of the dimensions in the Down Edge of the Grid. The Across Edge tab allows you to select the values of the dimensions in the Across Edge of the Grid.
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Adding values to a dimension

1. Click Add/Remove Panel to display the Add/Remove panel. The panel shows all the dimensions currently populating the Grid and the Add/Remove Filters box. Dimensions are located in any one of the three tabs: Filters, Down Panel Edge, or Across Edge. 2. Click the tab in which the dimension is located. 3. In the Available Dimension Values list box, select the dimension containing the value you want to add. 4. Click the + beside the dimension to view all its values. 5. Select the value(s) you want to add. - To select consecutive values, hold down the Shift key, then click the first and last values you want to add. - To select nonconsecutive values, hold down the Ctrl key, then click each value you want. 6. To add the selected value(s), do one of the following: - To add the selection to the target dimension only, click the specific dimension in the Selected Dimension Values list box, drag the selection, and drop it in the box. - To add the selection to all possible target dimensions, click the right arrow.
TIP You can gain access to the Add/Remove panel from the Grid: Right-click a dimension or dimension value. From the popup menu, click Add/ Remove Values.
Using the Add/Remove Panel
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Removing values from a dimension

Add/Remove Panel
1. Click Add/Remove Panel to display the Add/Remove panel. The panel shows all the dimensions currently populating the Grid and the Filers box. Dimensions are located in any one of the three tabs: Filters, Down Edge, or Across Edge. 2. Click the tab in which the dimension is located. 3. In the Available Dimension Values list box, click the + beside the dimension or measure to view all its values. 4. Select the values you want to remove from the dimension. - To select several consecutive values, hold down the Shift key, then click the first and last values you want to add. - To select nonconsecutive values, hold down the Ctrl key, then click each value you want. 5. To add the selected value(s), do one of the following: - To add the selection to the target dimension only, drag and drop the selection in the Selected Dimension Values list box. - To add the selection to all possible target dimensions, click the left arrow button.
TIP You can gain access to the Add/Remove panel from the Grid: Right-click a dimension or dimension value. From the popup menu, click Add/ Remove Values.
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Drilling in the OLAP Panel

Drilling is a means of analyzing data by examining it from different viewpoints and levels of detail. The Grid allows you to drill through the levels of the hierarchy. You can drill up or down on one or all selected values in a dimension. You can drill on a dimension in the Grid or in the Filters box.
Drilling down
Drill down is an operation that expands the levels of a dimension. When you drill down one level, you expand the dimension values to include those at the lower level. The values at this lower level are known as the children of the higher level value, called the parent. You can drill down until you have reached the bottom of the hierarchy; at that point, the Drill Down command is dimmed on the popup menu. To drill down on a dimension: 1. Right-click the dimension or one of its values. A popup menu appears. 2. From the popup menu, select a drill down command. Command Drill Down on Selected Occurrence Drill Down on all Occurrences
TIP To drill down on all occurrences, double-click a dimension. To drill down on a selected occurrence, press Ctrl and double-click a dimension.
Action expands the dimension by only one level below the selected dimension or value. expands the dimension by one level below all the selected dimensions or values.
Drilling in the OLAP Panel
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Drilling up
Drill up is an operation that collapses the levels of a dimension. As a result, the values in the levels below the current value are no longer visible. You can drill up until you have reached the top of the hierarchy; at that point, the Drill Up command is dimmed on the popup menu. To drill up from a dimension: 1. Right-click the dimension or one of its values. A popup menu appears. 2. From the popup menu, select a drill up command. Command Drill Up on Selected Occurrence Action collapses the dimension by only one level below the selected dimension or value.
Drill Up on all Occurrences collapses the dimension by one level below all the selected dimensions or values.
TIP To drill up on all occurrences, press Shift and double-click a dimension. To drill up on a selected occurrence, press Ctrl + Shift, then double-click a dimension.
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Setting General and Fonts Options

To set or change options relating to the control of data volume and the font used in the Grid: 1. In the OLAP Panel, click Options. 2. In the General tab: - specify the dimension/measure value labels - type a label for undefined values - set a limit for the number of dimension values - specify a data retrieval option - select a filter option Refer to the section titled General Tab Options below. 3. In the Fonts tab: - select the element of the OLAP Panel to which you want to apply formatting - select the font, size, style, and color Refer to the section titled Fonts Tab Options below. 4. When you have completed your selections in both tabs, click OK.
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General tab options

The General tab allows you to manage the volume of data retrieved by specifying: dimension/measure value labels undefined data labels the number of dimension values a limit for the number of rows and columns of retrieved data You can choose to receive a warning if the data from the server exceeds a specified number of rows or cells. filter fetch and display parameters By default, the data retrieved from the server is filtered by the dimension values displayed in the Filters box. However, you can choose to retrieve all the values of a dimension but display only the filtered values in the report. You can also retrieve and display all values.
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General tab option Dimension Value Labels
Option selection
Description Lets you manage the length of the values displayed in the Grid.
Short labels Long labels Value Undefined Data Labels NA Spell
Displays the values' short labels. Displays the values' long labels. Displays the values as they are defined in the database. Lets you manage the way undefined values appear in the Grid. Displays the text that appears in the Grid when undefined values occur. To change the current text, highlight the text then type the new text.
Dimensions without hierarchy Data Retrieval
Limit number of Lets you set a limit for the number of dimension dimension values to retrieve in the Grid or filter values when a dimension without hierarchies is inserted in the Grid. Lets you limit the quantity of data retrieved from the server. Warn if number Displays a warning message when you of rows attempt to retrieve more than the specified exceeds number of rows of data. Enter the desired number in the text box. Warn if number Displays a warning message when you of cells attempt to retrieve more than the specified exceeds number of cells. Enter the desired number in the text box. Array fetch size Lets you specify the size of the packets of rows to retrieve.
44
General tab option Filters
Option selection
Description Lets you customize the filters you applied in the OLAP Panel.
Fetch only current filter values Fetch all filter values but display only current values
Filters the data on the dimension value(s) currently displayed in the Filters box of the OLAP Panel. This is the default option. Retrieves all the values in the filters but the report shows only the values currently displayed in the OLAP Panel Filters box. Though you cannot see some of the values in the report, you can still use them in the report.
Fetch and Retrieves and displays all the values of the display all filter filtered dimensions. Thus, you deactivate the values filter but can reactivate it later by editing the data provider.
45
Font tab options

The options in the Fonts tab let you format the text and numbers appearing in the OLAP Panel. By default, text and numbers are formatted as Arial, Regular, size 10.
Fonts tab option Apply to
Option selection
Description Select the section of the OLAP Panel to which you want to apply the font: Filters, Down Edge, Across Edge, or Grid. Changes the font of the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. Select the font you want, or type the name of the font in the box above the list. Changes the style of the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. Select the style, or type the name of the style in the box above the list. Changes the font size of the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. Select a font size, or type the size you want in the box above the list.
Font
Style
Size
46
Fonts tab option Colors
Option selection
Description Changes the color of the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. Double-click the box to display the color palette. Select one of the standard colors displayed, or create your own custom color by clicking Define Custom Colors.
Effects
Underline Strike
Adds a line under the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. Adds a line through the characters in the selected section of the panel. Shows a sample of text formatted with the settings you have selected. Applies the settings you have chosen to the text and numbers in the selected section of the panel. The OLAP Panel Options dialog box remains open. Lets you restore the default font settings of the selected section of the panel.
Preview Apply
Default Font button
47
Express and BusinessObjects Reports

Once you have populated an OLAP Panel grid with the necessary dimensions, measures, and filters, you can create a BusinessObjects report. Then you can view and work in the report in BusinessObjects, and return to the Express OLAP Panel to edit or refresh the data provider. To create a BusinessObjects report: In the OLAP Panel, click Continue.
Structure mapping from BusinessObjects to Express

When you create a report from the OLAP Panel, BusinessObjects converts Oracle Express components to BusinessObjects components. The structure mapping is explained below. Oracle Express dimensions Express dimensions and BusinessObjects dimensions are not identical. Each Oracle Express dimension is converted into one BusinessObjects hierarchy of dimensions. Oracle Express measures Oracle Express measures are identical to BusinessObjects measures. Express measures tagged as Date or Text are converted into BusinessObjects dimensions. Oracle Express filters BusinessObjects uses the filters to create a master/detail report. For every value in a filter, BusinessObjects creates in the report a section that contains a master and a detail. The value of a filter is the master and the data values associated with the filter become the detail.
48
OLAP Panel
Business Objects Report
The illustration above shows a populated Express grid and the BusinessObjects master/detail report generated from it.
49
Viewing the report

Once you have created a report from the OLAP Panel, you can use any of the features of BusinessObjects to view or format the contents of your report. Viewing the structure The Express server performs aggregations and calculations based on the Database Outline, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the values in the report. The BusinessObjects calculation engine does not automatically perform the calculations. You can use BusinessObjects Data Manager to view all the values retrieved from the Express server. The values identified with #OlapAll are the aggregate values the Express server returns for a dimension. Server values The report displays all the data values associated with the dimensions, measures, and filters you selected in the OLAP Panel. By default, these values include the aggregate values or server values returned by the Express server calculation engine. Server values are calculated in the Express server because BusinessObjects is unaware of the consolidation, relationships, and formulas defined in the Database Objects. You can make your own calculations in the report. To do so, you must specify the values you want by modifying the formula in a cell: Server values are defined with the formula: =(ServerValue<Profit>), for example =Sum(ServerValue(<Profit>)) Local values are defined with the formula: =(<Profit>), for example =Sum(<Profit>)
50
Example of server values and local values in a report In the report below, two sets of totals are shown: local values and server values. The upper totals are local values. These aggregates are the sum of the profits by quarter for western cities displayed in the report. The lower totals are server values. These aggregates are the sum of the profits by quarter for the cities in all the regions, not just the western cities.
local values server values
51
Index
A
Add/Remove panel adding values 37 purpose 36 removing values 38 dimensions adding values 37 changing properties 34 defined 24 in BusinessObjects reports 47 moving 31 removing values 38 swapping 31 documentation CD 7 feedback on 8 on the web 7 printed, ordering 7 roadmap 7 search 7 Documentation Supply Store 7 drilling in the OLAP Panel 39
B
Business Objects consulting services 9, 11 documentation 8 Documentation Supply Store 7 support services 9 training services 9, 11
C
connecting to Express server for a new report 16 from existing report 20 consultants Business Objects 9 creating reports 47 customer support 9
E
education see training Express server connecting to 16 defined 21
D
data retrieval option 43 Database Objects box purpose 23 viewing modes 25 demo materials 7 Developer Suite 8, 10 dimension value label option 43 dimension value, defined 24
F
feedback on documentation 8 filters adding dimension values 33 applying 33 drilling on 33 in BusinessObjects reports 47 options 44 purpose 26, 33 removing a value 33 removing dimension values 33 font settings 45
Index
52
G
Grid defined 26, 31 drilling down 39 drilling up 40 drop points 26 illustrated 26 moving dimensions 31 moving measures 31 populating 31 purpose 26 removing measures 32 resizing columns 32 resizing rows 32 swapping dimensions 31 working with 31
options data retrieval 43 dimension value labels 43 filters 44 fonts 45 general 42 undefined value labels 43
R
reports creating 47 structure mapping 47 viewing the structure 49
S
search documentation 7 server values 49 support customer 9
K
Knowledge Base 10
L
level, defined 24
T
Tips & Tricks 8 toolbar buttons, described 27 training on Business Objects products 9
M
measures defined 24 in BusinessObjects reports 47 moving 31 removing 32 multimedia quick tours 8
U
undefined value label option 43
V
values. server 49
O
OLAP Panel defined 21 drilling 39 toolbar 27 Online Customer Support 9
W
web customer support 9 getting documentation via 7 useful addresses 10
Index

Business Objects Express

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Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

BusinessObjects Enterprise 6 Windows

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

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Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Maximizing Your Information Resources

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Maximizing Your Information Resources

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

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Business Objects Documentation mailbox documentation@businessobjects.com Product documentation www.businessobjects.com/services/ support.htm

Feedback or questions about documentation.

The latest Business Objects product documentation, to download or view online.

Tips & Tricks www.businessobjects.com/forms/ tipsandtricks_login.asp

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Address Online Customer Support www.techsupport.businessobjects.com

www.businessobjects.com/services Business Objects Education Services www.businessobjects.com/services/ education.htm

Useful addresses at a glance

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

About this guide

Conventions used in this guide

Maximizing Your Information Resources

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

What is the Express OLAP Access Pack?

What is the Express OLAP Access Pack?

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Connecting to an Express server for a new report

New Report Wizard

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Server version Object UUID

Transport Host Endpoint

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Connecting to an Express server from an existing report

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

The OLAP Panel

The OLAP Panel

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

Introducing the Express OLAP Access Pack

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide

The Database Objects box

dimension view by dimension value view by dimension level

The OLAP Panel

Express OLAP Access Pack Users Guide