Can you create a variable with a calculated fixed value?

building reports desktopintelligence
1

I need to calculate a variable based a value in segment two for selection and then dividing qty actual by qty budget to derive a % that will be then be used to multiply *(times) cost actual of the other segment twos within a certain product group.
When I creat the variable and use it in a new variable to do that multiplication and then drag that value into a new column, it recalculates line by line with a new percentage.
I want that original % as my multiplier.
Any suggestions?
I appreciate your help.
Thanks!

Sheila Carper (BOB member since 2007-02-08)

2

1.) Are you doing this in a report, or in a universe object’s definition?

2.) If a report, which reporting tool are you using? (Full-client/DeskI, WebI, or Crystal?)

3.) Which version of BusinessObjects are you using?

After you add that information, a moderator can move this topic to the correct sub-forum of “Building Reports”.

Anita Craig :us: (BOB member since 2002-06-17)

3

Thank you for your response.
1.) I am trying to create my variable in the report.

2.) I am using Full-client (Logged on thru InfoView).

3.) We are on V6.5 of Business Objects.

I will appreciate any help I can get on this subject.

Sheila Carper
Application Support Specialist
Shockey Precast Company

Sheila Carper (BOB member since 2007-02-08)

4

OK, then – moving from “General Discussion” to “Building Reports” ==> BusinessObjects Classic (which is for “Reporter”/ZABO versions up through 6.5.x).

So, then – give us a little more information. When you say you are multiplying by a percentage – is that, too, a variable in the report?

Have you read up on report contexts? In my 5.1 User’s Guide, it’s in Chapter 15, which is called “Calculation Contexts and Extended Syntax”. If you need a value, say, calculated for the entire report level – then the “In Report” context might “freeze” that variable’s value for you.

If you have a cell which already has the variable that is its correct “context” – you can click that cell – select the “Define as Variable” command from the Data Menu – and then click the “Evaluate the formula in its context” radio button to see it its extended syntax.

Anita Craig :us: (BOB member since 2002-06-17)

5

Anita,
Thanks again for your response.
The answer to your latest question,
“So, then – give us a little more information. When you say you are multiplying by a percentage – is that, too, a variable in the report?”
The answer is YES.
In other words this ‘frozen’ value is stored as a variable, and then used in another variable to recalculate all accts lines within a product.
The ‘frozen’ variable is then recalculated when a new product code is determined.
I have looked at your suggestion. I cannot seem to find any info on Report context, or Calculation context in my 6.5 BO users manual.
I have selected the cell with the correct % value, defined it as a new variable and selected 'Evaluate the formula in its context.
However I have been able to then use it in a variable as a calculation per line item. I will continue to see if I make this one work in any manner for me on this report.
Please let me know if you have any other questions or suggestions.
Thanks again.
Sheila

Sheila Carper (BOB member since 2007-02-08)