hyperion help system
 computed columns
 job scheduler notes
 other tips & techniques

hyperion help system

The built-in Hyperion Help system is the first place the data warehouse group looks to answer the question, "How do I...?". Unlike other software help modules that tell you what you already know. The Hyperion help system is robust and full of useful examples. There are two versions of Hyperion help.

• Hyperion Interactive Reporting and Workspace Help: The PDF versions of these files are accessed from the Training folder within the MyReports environment. This help is specific to using the MyReports interface, publishing, and scheduling queries.
  
• Hyperion Interactive Reporting help: This help system is accessed from within either the Hyperion Interactive Reporting web plugin or the desktop version. This help contains detailed information on every aspect of the Hyperion Interactive Reporting application.

There are four types of sections within Hyperion Interactive Reporting where you can create derived fields or "computed" columns. In the query section request line you can create computed columns using SQL expressions. The syntax is specific to the SQL database to which you are attached. For all data warehouse queries this is Oracle's flavor of SQL.

You can also create computed columns in the results and pivot sections. The syntax used in these sections is a modified JavaScript. When you select "add computed item" from the results or pivot menus you are presented with a design interface. You can use the internally defined functions to manipulate your data or standard JavaScript methods.

You can also use computed columns in a report section. Here you are restricted to straight JavaScript expressions and to specific report related objects.

Here is an example of a popular computed column that combines different address fields into on one column that can be use on reports. Blank lines are ignored and the next line "slides" up so no blank lines appear in the address.

• Creating an "address slide" with JavaScript.

  (Length(Curr_Addr_Line1)>0?Curr_Addr_Line1 + "\n":"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_Line2)>0?Curr_Addr_Line2 + "\n":"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_Line3)>0?Curr_Addr_Line3 + "\n":"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_City)>0? Curr_Addr_City:"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_State)>0?", "+Curr_Addr_State:"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_Zipcode)>0? " "+Curr_Addr_Zipcode +"\n":"")+
  (Length(Curr_Addr_Country_Sh_Desc)>0?Curr_Addr_Country_Sh_Desc + "\n":"")+
  Curr_Addr_Phone

  How does it work?

  syntax - ( [test _value] ? [do this if true] : [do this if false] )

  If [test_value] exists, it evaluates as true
  Otherwise [test_value] evaluates false

  "\n" starts a new line

  So the first line of the scripts reads as:
  If Curr_Addr_Line1 has a string length greater then 0, write that value and start a new line, Otherwise write nothing (empty string), add next expression...

  No need to test last field ,Curr_Addr_Phone, either it is there or it isn't.

other tips & techniques

• Section Boundaries: When working with a report, turn on the section boundary viewer.  It will make your work much easier.  From the main tool bar select: Report - Section Boundaries.

• Editing text labels can be tricky. A subtle mouse technique is required. There are two different highlight conditions. A mouse click with a hesitation at the bottom of the click will yield a thin boundary around the label with handles. You can copy and paste the whole label, change the size, font, text wrap, and alignment. A quick mouse click that does not hesitate at the bottom of the click yields a thick blue outline with handles. All you can do is edit the text, and nothing else.