Sort columns using input controls in read-only access

[Former Member]

Web Intelligence input controls have been introduced in SAP Business Objects Web Intelligence 3.1.

The document goal is to help end users to use input controls to change report behavior, design, appearance, etc. using some Web Intelligence functionalities that are only available for report creators.

This document is one of different documents to be published soon.

Sort columns using input controls in read-only access

As an end user, I would like to be able to change the column sort in a given block.

If I only have “read” rights I am not able to change and I need to ask the designer to do it for me and to republish the document.

This seems a bit painful to me because what this is a very convenient feature that I would like to have as an end user.

To solve this issue, we will create an input control to dynamically change the sort column. Moreover, we will also add a conditional formatting to highlight the column currently used for the sort.

We have to create 3 variables:

• Sort column: is a dimension and contains the position of the column in the block.
  Formula: =1
• Sorted measure name: is a dimension and contains the name of the sorted column. This variable references “Sort column” variable and used in the conditional formatting.
  Formula: =If [Sort Column] = 1 Then "Extended Amount"
  ElseIf [Sort Column] = 1 Then "Extended Amount"
  ElseIf [Sort Column] = 2 Then "Freight Cost" …
• Sorted column: is a measure and contains the sorted column. This variable references “Sort column” variable and used in the sort.
  Formula: =If [Sort Column] = 1 Then [Extended Amount]
  ElseIf [Sort Column] = 1 Then [Extended Amount]
  ElseIf [Sort Column] = 2 Then [Freight Cost] …

The conditional formatting rule change the color of the column header when the column is sorted and is using “Sorted measure name” variable.

The sort is easy and based on “Sorted column” variable.

Now, we have to create the input control based on “Sort column” variable.

Now, I can change the sorted column in read-only mode.

You can download the document I used to illustrate my purpose.

You can also view the video posted on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FGSWaPP-CbQ

Didier MAZOUE