A formula is a combination of operators and functions as well as dimension names, member names, and numeric constants. You can associate formulas with dimensions, members, user-defined members, and measures.
Following are some guidelines for working with formulas:
Formulas in block storage models must be in the standard Essbase calculation script format.
In formulas, member names surrounded by quotation marks, such as "Root Beer" or "Cream Soda", are handled differently depending on their source.
When entering a formula directly into the Formula text box in Essbase Model Properties, use this format:
"Root Beer"+"Cream Soda";"
When referencing a external source column in the From External Source field in Essbase Model Properties, in the relational source, enter a backslash (\)before each quotation mark; for example:
\"Root Beer\"+\"Cream Soda\"
When working with BSO cubes built in Performance Management Architect, in the Member Formula BSO field in Performance Management Architect surround the entire formula in quotation marks; for example:
""Root Beer"+"Cream Soda""
If you do not follow the format guidelines above, the result is that Essbase strips out the opening and closing quotation marks, for example, Root Beer"+"Cream Soda, making the formula invalid.
When working with aggregate storage models:
Formulas must be expressed in MDX format. Use the appropriate MDX syntax; for example, (PROFIT*100)/SALES. The % operator is not supported in MDX formulas.
You can specify formulas only for members within a dynamic hierarchy.
For more information on working with formulas, see the Oracle Essbase Database Administrator's Guide.