A variable filter is a filter in the Query section that is resolved only when a query is processed. At that time the user is prompted to select or enter filter values and complete the constraint. You can use variable filters in standardized Interactive Reporting document files and distribute them to users to supply different filter values for each process.
Variable filters work particularly well with custom lists. If a custom list has been saved with a variable filter, the user can respond to the prompt by selecting a value from the custom list.
For example, you may use an Interactive Reporting document file monthly to monitor inventory levels. Each time you use the Interactive Reporting document file, you run it separately for each product line you carry. You can accelerate the process by making the filter variable on the product line item, and create a custom values list. Each time you process the Interactive Reporting document file, you can select a new product line without redefining filters.
To set a variable filter:
If necessary, add a topic item to the Filter line and define a filter.
If you are providing a custom list, make the values available to the list of values.
You must select at least one value in the list to save the filter, even if no custom list is provided and the user clicks Show Values to choose from database values. This selection does not influence the values available to the variable filter, which offers all values in the database or in the custom list.
Choose Query, then Variable Filter.
The Filter item is displayed with a V(1) beside the item name to indicate it is a variable filter.
If other items are set to variable filters, they are displayed with V(2), V(3), and so on, to indicate the order in which the user is prompted to respond to Variable Filter when the query is processed.