Comparing Tabular Layouts, Matrix Layouts, and QueryLink

PS/nVision offers two kinds of report layouts: tabular layouts and matrix layouts. The major difference between them is how they specify the data to retrieve from the database. In general, tabular layouts lend themselves to detailed transaction reporting, while matrix layouts are more appropriate for summarized reporting and analysis.

Tabular layouts are simpler than matrix layouts. They use a query defined in PeopleSoft Query to retrieve data. The columns in the report correspond to the fields returned by the query; the rows in the report correspond to the rows in the query result set. You can specify a heading row, a first result row, and a totals row (if you need one). You can also use scopes in a tabular layout to filter your results.

Matrix layouts have data selection criteria based on the intersection of columns and rows in the spreadsheet, creating a criteria matrix. The data retrieved for an individual cell is determined by a combination of the criteria for its column and its row. Unless you are specifying a query in the matrix layout, all matrix layouts must have at least one TimeSpan, at least one ledger, and at least one ChartField as criteria.

You can specify a ledger, a query, or both a ledger and a query to retrieve data. For PeopleSoft Financials applications, matrix layouts most often use ledgers for data retrieval. PS/nVision knows automatically the tables to access and the fields to retrieve based on the ledger definition.

QueryLink is a PeopleSoft Query feature that enables you to send the results of a query directly to an Excel spreadsheet, bypassing the need for a PS/nVision layout. Any query results sent to Excel through QueryLink are based on the QUERY.XLT Excel template. To make any permanent changes to spreadsheets derived through QueryLink, make the changes to QUERY.XLT.

The following table shows some of the key differences between tabular layouts, matrix layouts, and QueryLink.

Feature/Function	Matrix Layout	Tabular Layout	QueryLink
Data sources	Multiple queries and ledgers; labels.	Single query.	Single query.
Data	Numbers in matrix, text in labels and variables.	Text and numbers.	Text and numbers.
Data delivery	Matrix intersections of field criteria and queries (amounts) of label and field criteria (text).	Selected query result columns, one data row per spreadsheet row.	All query result columns, one data row per spreadsheet row.
Layouts	One per workbook.	Multiple worksheets per workbook.	None: produces one sheet in template workbook (QUERY.XLT).
Selection criteria	Scope Business Unit Effective Dates Query/Ledger TimeSpan Field Label String	Scope Query	Query
PS/nVision variables	Yes	No	No
Scope	Multiple instances from the layout workbook.	Multiple instances from the layout workbook.	None
nPlosion	Rows and columns.	None	None
Drilldown from instance	Yes	No	No
TimeSpans	Yes, with data keyed by year, period.	No	No
Number of layout sheets allowed	One	Many	One