If a variable filter has been set for the query by the designer of the Interactive Reporting document, the filter selections must be resolved before the query is refreshed and sections can be imported. At that time, the user is prompted to select or enter filter values and complete the constraint. Two methods of applying variable filters are available: Show Values and Custom Values.
The Show Values method retrieves all potential values associated with the items from the database. This allows you to consider and select from the actual range of values when selecting a filter. This type of filter is useful when setting filters accurately without being familiar with the contents of the database. Because Show Values retrieves every unique value available, it is best not to use this feature when the data item is large, consists mostly of unique values, or does not change frequently (for example, telephone numbers). In the situation, Custom Values are recommended when you want to avoid extra calls to the database.
The Custom Values method retrieves a list of potential values saved with the filter or read from a file. This method enables you to select values from a pre-defined pool. One reason to use custom lists with a distributed document is that many data items change very rarely. For example, a Gender item has three consistent values (male, female, and unknown). A Product line item has many more items, but may only change every year or so. Under these circumstances, it makes sense for you to select from a custom values list, rather than continuously querying to show database values. The initial custom values shown in the values pane originate and are saved with the document
To specify a variable filter using the Show Values method:
Select Show Values from the Values dropdown.
Select Include Nulls to allow null values to pass the filter and appear in the data set.
Expand the (Comparison Operator) dropdown and select a comparison operator for the filter. Values which meet the comparison test are included in the edit pane.
Check Not to reverse the operator selected in step 3.
Select the values that you want to include in the filter definition by highlighting them in the edit pane. Use the left mouse button to select the values you wish to include. The value will be highlighted. The [Ctrl] and [Shift] keys can be used to select multiple values.
Click Apply.
To specify a variable filter using the Custom Values method:
Select Custom Values from the Values dropdown. A list of custom values associated with the variable filter are displayed in the edit pane.
Select Include Nulls to allow null values to pass the filter and appear in the data set.
Expand the (Comparison Operator) dropdown and select a comparison operator for the filter. Values which meet the comparison test are included in the edit pane.
Check Not to reverse the operator selected in step 3.
Select the values that you want to include in the filter definition by highlighting them in the edit pane. Use the left mouse button to select the values to include. The value will be highlighted. The [Ctrl] and [Shift] keys can be used to select multiple values.
Click Apply.