Matrix Layout Components

To create a matrix-based report, you define intersecting criteria in the layout. For example, the Beverages column in the example displays sales data where the product type is a beverage. The row criterion limits the displayed data even further. The first row displays only the data for the Asia Pacific region. The second row displays only the data for the North America region, and so on.

You can specify data selection criteria at the level of the entire spreadsheet, or at the level of a row, column, or individual cell. Generally, you specify criteria at the highest applicable level to avoid repeating criteria at the lower levels. If you have criteria that apply to the entire worksheet, (ledgers and TimeSpans are common global criteria), you specify them at the worksheet level (cell A1). If you have criteria that apply to a row, you enter the criteria in column A for that row. You enter column criteria in Row 1 in the applicable column, and you enter criteria that are unique to a single cell in that cell only.

Note:

Cell criteria affect the efficiency of the report, so you should use them only when necessary.

nPlosion

If a field criterion uses a tree node value, nPlosion automatically adds rows or columns that contain the detail values found under that tree node in the format you specify in your layout. This creates a group of rows or columns that can be summarized—showing just the tree node value—or expanded to show the detail values and the summarized values.

You can also use nPlosion to show detailed TimeSpan information.

TimeSpan

A TimeSpan limits query or ledger results to those from a particular time period. Although you can use TimeSpans in a query-based matrix layout, they are more commonly used in ledger-based layouts.

SetIDs and Business Units

PS/nVision uses the setID you specify when creating a matrix layout to determine available choices when you define layout criteria. If the Use Business Unit in nVision option is clear, you can omit the setID, but it is recommended that you specify one. If you enter one, it must be valid. To set the Use Business Unit in nVision option, select PeopleTools, and then Utilities, and then Administration, and then PeopleTools Options.

Effective Dates

When you define a matrix layout, you must always enter an effective date. Like a setID, this controls available values for defining criteria. For some criteria, you can override the global effective date.