Custom Workbooks and Datasets

In SuiteAnalytics Workbook, you analyze your company data using two distinct objects: a dataset and a workbook.

Datasets are the basis for all workbooks and workbook visualizations in your account. In a dataset, you combine fields and filters to create a query, and the results become the source data for your workbook visualizations. A single dataset can be used in multiple workbooks and visualizations, so to avoid data issues, only dataset owners or users with the Analytics Administrator permission can edit or delete them. When you update a dataset, those changes automatically display in any workbook visualizations that use it. This means you don't need lots of datasets in your account, and it lets less experienced users build complex workbooks.

Workbooks are where you analyze the results of your dataset queries using different visualizations, such as tables, pivot tables, and charts. Every workbook visualization is based on a dataset or a set of linked datasets, and you can use different datasets for each visualization. You can access the dataset connected to a workbook visualization from the Dataset Panel. When you make a new visualization, you can base it on a new dataset or any existing datasets you have access to. You can also link two datasets to use as the basis for your visualizations, which lets you compare metrics from both datasets in one place.

To better understand the functionality and relationship between datasets and workbooks, see the following table:

Functionality

Dataset

Workbook

Add fields and join record types?

Yes

You define the source data for your workbook visualizations by adding fields and joining record types in a dataset query.

—

If you want to add fields or join record types to a workbook visualization, you must edit the underlying dataset.

Create visualizations?

—

The dataset is only where you query your business data. To see the results, create a workbook visualization based on the dataset.

Yes

The workbook is where you analyze your dataset query results using tables, pivot tables, and charts. You can use a different dataset for each visualization.

Automatically propagate edits to other workbook visualizations?

Yes

A single dataset can be used in multiple workbooks and workbook visualizations. To avoid data errors, any edits you make to a dataset are automatically updated in those visualizations.

—

Workbooks and visualizations in your account are independent. If you edit a visualization, your changes only affect that one visualization.

Currency conversion or consolidation?

Yes, but only with custom formula fields.

Prior to 20.1, currency conversion or consolidation was applicable from the Data Grid in the Dataset Builder. As of 20.1, you can only apply currency conversion and consolidation to a field from within a workbook visualization unless you create a custom formula field. For more information, see Currency Conversion Using Custom Formula Fields.

Yes

You can convert and consolidate field values to a specific currency right from the user interface in any workbook visualization. For more information, see Currency Conversion from the User Interface.

Sharing?

Yes

You can share a dataset with other users in your account as its own object, or as part of a shared workbook. Recipients of a shared workbook cannot edit the underlying datasets but can edit and save their own versions of the datasets using different names. For more information, see Accessing and Sharing Workbooks and Datasets.

Yes

Shared workbooks include all workbook visualizations and any datasets they're based on.

Translatable text?

Yes

You can translate the name, description, and fields of a dataset. For more information, see Manage Translations.

Yes

You can translate the name, description, and fields of the workbook and its visualizations. For more information, see Manage Translations.

Conditional formatting?

—

You can sort and filter dataset results but you can't use conditional formatting in them. Use workbook table views and pivot tables to highlight results.

Yes

You can highlight or add icons to your table and pivot table results based on rules you set. For more information, see Conditional Formatting.

Dataset linking?

—

Yes.

Link definitions are a part of the workbook where you create them, so you can use linked datasets for multiple visualizations, but only in that workbook. For more information, see Dataset Linking in SuiteAnalytics Workbook.

For information about making a dataset, including how to join record types or create custom formula fields, see Defining a Dataset.
After you define your dataset, you can filter the results using criteria filters based on existing or custom values. For more information, see Dataset Criteria Filters.
For information about creating a workbook from a dataset, see Creating a Workbook. You'll find steps for setting up visualizations and getting to your underlying datasets.
To learn the difference between formula fields and calculated measures, see Formula Fields and Calculated Measures.
You can link two datasets in your workbooks to analyze metrics from both datasets in a pivot table or chart. For more information, see Link Datasets in a Workbook.

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