Working with Formula Expressions

In the text box on the Member Formula tab, you can include predefined formula expressions in member formulas, and test them with the Validate button. You can also load them.

You can update the dimension outline without updating the business rules and calc scripts that depend on the outline. Calculations become more independent of specifics in the outline. You can use Smart Lists as objects in calculations. Performance isn't decreased when you use formula expressions because they are run only when you refresh the database.

To use a formula expression in a member formula:

1. Click the Navigator icon , and then under Create and Manage, click Dimensions.
2. Select the dimension with which you want to work.
3. Select the member and click Edit.
4. Select Member Formula.
5. Select options for the following fields:

   • Cube

     Note:

     With the exception of Account formulas, a formula entered for the default cube will be applied to all cubes unless it's overridden by a different formula entered for a specific cube.

     Also, a default formula on Account members will only be transferred to Oracle Essbase for the source cube and not for any of the other cubes. A default formula won't be transferred to any aggregate storage cubes.

   • Data Storage: Select a data storage option. The default is Store.

     Note:

     The cube specific data storage field will not display the Shared or Label Only options. This is because a member can't be set to Shared or Label Only in one cube and not another.

   • Solve Order: Specifies the order in which formulas are evaluated. Enter a whole number between 0 and 100000 (or use arrows to increase or decrease the number). The formulas for members that have a specified solve order are calculated in order from the lowest solve order to the highest. The default is 0.

     Note:

     Solve order is available for aggregate storage cubes and also for block storage cubes that are enabled for Hybrid. Solve order for block storage cubes is only editable using the Simplified dimension editor. See Accessing Edit Member Properties.

6. In the text box, define formulas for the member.

   You can include business process formula expressions and Essbase native formulas in the member formula.

   The business process provides predefined formula expressions that you can use in member formulas. You can't edit or create your own formula expressions.

7. Optional: To check the validity of the member formula, click Validate.
8. Optional: If there are errors in the member formula, click Show Details to view a description.
9. Optional: Click Reset to restore the previous member formula if you don't want to save the changes you made to the member formula.
10. Click Save.