Global Software, Inc.'s Executive Dash User Manual. Release V12 R5 M6

Transcription

1 Global Software, Inc.'s Executive Dash User Manual Release V12 R5 M6 Worldwide Headquarters 3201 Beechleaf Court Raleigh, NC USA EMEA Headquarters 500 Chiswick High Road London, W4 5RG UK +44 (0)

2 Executive Dash All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means - graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the publisher. Microsoft, Excel, Windows, Word, Office, Access, Outlook, and SQL Server are all registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM, DB2, iseries, and AS/400 are trademarks or registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. BPCS and INFINIUM are registered trademarks of Infor Global Solutions. JACK HENRY trademarks are owned by Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. Oracle and JD Edwards are registered trademarks of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. SAP is a registered trademark of SAP AG in Germany and in several other countries. Trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks, or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers in the United States and/or other countries. Global Software, Inc. is not associated or affiliated in any manner with the respective owners of the foregoing trademarks, trade names or service marks unless expressly stated otherwise. The respective owners of the foregoing trademarks, trade names or service marks have not endorsed, certified or approved any of Global Software, Inc.'s products for use in connection with their respective products. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document. Printed: January 2012

3 Contents I Table of Contents Part I Executive Dash Overview 4 Part II Executive Dash Installation 5 1 Additional... Components 5 2 Installing Executive... Dash 7 3 Registration... 8 Portable License Registration Uninstall... Process 12 Part III Query Designer Architecture 13 1 Ribbon Menu Explorer... File System Panel 17 3 Query Catalog... Panel 18 4 Query View... Panel 20 Table Menu Parameters... Panel 22 6 Field List... Panel 23 Field List Menu Builder Panel SQL Text... Panel 27 Part IV Establishing Connections and Settings 28 1 Connections User Settings Part V Working In The Query Designer 34 1 Starting a... New Query 34 2 Saving the... Query for the First Time 36 3 Adding Tables Creating... Relationships 39 5 Selecting... or Creating Query Fields 42 Fields Used Direct... from Source Table 43 Assigning Aliases to... Fields 44 Creating/Editing Calculated... Fields 46 Selecting Fields... from a Table 47 Creating Date Fields Using the CASE... Builder 51 EXD Row Get Values Adding Criteria Global Software, Inc.

4 II Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Hard Coded Criteria Creating and Using... Parameters 61 Parameters in Query... Designer vs Excel 61 Standard Parameters... in the Query Designer 62 Smart Parms Criteria... Entry Rules 64 Smart Parms in... the Query Designer 65 Parameters in Excel Create a Group... By Query 69 8 Create the... EXQ Field 71 9 SQL SHELL... Function Viewing Results... and Exporting Data 74 Test-Execution of Query ResultsContainer Features Custom Grid Layouts Copy/Export Records Query Management Download or Publish... Query Exchange Queries 81 Textual Query Definition Ad Hoc Queries Sample Ad Hoc Query Designing... Reports 89 Selecting Fields/Adding... Labels 90 Formatting Grouping Adding Totals View Log... Entries 97 Part VI Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 99 1 Navigation... in Excel 99 ExecDash Menu EDash Toolbar EDash Ribbon Download... Queries from Query Exchange Creating... Formulas within Excel Build a Template Formula... Assistant Creating... and Using EXQ Formulas Creating... and Using EXD Formulas 124 Sample EXD Formula... Targeting a Cell 127 Sample EXD Formula... Targeting a Range 129 Sample EXD Formula... Targeting a Table Creating... and Using EXS Formulas Creating... and Using EXI Formulas Spreadsheet... Server.Net Segment Lists 139 Create/Maintain Segment... Lists 139 Using Segment Lists... in an Executive Dash Formula Calculating... the Spreadsheet Global Software, Inc.

5 Contents Index Global Software, Inc. III 143

6 4 1 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Executive Dash Overview What is Executive Dash? Business end-users need key business data to be dynamic and accurate. Global Software, Inc.'s Executive Dash allows users to build dashboard type views of this critical business data. Executive Dash combines the robust features of Global's Spreadsheet Server with the ability to seamlessly retrieve business data and return that data for use within a spreadsheet. Users may leverage their knowledge of Microsoft Excel with the full confidence that company data can be dynamically retrieved into a spreadsheet. Executive Dash allows users to continue to work with a product that they use daily but now with vastly improved capabilities to reach the data contained in their business systems. Executive Dash Components The Executive Dash product consists of three components: Query Designer, Excel add-in, and Query Exchange. Query Designer is a visual tool which allows the user to design, maintain, and run queries. The Excel add-in portion of Executive Dash allows the user to execute Query Designer queries on a spreadsheet, returning dynamic business data. Query Exchange is an online depository of queries from which the user may download selected queries to the Query Designer and then utilize them in Excel. Access to each component is based upon the license assigned to a user. Evaluation -- limited query usage in Excel, limited access to Query Exchange Standard -- unlimited query usage in Excel, unlimited access to Query Exchange Professional -- unlimited query usage in Excel, unlimited access to Query Exchange and Query Designer Features and Benefits Retrieve dynamic data within the company's enterprise databases (including IBM iseries, IBM AS/400, Oracle, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, SAP or DSN system databases) Build a query using system provided designer tool Import/export pre-configured queries from various sources, including Global's Query Exchange Execute a query on the fly to ensure data is presented as business needs dictate Simple file system for storing and listing queries in a tree structure, similar to Windows Explorer Use data from a spreadsheet as parameters for a query Easily create formulas in spreadsheets using system provided Formula Assistants Perform dynamic calculations with multi-level drill downs to view associated detail Copy and paste drill down data into spreadsheets

7 Executive Dash Installation 2 Executive Dash Installation 2.1 Additional Components 5 REQUIRED COMPONENTS Microsoft.Net Framework Microsoft.Net Framework 4.0 is a prerequisite for Executive Dash. If it is not installed, then the Executive Dash setup program will force the install. Microsoft Visual Studio Tools for Office Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Tools for Office Runtime is a prerequisite for Executive Dash. If it is not installed, then the Executive Dash setup program will force the install. OPTIONAL COMPONENTS Based upon the database type to which Executive Dash is connecting to, additional software components may be required prior to processing. Contact your IT department to determine what is required to be installed. iseries DB2 Database Both the ODBC and the OLEDB Provider components of the IBM iseries Access for Windows (formerly named Client Access Express) must be installed onto each PC which will use Executive Dash. Run the setup program within IBM iseries Access for Windows to determine that the ODBC and OLEDB Provider components are installed. Microsoft Access Database To access an Access database file, the source.mdb file will need to be referenced when the connection is created in Executive Dash. Microsoft SQL Server Database No further software needs to be loaded to provide connectivity to SQL Server database, as the ODBC driver used is already loaded with Windows. Global Software, Inc.

8 6 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Oracle Database No further software needs to be loaded to provide connectivity to an Oracle database, as Global provides a direct connection. SAP Database To access a SAP database, SAP Netweaver 7.0 or higher must be installed onto each PC which will use Executive Dash. Disk space requirements on the server are negligible (less than 10 Meg). The SAP adapter is imported to the system via an SAP transport in the "/ZGLBSOFT/" reserved namespace. This is an SAP approved mechanism for third party software which ensures no standard/custom code is overwritten on the customer system. No additional servers or server hardware is required. Data Source Name (DSN) Database From the desktop, select Start>Control Panel>Administrative Tools>Data Sources (ODBC) to create the DSN.

9 Executive Dash Installation Installing Executive Dash NEW INSTALLS 1. Check system compatibility: go to select Run Licensing System Communication Verification and click Start. The system displays a message indicating the results of the test. 2. Close any open sessions of Excel. 3. Run the Setup.exe program from the installation CD -or- from the downloaded and uncompressed zip file from Global's web site. Follow and respond to the installation prompts. Global recommends taking the defaults. During the standard install process the system automatically initiates the Executive Dash add-in for Excel and installs a custom Executive Dash ribbon for use in Excel. Note: For Citrix users, run SetupCitrix.cmd instead of Setup.exe to install Executive Dash WITHOUT having the system automatically enable the Executive Dash add-in for Excel. Note: If not previously installed, the setup program will force the install of required components prior to installing Executive Dash (see Additional Components). 4. After the installation has completed successfully, it is recommended to: Reboot if directed to do so. Perform a Windows Update to check for.net Framework Version 4.0 updates and load them if necessary. For those connecting to an iseries or SAP database, ensure that the appropriate components are installed for connectivity (see Additional Components). For new installs only, register the product for the user (see Registration). 5. Repeat the steps above for each Executive Dash user. UPGRADE INSTALLS Generally upgrade installs follow the same process as a new install. Occasionally there are exceptions, so it is important to read Upgrade Guidelines published when a new version is released. Global Software, Inc.

10 8 2.3 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Registration After the completion of a new install it is necessary to register the product for the user. The registration function is also used to release a license key and to unregister the product for the user, thus allowing the license to be assigned to a different user. The registration function may be accessed from within either the Query Designer or the Excel component of the product. Note: An internet connection is required for registration. If you do not have an internet connection and must register manually, contact Global for instructions. If the product is manually registered then the user will not have access to the Query Exchange component. Note: Registration and license information for a user may be shared across PCs, thus allowing for a 'floating' license that is tied to the user and not to a specific PC (see Portable License Registration). 1. From within Query Designer: From the desktop, click Start>Global Software Executive Dash>Executive Dash. The Query Designer panel appears. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select View>View Registration. The Executive Dash Register Online panel appears. From within Excel: In Excel from the ExecDash menu, toolbar or ribbon, select Settings. The Settings panel appears. On the Settings panel, click the Online tab and then click the View Registration button. The Executive Dash Register Online panel appears. -OR In Excel from the EDash ribbon, select View Registration. The Executive Dash Register Online panel appears. Nav Tip:If the user has not registered, this panel automatically appears when Query Designer or Excel is opened.

11 Executive Dash Installation Global Software, Inc. 9

12 10 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 3. Use the table to enter data on the Executive Dash Register Online panel. Field Description Required Fields: First Name The following fields, with the exception of Ext, are required when registering the product for a user. Specify the user's first name. Last Name Specify the user's last name. Phone Specify the company phone number for the user. Ext Specify the company extension number for the user. Address Specify the user's address. Verify Address Confirm the user's address. Optional Fields: License Key The following fields are optional when registering the product for a user. Company Specify the license key to be assigned to the user. Note: If a license key is not entered, the user is assigned a Evaluation license with limited functionality. Specify the company name. Address 1 Specify the first line of the company address. Address 2 Specify the second line of the company address. City Specify the city in which the company is located. State/Region Specify the state or region in which the company is located. Postal Code Specify the postal code for the company. Country Specify the country in which the company is located. User ID Displays the user's Windows user ID. User Code Displays the unique code generated by the application for the user. GUID Displays the system-assigned ID number for the user. Max Queries Displays the maximum number of unique queries that may be used by the user per Excel workbook and the license type for the user. Valid license types are Evaluation (limited query usage, no access to Query Designer), Standard (unlimited query usage, no access to Query Designer), and Professional (full functionality). Buttons Description Unregister User Unregisters the user and clears all fields on the panel. Note: May not unregister a user unless first release the license key assigned to the user. Goes to Global's website, allowing the user to contact Global in regards to purchasing an Executive Dash license. Removes the license key currently assigned to the user, allowing the license key to be assigned to another user. Buy License Release License 4. To register the user or update user data, click Submit. Note: After the required registration data has been entered and submitted, an will be sent to the user, and the user will be required to click on the link within the to verify registration.

13 Executive Dash Installation Portable License Registration When Executive Dash has been installed concurrently on a second PC for a single user, registration and license information for the user may be shared across PCs, thus allowing for a 'floating' license that is tied to the user and not to a specific PC. Note: An internet connection is required for this process. 1. After the installation has completed successfully on the second PC, open Excel. The Executive Dash Register Online panel appears. 2. On the Executive Dash Register Online panel, click Exit. 3. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, toolbar or ribbon, select Settings. The Settings panel appears. 4. On the Online tab of the Settings panel, select the Enable Web Based Licensing check box and click Save. 5. Close Excel. 6. Open Excel. The Executive Dash panel appears prompting the user to select whether or not they are a registered user. 7. On the Executive Dash panel, select the appropriate response and continue processing. No, I am a new user and need to register -- click OK. The Executive Dash Register Online panel appears. Refer to Registration for how to proceed. Yes, I am a registered user -- enter the address for the displayed current user and click OK. The system verifies and records the registration information and closes the panel. Global Software, Inc.

14 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Uninstall Process It is not necessary to uninstall Executive Dash prior to installing new versions. An uninstall should only be performed in order to completely remove the product from the PC. 1. Start Excel. 2. For Excel 2003: From the Excel menu, select Tools>Add-Ins. The Add-Ins panel appears. De-select the add-in named Global's Executive Dash, and click OK. For Excel 2007: Click the Office button. The Office Menu panel appears. Click the Excel Options button. The Excel Options panel appears. Select Add-Ins, and click Go. The Add-Ins panel appears. De-select the add-in named Global's Executive Dash, and click OK. For Excel 2010: From the Excel ribbon, select File>Options. The Excel Options panel appears. Select Add-Ins, and click Go. The Add-Ins panel appears. De-select the add-in named Global's Executive Dash, and click OK. 3. Ensure the ExecDash menu no longer appears. 4. Exit Excel. 5. From the desktop, click Start>Control Panel>Add or Remove Programs. 6. Select the Global Executive Dash program and click the Change/Remove button.

15 Query Designer Architecture 3 13 Query Designer Architecture The Query Designer is a visual tool which allows the user to design, maintain, and run queries. The following chapter gives an overview of the various parts of the Query Designer, and describes the basic navigation. 1. From the desktop, select Start>Programs>Global Software Executive Dash>Executive Dash. The Query Designer panel appears. Global Software, Inc.

16 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Ribbon Menu The Query Designer's many functions are accessed via a Ribbon menu. Menu Item Description Globe Button: Menu used to create, open, close and save queries. New Closes any open query and begins the process to create a new query. Open Query Opens a browser window, allowing the user to locate a query anywhere on the network. Closes the active query. Close Query Save Query Save As Saves the active query. The first time a new query is saved the Save As dialog box appears. Saves the active query to a different target location and/or file name. Exit Exits the Executive Dash application. Recent Documents Lists recent queries previously opened in the Query Designer. May click on a query in the list to reopen the query. Quick Access Toolbar: Opens a browser window, allowing the user to locate a query anywhere on the network. Saves the active query. The first time a new query is saved the Save As dialog box appears. Closes the active query.

17 Query Designer Architecture Menu Item Description Home Tab: Main menu used to maintain and execute queries. Add Table Add Parameter EXD Limit Change Connection Definition Lib= Un-Locked / Locked Save Query Close Query All Records 15 Allows the user to add an available table from the current connection. Refer to Adding Tables for more information. Allows the user to define a parameter to be utilized as field criteria. Refer to Standard Parameters in the Query Designer for more information. Specifies the number of records to be returned in Excel when a EXD formula is generated. Allows the user to change the connection for the selected query. Copies the open query definition to Notepad. This is useful for documenting queries. Refer to Textual Query Definition for more information. Defines the library of the active query. Locks or unlocks, based upon the current query status, the query to prevent modification of the query. Saves the active query. The first time a new query is saved the Save As dialog box appears. Closes the active query. 1,000 Records Executes the active query and returns all records. Note: Press F5 as a shortcut to execute all records for the query. Executes the active query and returns the first 1000 records. Single Record Executes the active query and returns the first record. Prompted Executes the active query and returns a prompted number or records. Execute EDQ Executes the select statement only portion of the query. Abort Aborts the currently active executing query. Explorer File System Displays queries located in the EDQ file repository directory location as defined in the Settings. Refer to Explorer File System Panel for more information. Displays queries located in the query catalog (EXQLMAST.MDB) as defined in the Settings. Refer to Query Catalog Panel for more information. Note: This option is not available when the Enforce File System View option is selected in the Settings. Returns the top left panel to the open query's table view. Refer to Query View Panel for more information. Publishes the query to Global's online query depository, Query Exchange. The user is prompted to key a query description if one is not currently assigned. Global reviews all published queries prior to promoting them to Query Exchange. Goes to Global's online query depository, Query Exchange, allowing the user to download queries to Query Designer. Refer to Download Queries from Query Exchange for more information. Menu used to manage active connections. Query Catalog Query View Publish Search Online Connection Tab: Manage Disconnect All Open Connections Global Software, Inc. Opens the Connections panel, allowing the user to maintain connections. Refer to Connections for more information. Disconnects all open connections.

18 16 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Menu Item Description File System Tab: Clone Menu used to manage queries located in the EDQ file repository. Note: This menu is only available when the Explorer File System option is selected on the Home menu. Copies the selected query. Delete Deletes the selected query. Upgrade EDQs for File System Catalog Tab: Clone Query Converts EDQ files from the Query Catalog to the Explorer File System. Menu used to manage queries located in the Query Catalog. Note: This menu is only available when the Query Catalog option is selected on the Home menu. Copies the selected query. Remove Query Deletes the selected query. Change Description Allows the user to change the description of the selected query. SQL Font Menu used to modify user settings, and to access Ad Hoc Queries and other reporting functions. Defines the font used in the SQL Text panel. Font Size Defines the font size used in SQL Text panel. Decrease Spacing Decreases the spacing in the tables on the Query View panel. Increase Spacing Increases the spacing in the tables on the Query View panel. Ad Hoc Queries Opens the Ad Hoc Query panel, allowing the user to create and maintain ad hoc queries. Refer to Ad Hoc Queries for more information. Opens the Report Designer panel, allowing the user to create and maintain user designed reports. Refer to Designing Reports for more information. Previews query driven designed reports. View Tab: Report Designer View Report View Log File Settings View Registration Opens the Log Viewer panel, where the user may view information and error log entries, copy selected log entries, or clear the log file. Refer to View Log Entries for more information. Opens the Settings panel, allowing the user to defined various criteria to control processing. Refer to User Settings for more information. Opens the Register Online panel, allowing for registering the user, releasing the license key or unregistering the user. Refer to Registration for more information.

19 Query Designer Architecture Explorer File System Panel The Explorer File System panel is a view of the default folder and subdirectories for EDQ files, and the query (EDQ) files located within the directories. Options in Settings define the default folder and limit the fields displayed on the panel (see User Settings). 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select Home>Explorer File System. The Explorer File System panel appears. 2. Use the table to reference the contents on the Explorer File System panel. Field Description Explorer File System View Directory Tree Name Initially displays the default folder location for Explorer File System queries, as defined in the Settings. File name for the query (EDQ). Description User defined query description. Connection Connection used by the query. Size File size of the query. Modified Date and time the query was last modified. Modified By User ID of the last user who modified the query. 3. To sort the queries in the panel by name, description, modified by or modified date and time, click on the desired column header. To resort in descending order, click the desired column header a second time. 4. To open a query, double click the query name. The Query View panel appears. 5. To return to the Explorer File System panel, from the Ribbon select Home>Explorer File System. Global Software, Inc.

20 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Query Catalog Panel The Query Catalog panel is a view of the queries located in the Query Catalog file (EXQLMAST.MDB). The Query Catalog is a repository for information related to a group of queries. Note: This option is not available when the Enforce File System View option is selected in the Settings (see User Settings). 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select the Home>Query Catalog. The Query Catalog panel appears. 2. Use the table to reference the contents on the Query Catalog panel. Field Description SQLName SQLConnectionName File name for the query. Note: Queries in blue are listed in the Catalog and have an associated visual layout definition file (i.e. filename.edq). Queries in red exist in the catalog but do not have a visual layout defined. Name of the connection assigned to the query. SQLDescription User defined query description. SQLQueryFileName EDQ file directory path location for the query. 3. To sort the queries in the panel by name, connection, description, or location, click on the desired column header. To resort in descending order, click the desired column header a second time. 4. To group queries in the panel and simplify the view of the Catalog, drag and drop the appropriate column header into the dark gray area. The system groups the queries based upon the selected header. The catalog may be expanded and collapsed based on the heading selected. To return back to the detail view of the catalog, drag and drop the summarized field back into the header row.

21 Query Designer Architecture 5. To open a query, double click the query name. The Query View panel appears. 6. To return to the Query Catalog panel, from the Ribbon select Home>Query Catalog. Global Software, Inc. 19

22 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Query View Panel The Query View panel is used to visually layout a query. Tables and relationships for the query are displayed in this panel. 1. In Query Designer, when a query is opened, the Query View panel appears for the selected query. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed from the Ribbon, by selecting Home>Query View. 2. Use the table for available functions on the Query View panel. Function Description Add a Table Move a Table Right click in any open gray space away from a relationship line. The Tables panel appears allowing the user to select additional tables. Refer to Adding Tables for more information. Drag the table header to another spot on the screen. Resize a Table Left click and drag on the blue box at the bottom right of the table. Create a Relationship Click on a field from one table, then drag and drop it on the appropriate field in another table. Refer to Creating Relationships for more information. Double click on a relationship line -or- select a relationship line and right click. Refer to Creating Relationships for more information. Double click on a field to add it to the selected fields on the Field List panel. Refer to Fields Used Direct from Source Table for more information. Modify a Relationship Select a Field

23 Query Designer Architecture Table Menu The Table menu is accessed from the Query View panel, and allows the user to access/process various functions associated with the selected table. 1. On the Query View panel, right click on the header section of the desired table. The Table pop-up menu appears. 2. Use the table to identify menu functions on the Table popup menu. Field Description Change Database/Library Opens the Select Library panel, allowing the user to select a different database/library from which to retrieve the table data. The newly selected database/library name appears in the table header section. Updates the fields listed for the table. Refresh Field Names from Database Set Table Alias Remove Table Global Software, Inc. Opens the Table Alias panel, allowing the user to enter an alias name for the table. Note: This function does not apply to SAP tables. Removes the table and any associated relationships and selected fields from the query.

24 22 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 3.5 Parameters Panel The Parameters panel is used to create parameters and test values to be used in the query. This enables the user to test a query directly in the Query Designer prior to using it in Excel. 1. In Query Designer, when a query is opened, the Parameters panel appears for the selected query. 2. Use the table to reference the contents on the Parameters panel. Field Description ID System assigned parameter ID number. Description Parameter description, generally the field name. Value Default test parameter value. 3. To add a new parameter, click the Add button. The Add a Parameter popup panel appears. Refer to Standard Parameters in the Query Designer for more information. 4. To alter the description or value for a parameter, click within the desired field and a blinking cursor appears allowing changes. 5. To save a change to an existing parameter, click the Save button. 6. To delete an existing parameter, click the Del button. 7. To resize a parameter column, click and hold the left or right edge of the column header and drag to the desired width. 8. To sort the parameters in ID number, click on the ID column header. To resort in descending order, click the ID column header a second time. 9. To rearrange the columns, click and hold a column and drag to the desired location.

25 Query Designer Architecture Field List Panel The Field List panel displays the fields included in the query and the field attributes that will be utilized to retrieve the data. In addition, the panel displays information as to how the data will be grouped, sorted, displayed and selected. 1. In Query Designer, when a query is opened, the Field List panel appears for the selected query. 2. Use the table to reference the contents on the Field List panel. Field Column Description Type Type of field. Valid types are T (text), N (numeric), D (date), B (Boolean) and U (unknown). Field name from the source table. In addition, an alias name may be assigned to the field. The alias name appears in front of the actual field name. Field Name Table Name Group By Sort Type Sort Order Visible Criteria 1-6 Example: Field name is CNME and the alias name is Customer Name. Source table from which the field is being retrieved. The value "(none)" appears for a calculated field. Indicates how the field is being grouped. This column only appears when the Totals function is being used. Refer to Create a Group By Query for more information. Indicates whether or not to use the field for sorting, and how to sort the field. Valid values are (none), Ascending, and Descending. Indicates the order by which the query data will be sorted. The field with the lowest number is the first sort key. Indicates whether or not the field will be visible in the query output. By default all fields are visible. De-selecting the option for a selected field will allow the field to be used as selection criteria, but not included in the query output. Specific values, parameters, or expressions to be used as selection criteria when retrieving query data. Criteria entered vertically in the same column are combined with a logical AND. Criteria entered horizontally across columns are combined with a logical OR. Click the ellipse button ( ) for the appropriate field to access the Builder for entering criteria expressions. Refer to Builder Panel for more information. Global Software, Inc.

26 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Field List Menu The Field List Menu is accessed from the Field List panel, and allows the user to access/process various functions associated with selected query fields. 1. On the Field List panel, right click on a field. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. Use the table to identify menu functions on the Field List popup menu. Option Totals Description Toggles to display or hide the Group By column. Refer to Create a Group By Query for more information. EXQ (Summary) Field Creates summary SQL code for the selected field. Refer to Create the EXQ Field for more information. Alias (... AS nnnnnn ) Allows the user to manually assign an alias name to the selected field. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. Add Field Descriptions as Creates aliases for each field in the query using the field descriptions Aliases from the table schema. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. Add Smart Parm for This Field Creates a smart parameter and assigns it to the selected field. Refer to Smart Parms in the Query Designer for more information. Add Calculated Field Opens the Builder window that avails the user to the query source tables and parameters, and provides tools to aid in creating a calculated field. Refer to Creating/Editing Calculated Fields for more information. Edit Calculated Field Opens the Builder window for a selected calculated field. This menu selection is inactive when evoked over a field that is not a calculated field. Refer to Creating/Editing Calculated Fields for more information. Move Field Up/Down Moves the selected field up or down one line. An alternative to this is to drag the selected field with the mouse and drop it in the desired location. Delete Field Deletes the selected field from the query.

27 Query Designer Architecture Builder Panel The Builder may be used to enter query criteria or create calculated fields. The Builder panel may be accessed from the Field List panel by: Selecting the ellipse button located in one of the seven criteria fields. Selecting a field, right clicking and selecting Add Calculated Field -or- Edit Calculated Field. (Refer to Creating/Editing Calculated Fields for more information.) Builder Operation Buttons Operation buttons are provided on the Builder panel to assist the user in building expressions. Global Software, Inc.

28 26 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Builder Functional Buttons Additional functional buttons are available on the Builder panel. Button Description iseries, Oracle, SQL Server Tabs: Current Date Each tab has specific features to support the appropriate server. Some features are not available on all tabs. Inserts the expression for the current date into the query. CASE Builder 90 Days Ago TRIM (<expr>) YYDDD Julian Date to Date CYYDDD Julian Date to Date YYYYDDD Julian Date to Date YYYYMMDD Numeric Date to Date In ('x','x') Get Values Opens the CASE Builder window. The completed CASE statement is then pushed into the original Builder panel. Refer to Using the CASE Builder for more information. Inserts the (CURRENT DATE - 90 DAYS) expression. The "- 90" may then be changed to different values. Trims leading and trailing blanks. Inserts a selected Julian date field with the YYDDD format into an expression that converts the field into an actual Date Type field. The Infinium system saves dates in this format. Inserts a selected Julian date field with the CYYDDD format into an expression that converts the field into an actual Date Type field. The JD Edwards system saves dates in this format. Inserts a selected Julian date field with the YYYYDDD format into an expression that converts the field into an actual Date Type field. The Jack Henry system saves dates in this format. Inserts a selected date field with the YYYYMMDD format into an expression that converts the field into an actual Date Type field. The BPCS system saves dates in this format. Record is valid if field criteria is in the comma-delimited list. Retrieves each distinct value of a selected field. Refer to Get Values for more information. Misc Tab: COALESCE %USER% Converts null values to a value specified in the function (the default is 0). Replaces the ROW number of the Excel row when used as detail results in an EXD formula. Replaces the username in the connection to the data. %WINDOWSUSER% Replaces the Windows User ID when executing the query. %EXDROW%

29 Query Designer Architecture SQL Text Panel The SQL Text panel displays the SQL text to be executed for both a detail query and an EXQ (summary query). Auto Generate Mode By selecting the Auto Generate check box (the default) the application continually updates the text to reflect changes made in the visual layout. Manual Mode If desired, SQL text may be manually entered or the auto-generated SQL text may be manually modified. For example, manual entry is required for establishing a SHELL to process an external program (refer to SQL SHELL Function for more information). 1. De-select the Auto Generate check box. A popup panel appears. 2. On the popup panel, specify whether or not to copy the auto-generated SQL text. The Auto Generate label is set to red, indicating in manual mode. Yes -- leaves any previously auto-generated SQL text in the SQL text box. No -- clears all data from the SQL text box. 3. Toggling back and forth from auto-generate to manual mode, the system saves the changes for the life of the query. When the query is saved the text that is currently displayed in the SQL text box will be the executed SQL statement. Global Software, Inc.

30 28 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4 Establishing Connections and Settings 4.1 Connections The Database Connection process allows users to create connections to the following data sources: Microsoft Access System DSNs with variable SQL Syntax IBM DB2 (iseries / AS400 ) Oracle SQL Server SQL Server based Web Services SAP 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select Connection>Manage. The Connection Management panel appears. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed in Excel by selecting the ExecDash menu or EDash ribbon equivalent (see ExecDash Menu or EDash Ribbon). 2. To create a new connection, click the New button -or- click the Globe button and select New Connection from the menu.

31 Establishing Connections and Settings Use the table to enter data on the Connection Management panel. Field Description Connection Type: Select the appropriate button to indicate the type of database. Connection Properties: Note: The connection type selected controls which of the following property fields are available. Specify the unique, user-defined name for the connection. Connection Name File Name Database Password DSN SQL Syntax Connection Type Host/IP Address Library SID on Oracle DB Port User Name Password Confirm Password Database Prompt for Input Use JDE Data Dictionary at Post Connection SQL Connections List: 4. Click Save to write changes. Global Software, Inc. For Access connections only, use the Browse button to navigate to and select the database. For Access connections only, enter any required database direct password. For DSN connections only, click the down arrow and select the DSN (data source name). For DSN connections only, click the down arrow and select the syntax type of the DSN. For iseries connections only, specify whether using OLEDB or ODBC for connectivity. For iseries connections, enter the server name or IP address. If blank and the Prompt for Input check box is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the server name when connecting. For Oracle connections, enter the Oracle local server name. For SQL Server connections, enter the SQL Server group name. For iseries connections only, enter the library name. Multiple libraries may be entered by separating each library with a comma. If blank and the Prompt for Input check box is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the library name when connecting. For Oracle connections only, enter the Oracle service name indicating where the database is located (i.e. VIS). For Oracle connections only, enter the port number (i.e. 1521). Specify the user name to be used to connect to the database. If blank and the Prompt for Input check box is selected, the user will be prompted to enter the user name when connecting. Specify the password associated with the above user name. If the Prompt for Input check box is selected, the field must be blank and the user will be prompted to enter the password when connecting. Rekey the password for verification purposes. For SQL Server connections only, click the down arrow and select the SQL Server database name. For iseries/oracle/sql Server connections, if selected the user will be prompted for sign on data when connecting. For iseries connections, select the check box and enter <Library>.<Data Dictionary file>. For SQL Server connections, select the check box and enter <Catalog>.<Database Owner>.<Data Dictionary file>. For Oracle connections in a multi-org environment only, click the MultiOrg button and specify the organization for this specific connection. The system then generates the post connection SQL statement that is be run to set the connections value. Displays a list of existing connections.

32 30 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5. To test a connection, select the connection from the list and click the Test Connection button. A green check mark displays confirming that the connection is successful or a red X mark appears if the connection was unsuccessful. 6. To modify a connection, select the connection from the list. The appropriate fields are made available. Make any necessary changes and click the Save button. 7. To delete a connection, select the connection from the list and click the Delete button. 8. To export or copy the connections file, click the Globe button and select Export Connections File from the menu. Browse to the desired location and click OK. The system copies the connections file to the new location and prompts as to whether or not to update the settings with the new location. 9. To select a connections file from a different location, click the purple circle ( to browse to and select the desired connections file. ) in the upper right hand corner

33 Establishing Connections and Settings User Settings Users Settings allow the user to define various criteria to control processing. The majority of the options define processing for all users on the PC; however, various options (allowed online access, online location, registered GUID) are defined for each individual user. 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select View>Settings. The Settings panel appears. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed in Excel by selecting Settings from the ExecDash menu -or- by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 2. Use the table to enter data on the Settings panel, or to access other functions. Field Description Spreadsheet Cell Display when Indicates the value to be inserted into a spreadsheet cell if the query "No Records Found" does not retrieve any valid values. Default Library Name Indicates the library name to be defaulted into the panel when converting an iseries query. Options: Queries Tab: Connection File Path QDConnections.xml Global Software, Inc. Identifies the local or network location of the connections file (QDConnections.xml) Note: This option is only available when the Enforce File System View check box is selected.

34 32 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Field Description Query Catalog Location Identifies the local or network location of the query catalog file (EXQLMAST.MDB). This is usually shared by users and located in a network location. Note: This option is only available when the Enforce File System View check box is NOT selected. Use Shared Connections File If selected, indicates for Executive Dash to use the connections file QDConnections.xlm in Same (QDConnections.xml) that is stored in the same location as the query Location catalog file. If not selected, Executive Dash will use the connections file in the path C:\Program Files\Global Software Executive Dash\Application Data. Note: This check box is only available when the Enforce File System View check box is NOT selected. Default Folder for EDQ Files Identifies the default root location or network location of the query files (*.EDQ). Enforce File System View If selected, Executive Dash only displays query files (*.EDQ) in a file system format. If not selected, Executive Dash supports both the File System and Query Catalog views. Note: If this setting is altered, Executive Dash requires a restart in order for the option change to take affect. Result Layouts Tab: Layout File Location Indicates the location of the ResultsContainer layout file. Render Right to Left If selected, indicates to display the text from right to left. Application Security Tab: Contains selections for enforcing application security. Enable Connection Based Security Online Tab: If selected, indicates a password has been assigned to gain access to the Connections Manager. Contains selections for online registration and processing. Default HTTP Address for Online Community Online Timeout Indicates the website for accessing online queries. Note: Global does NOT recommend changing this value. Indicates the length of time (in seconds) allowed for the system to send and receive web requests. View Registration Button Opens the Executive Dash Register Online panel, allowing for registering the user, releasing the license key or unregistering the user. Refer to Registration for more information. Default ERP Indicates the ERP database to default when searching for queries in Query Exchange. Click the down arrow and select the desired value. Refer to Download Queries from Query Exchange for more information. Enable Web Based If selected, enables the user to verify their registered license on a Licensing different PC, allowing for a 'floating' license that is tied to the user and not to a specific PC. Refer to Portable License Registration for more information. Use Proxy Server If selected, indicates to use the proxy server settings specified for connecting to the internet. When the option is selected, additional setting options become available for input. Address, Port, User Name, When the Use Proxy Server option is selected, specify the IP address, Password port number, user name and password to be used for connecting to the internet. Contains selections for trouble-shooting internet connectivity issues. Web Request Tab: This tab is only visible when the Enhanced Logging option is selected. Web Request Specify the web request to be verified. Submit Request Button Submits the specified web request.

35 Establishing Connections and Settings Field Web Response 33 Description Displays the results of the web request test. Enable Designer If selected, indicates the user is able to access the Query Designer. If not selected, the user is unable to access the Query Designer. Enhanced Logging If selected, additional error message logging and executed SQL code is recorded. Once an error has been resolved, it is suggested to clear the log file and to de-select the option for optimal processing. Refer to View Log Entries for more information. Nav Tip: Use the View Log button to display, or clear the log file. When the Enhancing Logging option is selected, an additional button, View the Error Log, appears on the EDash ribbon in Excel. Limit EXD to 64K Rows/Sheet If selected, indicates to limit the output of an EXD formula to 64,000 rows per sheet. When the query exceeds the limit, the query will terminate. If not selected, the query will not stop at 64,000 rows. Note: For Excel 2003 and prior users, it is suggested to select this option. For Excel 2007 (.xlsx) users, it is suggested to de-select this option to take advantage of the more than a million rows available. Enable Excel 2007 List Objects If selected, indicates that Excel 2007 is in use. Query Timeout Identifies the timeout limit assigned for query process time. Mixed Regional Settings If selected, indicates to allow the usage of double-byte characters (i.e. Japanese, Korean). If selected, indicates when Excel is started to display the Executive Dash Startup Tips panel, allowing access to the Executive Dash tutorial. If selected, indicates to display all query related fields on the Explorer File System panel. If not selected, indicates to only display query name, size and modified date/time, thus reducing retrieval time. If selected, indicates for the system to automatically assign the field description as the alias when a field is added to a query. If a field description does not exist, then the field name is assigned as the alias. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. Note: This function does not apply to calculated fields. Show Startup Tips in Excel Show EDQ Detail Auto-Alias Fields Button Function View Log Displays the Log Viewer panel, where the user may see information and error log entries, copy selected log entries, or clear the log file. Refer to View Log Entries for more information. Nav Tip: When the Enhancing Logging option is selected, an additional button, View the Error Log, appears on the EDash ribbon in Excel. Registers and adds the custom Executive Dash ribbon in Excel. This button is only displayed for Excel 2007 (and above) users when the Executive Dash ribbon is not currently registered. Add Excel Ribbon 3. Click Save to write changes and exit the panel. Global Software, Inc.

36 34 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5 Working In The Query Designer 5.1 Starting a New Query Use the following steps to create a new query. 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select the Globe button>new. The Query Name and Connection panel appears. 2. On the Query Name and Connection panel, specify a unique name and description (optional) for the query, and select which connection to use, then click OK. The Login panel appears. Note: If the desired connection is not listed, click the New button to open the Connections panel and create a new connection (see Connections).

37 Working In The Query Designer On the Login panel, enter the appropriate data (i.e. user ID and password), and click Login. The Tables panel appears. Note: The required login data is based upon the database type and connection setup (see Connections). Note: For SAP connections only, the Tables panel appears instead of the Login panel. After the user enters search criteria and clicks the Search button then the appropriate Logon panel appears. 4. Proceed to the next step, Adding Tables. Global Software, Inc.

38 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Saving the Query for the First Time It is recommended to save frequently during query creation/editing. The initial save of a query functions differently than when an existing query is saved. 1. In Designer Query from the Ribbon, select Home>Save Query. The Save As panel appears positioned to the default folder for EDQ files and the File Name is highlighted. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the Globe button menu or Quick Access Toolbar equivalent (see Ribbon Menu). 2. On the Save As panel, if necessary navigate to a different folder location. Note: DO NOT change the file name at this time (this includes changing the case of individual characters). If the query name needs to be changed it may be done later using the clone function. 3. Click the Save button. The system saves the query file (.EDQ), and a confirmation panel appears. 4. Click OK to continue. When using the File System View, the action is complete. When using the Query Catalog View, the Save to Catalog panel appears. Click Yes to complete the process of saving the query file (.EDQ) and updating the catalog with the new definition.

39 Working In The Query Designer Adding Tables New Query When creating a new query, the first task is to select the tables (files) required for the query. After logging into a database, the Tables panel appears listing tables from the database assigned to the applicable connection or specified on the previous Login panel. Note: For SAP connections only, the Tables panel does not initially list any tables. To list tables, enter search criteria (criteria for Description is case sensitive), click the Search button, and enter login data. Existing Query To add a table to an existing query, in Query Designer from the Ribbon select Home>Add Table. To Add Table(s) to a Query: 1. Use the table to enter data on the Tables panel. Global Software, Inc.

40 38 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Field Description Library For iseries or SQL Server connections, specify the library from which to retrieve tables for the list and for query execution. The value &Lib defaults indicating to use the database library specified on the Login panel. If necessary, use the drop down list to select a library. Enter a name or description in order to search for the desired table. For non-sap connections, each character typed filters the list. For SAP connections only, after criteria is keyed click the Search button. For SAP connections only, select the appropriate check boxes to indicate to apply the search criteria to the file name and/or description. Search For: File Name / Description 2. To add tables to the Favorites list, from the All tab on the Tables panel, select the desired table(s) and click Add to Favorites. The selected tables turn green and are added to the Favorites tab. Note: Any subsequent time the Tables panel is displayed for the associated connection, the Favorites tab defaults, reducing load time. 3. To select table(s) for a query, from the Tables panel: To select a single table -- double click the table -or- select the table and click the Add button. The table is added and the Query View panel appears. To select multiple tables -- press and hold the Ctrl key as tables are selected. Click the Add button. The tables are added and the Query View panel appears. To select multiple tables in a range -- select the first table in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and select the last table in the range. Click the Add button. The tables are added and the Query View panel appears. 4. To add another table to the query, from the Ribbon select Home>Add Table -or- right click in any open gray space on the Query View panel. The Tables panel appears. Repeat step 3 until all tables have been selected. 5. If the database environment has been changed (i.e. by the installation of a new version or maintenance fix of the ERP software that includes table additions or restructures), click the Refresh List from Database button ( ) to refresh the view of tables. The system re-reads the database schema, refreshes the tables listed and their structures. 6. If more than one table was selected for the query, then proceed to the next step, Creating Relationships. If only one table was selected, proceed to the step Selecting or Creating Query Fields.

41 Working In The Query Designer Creating Relationships If more than one table is selected in query, it is necessary to create a relationship or join between the tables. To Create a Relationship Between Two Tables: 1. On the Query View panel, drag and drop a field from one table to the corresponding field in another table. The system will draw a line indicating which fields are joined. Below the left mouse was dragged from the F0411.RPAN8 field and dropped on the F0101.ABAN8 field. 2. If necessary, repeat step 1 to create additional joins which may be needed to create the appropriate one-toone or one-to-many relationship between tables. 3. Once the relationship is properly defined, proceed to the step Selecting or Creating Query Fields. To Modify Relationship Properties: 1. On the Query View panel, double click the line connecting the two tables -or- select the relationship line and right click. The Relationship Properties panel appears. Global Software, Inc.

42 40 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 2. Use the table to enter data on the Relationship Properties panel.

43 Working In The Query Designer 41 Field Description Left Table In special cases, use the Left Table section to modify the field in the left table to adhere to SQL rules. Example 1: To join a text field to a numeric field a SQL command must be entered to convert the numeric field to a text field (i.e CHAR(<field>)). Right Table In special cases, use the Right Table section to modify the field in the right table to adhere to SQL rules. See Example 1 above for the Left Table section. By default an inner join relationship is selected, which includes only rows where the joined fields from both tables are the same. Additional options are available to join all records from the left table and only records in the right table where the joined fields match, or to join all records from the right table and only records in the left table where the joined fields match. If necessary, select a different join type by clicking the appropriate radio button. Select the option to indicate to trim (remove leading blanks) both of the joined fields. Joined Fields Trim Both Fields 3. To delete the selected join relationship, click the Delete Relation button -or- to delete all relationships in the query, click the Delete All Relationships button. 4. Once all changes are made, click OK. 5. Once the relationship is properly defined, proceed to the step Selecting or Creating Query Fields. Global Software, Inc.

44 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Selecting or Creating Query Fields Fields should be added to a query in the following general order: 1. Add fields that are to be used directly (as-is) from the source tables. Refer to Fields Used Direct from Source Table for more information. 2. Add table field descriptions as aliases. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. 3. Add calculated fields. Refer to Creating/Editing Calculated Fields for more information. 4. Rename any fields as desired. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information.

45 Working In The Query Designer Fields Used Direct from Source Table Use the following steps to add fields to the query that are to be used directly (as-is) from selected source tables. 1. On the Query View panel, double click the desired field from a table -or- drag and drop the field to the Field List panel. In the example below fields RPAN8 and ABALPH were selected. 2. Repeat step 1 until all of the fields that are to be used "as-is" have been selected. 3. To search for a field, enter the field name or description in the Search field. Each character typed filters the search. For example, to find the Vendor Invoice Number field enter the word "invoice" in the search field. All fields containing the word "invoice" are filtered in the table. Clear the Search field to remove the filter. Global Software, Inc.

46 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Assigning Aliases to Fields As field names from tables may be nondescript and confusing, assigning an alias name to a field assists in clarifying what the field is. There are three ways to assign aliases to fields. When assigning aliases to fields, it is important as to when each method may be used to assign aliases to fields. Auto-Alias Fields -- If the Auto-Alias Fields option is selected in Settings, then the system automatically assigns the field description as the alias when a field is added to a query. If a field description does not exist, then the field name is assigned as the alias. This function does not apply to calculated fields. Add Field Descriptions as Aliases -- The system creates aliases for each field in the query using the field descriptions from the table schema. Generally this option is used immediately after all fields that are to be used directly (as-is) from the source tables have been added to the query. Once a calculated field has been added, this method for assigning aliases is no longer available. Alias (... AS nnnnnn ) -- Allows the user to manually assign or modify an alias field name to a selected field. Generally this option is used after any calculated fields have been added. To Add Field Descriptions as Aliases: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on a field. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. On the Field List popup menu, select Add Field Descriptions as Aliases. The system uses the field descriptions from the table schema to assign aliases to each field in the query. Note: This function replaces any aliases assigned via the Alias (... AS nnnnn) function. Note: This function is not available after a calculated field has been added to the query. To Manually Assign or Modify a Single Alias -- Alias (... AS nnnnnn ): 1. On the Field List panel, right click on the desired field. The Field List popup menu appears (see above). 2. On the Field List popup menu, select Aliases (...AS nnnnnn). The Modify Alias panel appears. 3. On the Modify Alias panel, enter the desired alias value and click OK. The system assigns the alias field name to the selected field.

47 Working In The Query Designer Example: BEFORE aliases have been assigned (and before calculated fields have been added). AFTER Add Field Descriptions as Aliases has been processed. AFTER Alias (... AS nnnnnn ) has been processed for RPAN8, ABALPH and RPDOC. Note: When using an Access connection aliases are delimited by brackets instead of double quotes. Global Software, Inc. 45

48 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Creating/Editing Calculated Fields A calculated field is a field that is created instead of pulled directly from a source table. Use the following steps to begin the process to create a new calculated field or to modify an existing calculated field. Note: For SAP connections only, calculated fields are not applicable. To Create a New Calculated Field: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on a field. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. On the Field List popup menu, select Add Calculated Field. The Builder panel appears. 3. All calculated fields are defined in this window. Refer to Selecting Fields from a Table, Creating Date Fields, Using the CASE Builder, EXD Row, and Get Values for more information. To Edit an Existing Calculated Field: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on the calculated field that requires editing. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. On the Field List popup menu, select Edit Calculated Field. The Builder panel appears. 3. On the Builder panel, make any necessary changes and click OK. 4. Additional changes may be made to a calculated field on the Field List panel, such as changing the field type or assigning an alias field name (see Field List Panel and Assigning Aliases to Fields).

49 Working In The Query Designer Selecting Fields from a Table Often files do not store data in the form which is desired, but various fields in the file may be combined (i.e. added or subtracted) to obtain the desired result. The Builder may be used to create an expression using fields directly from source tables to obtain the desired value. Example - Calculate the Amount Paid for an Invoice: Calculate the amount paid by subtracting the open invoice amount (RPAAP) from the gross invoice amount (RPAG). 1. On the Builder panel in the Source section, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Tables. The system expands the list of selected source tables. 2. From the expanded table list, select the source table which contains the field to be used in the expression (F0411 in this example). The system populates the Field Listing window based upon the selected table. 3. From the Field Listings window, double click the desired field (RPAG in this example). The selected value <lib.file.field> appears in the work area on the Builder panel. 4. In the work area, enter any math symbols by typing them -or- by clicking the appropriate operation button (if available) (a minus sign in this example). 5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary until the expression is complete. (In this example, the field RPAAP Global Software, Inc.

50 48 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 was selected.) 6. Click OK. The Field List panel appears, displaying the calculated field, with an alias of "Expr1", at the bottom of the list. 7. To modify the alias field name for the calculated field, on the Field List panel right click on the field and select Alias (AS nnnnnn) from the Field List popup menu. On the Modify Alias panel, enter the desired alias for the field and click OK. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information.

51 Working In The Query Designer Creating Date Fields Occasionally date fields in the source tables are not in a true date format as recognized by Excel. When this occurs it may be necessary to convert the field value to a date format. Below are samples of date fields in other formats (C = century, Y = year, M = month, D = day): YYDDD - Julian date format used by Infinium CYYDDD - Julian date format used by JD Edwards YYYYDDD - Julian date format used by Jack Henry YYMMDD - date format used by BPCS Executive Dash provides buttons on the Builder panel to convert these formats into true date formats. Example - Converting a JD Edwards Julian Date to a True Date Calculated Field: Convert the AP invoice date field (RPDIVJ), a Julian date field in JD Edwards, to a true date calculated field. In this scenario, the host system is an iseries (AS/400). 1. On the Builder panel in the Source section, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Tables. The system expands the list of selected source tables. 2. From the expanded table list, select the source table which contains the field to be used in the expression (F0411 in this example). The system populates the Field Listing window based upon the selected table. 3. From the Field Listings window, select (do not double click) the desired field (RPDIVJ in this example). 4. Click the CYYDDD Julian Date to Date button on the iseries tab. The conversion expression appears in the work area on the Builder panel. Global Software, Inc.

52 50 5. Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Click OK. The Field List panel appears, displaying the calculated field, with an alias of "Expr1", at the bottom of the list. 6. To modify the alias field name for the calculated field, on the Field List panel right click on the field and select Alias (AS nnnnnn) from the Field List popup menu. On the Modify Alias panel, enter the desired alias for the field (Invoice Date in this example) and click OK. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. 7. Sample query results. Note: OLEDB iseries connections display dates in the format YYYY-MM-DD, where as ODBC connections display dates as MM/DD/YYYY.

53 Working In The Query Designer Using the CASE Builder The Builder provides a tool to aid in constructing CASE statements. CASE statements may be used as calculated fields or as selection criteria. Example - Build a CASE Statement: Look for null (or zero) AP invoice dates (RPDIVJ) and replace them with a predefined date to prevent errors, and then convert the remaining dates, to a true date calculated field. 1. On the Builder panel iseries tab, click the CASE Builder button. The Case Builder panel appears. 2. In the WHEN field, enter the desired value -or- click the Builder button adjacent to the WHEN field to select a field from a table (the Builder button is being used in this example). 3. In this example a single field is being selected from a source table (see Selecting Fields from a Table). On the Builder panel: Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Tables. Select the desired source table (F0411 in this example). Select (double click) the desired field (RPDIVJ in this example). The selected value <lib.file.field> appears in the work area on the Builder panel. Global Software, Inc.

54 52 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. Click OK on the Builder panel. The expression (&lib.f0411.rpdivj in this example) is pushed to WHEN field on the CASE Builder panel. 5. On the CASE Builder panel, use the drop down list to select the appropriate expression operator (equal (=) in this example). A new field appears to the right of the Expression Operator field. 6. In the new field, enter the desired value -or- click the Builder button adjacent to the new field to select a field from a table (zero (0) has been keyed in this example).

55 Working In The Query Designer In the THEN field, enter the desired value -or- click the Builder button adjacent to the THEN field to select a field from a table (DATE('01/01/1900') has been keyed in this example). 8. Click the ADD Expression button. This starts the CASE statement in the CASE Builder work area. 9. If additional WHEN expressions are required, then edit the WHEN and THEN fields as necessary. When the revised expression is complete, click the ADD Expression button again. The revised expression is added to the current CASE statement in the work area. Repeat this process for as many fields as necessary for the CASE statement. 10. In the ELSE field, enter the desired value -or- click the Builder button adjacent to the ELSE field to select a field from a table (the Builder button is being used in this example). 11. In this example a Julian date is being selected and converted to a true date field (see Creating Date Fields). On the Builder panel: Click the plus sign (+) to the left of Tables. Select the desired source table (F0411 in this example). Select (do not double click) the desired field (RPDIVJ in this example). Click the CCYYDDD Julian Date to Date button on the iseries tab. The conversion expression appears in the work area on the Builder panel. Global Software, Inc.

56 54 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 12. Click OK on the Builder panel. The expression is pushed to the ELSE field on the CASE Builder panel. 13. Click the ADD Else button. The else expression is added to the current CASE statement in the work area.

57 Working In The Query Designer Click the Done button. The completed CASE statement appears the original Builder work area. 15. Click OK. The Field List panel appears, displaying the calculated field, with an alias of "Expr1", at the bottom of the list. 16. To modify the alias field name for the calculated field, on the Field List panel right click on the field and select Alias (AS nnnnnn) from the Field List popup menu. On the Modify Alias panel, enter the desired alias for the field and click OK. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. Global Software, Inc.

58 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 EXD Row The Builder functional button, %EXDROW%, is used to return the Excel row number for each row of data when the EXD is generated in Excel. This function may be used to create a calculated field, and may remove the need of using fill down columns in Excel. Example - Using EXD Row Function to Create a Calculated Field: Use the EXD Row function to create a calculated field which will calculate/report the amount paid by subtracting the open invoice amount column from the gross invoice amount column in Excel. Initial Set Up: 1. Create a new query, retrieving gross invoice amount and open invoice amount (see below). To Add a Calculated Field using the EXD Row Function: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on a field and Select Add a Calculated Field on the Field List popup menu. The Builder panel appears. 2. In the work area on the Builder panel, enter the appropriate to build the expression. In this example the following has been entered: Type ' (a single quote). From the operation buttons, click = (Equal). Type D (capital letter D). From the Misc tab, click %EXDROW%. From the operation buttons, click - (Minus). Type E (capital letter E) From the Misc tab, click %EXDROW%. Type ' (a single quote). 3. Click OK. The Field List panel appears, displaying the calculated field, with an alias of "Expr1", at the bottom of the list. 4. To modify the alias field name for the calculated field, on the Field List panel right click on the field and select Alias (AS nnnnnn) from the Field List popup menu. On the Modify Alias panel, enter the desired alias for the field (Amount Paid) and click OK. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more

59 Working In The Query Designer 57 information. 5. From the Ribbon, select Home>Save Query. 6. From the Ribbon, select Home>Single Record to execute the query. The ResultsContainer panel appears displaying one record. 7. In Excel, create an EXD formula with the following values. Refer to Creating and Using EXD formulas for more information. Select the query name identified in step 5. Specify the target worksheet. Type the Starting Cell/Range/Table. Select to Include Headings. Specify the cell reference for the Smart Parm. 8. From the ExecDash menu, select Generate All Query Detail Lists. The %EXDROW% created a calculation, subtracting column E from column D, for all rows included in the generated data output. This functions similar to the EXD fill down columns feature. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). Global Software, Inc.

60 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Get Values The Builder provides a Get Values button to display a list of the existing field values for a selected field. From the list, values may be selected and used as arguments/criteria in a variety of Builder functions. Example - Using Get Values in an IN( ) Statement: Add selection criteria to only retrieve records where Line Number (RPLNID) equals 10000, or On Field List panel for the desired field (RPLNID in this example), click the ellipse button located in one of the seven criteria fields. The Builder panel appears. 2. On the Builder panel in the Source section, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Tables. The system expands the list of selected source tables. 3. From the expanded table list, select the source table which contains the field to be used in the expression (F0411 in this example). The system populates the Field Listing window based upon the selected table. 4. From the Field Listings window, select (do not double click) the desired field (RPLNID in this example). 5. Click the Get Values button. The system displays a list of existing field values for the selected field. Note: Increase or decrease the font size of listed values by clicking the or buttons.

61 Working In The Query Designer Select the desired field value(s): To select a single value -- select the value. To select multiple values -- press and hold the Ctrl key as values are selected on the list. To select values in a range -- select the first value in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and select the last value in the range. Note: Double clicking a value in the list pushes the value directly to the Builder expression work area. Single click the value when an additional function is to be applied to the value before pushing it into the work area. 7. Select the desired function button. In this example the selected values (10000, and 13000) are being inserted into an IN( ) statement, so the IN ('x','x') button is clicked. The IN statement using the selected values appears in the work area on the Builder panel. Note: The IN ('x','x') button causes all arguments to be entered as text values (in single quotes). If the field is numeric, then manually remove the quote marks. 8. When the expression is complete, click OK. Global Software, Inc.

62 60 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5.6 Adding Criteria Hard Coded Criteria Field selection criteria may be hard coded. These hard coded values may not be altered at query run time (i.e. in Excel). Hard coded criteria may be entered directly on the Field List panel or via the Builder panel. Example of hard coded criteria would be "Open Amount <> 0" or "Status = Active". To Enter Hard Coded Criteria via the Field List Panel: 1. On the Field List panel, click within one of the seven Criteria fields for the desired field and manually key the selection criteria (<>) in this example). To Enter Hard Coded Criteria via the Builder Panel: 1. On the Field List panel, click the ellipse button -or- double click within one of the seven Criteria fields for the desired field. The Builder panel appears. 2. On the Builder panel, selection criteria may be keyed directly in the work area or by using the appropriate operation or functional buttons to develop the expression. 3. Click OK to save the criteria expression.

63 Working In The Query Designer Creating and Using Parameters Parameters in Query Designer vs Excel 61 Parameters are added to a query as a place-holder for when selection criteria is to be specified in Excel. A default parameter value may be defined in the query for testing purposes, and then the actual criteria is specified in Excel at the time the formula is executed. Query Designer When a query is created or modified, it is normal to execute the query in Query Designer to test the results. When testing a query parameter values are specified in the Parameters panel. Refer to Parameters Panel for more information. Excel Executive Dash queries are executed from Excel via formulas (EXQ, EXD, EXS, EXI). Each of these formulas have arguments where parameter values may be specified. These values may be hard-coded in the formula definition; however, it is recommended to use cell references. Global Software, Inc.

64 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Standard Parameters in the Query Designer Standard Parameters allow the user full control over how the system interprets a parameter. When using standard parameters the query writer must know various SQL rules for working with text fields, numeric values, lists and ranges of values. Note: Standard Parameters differ from Smart Parms. Smart Parms simplify query writing by using standard rules for processing parameters. Refer to Smart Parms Criteria Entry Rules and Smart Parms in the Query Designer for more information. To Create a Parameter: 1. On the Parameters panel, click the Add button. The Add a Parameter panel appears. 2. On the Add a Parameter panel, enter a description and default test value for the parameter. 3. Click the Save button, and then OK to confirm. To Insert a Parameter into a Criteria Field: 1. On the Field List panel, click the ellipse button -or- double click within one of the seven Criteria fields for the desired field. The Builder panel appears. 2. On the Builder panel in the Source section, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Parameters. The system expands the list of available parameters.

65 Working In The Query Designer From the expanded parameter list, select the parameter to be used. 4. Double click <value as (number or string)>. The parameter, &PARM01, appears in the work area on the Builder panel. 5. Enter any comparison operators and other characters as necessary to complete the criteria expression (i.e. =&PARM01). 6. Click OK. The Field List panel appears with the parameter inserted in the selected criteria field. Global Software, Inc.

66 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Smart Parms Criteria Entry Rules When using standard parameters the query writer must know various SQL rules for working with text fields, numeric values, lists and ranges of values. Smart Parms simplify query writing by using standard rules for processing parameters. The rules used by Smart Parms are similar to those used in Global's Spreadsheet Server products for specifying segment values. Below is a comparison by example of SQL (iseries DB2) rules for specifying criteria values used by standard parameters versus Smart Parms. Criteria Type Standard Parameters Smart Parms Single Value - Text ='ABC' ABC Single Value - Numeric = Single Value - Date =DATE('01/01/2007') 1/1/2007 Range - Text BETWEEN 'ABC' AND 'DEF' ABC.DEF Range - Numeric BETWEEN 123 AND Range - Date 1/1/2007.3/31/2007 List - Text BETWEEN DATE('01/01/2007') AND DATE('03/31/2007') IN('A','B','C') List - Numeric IN(1,2,3) [1,2,3] List with Exclude N/A [AAA.CCC,/BBB] Wildcard LIKE 'A%' A* Wildcard for All Values LIKE '%' * or a blank Wildcard for a Single Value LIKE '_500' *500 Greater Than or Equal To >= Less Than or Equal To <= Logical NOT (using alphabet as dataset) Segment List NOT IN('A','B','C') [D.Z] N/A ^Country [A,B,C] With Smart Parms no comparison operators are used (=,<>,<,>,BETWEEN, LIKE, NOT). The Smart Parm routine actually converts the expression to one that uses SQL rules.

67 Working In The Query Designer Smart Parms in the Query Designer Smart Parms may be added to a field directly on the Field List panel or via the Builder panel. Note: Prior to adding a Smart Parm to a field an alias name must be assigned to the field. Refer to Assigning Aliases to Fields for more information. To Add Smart Parms via the Field List Panel: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on the desired field. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. On the Field List popup menu, select Add Smart Parm for This Field. A parameter for the field is added to the Parameter panel with a blank value, and the Smart Parm (&SPARM01) is inserted into the Criteria 1 field. To Add Smart Parms via the Builder Panel: Note: This method must be used to add Smart Parms in other Criteria fields besides Criteria If the parameter doesn't already exist, create it. Refer to Standard Parameters in the Query Designer for more information. 2. On the Field List panel, click the ellipse button -or- double click within one of the seven Criteria fields for the desired field. The Builder panel appears. 3. On the Builder panel in the Source section, click the plus sign (+) to the left of Parameters. The system expands the list of available parameters. 4. From the expanded parameter list, select the parameter to be used. 5. Double click <value as smart parm>. The Smart Parm appears in the work area on the Builder panel. No other supporting characters (i.e. =, <, >) are required. Global Software, Inc.

68 66 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 6. Click OK. The Field List panel appears with the Smart Parm inserted in the selected criteria field. To Delete Smart Parms: Note: If multiple Smart Parms exist for a query, only the last (highest number) Smart Parm in the list may be deleted. Example: Have Smart Parms 1, 2 and 3. Smart Parm 3 may be deleted; however, Smart Parm 2 may not be deleted unless Smart Parm 3 is first deleted. 1. In the Parameters panel, select the highest number Smart Parm and click Del. The system displays a confirmation panel. Click OK. The system removes the Smart Parm from the Parameters panel. 2. On the Field List panel, click the associated Smart Parm criteria field value. The Builder panel appears. Delete the Smart Parm field value. Click OK. The system removes the criteria field value from the Field List. 3. Repeat the steps above to delete additional Smart Parms.

69 Working In The Query Designer Parameters in Excel Parameters are used in Excel in conjunction with Executive Dash formulas and provide criteria for the query being executed. Prerequisite Before using parameters in Excel, the query must be created and saved in the Query Designer. In addition, if using the Query Catalog, the query must also be save to the catalog. To Use Parameters in Excel: 1. Prior to using a new or modified query, in Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Refresh Queries. The system refreshes query data. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 2. Layout the Excel report and assign cell references for each parameter. 3. Position the cell pointer to where the Executive Dash formula is to go. 4. Open the Formula Assistant, assign values to the arguments, including the cell positions of the parameters. 5. Click the Paste to Excel button to save the formula into the cell. Global Software, Inc.

70 68 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 6. To change the query criteria value, enter the new value in the cell designated and re-run the query.

71 Working In The Query Designer Create a Group By Query When a query is created, by default it is a detail query -- one in which each record is displayed in the output. The query may be modified to become a Group By query, such that only summarized records are displayed. To Create a Group By Query: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on a field and select Totals on the Field List popup menu. The Group By column appears in on the Field List panel displaying the value "Group By" for each field except calculated fields (which have no default). 2. For each field in the list, assign the proper Group By value based upon the planned output for the query. The valid values for Group By are as follows: Group By Value Description Group By Displays each distinct value once per break point. Sum Sums the field for each record at the break point. Avg Averages the field at each break point. Min Displays the minimum value for the field at each break point. Max Displays the maximum value for the field at each break point. Count Counts the records for the field at each break point. StDev Displays the standard deviation for the field at each break point. Var Displays the variance for the field at each break point. First Displays the first value for the field. Last Displays the last value for the field. Expression Does not assign a Group By value, but is used for calculated fields where the Group By value has already been assigned in the definition of the field. For "Visible" fields, use when criteria will be applied to the grouped field. This is expressed in the SQL code as a HAVING statement. For fields that are not "Visible", use when criteria will be applied at a detail record level. This is expressed in the SQL code as a WHERE statement. Where Global Software, Inc.

72 70 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Contrast of Detail Output to Grouped Output: Example 1 - Detail Output (each output record visible): Example 2 - Grouped Output (one output record per vendor):

73 Working In The Query Designer Create the EXQ Field An EXQ (Summary) field allows the system to summarize (i.e. total, count, average) a selected numeric field. In Excel an EXQ formula is then used to return a single value from the EXQ (Summary) portion of a query into a spreadsheet. A user may then drill down upon the summary value to see detailed results in the ResultsContainer panel. Refer to Creating and Using EXQ Formulas for more information. To Designate a Field as an EXQ Summary Field: 1. On the Field List panel, right click on the desired field. The Field List popup menu appears. 2. On the Field List popup menu, select EXQ (Summary) Field. The Summary Type panel appears. 3. On the Summary Type panel, select the desired summary type. Note: If a field is an expression that already contains a summary type (e.g. SUM(RPAAP)), then select the Summary Type as Embedded to avoid syntax like Sum(Sum(...)). 4. Click the Save button. The resulting field will be designated with a symbol in the Field List panel. 5. Defining a field as the EXQ Summary field also creates SQL code that is executed when the EXQ is run from Excel. This code is displayed on the SQL Text panel on the EXQ tab. Global Software, Inc.

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75 Working In The Query Designer SQL SHELL Function The SHELL function creates a dynamic cross application functionality with Executive Dash. Using the text SHELL within the SQL Text panel followed by an external program or file name, adds versatility to the SQL statement by launching the external program and/or opening the file or image providing access to additional data. This function allows the user to process anything which could be processed in the RUN command in Windows. The SHELL statement may be used as part of a query detail drill down or an ad hoc query. Example - SHELL Statement Used to Access a Vendor Voucher in a Word Document: In this example, the query has two parameters, Vendor # and Voucher #, and the Amount Gross field is an EXQ summary field. 1. In the SQL Text panel, change to manual entry mode (see SQL Text Panel): De-select the Auto Generate check box. Click No to not copy the auto-generated SQL text. 2. Within the SQL Text panel, key the text SHELL, press Enter, and key the additional text required to run the command or launch the external program. In this example C:\PO\&PARM02.docx has been keyed, indicating: C:\PO\ -- The network directory location of the target file. &PARM02 -- The Voucher Parameter defined within Query Designer and used in Excel cell reference..docx -- The file extension of the target file. 3. From the Ribbon, select Home>Save Query. 4. In Excel, add the EXQ formula. Use cell references for the parameters. Refer to Creating and Using EXQ Formulas for more information. 5. To execute the SHELL statement, select the cell containing the EXQ formula and right click. A popup menu appears. On the popup menu, select Query Detail. The SHELL statement is executed (opens the Microsoft Word document C:\PO\12324.docx in this example). Global Software, Inc.

76 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Viewing Results and Exporting Data Test-Execution of Query Once all fields have been selected and added to the Field List panel, it is suggested to run a quick test to verify the query setup. To Test a Query: 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select Home>Single Record -or- Home>1,000 Records. The ResultsContainer panel appears displaying query results for either a single record or the first 1,000 records in the file based upon the option selected. Note: The ResultsContainer panel is also displayed when a drill down is performed on an EXQ or EXI formula within Excel (see Executive Dash Formulas in Excel).

77 Working In The Query Designer ResultsContainer Features The ResultsContainer panel offers the following features to customize the view of the results output: Feature Description Re-sort Columns Resize/Hide Columns Move Columns To re-sort a column in ascending order, click the column heading. To re-sort a column in descending order, click the column heading a second time. To resize or hide a column, position the mouse at the edge of a column header until the cursor changes to a double arrow, then drag right or left to resize or hide the column. To move a column, click and hold on the desired column header, then drag and drop the column right or left to the desired position. To selectively summarize the amount columns by any column and to group the records by any column, drag the column heading into the summary section of the panel (indicated by the label "Drag a column header here to group by that column"). Multiple levels of summarization can be created. Dynamic Column Groupings To display the detail records associated with a grouping, click the '+' next to the desired grouping level. Click the '-' to collapse the view and only display the grouping level. Filter Global Software, Inc. Each column within any of the grids can be filtered by entering values into the appropriate column filter. Alphanumeric fields filter character by character. Numeric fields filter upon entry of the full field value.

78 76 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Feature Description Customize Grid Layout Use the Grid Action panel to control the view of the results output, save and maintain custom grid layouts, and to specify export, grouping and subtotaling options. Click the Collapse/Expand button in the top left corner of the grid to hide/unhide the Grid Action panel. Grid Views: Autofit Grid To automatically resize columns widths in a grid to the maximum length required for the Columns header and/or data, click the Autofit Grid Columns button. Sum Footers To place (or remove) sum totals at the bottom of each numeric column, click the Sum Footers (Remove Footers) button. Grid Layouts: By default the basic ("native") grid layout is displayed. Alternate layouts may be created and applied at a later time, or made to be the new default. See Custom Grid Layouts for additional details. List Box Displays the name of the layout currently being used -or- blank if the native layout is being used. Click the down arrow and select a layout to be applied to the grid. Save To save the current grid layout as a new layout, click the Save Current Layout button. Current A prompt panel appears. Specify the new layout name and click OK. A second prompt Layout panel appears. Specify whether or not to set the new layout as the default layout for the query. Remove To remove a layout, click the down arrow and select the layout to be removed, then Layout From click the Remove Layout From List button. List Use Default To apply the default layout to the grid, click the Use Default button. Use Native To apply the native layout to the grid, click the Use Native button.

79 Working In The Query Designer Feature 77 Description Even Rows To change the color for even numbered rows, click the down arrow and select the color. Odd Rows To change the color for odd numbered rows, click the down arrow and select the color. RTL To toggle the justification for each field from left-to-right or right-to-left, click the RTL button. Grid Data: Select All To select all rows within the grid, click the Select All button. Unselect All To de-select all rows within the grid, click the Select All button. Export Underlying Data to Excel Groups and Subtotals: Expand All Collapse All Global Software, Inc. To export the query results data to Excel, select the desired rows in the grid and then click the Export Underlying Data to Excel button. See Copy/Export Records for more information. Note: Excel must be open/running to process this function. To apply subtotals to grouped data, select the check box next to the desired column header description(s). To remove a subtotal, clear the check box for the desired column. Note: Only numerical fields are allowed for subtotaling. To expand all grouped data in the grid (thus showing all detail records within all groups), click the Expand All button. To collapse all grouped data in the grid (thus showing only group levels), click the Collapse All button.

80 78 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Custom Grid Layouts ResultsContainer grid layouts for each Executive Dash query may be customized to a specific user's preference. Similar to columns in an Excel worksheet, columns in the grid may be hidden, resized, and moved to different positions, etc. A user may create as many customized grid layouts as desired for future results. In addition, a user may assign a customized layout as the default layout for that specific query; however, other users are not affected. By default a basic ("native") layout is displayed in the ResultsContainer. An alternate layout may be created and applied at a later time, or made to be the new default. To Save Current Layout: A grid layout may be modified and then saved for future use. 1. After grid columns have been set to user preferences, click Save Current Layout. The GSI_EXQL panel appears. 2. On the GSI_EXQL panel, key the new grid layout name. 3. Click OK. The Set Default panel appears. 4. Click Yes or No to indicate whether or not to set this layout as the default layout for the query. The Layout Saved panel appears indicating the location of the saved layout file. 5. Click OK. To Save Changes to Current Layout: An existing customized grid layout may be modified and then saved for future use. 1. Click on the drop down arrow and select an existing grid layout. 2. After grid columns have been set to user preferences, click Save Current Layout. The Overwrite or Create New panel appears. 3. Click Yes. The Set Default panel appears. 4. Click Yes or No to indicate whether or not to set this layout as the default layout for the query. The Layout Saved panel appears indicating the location of the saved layout file. 5. Click OK. To Save Current Layout As: An existing grid layout may be modified and then saved as a different layout. 1. Click on the drop down arrow and select an existing grid layout. 2. After grid columns have been set to user preferences, click Save Current Layout. The Overwrite or Create New panel appears. 3. Click No. The GSI_EXQL panel appears. 4. On the GSI_EXQL panel, key the new grid layout name. 5. Click OK. The Set Default panel appears. 6. Click Yes or No to indicate whether or not to set this layout as the default layout for the query. The Layout Saved panel appears indicating the location of the saved layout file. 7. Click OK. To Remove Layout from List: A grid layout may be removed from the user's list of available layouts. 1. From the drop down list of layouts, select the grid layout to be removed. 2. Click Remove Layout from List. The Layout Removed panel appears. 3. Click OK. If the deleted layout was the default layout, the Default Layout Removed panel appears. 4. Click OK. The native layout is set as the new default. To Restore Default Layout: To apply the default layout to the grid, click the Use Default button. To Restore Installed Native Layout: To apply the native layout to the grid, click the Use Native button.

81 Working In The Query Designer Copy/Export Records If necessary query results data on the ResultsContainer panel may be copied or exported. 1. From the ResultsContainer grid, select the desired record(s): To copy/export a single record -- select the desired record. To copy/export select multiple records -- press and hold the Ctrl key as records are selected on the grid rows. To copy/export multiple records in a range -- select the first record in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and select the last record in the range. To copy/export all records -- from the Grid Action panel select Select All -or- while in the grid right click and from the popup panel select Select All. 2. Process one of the following: From ResultsContainer grid, right click. The following popup menu appears. Continue with Step 3. From the Grid Action panel, select Export Underlying Data to Excel. The Copy into Excel panel appears. Continue with Step On the popup menu, select the appropriate copy/export function. Copy to Clipboard - places data on Windows clipboard. Copy to Clipboard w/headings - places data including headings on Windows clipboard. Export to CSV, PDF, RTF, or Excel (Full Format) - brings up Windows Explorer panel. 4. On the Copy into Excel panel, specify the following processing criteria: Specify the starting cell and the target worksheet (new or existing) in which to place the data. Include Headings - indicate whether or not to include column headings in the copy. 5. Click Export Selected Cells to Excel to copy the data into the worksheet. Global Software, Inc.

82 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Query Management Once a query has been created, various functions are available to maintain, clone, delete or lock/unlock a query. To Modify a Query Description: 1. From the list of EDQ files, right-click on the desired query. A popup menu appears. 2. On the popup menu, select Change Description. The Description panel appears. Nav Tip:Steps 1 and 2 may be replaced by selecting the query in the list and selecting Change Description from the Catalog tab on the Ribbon (see Ribbon Menu). 3. On the Description panel, key the desired description. 4. Click OK. To Clone a Query: 1. From the list of EDQ files, right-click on the desired query to be cloned. A popup menu appears. 2. On the popup menu, select Clone Query. The Clone Query panel appears. Nav Tip:Steps 1 and 2 may be replaced by selecting the query in the list and selecting Clone/Clone Query from the File System or Catalog tab on the Ribbon (see Ribbon Menu). 3. On the Clone Query panel, enter a query name for the clone. 4. Click OK. The new query appears in the list of available queries. To Delete a Query: 1. From the list of EDQ files, right-click on the desired query to be deleted. A popup menu appears. 2. On the popup menu, select Remove Query. The Delete File panel appears. Nav Tip:Steps 1 and 2 may be replaced by selecting the query in the list and selecting Delete/Remove Query from the File System or Catalog tab on the Ribbon (see Ribbon Menu). 3. Click Yes. The query is removed from the list of available queries. To Lock a Query: 1. Open the desired query. 2. From the Ribbon select Home>Un-Locked. The Lock Query panel appears. 3. Click Yes. The Password Protection panel appears. 4. On the Password Protection panel, enter the password to be used to protect the query. 5. Click OK. A confirmation panel appears, confirming that the query is locked. To Unlock a Query: 1. Open the desired query. 2. From the Ribbon select Home>Locked. The Unlock panel appears. 3. Click Yes. The Password Protection panel appears. 4. On the Password Protection panel, enter the password previously assigned to lock the query. 5. Click OK. A confirmation panel appears, confirming that the lock has been removed for the query.

83 Working In The Query Designer Download or Publish Query Exchange Queries Query Exchange is an online depository of queries. Executive Dash allows the user to access the online query depository, download selected queries to the Query Designer and then utilize them in Excel. In addition, an Executive Dash user with an Professional license may publish an existing query to Query Exchange. Note: If the product was manually registered then the user will not have access to the Query Exchange component. To Download a Query from Query Exchange: 1. From within Query Designer: In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select Home>Search Online. Query Exchange opens. From within Excel: In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). Click the Search Online button ( ). Query Exchange opens. 2. Continue with step 2 in the Download Queries from Query Exchange section. To Publish a Query to Query Exchange: 1. In Query Designer, open the desired query to be published. 2. From the Ribbon, select Home>Publish. The query is published to Query Exchange. Global reviews all published queries prior to promoting them to Query Exchange. Note: If a description does not exist for the selected query, a prompt panel appears requiring the user to enter a query description. Global Software, Inc.

84 82 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Textual Query Definition Use the Textual Query Definition function is as a convenient way to document queries. 1. Open the query. 2. From the Ribbon, select Home>Definition. Windows Notepad opens displaying the query definition. Sample Textual Query Definition: Query Name: AP Open Invoices Query File Name: P:\E-Dash\GSI Queries\AP Open Invoices.edq Tables/Files in query: Table: F0411 (ACCOUNTS PAYABLE LEDGER) Table: F0101 (ADDRESS BOOK MASTER) Relationships: Inner Join F0411. RPAN8 = F0101. ABAN8 Selected Fields: F0411 F0101 F0411 F0411 F RPAN8 ABALPH RPDOC RPAG RPAAP Alias: Alias: Alias: Alias: Alias: "Vendor #" Sort= "Vendor Name" "Voucher #" "AmountGross" "AmountOpen" Ascending Visible=True Sort= (none) Visible=True Sort= (none) Visible=True Sort= (none) Visible=True Sort= (none) Visible=True Calculated Field: "AmountRemaining" &lib.f0411.rpag/100 - &lib.f0411.rpaap/100 Alias: "AmountRemaining" none) Visible=True Sort= Calculated Field: "Invoice Date" CASE WHEN &lib.f0411.rpdivj = 0 THEN DATE('01/01/1900') ELSE DATE(DIGITS( DECIMAL( &lib.f0411.rpdivj ,7,0)) ) END Alias: "Invoice Date" F0411. RPDIVJ Sort= (none) Alias: "Invoice Date Julian" Visible=True Sort= (none) Visible=False Parameters Description Value PARM01 Vendor # 459 Criteria: F0411. RPAN8 F0411. RPAAP F0411. RPDIVJ Summarize (EXQ): &SPARM01 <>0 <>0 RPAAP Detail SQL (AUTO): SELECT &lib.f0411.rpan8 AS "Vendor #", &lib.f0101.abalph AS "Vendor Name", &lib.f0411.rpdoc AS "Voucher #", &lib.f0411.rpag/100 AS "AmountGross",

85 Working In The Query Designer 83 &lib.f0411.rpaap/100 AS "AmountOpen", &lib.f0411.rpag/100 &lib.f0411.rpaap/100 AS "AmountRemaining", CASE WHEN &lib.f0411.rpdivj = 0 THEN DATE('01/01/1900') ELSE DATE(DIGITS( DECIMAL( &lib.f0411.rpdivj ,7,0)) ) END AS "Invoice Date" FROM ((&lib.f0411 INNER JOIN &lib.f0101 ON WHERE (((&lib.f0411.rpan8) &SPARM01 ) AND ((&lib.f0411.rpdivj)<>0) ) ORDER BY "Vendor #" EXQ SQL (AUTO): SELECT SUM(&lib.F0411.RPAAP/100) as EXQ FROM ((&lib.f0411 INNER JOIN &lib.f0101 ON WHERE (((&lib.f0411.rpan8) &SPARM01 ) AND ((&lib.f0411.rpdivj)<>0) ) Global Software, Inc. (&lib.f0411.rpan8=&lib.f0101.aban8))) ((&lib.f0411.rpaap/100)<>0) AND (&lib.f0411.rpan8=&lib.f0101.aban8))) ((&lib.f0411.rpaap/100)<>0) AND

86 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Ad Hoc Queries Ad hoc queries allow the user to drill down from the "results" view of a summary query to the detail data. This ad hoc drill down functionality is available from the ResultsContainer panel within Query Designer or Excel. 1. In Query Designer, create a query for summarizing the data and a query for retrieving the detail data. 2. Close all queries. 3. From the Ribbon, select View>Ad Hoc Queries. The Ad Hoc Queries Development panel appears. 4. Click the New button to create a new ad hoc query. 5. Use the table to enter data on the Ad Hoc Queries Development panel. Fields Description Available Ad Hoc Definitions Displays a list of existing ad hoc queries. Ad Hoc Name Specify the name of the ad hoc query. Query to Run When Selected Click the down arrow and select the detail query to be executed when the ad hoc drill down function is selected. Select the source queries for which this ad hoc query will be available. Select Queries this Ad Hoc Should be Available From Execute If: Column # Value(s) Parameters If applicable, specify additional criteria to determine when to execute the ad hoc query. Identify the column number in the results table containing the value to be used for comparison purposes. Identify the value(s) that must be in the specified column in order for the ad hoc query to be executed. Specify the appropriate parameters for the detail query. Key the appropriate value or click the down arrow and select the desired value.

87 Working In The Query Designer Click the Save button to write changes. 7. To edit an ad hoc query, select the desired query from the Available Ad Hoc Definitions list, make the necessary changes, and then click the Save button to write changes. 8. To delete an ad hoc query, select the desired query from the Available Ad Hoc Definitions list and click the Del button. Global Software, Inc.

88 86 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Sample Ad Hoc Query The following example demonstrates how to create and utilize an ad hoc query. 1. In Query Designer create a summary query. For this example the summary query, AP Open Invoices Summary.edq, lists the total open invoices per vendor. 2. In Query Designer create a detail query. For this example the detail query, AP Open Invoices Detail.edq, lists by vendor all the open invoices. A smart parm has been added for the vendor number field.

89 Working In The Query Designer In Query Designer create the ad hoc query. In this example, the Query to Run is the detail query, AP Open Invoices Detail.edq, and the Select Query This Ad Hoc Should Be Available From is the summary query, AP Open Invoices Summary.edq. In addition, vendor number is identified as the parameter. 4. In Query Designer or in Excel, execute the summary query, AP Open Invoices Summary.edq. The ResultsContainer panel appears listing the total amount of open invoices for each vendor. Global Software, Inc.

90 88 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5. On the ResultsContainer panel, select a row, right click and select Ad Hoc Drill Down from the popup menu or- double click the desired row. A second tab appears on the Results Container panel, listing the open invoices for the selected vendor. Nav Tip:If multiple ad hoc queries are available for the summary query, then a list appears allowing the user to select the appropriate ad hoc query.

91 Working In The Query Designer Designing Reports The Executive Dash application includes a powerful report designer. This designer is available to create professional looking reports containing the current dynamic data furnished by a query, that may be printed, ed, or viewed. Prior to using Report Designer, a query must be created and saved in the Query Designer. 1. In Query Designer, open the desired query for which to create a new report or modify an existing report. 2. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select View>Report Designer. The Report Designer opens. By default the designer starts with a page header, a detail band, and a page footer. 3. Use the table to locate the various panels within the Report Designer. Panel Description Standard Controls Lists the various elements used in building and formatting reports. Designer In Designer mode, this panel is where the report is constructed and elements are placed to meet the user's desired report format. In Preview or HTML View modes, this panel displays a preview of what the formatted report will look like. Click the tab on the bottom of the panel to select the desired mode. Group and Sort The Designer panel is initially divided into three bands/sections: Component_1 - page header (data prints on each page of the report). Component_0 - body/detail section of the report. Component_2 - page footer (data prints on each page of the report). Identifies the report grouping and sorting criteria. Report Explorer Identifies all the elements currently included in the Detail Section. Field List Lists available data fields based on the tables in the underlying query. Property Grid Identifies properties for the element currently highlighted in the Report Explorer section. Global Software, Inc.

92 90 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Selecting Fields/Adding Labels When designing a report, start by selecting the various fields from the query to appear on the report and assigning labels to the fields. Labels may also be added to the report for other purposes (i.e. report title). To Select Existing Fields from the Query: 1. In Report Designer, click the Field List tab. The Field List panel appears listing the tables in the query. 2. Click the '+' next to the desired table. The lists expands displaying the fields in the query for the selected table. 3. From the Field List panel, click and hold the desired data element, then drag and drop the element to the middle section (component_0) of the Designer panel. 4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as necessary to add additional fields to the report format. 5. Save the report. To Add Labels to the Report: 1. In Report Designer from the Standard Control panel, double click the Label element. A new element labeled Labeln (where n = sequence number) is added in the Designer panel. 2. Click and hold the label element, then drag and drop to the desired location on the Designer panel. 3. Double click the label element and type in the appropriate text. 4. Repeat Steps 1-3 as necessary to add additional labels to the report format. 5. Save the report.

93 Working In The Query Designer Formatting When designing a report the format of a field or element may be modified if necessary. Formatting control various parameters such as, but not limited to, format string (i.e. general, date, currency, number), font, total calculations (see Adding Totals), text alignment, visibility, and word wrap. 1. In Report Designer within the Designer panel, select the desired element to be formatted. Focus is given to the element. 2. Two methods are available for accessing element format properties: Method One: In the Property Grid panel, various format options are available. Modify the settings as necessary. Method Two: Click the right arrow ( ) located at the top right corner of the element. The appropriate Tasks panel appears listing various format options. Modify the settings as necessary. 3. After formatting changes are made, save the report. Global Software, Inc.

94 92 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Grouping The grouping feature of the Report Designer turns a lengthy report into a logical layout by grouping together records in the query based upon selected fields. Grouping may be done on one or multiple fields. All the elements of the Group Header may be specified to print at the beginning of each group, whereas all elements of the Group Footer may be specified to print at the end of group. 1. In Report Designer within the Group and Sort section of the Designer panel, click Add a Group. An expanded list appears displaying the tables and fields in the query. 2. From the expanded list, select the field to be used for grouping. The selected field is returned to the Group and Sort list, and a Group Header band is added to the report. 3. Repeat Step 2 as necessary to add additional fields to be used for grouping. 4. To modify the sort order for a selected grouping field, click the field's Sort Order box then click the drop down list and select the desired value. 5. Based upon report requirements, additional elements may be added to the Group Header band section (see Selecting Fields/Adding Labels). 6. After all changes are made, save the report. Note: In the example below the field Vendor Number was selected for grouping. Then the Vendor Number and Vendor Name field elements previously in the Component_0 (detail section) were moved (dragged and dropped) to the Group Header band section.

95 Working In The Query Designer Global Software, Inc. 93

96 94 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M Adding Totals To expand the power of a grouped report, subtotals for a group may be added via a Group Footer. 1. In Report Designer within the Group and Sort section of the Designer panel, select to Show Footer. A Group Footer band is added to the report. 2. In this example, three labels are being added to the Group Footer section. One label is for a subtotal header, and two labels are for subtotaling amount fields. In Report Designer from the Standard Control panel, double click the Label element. A new element labeled Labeln (where n = sequence number) is added in the Designer panel. Click and hold the label element, then drag and drop to the desired location on the Designer panel. Double click the label element and type in the appropriate text. 3. The elements labeled Inv Amt and OS Amt require changes to their properties to establish the desired totaling. To modify element properties, click the field to be modified and then click the right arrow ( ) at the top right corner of the element. The Label Tasks panel appears listing various properties for the element. 4. Click the Summary ellipse button. The Summary Editor panel appears.

97 Working In The Query Designer Use the table to enter data on the Summary Editor panel. Field Description Bound Field Indicates the field to which the summary function applies. Click the down arrow and select the appropriate field. Note: In this example when modifying the element Inv Amt, the associated bound field is Amount Gross, and the associated bound field for the element OS Amt is Amount Open. Indicates the type of function/calculation to be applied to the bound field (i.e. average, count, sum). Click the down arrow and select the appropriate function. Note: In this example Sum is being used. Indicates the type of formatting to be applied to the calculated value. Click the down arrow and select the appropriate format. Note: In this example a currency format is being used. Select the check box to indicate for the system to ignore null values when processing the selected function. Select the appropriate radio button to indicate which level for to run the summary calculation. Note: In this example Group is being used. Summary Function Format String Ignore NULL Values Summary Running 6. Click OK. The selected summary function precedes the element description text. Nav Tip:Steps 3-6 may be replaced by expanding the Summary option in the Property Grid panel and then updating the various Summary related properties. Global Software, Inc.

98 96 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 7. After all changes are made, save the report.

99 Working In The Query Designer View Log Entries During all processing, the system records various logging information. If the Settings option Enhanced Logging is selected, then the system records additional error message logging data. Log entries may be viewed, copied and/or ed if desired. 1. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select View>Settings. The Settings panel appears. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed in Excel by selecting Settings from the ExecDash menu -or- by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 2. On the Settings panel, click the View Log button. The Log Viewer panel appears displaying the level, date, time and description for each log entry. In addition, in the bottom right hand corner the panel displays a count of the number of entries listed. Nav Tip:When the Enhanced Logging option is selected on the Settings panel, then this panel may also be accessed in Excel by selecting the EDash ribbon equivalent (see EDash Ribbon). Note: To select a different size font, click on the drop down arrow in the bottom right hand corner. 3. To copy selected log entries to the clipboard, on the Log Viewer panel first select the desired record(s) and then either click the Copy Selected Errors button -or- right click on the list and select Copy Selected Errors on the popup panel: To copy a single record -- select the desired record. To copy select multiple records -- press and hold the Ctrl key as records are selected in the list. To copy multiple records in a range -- select the first record in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and select the last record in the range. Global Software, Inc.

100 98 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. To the entire log file to Global, click the Error Log button. The system opens a new Outlook panel with the log file attached. Modify the address and/or text of the body as necessary and click the Send button. 5. To filter the entries in the log file, select the desired message type(s), date/time range, containing text, class and/or method in the Filter section. The system displays only entries matching the selection criteria. Click the Clear Filter button to reset all filter fields to their default value. 6. To search for a specific value in the log file, key the desired value in the Find What field and click the Find Next button. The system will highlight the first log entry containing the value. Click the Find Next button again, to find the next occurrence of the selected value. 7. To clear the log file, click the Clear Log button. 8. To display the full details of a log entry, double click the selected entry in the list. The Error Properties panel appears. Use the arrow buttons on the Error Properties panel to scroll up or down through the log entries in the list. To copy detail data for a single log entry to the clipboard, click the Copy button. Click the Close button to return to the Log Viewer panel. 9. To exit the Log Viewer panel, click the Close button.

101 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 6 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 6.1 Navigation in Excel 99 Executive Dash uses the following navigation methods for processing functions on an Excel spreadsheet. Each function is not always available from each method. ExecDash Menu (see ExecDash Menu) Executive Dash Toolbar (see EDash Toolbar) Executive Dash Ribbon (see EDash Ribbon) For Excel 2003: The ExecDash menu is accessible from the Excel menu bar. The Executive Dash toolbar is accessible in the standard toolbar section. The Executive Dash ribbon is NOT applicable. For Excel 2007 and Above: The ExecDash menu and Executive Dash toolbar are accessible from the Add-Ins ribbon. The Executive Dash ribbon is only available when Executive Dash is selected as an add-in to Excel. NAVIGATION TIPS: Throughout the manual navigation tips, noted by the convention "NAV TIP", will be listed indicating the various paths available to access a function. Global Software, Inc.

102 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 ExecDash Menu After Executive Dash is installed and initiated as an add-in to Excel, the ExecDash menu is added to Excel. The menu is used to access/process various functions within the application. For Excel 2003: The ExecDash menu is accessible from the Excel menu bar. For Excel 2007 and Above: The ExecDash menu is accessible from the Add-Ins ribbon. Menu Item Description Purchase Goes to Global's website, allowing the user to contact Global in regards to purchasing an Executive Dash license. Opens the Settings panel, allowing the user to define various criteria to control processing. Refer to User Settings for more information. Opens the Connections panel, allowing the user to maintain connections. Refer to Connections for more information. Refreshes query data from Query Designer. Query data should be refreshed prior to using a new or modified query in Excel. Opens the Build Template panel, allowing the user to quickly design the layout of a worksheet. Refer to Build a Template for more information. Opens the Formula Assistant panel, allowing the user to maintain parameters for a formula. Refer to Formula Assistant for more information. Disconnects all open connections. Settings Manage Connections Refresh Queries Build a Template Formula Assistant Disconnect All Open Connections Fix Broken Links Corrects all broken links to the.xla within the workbook. Generate All Query Detail Lists Executes all EXD formulas in the workbook. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information.

103 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel EDash Toolbar After Executive Dash is installed and initiated as an add-in to Excel, the Executive Dash (EDash) toolbar is added to Excel. The EDash toolbar may be used as a convenient alternative to various ExecDash menu functions. For Excel 2003: The EDash toolbar is accessible in the standard toolbar section. For Excel 2007 and Above: The EDash toolbar is accessible from the Add-Ins ribbon. Menu Item Description Refresh Queries Refreshes query data from Query Designer. Query data should be refreshed prior to using a new or modified query in Excel. Opens the Formula Assistant panel, allowing the user to maintain parameters for a formula. Refer to Formula Assistant for more information. Executes all EXD formulas in the workbook. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information. Opens the ResultsContainer panel, displaying detail records underlying the selected EXD, EXQ, EXS or EXI formula. Opens the Settings panel, allowing the user to defined various criteria to control processing. Refer to User Settings for more information. Formula Assistant Generate All EXDs Query Detail Show Settings Global Software, Inc.

104 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 EDash Ribbon After Executive Dash is installed and initiated as an add-in to Excel, a custom Executive Dash (EDash) ribbon is added to Excel for Excel 2007 (and above) users. The EDash ribbon may be used as a convenient alternative to various ExecDash menu functions. For Excel 2003: The EDash ribbon is NOT applicable. For Excel 2007 and Above: The ribbon only appears when Executive Dash is selected as an add-in to Excel. Note: If the ribbon does not appear, go to Settings and click the Add Excel Ribbon button (see User Settings). Menu Item Description View the Error Log Opens the Log Viewer panel, where the user may view information and error log entries, copy selected log entries, or clear the log file. Refer to View Log Entries for more information. Refreshes query data from Query Designer. Select the option prior to using a new or modified query in Excel. Recalculates all formulas within the workbook. Click on the arrow to access additional functions (i.e. recalculate formulas for workbook, worksheet or selection, fix broken links, etc.). Refresh Queries Recalc

105 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 103 Menu Item Description Generate EXD(s) Executes all EXD formulas in the workbook. Click on the arrow to access additional functions. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information. Drill Down Opens the ResultsContainer panel, displaying detail records underlying the selected EXD, EXQ, EXS or EXI formula. Opens the Create Table panel, allowing the user to create a table for a selected range of data. Opens the Pivot Table Tools ribbon, allowing the user to create a pivot table using the data in the selected table. Opens the Formula Assistant panel, allowing the user to maintain parameters for a formula. Refer to Formula Assistant for more information. Opens the Build Template panel, allowing the user to quickly design the layout of a worksheet. Refer to Build a Template for more information. Opens the Maintain Segment Lists panel, allowing the user to create and/or maintain segment lists. Refer to Create/Maintain Segment Lists for more information. Opens the Settings panel, allowing the user to defined various criteria to control processing. Refer to User Settings for more information. Opens the Connections panel, allowing the user to maintain connections. Refer to Connections for more information. Goes to Global's website, allowing the user to contact Global in regards to purchasing an Executive Dash license. Opens the Register Online panel, allowing for registering the user, releasing the license key or unregistering the user. Refer to Registration for more information. Insert Table Summarize with Pivot Table Formula Assistant Build a Template Segment Lists Settings Manage Connections Purchase View Registration Global Software, Inc.

106 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Download Queries from Query Exchange Query Exchange is an online depository of queries. Executive Dash allows the user to access the online query depository, download selected queries to the Query Designer and then utilize them in Excel. Query Exchange may be accessed from within either Query Designer or Excel. The ERP defaulted in the search criteria is defined in the user settings. Note: If the product was manually registered then the user will not have access to the Query Exchange component. 1. From within Excel: In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). Click the Search Online button ( ). Query Exchange opens. From within Query Designer: From the desktop, click Start>Global Software Executive Dash>Executive Dash. The Query Designer panel appears. In Query Designer from the Ribbon, select Home>Search Online. Query Exchange opens. 2. Select and/or key the appropriate search criteria and click the Search button -or- click Advanced Search, enter the appropriate search criteria and click the Advanced Search button. The system lists all queries matching the search criteria.

107 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel To download a query, click the Install Query icon ( ) next to the desired query. The Select a Connection panel appears listing the connections available based upon the selected query's platform. Note: Queries available for downloading are based upon the user's license type. Global Software, Inc.

108 106 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. Select the connection to use for the query, then click Done. The Save As panel appears. Note: If the desired connection is not listed, click the New button to open the Connections panel and create a new connection (see Connections). 5. On the Save As panel, if necessary navigate to a different folder location and/or change the file name, then click the Save button. The Query Retrieved panel appears confirming that the query has been retrieved from the web and saved to Query Designer. Note: After a query is downloaded from Query Exchange it becomes available from the File System. 6. On the Query Retrieved panel, click OK. Query Exchange reappears, allowing the user to select another

109 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 107 query for downloading. 7. Repeat steps 3-6 as necessary to download additional queries. 8. When all queries have been downloaded, click the X to close Query Exchange. If Query Exchange was accessed from the Query Designer, then Query Designer reappears and opens the last query downloaded. If Query Exchange was accessed from the Formula Assistant panel within Excel, then the Formula Assistant panel reappears and defaults the name of the last query downloaded in the Query Name field. Note: Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas, Creating and Using EXQ Formulas, Creating and Using EXI Formulas, and Creating and Using EXS Formulas for the steps required to complete a formula. Global Software, Inc.

110 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Creating Formulas within Excel Setup Prior to using Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 1. Executive Dash queries must exist in the Query Designer before they can be used in formulas in Excel. Use one of the following methods to create/add a query to the Query Designer: Download a query from Query Exchange (see Download Queries from Query Exchange) Manually create a query in Query Designer (see Starting a New Query) 2. Prior to using a new or modified query, in Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Refresh Queries. The system refreshes query data. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). Summary of Executive Dash Formulas for Excel Executive Dash retrieves data from the assigned database into Excel using the following formulas: Formula Description EXQ Returns a single value from the EXQ (Summary) portion of the query into the spreadsheet. This value may be "drilled-down" upon to see the detailed results in the ResultsContainer window. Refer to Creating and Using EXQ Formulas for more information. EXD Directly inserts the Detail results of the query into the spreadsheet. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information. EXS Opens a selector window with the values returned from the query. Refer to Creating and Using EXS Formulas for more information. EXI Opens the Detail portion of the query and displays it in the ResultsContainer window. Refer to Creating and Using EXI Formulas for more information. These formulas can be used in a spreadsheet cell in the same manner as other spreadsheet functions. Executive Dash provides tools for starting a spreadsheet (see Build a Template) and for entering formulas (see Formula Assistant).

111 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Build a Template Build a Template is a tool used to aid in quickly creating a template within an Executive Dash spreadsheet. This tool populates the necessary rows and columns with required parameters as provided by the user. The tool inserts an EXQ, EXD, EXS, or EXI formula using the parameters. 1. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Build a Template. The Build Template panel appears. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash ribbon equivalent (see EDash Ribbon). 2. Select the tab of the desired formula. The selected formula panel appears. 3. Specify the query to be used in the formula. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( select the query to be executed. ) to navigate to and When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System. Global Software, Inc.

112 110 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. Use the table to enter data on the EXQ tab of the Build Template panel. Field Description EXQ: Returns a single value from the EXQ (Summary) portion of the query into the spreadsheet. Refer to Creating and Using EXQ Formulas for more information. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select the field to be summarized. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select summary type (i.e. SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX). Total Field Total Type 5. Use the table to enter data on the EXD tab of the Build Template panel. Field Description EXD: Directly inserts the Detail results of the query into the spreadsheet. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information. From the drop down list select the worksheet destination for the output. Defaults the current active worksheet. Specify the upper-left corner of the output target. This value may be a single cell, a table or a range. If Include Column Headings is selected, then it represents the left-most column heading as defined in the query. Otherwise it represents the left-most cell of the first row of data. Specify the number of columns that contain formulas/values to the right of the results grid. These columns will fill down to match the number of records in the results. Valid values are 1, 2, 3, etc. Note: When using Fill Down Columns targeting a range the fill down formulas/values must reside outside of the output range. Note: When Include Column Heading is selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first row following the headings. When Include Column Headings is not selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first two rows for the EXD data. Note: In some instances, the EXD Row function may be used in place of fill down columns. Refer to EXD Row Function for more information. Select the check box to indicate that generated output data will contain column headings from the query. Do not select the check box if column headings will be manually entered in Excel. Select the check box to have the system perform the Autofill Column Width feature of Excel when the formula is executed. Worksheet Starting Cell/Range/Table Fill Down Columns Include Column Headings Auto Fit Column Sizes

113 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Field Clear Sheet/Range/Table Clear a Range of Cells 111 Description Select the check box to have the system clear the entire output sheet (specified in the Worksheet field) or range or table (specified in the Starting Cell/Range/Table field) to be cleared when the EXD formula is executed. Do not select this check box if the EXD formula or any of the parameters for the query are located on the output sheet. Note: See Clear a Range of Cells for clearing a range of cell data. Specify the range of cells to be cleared prior to executing the EXD formula. Note: If Fill Down Columns are used, be sure to exclude the first row from the clear range. If the first row is cleared then the formula/value to be filled down will be deleted and blanks will be filled. Example: When a Fill Down Column is specified, if the Starting Cell is A7, the Clear Range of Cells should be "A8:xx". 6. Use the table to enter data on the EXS tab of the Build Template panel. Field Description EXS: Selector Text Opens a selector window with the values returned from the query. Refer to Creating and Using EXS Formulas for more information. Specify the label for the EXS. Cell for Value Specify the cell destination for the selected query value(s). 7. The EXI formula is used to open the Detail portion of the query and display it in the ResultsContainer window. No formula specific parameters are required for the EXI formula. Refer to Creating and Using EXI Formulas for more information. Global Software, Inc.

114 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Use the table to enter data in the Excel Properties section of the Build Template panel. Field Description Excel Properties: Worksheet Starting Column/Row Use Absolute Cell References Line Description Clear Worksheet Do Not Clear Worksheet Shift Worksheet Data From the drop down list select the worksheet destination for the formula. Defaults the current active worksheet. Identify the starting column and row for the formula template. Select the check box to automatically lock both the column and row values of the query's parameter cell references. If not selected, the system will only lock the column value when the parameter is assigned to a row and only lock the row value when the parameter is assigned to a column. Enter a description to be assigned to the formula. This value is placed in the cell prior to the cell containing the formula. Select the radio button to clear all cell data on the target worksheet when inserting data. Select the radio button to not clear cell data on the target worksheet when inserting data. Select the radio button to insert the formula in the target cell and to insert the data for newly inserted columns and rows to the top and to the left of the existing worksheet data.

115 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 113 Field Description Parameters: The parameter related fields only appear when parameters have been specified in the selected query definition. Select the check box to include the query parameter in the formula. Display/Use Row/Col Value Select the button to toggle between Row and Col. This button determines if the query parameter will be located on the row to the left of the formula or in a column above the formula. Enter the value to default on the template for the query parameter. The value may be a single value, a wildcard, list, range, or segment list. 9. After the appropriate data has been entered and verified, click one of the following toolbar icons or buttons. Insert (icon) -- inserts parameter labels and values and the formula to the selected worksheet, and keeps the panel open for additional inserts. Insert (button) -- inserts parameter labels and values and the formula to the selected worksheet and closes the panel. Close (button) -- closes the panel. Global Software, Inc.

116 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Formula Assistant Formula Assistant is a tool used to aid in quickly creating formulas within an Executive Dash spreadsheet. Currently the Formula Assistant is applicable for EXQ, EXD, EXS, and EXI formulas. 1. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears, open to the EXQ tab -or- if Formula Assistant was launched while on the Executive Dash formula, the panel opens the corresponding formula tab. Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 2. Select the tab of the desired formula. The selected formula panel appears. 3. Specify the query to be used in the formula. When the query resides in a Query Catalog, use the drop down list to select the query to be executed. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( select the query to be executed. ) to navigate to and When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System. 4. Use the table to enter data on the EXQ tab of the Formula Assistant panel. Field Description EXQ: Returns a single value from the EXQ (Summary) portion of the query into the spreadsheet. Refer to Creating and Using EXQ Formulas for more information. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select the field to be summarized. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select summary type (i.e. SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX). If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Total Field Total Type Parameters Note: Values to be entered in the EXQ formula will vary based upon whether the EXQ summary field is

117 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel defined in the query or the formula. Global Software, Inc. 115

118 116 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5. Use the table to enter data on the EXD tab of the Formula Assistant panel. Field Description EXD: Directly inserts the Detail results of the query into the spreadsheet. Refer to Creating and Using EXD Formulas for more information. From the drop down list select the worksheet destination for the output. Defaults the current active worksheet. Specify the upper-left corner of the output target. This value may be a single cell, a table or a range. If Include Column Headings is selected, then it represents the left-most column heading as defined in the query. Otherwise it represents the left-most cell of the first row of data. Specify the number of columns that contain formulas/values to the right of the results grid. These columns will fill down to match the number of records in the results. Valid values are 1, 2, 3, etc. Note: When using Fill Down Columns targeting a range the fill down formulas/values must reside outside of the output range. Note: When Include Column Heading is selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first row following the headings. When Include Column Headings is not selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first two rows for the EXD data. Note: In some instances, the EXD Row function may be used in place of fill down columns. Refer to EXD Row Function for more information. Select the check box to indicate that generated output data will contain column headings from the query. Do not select the check box if column headings will be manually entered in Excel. Select the check box to have the system perform the Autofill Column Width feature of Excel when the formula is executed. Select the check box to have the system clear the entire output sheet (specified in the Worksheet field) or range or table (specified in the Starting Cell/Range/Table field) to be cleared when the EXD formula is executed. Do not select this check box if the EXD formula or any of the parameters for the query are located on the output sheet. Note: See Clear a Range of Cells for clearing a range of cell data. Worksheet Starting Cell/Range/Table Fill Down Columns Include Column Headings Auto Fit Column Sizes Clear Sheet/Range/Table

119 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Field Clear a Range of Cells Parameters Description Specify the range of cells to be cleared prior to executing the EXD formula. Note: If Fill Down Columns are used, be sure to exclude the first row from the clear range. If the first row is cleared then the formula/value to be filled down will be deleted and blanks will be filled. Example: When a Fill Down Column is specified, if the Starting Cell is A7, the Clear Range of Cells should be "A8:xx". If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Use the table to enter data on the EXS tab of the Formula Assistant panel. Field Description EXS: Selector Text Opens a selector window with the values returned from the query. Refer to Creating and Using EXS Formulas for more information. Specify the label for the EXS. Cell for Value Specify the cell destination for the selected query value(s). Parameters If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Global Software, Inc.

120 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Use the table to enter data on the EXI tab of the Formula Assistant panel. Field Description EXI: Opens the Detail portion of the query and displays it in the ResultsContainer window. Refer to Creating and Using EXI Formulas for more information. If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Parameters 8. After the appropriate data has been entered and verified, click one of the following buttons. Copy to Clipboard -- copies the formula to the Windows clipboard. Paste to Excel -- inserts the formula to the previously selected cell on the current worksheet and closes the panel.

121 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Creating and Using EXQ Formulas The EXQ formula is used to return a single value from the EXQ (summary) portion of a query into a spreadsheet. A user may then drill down upon the summary value to see detailed results in the ResultsContainer window. Note: A SHELL Statement may be added to the query to launch an external program in replace of query detail as part of the drill down. Refer to SQL SHELL Function for more information. 1. In Excel, place the cell pointer where the formula is to reside. 2. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab (EXQ). Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 3. Use the table to enter data on the EXQ - Formula Assistant panel. Field Description Query Name When the query resides in a Query Catalog, use the drop down list to select the query to be executed. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed. When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online Total Field Total Type Parameters Global Software, Inc. button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select the field to be summarized. If the EXQ summary field is to be defined within the formula, use the drop down list to select summary type (i.e. SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX). If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query.

122 120 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Note: Values to be entered in the EXQ formula will vary based upon whether the EXQ summary field is defined in the query or the formula.

123 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Example 1 - EXQ Summary Field Defined in the Query: For more information on creating the EXQ summary field in the Query Designer refer to Create the EXQ Field. Example 2 - EXQ Summary Field Defined in the Formula Assistant: Global Software, Inc. 121

124 122 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. Click the Paste to Excel button to insert the formula into the cell. The summary portion of the query in the EXQ formula is immediately executed. The true formula (EXQ(...)) can be seen in the Excel formula bar. 5. Copy the EXQ formula to the appropriate destination cells. Note: If the EXQ formula is used in conjunction with data generated via an EXD formula and is in an adjacent column, use the EXD Fill Down Column feature to copy the EXQ formula to the same number of rows generated by the EXD formula. Refer to Creating and Using EXD formulas for more information. 6. To view detail records underlying an EXQ summary value, select the cell containing the EXQ formula and right click. A popup menu appears. On the popup menu, select Query Detail. The ResultsContainer window appears displaying the detail records for the EXQ summary value. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the cell containing the EXQ formula and selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon).

125 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Global Software, Inc. 123

126 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Creating and Using EXD Formulas The EXD formula is used to directly insert the detail results of a query into a spreadsheet. Note: If the query output is to be limited to a specific number of records, then the EXD Number of Records to Return field in the Query Designer must be specified to limit the records output in Excel. This value is saved in the query definition (.EDQ file). Value of "0" indicates no limit to EXD records returned in Excel. Positive integer indicates the number of records to be returned by the EXD formula in Excel. 1. In Excel, place the cell pointer where the formula is to reside. 2. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab (EXD). Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 3. Use the table to enter data on the EXD - Formula Assistant panel. Field Description Query Name When the query resides in a Query Catalog, use the drop down list to select the query to be executed. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed. When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System.

127 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel 125 Field Description Worksheet From the drop down list select the worksheet destination for the output. Defaults the current active worksheet. Specify the upper-left corner of the output target. This value may be a single cell, a table or a range. If Include Column Headings is selected, then it represents the left-most column heading as defined in the query. Otherwise it represents the left-most cell of the first row of data. Specify the number of columns that contain formulas/values to the right of the results grid. These columns will fill down to match the number of records in the results. Valid values are 1, 2, 3, etc. Note: When using Fill Down Columns targeting a range the fill down formulas/values must reside outside of the output range. Note: When Include Column Heading is selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first row following the headings. When Include Column Headings is not selected, the fill down columns are required to be on the first two rows for the EXD data. Note: In some instances, the EXD Row function may be used in place of fill down columns. Refer to EXD Row Function for more information. Select the check box to indicate that generated output data will contain column headings from the query. Do not select the check box if column headings will be manually entered in Excel. Select the check box to have the system perform the Autofill Column Width feature of Excel when the formula is executed. Select the check box to have the system clear the entire output sheet (specified in the Worksheet field) or range or table (specified in the Starting Cell/Range/Table field) to be cleared when the EXD formula is executed. Do not select this check box if the EXD formula or any of the parameters for the query are located on the output sheet. Note: See Clear a Range of Cells for clearing a range of cell data. Specify the range of cells to be cleared prior to executing the EXD formula. Note: If Fill Down Columns are used, be sure to exclude the first row from the clear range. If the first row is cleared then the formula/value to be filled down will be deleted and blanks will be filled. Example: When a Fill Down Column is specified, if the Starting Cell is A7, the Clear Range of Cells should be "A8:xx". If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Starting Cell/Range/Table Fill Down Columns Include Column Headings Auto Fit Column Sizes Clear Sheet/Range/Table Clear a Range of Cells Parameters 4. Click the Paste to Excel button to insert the formula into the cell. In Excel the formula displays a label (GenQueryDetail...) in the cell. The true formula (EXD(...)) can be seen in the Excel formula bar. Global Software, Inc.

128 126 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 5. Execute the EXD formula using one of the following methods: Generate a single, selected EXD formula: Right click on the cell containing the EXD formula, and from the popup menu select Generate This Detail List (EXD). From the EDash ribbon, select the Generate EXD(s) drop down arrow and from the drop down list select Selected. Generate all EXD formulas in the workbook: From the ExecDash menu, select Generate All Query Detail Lists. From the EDash toolbar, select the Generate All EXDs icon. From the EDash ribbon, select the Generate EXD(s) button -or- select the Generate EXD(s) drop down arrow and from the drop down list select All.

129 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Sample EXD Formula Targeting a Cell The following example demonstrates targeting a cell as the Starting Cell/Range/Table value. 1. Initial Excel setup for the example: Cell A1 - identifies the user-defined report name (i.e. OPEN INVOICES BY VENDOR). Cell A3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what the parameter value represents (i.e. Vendor). Cell B3 - identifies the parameter value needed to execute the EXD (i.e. 459). Cell C3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what type of formula will be used (i.e. EXD). Cell D3 - location where the EXD formula will reside. Cells A6-H6 - represents report headers (manually entered in this example). Cells A7-G7 - represents the first row of output data. Cell H7 - identifies the fill down column formula (i.e. D7*.09). 2. Setup on the EXD - Formula Assistant panel: Query Name - use the drop down list or the Open From File button to select the query (i.e. AP Open Invoices). Worksheet - use the drop down list to select the worksheet for the output (i.e. Sheet 1). Starting Cell/Range/Table - indicates the starting cell for the output data (i.e. A7). Fill Down Column - indicates the number of fill down columns at the end of the output data (i.e. 1). Include Column Headings - indicates whether or not the EXD formula output data retrieves headings from the query. The check box is not selected in this example as the headings have previously been keyed on the worksheet. Clear a Range of Cells - indicates the area of output data to be cleared prior to executing the EXD formula. As this example contains a fill down column (i.e. H7), the clear range starts on the second row of output data (i.e. A8:H500). This allows the fill down formula to remain for future executions of the EXD. Parameters (Vendor #) - indicates the cell on the worksheet where the query parameter resides (i.e. B3). Global Software, Inc.

130 128 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 3. The completed worksheet after EXD execution:

131 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Sample EXD Formula Targeting a Range The following example demonstrates targeting a range as the Starting Cell/Range/Table value. 1. Initial Excel setup for the example: Cell A1 - identifies the user-defined report name (i.e. OPEN INVOICES BY VENDOR). Cell A3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what the parameter value represents (i.e. Vendor). Cell B3 - identifies the parameter value needed to execute the EXD (i.e. 459). Cell C3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what type of formula will be used (i.e. EXD). Cell D3 - location where the EXD formula will reside. Cells A6-H6 - represents report headers (manually entered in this example). Cells A7-G7 - a range was created in Excel for these cells and the range was named EXDTargetRange. Cell H7 - contains a formula (i.e. D7*.09) which will automatically be filled down based upon the rows in the range when the EXD is generated. This column MUST be directly to the right of the range. 2. Setup on the EXD - Formula Assistant panel: Query Name - use the drop down list or the Open From File button to select the query (i.e. AP Open Invoices). Worksheet - use the drop down list to select the worksheet for the output (i.e. Sheet 1). Starting Cell/Range/Table - indicates the name of the range for the output data (i.e. EXDTargetRange). Fill Down Column - indicates the number of fill down columns at the end of the output data (i.e. 1). Include Column Headings - indicates whether or not the EXD formula output data retrieves headings from the query. The check box is not selected in this example as the headings have previously been keyed on the worksheet. Clear Sheet/Range/Table - indicates whether or not to clear the range of output data prior to executing the EXD formula. In this example, the check box is selected. Parameters (Vendor #) - indicates the cell on the worksheet where the query parameter resides (i.e. B3). Global Software, Inc.

132 130 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 3. The completed worksheet after EXD execution:

133 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Sample EXD Formula Targeting a Table The following example demonstrates targeting a table as the Starting Cell/Range/Table value. 1. Initial Excel setup for the example: Cell A1 - identifies the user-defined report name (i.e. OPEN INVOICES BY VENDOR). Cell A3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what the parameter value represents (i.e. Vendor). Cell B3 - identifies the parameter value needed to execute the EXD (i.e. 459). Cell C3 - user-assigned literal, indicating what type of formula will be used (i.e. EXD). Cell D3 - location where the EXD formula will reside. Cells A6-H6 - represents report headers (manually entered in this example). Cells A7-H7 - a table was created in Excel for these cells and the table was named EXDTargetTable. Cell H7 - contains a formula (i.e. D7*.09) which will automatically be filled down based upon the rows in the table when the EXD is generated. This column is in the table. 2. Setup on the EXD - Formula Assistant panel: Query Name - use the drop down list or the Open From File button to select the query (i.e. AP Open Invoices). Worksheet - use the drop down list to select the worksheet for the output (i.e. Sheet 1). Starting Cell/Range/Table - indicates the name of the range for the output data (i.e. EXDTargetTable). Fill Down Column - indicates the number of fill down columns at the end of the output data (i.e. 1). Include Column Headings - indicates whether or not the EXD formula output data retrieves headings from the query. The check box is not selected in this example as the headings have previously been keyed on the worksheet. Clear Sheet/Range/Table - indicates whether or not to clear the table of output data prior to executing the EXD formula. In this example, the check box is selected. Parameters (Vendor #) - indicates the cell on the worksheet where the query parameter resides (i.e. B3). Global Software, Inc.

134 132 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 3. The completed worksheet after EXD execution:

135 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Creating and Using EXS Formulas The EXS formula opens a selector window with the values returned from the specified query. Selected values from the first column are returned to Excel. 1. In Excel, place the cell pointer where the formula is to reside. With an EXS formula placement is typically adjacent to the Cell for Value. 2. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab (EXS). Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 3. Use the table to enter data on the EXS - Formula Assistant panel. Field Description Query Name When the query resides in a Query Catalog, use the drop down list to select the query to be executed. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed. When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online Selector Text button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System. Specify the label for the EXS. Cell for Value Specify the cell destination for the selected query value(s). Parameters If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query. Global Software, Inc.

136 134 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 4. Click the Paste to Excel button to insert the formula into the cell. In Excel the formula displays the specified Selector Text in the cell. The true formula (EXS(...)) can be seen in the Excel formula bar. 5. To execute the EXS formula, select the cell containing the EXS formula and right click. A popup menu appears. On the popup menu, select Query Select (EXS). The Select Item panel appears.

137 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Data in the list may be filtered, re-sorted and/or rearranged as necessary. To filter data -- enter a value in the appropriate column filter. Alphanumeric fields filter character by character. Numeric fields filter upon entry of the full field value. To re-sort data -- click the column heading to re-sort a column in ascending order. Click the column heading a second time to re-sort the column in descending order. To move a column -- click and hold on the desired column header, then drag and drop the column right or left to the desired position. Note: Column order is important, as only the first column of selected data will be inserted in the formula. 7. On the Select Item panel, specify the appropriate Parameter Type and then select the desired value(s): To select a single value -- double click the value -or- select the value and click Insert Selected Value(s). The selected value is returned to the Cell for Value cell on the spreadsheet. To select multiple values -- press and hold the Ctrl key as values are selected. Click the Insert Selected Value(s) button. The selected values are returned to the Cell for Value cell on the spreadsheet. To select multiple values in a range -- select the first value in the range, press and hold the Shift key, and then select the last value in the range. Click the Insert Selected Value(s) button. The selected values are returned to the Cell for Value cell on the spreadsheet. Example 1: Multiple values for a field to be used by a Smart Parm are selected, and the Insert Selected Value(s) button is selected. Global Software, Inc.

138 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Creating and Using EXI Formulas The EXI formula is used to open the detail results of a query in a results window. 1. In Excel, place the cell pointer where the formula is to reside. 2. In Excel from the ExecDash menu, select Formula Assistant. The Formula Assistant panel appears. On the panel, select the appropriate formula tab (EXI). Nav Tip:This panel may also be accessed by selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon). 3. Use the table to enter data on the EXI - Formula Assistant panel. Field Description Query Name When the query resides in a Query Catalog, use the drop down list to select the query to be executed. When the query resides in the File System, click the Open From File button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed. When the query resides in Query Exchange, click the Search Online Parameters button ( ) to navigate to and select the query to be executed (see Download Queries from Query Exchange). Note: After a query is installed from Query Exchange then it becomes available from the File System. If applicable, specify the cells containing parameters for the query.

139 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Click the Paste to Excel button to insert the formula into the cell. In Excel the formula displays a label (???) in the cell. The true formula (EXI(...)) can be seen in the Excel formula bar. 5. Copy the EXI formula to the appropriate destination cells. Note: If the EXI formula is used in conjunction with data generated via an EXD formula and is in an adjacent column, use the EXD Fill Down Column feature to copy the EXI formula to the same number of rows generated by the EXD formula. Refer to Creating and Using EXD formulas for more information. Global Software, Inc.

140 138 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 6. To view detail records for the specified query, select the cell containing the EXI formula and right click. A popup menu appears. On the popup menu, select Query Detail. The ResultsContainer window appears displaying the detail records for the query. Nav Tip:This function may also be processed by selecting the cell containing the EXI formula and selecting the EDash toolbar or ribbon equivalent (see EDash Toolbar or EDash Ribbon).

141 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Spreadsheet Server.Net Segment Lists Create/Maintain Segment Lists Segment Lists are used to create a hierarchy of individual segments which can be used in a formula. A segment list may be used within a standard formula by replacing any of the parameters with the desired segment list name. A caret symbol (^) must be inserted prior to the segment list name in the formula for the system to recognize the segment list. A user's ability to create/maintain segment lists is determined by a parameter setting on the user's User tab in the Spreadsheet Server.Net Configurator component. 1. In Excel, ensure you are logged onto Spreadsheet Server.Net. 2. In Excel from the EDash ribbon, select Segment Lists (see EDash Ribbon). The Maintain Segment Lists panel appears. 3. To create a new segment list, enter a segment list name and description, then click the Add List button. This action creates the segment list header. 4. Enter the desired segment values in the Segment List Value field. Click the Add Inclusive Value or Add Exclusive Value button depending on desired criteria. If a value is excluded, a slash will appear in front of the list value. Single segment values, ranges, wildcards, or existing segment lists (nested) can be used. Segment lists can be used for any portion of the account string. When all values have been entered, click OK. 5. To remove a value from the segment list, select the value in the grid and click the Remove Value button. 6. To change an existing segment list's description or segment list values, select the desired segment list and key over the description and/or update the segment list values. When changes are complete, click OK. 7. To copy or delete a segment list, select the list and click either the Copy List or Remove List button. Global Software, Inc.

142 140 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 8. To paste a segment list name to the current active cell on a spreadsheet, select the segment list and click the Insert List icon on the toolbar. 9. To copy all segment list names to the clipboard, click the Copy Segment Lists icon on the toolbar. 10. To lock a segment list, select the list and click the Lock icon on the toolbar. The Password dialog box appears. Enter the desired password and click OK. Locking the segment list allows other users to access the segment list but prevents changes from being made. 11. To unlock a segment list, select the list and click the Unlock icon on the toolbar. The Password dialog box appears. Enter a valid password and click OK. Note: In the event all segment lists are locked and the individual required passwords are lost or forgotten, contact Global for instructions and the required password for unlocking the segment lists. 12. To purge the balances in the PC Cache file for a segment list, select the list and click the Purge List from Cache icon on the toolbar. This action can be used if a segment list is deleted or if list values are altered. 13. To import segment lists from other users' segment list.mdb files or from an ad hoc, click the Import Segment Lists icon on the toolbar. The system prompts for the source from which to import the segment list, either an ad hoc or a segment list mdb. Select the appropriate source. This action opens either a list of existing ad hocs or the Windows Explorer panel. Select the desired ad hoc -or- browse to the location of the segment list.mdb file. Once an ad hoc or.mdb file is selected and the values have been imported, the Maintain Segment Lists panel is automatically closed. 14. To access a list of valid values or a list of hierarchy values (Oracle parent groups) for each account segment, click the Locate Segment icon on the toolbar. The Locate a Segment Value or Hierarchy panel appears. 15. To perform a mass clean up of the segment list mdb file based upon filter criteria, click the Cleanup Segment List Database icon on the toolbar. This function is password protected. 16. When the segment list(s) is complete, click OK.

143 Executive Dash Formulas in Excel Using Segment Lists in an Executive Dash Formula A segment list may be used within any of the Executive Dash formulas (EXQ, EXD, EXS or EXI) by replacing any of the parameters with the desired segment list name. A caret symbol (^) must be inserted prior to the segment list name in the parameter for the system to recognize the segment list. Formula Example - Using a Segment List: Global Software, Inc.

144 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 Calculating the Spreadsheet The following options are available for calculating/processing spreadsheets: F2+Enter Calculates the active cell. F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks. F9+Enter -orf9+ctrl+shift+enter for array formulas Shift+F9 Calculates the selected portion of a formula and replaces the selected portion with the calculated value. Ctrl+Alt+F9 Calculates all worksheets in all open workbooks, regardless of whether they have changed since the last calculation. Minimized a workbook window to an icon. Ctrl+F9 Calculates the active worksheet. Nav Tip: The majority of these options are also available by selecting the EDash ribbon equivalent (see EDash Ribbon).

145 Index Index -Aad hoc queries 84, 86 add 42, 43 fields 42, 43 relationships 39 smart parms 65 tables 37 Add Calculated Field 24, 46 Add Field Descriptions as Aliases 24, 44 Add Smart Parm for This Field 24, 65 Alias (... AS nnnnnn ) 24, 44 alias field name 44 alias table name 21 AS/400 5, 28 auto generate 27 autofit columns 75 average 69 components 4, 5 connections 5, 28 container (see results container) convert date fields 25, 49 copy 79 to clipboard 79 to Excel 75, 79 count 69 criteria 23, 58, 60, 62 get values 58 customize grid layouts 75, 78 default 75, 78 remove 75, 78 save/save as 75, 78 -Ddate fields 49 DB2 5, 28 Delete Field 24 distinct 25 DSN 5, 28 -B- -E- benefits and features 4 build a template 109 EXD 109 EXI 109 EXQ 109 EXS 109 builder 25, 46, 47, 49 calculated fields 46, 47 CASE builder 51 date fields 49 EXD row function 56 get values 58 hard coded criteria 60 panel 25 smart parms 65 EDash ribbon 102 EDash toolbar 101 Edit Calculated Field 24, 46 EDQ files 17, 31 error log 31, 97 Excel 7 add-in 7 formulas 108 navigation 99 EXD 108, 109, 114, 124 row function 56 sample target cell 127 sample target range 129 sample target table 131 ExecDash menu 100 EXI 108, 109, 114, 136 Explorer File System panel 17 export 79 to CSV 79 to Excel 75, 79 to PDF 79 to RTF 79 -Ccalculated fields 46, 47, 49, 51, 56 calculation options 142 CASE builder 51 catalog (see query catalog) Global Software, Inc

146 144 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 expr1 47 expression 69 EXQ 71, 108, 109, 114, 119 EXQ (Summary) Field 24, 71 EXQLMAST.MDB 18, 31 EXS 108, 109, 114, 133 installation 7 introduction 4 iseries 5, 28 -Jjoins -Ffeatures and benefits 4 field list 23, 43, 71 builder 25 hard coded criteria 60 menu 24 panel 23 fields 43 adding 43 alias name 44 calculated 46, 47, 49, 51, 56 converting dates 25, 49 deleting 24 moving 24 selecting/creating 42 summary 71 file system 17, 31 filter grid records 75 first 69 formula 61, 108 EXD 114, 124 EXI 114, 136 EXQ 114, 119 EXS 114, 133 using segment lists 141 formula assistant 67, , 39 -Llast 69 license key list 64 Log Viewer login 34 manual mode 27, 73 max 69 menu 14, 100 min 69 Move Field 24 -Nnavigation 102 EDash ribbon 102 EDash toolbar 101 Excel 99 ExecDash menu 100 Query Desiger ribbon 14 quick access toolbar 14 -O- get values 58 Grid Action panel 75 group by 23, 69 group footer band 94 group grid records 75 group header band 92 Oracle IN statement M- -G- -I- 8 5, 28 -Pparameters 62 Excel 61, 67 panel 22 Query Designer 61, 62 smart parms 64, 65 standard Global Software, Inc.

147 Index -Qquery 84, 86 ad hoc 84, 86 adding relationships 39 adding tables 37 clone 80 creating 34 definition 82 delete 80 description 80 detail 136 download 81, 104 executing 74 lock/unlock 80 publish 81 saving 36 selecting/creating fields 42 query catalog 31 panel 18 Query Designer 13 Query Designer ribbon 14 Query Exchange 81, 104 download query 81, 104 publish query 81 Query View panel 20 quick access toolbar 14 -Rrange 64 registration 8 portable license 11 relationships 20, 39 report designer 89, 90 adding labels 90 adding totals 94 formatting 91 grouping 92 selecting fields 90 re-sort columns 75 results container 74 copy records 79 customize grid layouts 75, 78 export records 75, 79 features Global Software, Inc. layouts 31 ribbon 14, 102 -Ssecurity 31 segment lists 139 create/maintain 139 using in a formula 141 settings 31 SHELL function 27, 73 single value 64, 133 smart parms 64, 65, 133 entry criteria 64 sort 23 SQL Server 5, 28 SQL text 27, 71, 73 panel 27 standard deviation 69 subtotal grid records 75 sum 69 summary fields 71, 119 -Ttables 20, 37 adding 20 alias name 21 remove 21 selecting fields 43, 47 textual 82 toolbar 101 Totals 23, 24, 69 trim 25, 39 -Uuninstall 12 unregister user upgrades 7 8 -Vvalue 61 as number 62 as string 62 variance

148 146 Executive Dash - Release V12 R5 M6 view log 31, 97 view registration 8 -Wwhere 69 wildcard Global Software, Inc.

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