Parameter values that are empty

Some parameter values remain empty after clicking Calculate.

These parameters rollup as null values. "Null" means no value, not zero. If an item in the formula has no value entered for the parameter, the value cannot be calculated for the parameter in the formula. The parameter is blank. Other parameters might be set up to interpret empty values as zero. These parameters can be calculated, even if an item in the formula has no value for the parameter.

The Rollup Ind column shows if the rollup has completed successfully for this parameter, that is, a value exists for all items in the formula.

If the Rollup Ind value is Incomplete, it means that some parameters are missing values or otherwise should be examined.

In the Parameter form, the Missing Value field is used by the administrator to designate how missing values should be interpreted.

• A parameter is defined as Missing Value = Rollup as Zero; one or more items in the formula do not have a parameter value. The Rollup Ind is "Incomplete" and 0 is assumed. The calculated value is probably questionable and should be checked.
• A parameter is defined as Missing Value = Rollup as Null; one or more items do not have a parameter value. The parameter value is blank and the Rollup Ind field is blank. You should supply a value for the parameter. For example, nutritional values are sometimes not known before the rollup is completed; you may need to go back and fill it in later.

Compare the Rollup Ind value with the Level Indicator column. Do you see blanks or 0’s in some rows for the parameter value but the Level Indicator is 2 in other rows? If so, that is an indication the rollup has been completed. There is a problem with the 0 or blank value.

In this example, Rollup as Null does not show "Incomplete" in Rollup Ind for Caffeine. A value is displayed for Sodium, which is also Rollup as Null. Egg_Allergen shows the Level 1 – Overridden flag.