Variables

You can use variables to pass values within and between reports. For example, if formulas use variables, the values that are returned by those formulas are updated automatically when the variable value changes. You can also use variables as input and output variables in combo boxes to ensure that a selection made in one report is automatically selected in another.

Report variables

Report variables are available only in the report. We recommend that you use report variables rather than global variables whenever possible. Using report variables prevents variables with unclear purpose from populating the Global Variables folder.

Global variables

Global variables are available across the entire report catalog. They allow users to work with a group of reports collectively instead of individually. When you switch between reports that use the same global variables, the system automatically passes the variable values.

Note:

Global variables do not synchronize automatically between reports on a dashboard. To sync them, use widget communication.

Report snapshots store only report variable values. If a report uses a global variable, the snapshot might not display the expected data.

Manage report and global variables in the Accessories pane.

Action variables

Action local variables store intermediate results, static values, or pre-calculated formula results in action definitions. These variables exist only during the execution of an action. They cannot be queried from the report spreadsheet or other actions, and their values cannot be set by other actions. Use action local variables when the value is not needed outside the action.

Values and default values

Global and report variables can have these values:

A value per user.
A default value.
A value per application role. This value can be used to manage different default values for different application roles. If this value is empty, the default value is used.

When you sign in to applications for the first time, the initial values are the default values of variables. Actions and other options in reports enable you to change the initial values. For each user, separate values are stored in a variable.

Persistent and non-persistent variables

Variables can be persistent or non-persistent, as required. If a changed value is stored in a persistent variable, the value persists even if you sign out or close the report, respectively.

If a variable is non-persistent, these are the options:

Global variables: The value is reset to default value when you sign in the next time.
Report Variables: The value is reset to default when closing and reopening a report.

Example for persistent variable: Remember the selected entity, so that you do not need to repeat the selection when you log in the next time.

Example for non-persistent variable: The planning period is centrally configured by a user who sets the default value of a non-persistent variable. All users see this centrally managed default when they sign in. They can change the value during a session, but the default is restored the next time they sign in.