Defining a compute statement

A compute statement is an arithmetic equation consisting of Lawson data dictionary names, total names, and numeric values that enables you to create customized calculation formulas. In the Budgeting application, you can use compute statements to calculate budget amounts or units.

You must load the Report Writer data dictionary before you can set up computed budgets in the Budgeting application. If the data dictionary was not loaded as part of your initial installation, then run Data Dictionary Load (RW590) to load the predefined dictionary. Use this procedure to define a compute statement.

  1. Access Compute Statement (RW50.1).
  2. Define the name and folder for the compute statement using these guidelines:
    Compute

    Select the name of the compute statement that you will define. Specify a description for the compute statement.

    Folder

    Select the folder where you will store the compute statement information. See the information about defining and using folders in Report Writer User Guide.

  3. Define the compute statement equation using these guidelines:
    Compute Line

    Specify the calculation formula for the compute statement. Compute statements are arithmetic equations consisting of data dictionary names and operation symbols. Valid operation symbols are:

    • + for addition

    • - for subtraction

    • * for multiplication

    • / for division

    • ** for exponents

    • ABS for absolute values

    These are some considerations before constructing a compute statement:

    • You can give data dictionary items with parameters such as periods, column numbers, budget numbers, total names, and accounting unit overrides.

    • You can use parentheses to determine the order of operations within arithmetic equations.

    • You can define a maximum combination of 40 numbers and data dictionary items for each formula. For example, the compute statement (CPBUD*CPAMT) / 100 is equivalent to three. Any item preceding or following an operation symbol counts as one element.

    Select Usage, list

    Select the applications where you will use the compute statement.

    Default Header

    (Optional) Specify a default heading used by the desktop Report Writer Designer.

Related reports and inquiries

To Use
List data dictionary names and the parameters they accept Data Dictionary Listing (RW205)
List all compute statements Compute Listing (RW250)
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