How to implement prompts in FM?

[halkosj]

We do not understand how to set up prompts in FM.

The documentation says two different things, neither of which works for us.

The first method is to use the prompt() macro in a filter on a query item. When we do this, it pops up a "Prompt Values" dialog box. We do not wish to type in all the prompt values, but want to obtain them from a lookup table. Clicking on the Help button on the dialog box brings up a discussion of what appears to be a second method of implementing a prompt by using the Query Item Prompt Info properties.

The discussion there is very confusing - for example, look at the discussion of the two properties: "Filter Item Reference" and "Use Item Reference" - it looks to us like they same the exact same thing.  Whats the difference? We played around with all the Prompt Info properties, and nothing we put there seems to make any difference.

So the questions are:

1. Where can we find a useful explanation of prompts in the model. (FM User's Guide doesn't help at all).

2. Whats the difference between specifying a prompt using the prompt() macro, vice using the Prompt Info properties?

3. How do we get the Prompt Info properties to work?

4. How do we get the prompt() macro to work without manually typing in all the possible prompt selections?

[blom0344]

The question should be whether the FM is the best place to have them at all. Defining them from the report itself gives maximum control , though reusability is lost.

[halkosj]

We've already answered that question - and the answer is that we need to implement a prompt in FM. This is a required prompt, and leaving the decision to Report authors would result in incorrect results should they neglect to implement a prompt in Report Studio.

[blom0344]

I assume that you need to enforce a prompt when a certain query subject is referenced.
Did you try to add a filter to the subject like:

[some QS].[some QI] IN #prompt('Select one value',<<datatype>>,<<default>>)#

where datatype and default should be entered like 'string' and 'defaultyouwant


If you want to enforce the prompt in ALL cases, then I would build a report template that:

Has a prompt page with the required promptquery.
The associated parameter should then be used in the report main queries.

and force your report writers to use this! Much more elegant as it shows a nice prompt page for users to start with.

Just my 2 cents..

[halkosj]

Hmmmm - you've presented a few ideas that I think we need to try.

Thanx for the suggestions.

[RudiHendrix]

Halkosj,

Did this work out for you?

I'm looking for the same functionality. As I would like to let users work with Query Studio, they should be forced to make a selection when they include a specific query item.