Creating a Global Report variable.

[andy_mason_84]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if it is possible to create a global variable so that it appears in every report automatically?

For example if we were to have a Boolean variable of 1+1=5 which is always false so we can apply that to comments etc in the report that we never want to render.

The only way I can think about doing it is by adding it into all the default templates, which would resolve this for any new reports, but what about the reports that already exist?

Any advice would be welcomed with open arms  :)

Thanks,

AM

[blom0344]

Copy variable from template to the reports?  AFAIK you can have global styles, but not 'global' variables outside a report definition

[charon]

I agree with bloom. What exactly is the goal of that variable? (im sorry, but i was not able to follow your example).
Maybe a global filter expression or a parameter map in framework manager would do the trick for you?

cheerz :P

[blom0344]

blom  8) 8) 8)

sorry about that..

The Cognos model is mainly about manipulating SQL to be generated. Variables are about Cognos itself, don't think you can work them into a model

[charon]

SRY!  ;D

And back to the topic, now i get the requirement. I agree, the FM wont be the right place to execute or implement display-logic. I think your first direction of thinking were correct, implement it in your templates ...and i fear the older reports has to get "migrated" then.  ::)

[andy_mason_84]

Thanks for your suggestions and comments.

For those that didn't understand my original babble.

Here is another explanation:

In our FM Model we provide a filter for Company that the user can drag in instead of having to create it each time, this way we always know the Parameter will always be 'Company in ?Company?'.

What I want to do is then create a boolean variable that will appear in all reports, that says '?Company? is null'.

Then in all our reports we apply this variable as a Render variable on the Company Column, so if they don't select a company from the prompt (so it passes nothing) then we assume they do not want to see that in the report and that column is hidden.

This is a simplistic explanation, so it may not make logical sense to you, but I don't want to have to create the Boolean Variable in every report if I don;t have too.  Although i am pretty sure that is what i will have to do.

[blom0344]

Your requirement is quite clear, but AFAIK you cannot add a variable to an FM model. The variable itself is part of the report definition..

[andy_mason_84]

Cheers Blom, I thought as much.

[barrysaab]

Interesting conversation!Thanks