Creating Dynamic References in Universes

This is a guide to create easy dynamic references in a universe for easy dynamic date filtering in BusinessObjects. The following steps are for universes based off HANA Analytic and Calculation Views. 

A common ask from a client is automation, and we are definitely fans. It’s preferable to write a report once, then not have to touch it again, a la the old Ron Popeil adage: “Set it and forget it.” There are many Web Intelligence documents that are time-based analyses. Perhaps a year-to-date (YTD) report that compares the current year over the previous three years. Without some kind of dynamic data in there for filtering, we are stuck constantly updating the date. If this report is also on a scheduled burst to users, updating the date range becomes a monthly (even weekly) activity. Who wants to keep doing that?

We recently implemented a solution with one of our clients that offers a plethora of dynamic date options to use as filters in Web Intelligence. Given that we can filter a data dimension by another object in the query, we can use these dynamic dates to always return the appropriate dates regardless of when they are run/bursted. Let’s walk you through the steps to create them in a universe via the Information Design Tool (IDT).

1. 1. When is now? 
      The first step is to create the current date. Organizationally, we are going to create additional folders and sub-folders to make it easier for our users. Let’s create a few folder and sub-folders:
      

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About the Authors 

Jason Kehl

Jason is a Manager in Protiviti’s Data Management & Advanced Analytics practice. A multi-year veteran of SAP products, he has helped customers move from BEx Queries into HANA powered BusinessObjects, upgrade environments, security and administration, and build various reports and dashboards. Jason is proficient on SAP BW, Business Explorer queries, Web Intelligence, Information Design Tool, Universe Design Tool, Lumira, HANA modeling, BusinessObjects administration, security and upgrades. He has also spoke at numerous ASUG and SAPinsider events.

Russ Cohen

Russ is a senior consultant in Protiviti’s Data Management & Advanced Analytics practice with a strong business and technological background in SAP HANA modeling, Design Studio, Lumira, Web Intelligence, and Information Design Tool. Russ is familiar with and has worked on multiple databases including HANA, ECC, BW, as well as OLAP and relational databases. he is skilled in all stages of the development cycle: requirement analysis, design, development, testing, deployment and end-user training abilities.