Reference Guide

SAP NetWeaver
Visual Composer
Document Version 1.00 – August 2008

SAP enhancement package 1 for

SAP NetWeaver 7.0
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names, screen titles, Example
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Cross-references to other Syntax

documentation.
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and their paths, messages,
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parameters, source text, and
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Contents

SAP NETWEAVER VISUAL COMPOSER REFERENCE GUIDE ........................................... 1

1 OVERVIEW OF VISUAL COMPOSER.............................................................................. 1
2 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE............................................................................................... 2
3 MAIN WORKSPACE ELEMENTS..................................................................................... 3
3.1 Main Menu................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Main Toolbar ............................................................................................................. 6
3.3 Workspace Boards.................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Workspace Toolboxes............................................................................................... 9
4 MODEL MENU DIALOG BOXES .................................................................................... 11
4.1 New Model .............................................................................................................. 11
4.2 Open Model............................................................................................................. 12
4.3 Save As ................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Save New Version................................................................................................... 13
4.5 Manage Model Versions ......................................................................................... 13
4.6 Manage Models....................................................................................................... 14
4.7 Print 14
4.8 Export to File ........................................................................................................... 15
4.9 Import from File ....................................................................................................... 15
4.10 Unlock Models......................................................................................................... 16
5 TASK PANELS ................................................................................................................ 17
5.1 Get Started Task Panel........................................................................................... 18
5.2 Browse Model and Search Model Task Panels ...................................................... 19
5.2.1 Browse Model Task Panel............................................................................ 20
5.2.2 Search in Model Task Panel ........................................................................ 21
5.3 Compose Model Task Panel ................................................................................... 22
5.3.1 Select Display Fields Dialog Box.................................................................. 26
5.4 Configure Element Task Panel ............................................................................... 28
5.4.1 Annotation .................................................................................................... 29
5.4.2 Calendar View .............................................................................................. 30
5.4.3 Chart View .................................................................................................... 33
5.4.4 Combine Operator ........................................................................................ 38
5.4.5 Data Binding ................................................................................................. 39
5.4.6 Data Flow ..................................................................................................... 40
5.4.7 Data Mapping ............................................................................................... 41
5.4.8 Data Service ................................................................................................. 42
5.4.9 Distinct Operator........................................................................................... 44
5.4.10 End Point ...................................................................................................... 45
5.4.11 Filter Operator .............................................................................................. 45
5.4.12 Form View .................................................................................................... 47
5.4.13 Group by Operator........................................................................................ 50
 5.4.14 HTML View ................................................................................................... 51
5.4.15 Input Signal................................................................................................... 52
5.4.16 Intersection Operator.................................................................................... 53
5.4.17 iView ............................................................................................................. 54
5.4.18 Layers........................................................................................................... 55
5.4.19 Lower-Range Operator................................................................................. 57
5.4.20 Model............................................................................................................ 58
5.4.21 Navigation Point ........................................................................................... 59
5.4.22 Nested iView................................................................................................. 60
5.4.23 Output Port ................................................................................................... 61
5.4.24 Output Signal................................................................................................ 62
5.4.25 Package........................................................................................................ 63
5.4.26 Page ............................................................................................................. 63
5.4.27 Popup Signal ................................................................................................ 64
5.4.28 Sigma Operator ............................................................................................ 65
5.4.29 Sort Operator................................................................................................ 66
5.4.30 Start Point..................................................................................................... 66
5.4.31 Subtraction Operator .................................................................................... 67
5.4.32 Switch Operator............................................................................................ 68
5.4.33 Table View.................................................................................................... 69
5.4.34 Timer ............................................................................................................ 72
5.4.35 Transition...................................................................................................... 73
5.4.36 Union Operator ............................................................................................. 74
5.4.37 Upper-Range Operator................................................................................. 74
5.4.38 User Data ..................................................................................................... 75
5.5 Inspect Formulas Task Panel.................................................................................. 76
5.6 Find Data Services Task Panel............................................................................... 77
5.6.1 Define Data Service Dialog Box ................................................................... 81
5.6.2 Favorites Folders.......................................................................................... 82
5.6.3 Test Data Service Dialog Box ...................................................................... 84
5.6.4 Define / Test Query Dialog Box.................................................................... 84
5.7 Deploy to Portal Task Panel.................................................................................... 85
6 CONTROL PROPERTIES DIALOG BOX ....................................................................... 87
6.1 Available Controls and Fields.................................................................................. 88
6.2 Control Properties - General Tab ............................................................................ 93
6.3 Control Properties - Display Tab ............................................................................. 95
6.4 Control Properties - Range Tab .............................................................................. 98
6.5 Control Properties - Styles Tab ............................................................................... 99
6.6 Control Properties - Formatting Tab ..................................................................... 100
6.7 Control Properties - Entry List Tab........................................................................ 102
6.7.1 Find Data Service Dialog Box .................................................................... 105
6.8 Control Properties - Validation Tab....................................................................... 106
6.9 Control Properties - Image Tab............................................................................. 107
6.10 Control Properties - Action Tab............................................................................. 108
6.11 Control Properties - HTML Tab ............................................................................. 111
6.12 Value Help Configuration Wizard .......................................................................... 113
7 TOOLS MENU DIALOG BOXES................................................................................... 118
7.1 Documentation Wizard.......................................................................................... 118
7.2 Entry List Manager ................................................................................................ 119
7.2.1 Value Help List ........................................................................................... 121
7.3 Image Manager ..................................................................................................... 124
7.4 Alias Manager ....................................................................................................... 125
7.5 System Definition (Web Service) .......................................................................... 126
7.6 Alert Data Service ................................................................................................. 126
7.7 Customize Toolbar ................................................................................................ 128
7.8 Options Dialog Box ............................................................................................... 130
7.8.1 Options - Model Tab ................................................................................... 131
7.8.2 Options - Drawing Tab ............................................................................... 131
7.8.3 Options - Composing Tab .......................................................................... 133
7.8.4 Options - Workspace Tab........................................................................... 134
7.8.5 Options - Compiler Tab .............................................................................. 135
7.8.6 Options - Administration Tab...................................................................... 136
8 BI MENU DIALOG BOXES............................................................................................ 137
8.1 BI Integration Wizard............................................................................................. 138
8.1.1 Select a System.......................................................................................... 139
8.1.2 Select a Query Template............................................................................ 140
8.1.3 Select a Cube ............................................................................................. 172
8.1.4 Define Filters .............................................................................................. 173
8.1.5 Select a Table............................................................................................. 175
8.1.6 Design a Layout.......................................................................................... 176
8.1.7 Select Fields ............................................................................................... 177
8.1.8 Configure Joins........................................................................................... 180
8.1.9 Configure Filters ......................................................................................... 181
8.1.10 Specify the Sort Order................................................................................ 182
8.1.11 Review Output ............................................................................................ 182
8.2 SQL Editor............................................................................................................. 183
8.3 MDX Editor ............................................................................................................ 185
9 EXPRESSION EDITOR ................................................................................................. 188
10 CREATE TOOLBAR BUTTONS DIALOG BOX ........................................................... 190
11 TITLE DIALOG BOX...................................................................................................... 191
 July 2008

SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer

Reference Guide
This Reference Guide is a complement to the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide [External] for SAP Visual Composer. It provides detailed information needed for
performing the tasks described in the Modeler’s Guide.
For an introduction to Visual Composer, see Overview of Visual Composer [External].
For information about all of the manuals in the Visual Composer documentation set, see How
to Use this Guide [Page 2].

1 Overview of Visual Composer

SAP Visual Composer provides a development environment for rapidly creating and adapting
model-based transactional and analytical applications. It has been designed to enable
business analysts to create enterprise applications using standardized components that meet
SAP standards and quality criteria.

Visual Composer has been designed according to the following prime considerations:

• Simplicity

o Visual Composer enables fast development of model-based business

applications, without requiring manual coding skills.

o The Visual Composer graphical interface is very user friendly: it implements

drag-and-drop capabilities, direct layout visualization and a range of other
tools for facilitating model building and adaptation

o Visual Composer is browser-based, eliminating the need for client-side

installation and maintenance

• SAP NetWeaver 7.0 integration

Visual Composer is tightly integrated into the SAP NetWeaver 7.0 suite of
applications.

• Connectivity to SAP and third-party systems

Visual Composer operates on top of the SAP NetWeaver portal, utilizing the portal's
connector-framework interfaces to enable access to a range of data services,
including SAP and third-party enterprise systems. In addition to accessing SAP
Business Suite systems, users can access SAP Business Warehouse and any
open/JDBC stored procedures.

• Support for different runtime environments

Visual Composer is a robust tool whose models can be deployed to run in a number
of different environments, including Web Dynpro and Adobe Flex.

• Reusable components
The building blocks implemented in the models ensure consistency in functionality
Wand UI design from application to application. Using them ensures significant
savings in time and effort by eliminating the need to recreate similar functionality from
model to model.

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 July 2008

• Trial-and-error
Visual Composer is ideal for trying out a model, quickly simulating it in runtime - or
even deploying it - and then going back to the "drawing board" (Storyboard) for
correction and tweaking.

In summary, Visual Composer enables business analysts to apply their inherent

understanding of their organizations' requirements to create and adapt applications to their
specific business needs. These applications can then be subsequently customized and
continuously changed in Visual Composer as the organization's business objectives evolve.

To understand the role of this manual in the Visual Composer documentation set, see How to
Use this Guide.

2 How to Use this Guide

You should use this guide in conjunction with the other manuals in the documentation set for
SAP Visual Composer. In general, the Modeler’s Guide is intended to guide you through the
general workflow tasks that you perform when creating and modifying models in Storyboard.
This manual complements the Modeler’s Guide in that it provides the details for filling in the
screens and defining the attributes of every model element, control and field.
For a description of the general concepts of Visual Composer, and a glossary of terms used
when working with the application, refer to the Getting Involved [External] chapter of the
Modeler’s Guide.
The following documents are included in the Visual Composer documentation set:
• SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide [External]
• SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Installation & Configuration Guide [External]
• SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Reference Guide [Page Error! Bookmark not
defined.]
• SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Security Guide [External]
• Administration of SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer [External]

Be sure to read SAP Note 1169887 for the latest information about
limitations, known issues, and workarounds for SAP Visual Composer.
You can find the SAP Note at SAP Service Marketplace at
service.sap.com/notes.

SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Reference Guide 2

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3 Main Workspace Elements

The two main sections of the Storyboard desktop are the workspace and the task panel at the
right. This section provides detailed descriptions of the following areas of the workspace:
• Main Menu [External]
• Main Toolbar [External]
• Workspace Boards [Page 7]
• Workspace Toolboxes [External]
For information about the task panels, see Task Panels [External].

3.1 Main Menu

The main menu includes most of the options for managing your model files, creating the
logical flow and displaying the Storyboard options and task panels.

Structure
The following table lists the functions of each main menu option:

Option Sub-option Description

Model New Model Displays the Create a New Model dialog box. See Creating a
New Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide.
Open Model Displays the Open Model dialog box for selecting the model to
open. See Opening a Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler's Guide.
Close Model Closes the model currently open in Storyboard.
Save Model Saves the changes made since the last Save. See Saving a
Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.
Save As Displays the Save As dialog box for saving the open model
under a different name or in a different location. See Saving a
Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.
Save New Opens the Save New Version dialog box for saving the open
Version model as a new version of the original model. See Save New
Version.
Manage Model Opens the Select Model Version dialog box to choose a version
Versions of the open model and make it the current version. See Manage
Model Versions.
Manage Opens the Model Browser, for performing different operations
Models such as creating a subfolder, and opening, deleting and
renaming a model. See Using the Model Browser in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.
Print Prints the model diagram currently displayed in Storyboard.
Export to File Saves the model as a *.gml file at a location that you specify.
See Exporting a Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
Modeler's Guide.

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Option Sub-option Description

Import from File Imports a model previously exported from Visual Composer. See
Importing a Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
Modeler's Guide.
Unlock Models [Available only when no model is open.] Unlocks select models
that you have created, so that they can be opened for editing.
Log Off Closes the model currently displayed in Storyboard (prompting
you to save or not) and logs you off from the connected portal.
Edit Undo Cancels the last action performed in Storyboard. (You can set
the number of undo levels in the Model tab of the Options dialog
box. See Options Dialog Box.)
Redo Restores the last action undone in Storyboard
Cut Deletes the selected item.
Copy Copies the selected item.
Paste Pastes the item that was copied.
Rename Allows you to rename the selected item.
Delete Removes the selected item.
Duplicate Creates a copy of the selected item.
Select All Selects all items currently displayed in Storyboard.
Search Browse Model Displays the Browse Model task panel, which shows the
hierarchy of elements in the model. See Browse Model and
Search Model Task Panels.
Search Model Displays the Search Model task panel, to enable you to search
for occurrences of model elements. See Browse Model and
Search Model Task Panels.
Back After you have drilled down in a model, returns you to the
previous level.
Forward After you have drilled down and returned to a higher level, drills
down to the last level.
Parent Returns you to the top level of your iView.
Home Returns to you the highest level of your model.
Tools Compile Model Compiles the model in the selected runtime code. Click View
source code in the Deploy to Portal task panel to display the
compiled file.
Deploy Model Compiles the model in the selected runtime code and packages
it for deployment to the portal. See Deploy to Portal Task Panel.
Documentation Generates model documentation for all or specified parts of your
Wizard model. See Documentation Wizard.
Entry List Displays the Entry List Manager dialog box for creating global
Manager entry lists, for use with list controls (such as radio buttons or
drop-down lists). See Entry List Manager and Create an Entry
List in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

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Option Sub-option Description

Image Manager Displays the Image Manager dialog box for creating an image
library, for use in the different UI components of the model. See
Image Manager.
Alias Manager Displays the System Alias Manager dialog box, for organizing
and reassigning systems from which data services have been
added to the model. See Alias Manager.
Define Web Displays the System Definition (Web Service) dialog box, for
Service System creating new web services. See System Definition (Web
Service).
Alert Data Adds an alert data service to Storyboard, operating in
Service conjunction with the Universal Worklist (UWL).
Customize Displays the Customize Toolbar dialog box, to rearrange and
add buttons to the Storyboard main toolbar. See Customize
Toolbar.
Options Displays the Options dialog box, for customizing the operation of
Storyboard. See Options Dialog Box.
BI BI Integration Walks you step-by-step through creating iView content that
Wizard defines queries on BI data services.
MDX Editor Displays the MDX Editor dialog box for creating or editing OLAP
queries.
SQL Editor Displays the SQL Editor dialog box for creating or editing
relational queries.
Window New Window Opens an additional Storyboard window.
Full Screen Displays the workspace on the entire Storyboard area.
Maximize Restores a minimized window.
Window
Cascade Displays multiple windows in a cascade fashion.
Windows
Tile Displays multiple windows one above the other.
Horizontally
Tile Vertically Displays multiple windows size-by-side.
Close All Closes all open Storyboard windows.
Windows
Help Online Help Displays the first topic in the online help (with access to the
entire guide).
SDN Online Opens a new browser Window to the Visual Composer page of
SAP Developers Network.
Reference Displays the Visual Composer Reference Guide in a separate
Guide Help Portal window.
Modeler's Displays the Visual Composer Modeler's Guide (Modeling
Guide Applications with SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer) in a
separate Help Portal window.

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Option Sub-option Description

What's New Lists the new and enhanced features of the most recent release
of Storyboard.
About Displays information about currently-installed Visual Composer
version.

Integration
Most of the options in the main menu can be accessed by clicking the corresponding button in
the main toolbar or by using the appropriate right-click context menu. The small icon to the left
of each menu option indicates its corresponding toolbar button.

3.2 Main Toolbar

The row of buttons under the Storyboard main menu contains shortcuts to many of the most-
commonly used functions in the main menu.

Structure
The default toolbar contains the following options:

Default Main-Toolbar Buttons

Button Description

Displays the Create a New Model dialog box in order to create a

(Create New Model) new model. See Creating a New Model in the SAP NetWeaver
Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Displays the Open Model dialog box for selecting the model to
(Open Model) open. See Opening a Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler's Guide.

Closes the model currently open in Storyboard.

(Close Model)

Saves the changes made since the last Save. See Saving a Model
(Save Model) in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Opens the Save New Version dialog box for saving the open model
(Save New Version) as a new version of the original model. See Save New Version.

Opens the Select Model Version dialog box to choose a version of

(Manage Model the open model and make it the current version. See Manage Model
Versions) Versions.

Opens the Model Browser, for performing different operations such

(Manage Models) as creating a subfolder, and opening, deleting and renaming a
model. See Using the Model Browser in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler's Guide.

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Button Description

Prints the model diagram currently displayed in Storyboard. See

(Print) Print the Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide.

Deletes the selected item.

(Cut)

Copies the selected item.

(Copy)

Pastes the item that was copied.

(Paste)

Cancels the last action performed in Storyboard. (You can set the
(Undo)
number of undo levels in the Model tab of the Options dialog box.
See Options Dialog Box.

Restores the last action undone in Storyboard.

(Redo)

After you have drilled down in a model, returns you to the previous
(Back) level.

After you have drilled down and returned to a higher level, drills
(Forward) down to the last level.

Returns you to the top level of your iView.

(Parent)

Returns to you the highest level of your model.

(Home)

Compiles the model in the selected runtime code. Click View source
(Compile Model) code in the Deploy to Portal task panel to display the compiled file.

Compiles the model in the selected runtime code and packages it

(Deploy Model) for deployment to the portal. See Deploy to Portal Task Panel.

Integration
These icons also appear next to the left of the main menu options.

To customize the main toolbar - changing the position of buttons, and adding and deleting
others - see Customize Toolbar.

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3.3 Workspace Boards

Definition
The workspace consists of a tabbed set of grids – or boards – on which you build and design
your model.

Structure
The workspace can contain up to four boards, displaying different views of the model:

Board Use

Design Constructing your model

Layout Customizing the layout of iViews

Source Reviewing the code that is automatically generated by Storyboard as

you build your model

The various boards are available according to the model component you are working with.
Each board has its own toolbox, which provides a set of board-specific tools to assist you
with the tasks you perform on that board. See the following sections (from Workspace
Toolboxes [External]) for detailed descriptions of the contents of each toolbox.

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3.4 Workspace Toolboxes

Each workspace board has a toolbox of functions specific to that board. The following
toolboxes are available:

• Design board toolbox

• Layout board toolbox

• Source toolbox

By default, the toolbox appears at the bottom of the displayed board. You can change its
location or hide it by choosing Tools Options Workspace . You can customize each
toolbox by choosing Tools Customize .

Structure
The following tables describes each of the buttons in the four toolboxes:

Design-Board Toolbox Buttons

Button Description
Standard pointer.
(Pointer)
Zooms into the board incrementally with each mouse click. Note
(Zoom In) that you can also use the Fit, 1:1 and zoom value field at the top
right of the board to define your exact zoom view.
Zooms out on the board incrementally with each mouse click.
(Zoom Out) Note that you can also use the Fit, 1:1 and zoom value field at the
top right of the board to define your exact zoom view.
Moves the entire board with the cursor.
(Hand Tool)
Magnifies the element in the area you define by dragging the
(Zoom Tool)
mouse.
Adds a text block for writing notes (design-time only).
(Annotation Tool)
Displays the layers and transitions only.
(View Level 1)
Displays the layers and transitions, and the layer contents (what
(View Level 2) the user sees).
Displays the full model logic.
(View Level 3)
Displays the elements in the workspace in high/low quality.
(High Quality)
Shows/hides the workspace grid.
(Show Grid)
Provides a "magnifying glass" for magnifying the part of an
(Show Magnifier ) element under the magnifying circle.

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Layout-Board Toolbox Buttons

Button Description
Moves selected element(s) to the top layer of layout.
(Bring to Front)
Moves selected element(s) to the bottom layer of layout.
(Send to Back)
Displays a context menu for aligning the selected elements.
(Align Controls)
Displays a context menu for distributing the selected elements.
(Distribute Controls)
Resizes the selected UI element (view) so that its contents fit
(Fit to Contents) properly within the view, without unneeded space.
Resizes the width of the view to match the width of the iView.
(Fit to Window)
Shows/hides the workspace grid.
(Show Grid)
Displays the outlines of the model elements as dashed lines.
(Wireframe)
This feature is not yet implemented.
(Arrange Drawing)

Source Toolbox Button

Button Description
Wraps the text lines to fit the viewing window. If not selected, use
(Wrap Lines)
the horizontal scrollbar to view the text.

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4 Model Menu Dialog Boxes

This chapter describes the operations performed when you choose an option from the Model
menu in the Visual Composer main menu. The topics included in this section are:

• New Model
• Open Model
• Save As
• Save New Version
• Manage Model Versions
• Manage Models
• Print
• Export to File
• Import from File
• Unlock Models

4.1 New Model

The Create a New Model dialog box is displayed when you choose Model New Model
or click the New Model button in the main toolbar. You use the dialog box to enter a name
for the new model file in the path displayed.

Structure
The fields of the dialog box are listed in the following table:

Toolbar Button / Field Description

(New Folder) Creates a new folder within the currently open folder

Deletes the currently open folder

(Delete Folder)

Model path Read-only

To change the path, use the folder hierarchy in the dialog box to
navigate to the location that you want to display as the default path.

Model name The unique name you give to the new model. Naming rules include:
• Only alphanumeric characters and underscores
• No spaces or punctuation marks
• No special characters

Integration
Once you click OK in the Create a New Model dialog box, the Storyboard workspace (Design
board) is displayed, with the Compose Model task panel at the right. You can create models
using the Model Browser dialog box ( Model Manage Models as well, navigating to the
folder in which you want to create the model and clicking the New Model button. See Manage
Models.

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4.2 Open Model

Definition
The Open Model dialog box is displayed when you choose Model → Open Model or click the
Open Model button in the main toolbar. You use the dialog box to locate and open the file you
want to edit.

Structure
The Open Model dialog box – like the Model Browser – displays a tree hierarchy of the folders
and models on the Visual Composer server. There are two main nodes:
• MyModels includes the user models that you create in your client workspace.
• Public includes models created and saved for general use by all users.
To open a model, select it and click Open. If you decide to create a new model rather than
select an existing one, click New.

4.3 Save As
The Save As dialog box is displayed when you choose Model Save As .

You use the dialog box to save the open model under a different name, so that the original file
remains as it was when opened, without the recent changes you may have made.

You can also use the dialog box to save the file in a different location on the server. For
example, you may want to save a copy of your own model in the Public folder, so that other
users can have free access to the model.

Structure
The dialog box displays a tree hierarchy of the folders and models on the Visual Composer
server. You browse through the tree to indicate the location in which you want to save the
model. The main fields and controls of the dialog box are listed in the following table:

Field Description

Model Path Read-only.

Textually lists the path defined in the tree structure above.

Model A unique name for the new copy of the model.

Name

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4.4 Save New Version

The Save New Version dialog box is displayed when you choose Model Save New
Version . You use the dialog box to save the open model with its changes, in addition to the
model as it was when you opened it. Subsequently, the description that you enter in the
dialog box will be used to enable you to distinguish between the different versions of the
model. You can access the different model version using the Model Manage Model
Versions .

Structure
The dialog box is used to enter a description of the latest version of the open model.

Field/Control Description

Description A short explanation of the changes made to the open model

4.5 Manage Model Versions

The Select Model Version dialog box is displayed when you choose Model Manage Model
Versions . You use the dialog box to display the saved versions of the open model, and to
select the model version that should become the current version. When the model selected is
displayed, the currently-open version is closed.

Structure
The dialog box displays a list of the different versions along with their details, as follows:

Field/Control Description

checkboxes Used to select the version to be made current

Description Description of the changes made to the specific version, added in the
Save New Version dialog box

Creation Date Date the version was saved

User Modeler who created the version

Revert Closes the currently-open model, opens the selected model and
makes it the current version

Cancel Closes the dialog box without opening a previous version of the model

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4.6 Manage Models

The Model Browser dialog box is displayed when you choose Model Manage Models or
when you click the Manage Models button in the main toolbar. You use the Model Browser to
perform basic operations residing in the model tree, and to create new models as well.

Structure
The tree structure displays the hierarchy of folders and models residing on the Visual
Composer server. You can move models by dragging-and-dropping them from their to the
appropriate destination anywhere in the Local Repository (including between the MyModels
and Public repositories). You use the buttons of the toolbar to perform the following actions
on the selected tree item:

Model Browser Toolbar Buttons

Button Description
Opens the Create New Model dialog box for creating a new model at
(New Model) the path you define.
Creates a new folder in the selected open folder.
(New Folder)
Opens the selected model in Storyboard.
(Open Model)
First, displays a confirmation message ensuring that you want to
(Delete Model ) delete the selected folder or model. If you answer Yes, the item is
removed from the tree structure and deleted from the server.
Activates the text of the selected item so that you can type in a new
(Rename) name.

(Search) Displays the Search for Models and Folders dialog box to locate
models and folders in the Local Repository.

(Help) Displays context-sensitive help for this part of Storyboard.

4.7 Print
Definition
The Model → Print option generates a “printer-friendly“ version of the model, displayed in a
separate browser window.

Use
From the File menu of the browser window, choose Print. The standard Windows Print dialog
box is displayed. Click Print to print the displayed diagram.
See also Documentation Wizard [External].

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4.8 Export to File

Definition
When you choose Model → Export to File, the standard Windows File Download dialog box is
displayed for activating the export process. This enables you to save the currently-open
model at the location you indicate on your computer or elsewhere in the network.

Structure
From the File Download dialog box, click Save. The standard Windows Save As dialog box is
displayed to navigate to the location at which the file is to be saved. Locate the file location
and in the File name text box, enter an appropriate name for the exported model. Then click
Save. The file is saved as a GML file.

Integration
Once you have exported a model, it can be subsequently imported into other Visual
Composer models using the Model → Import from File option.

4.9 Import from File

The Import from File dialog box enables you to select a previously-exported model and
integrate it into the currently-open model.

You can import models previously exported from Visual Composer Storyboard, and saved as
GML (Generic Modeling Language) files on a computer in the network or on the Storyboard
server.

Structure
The fields and controls of the dialog box are listed in the following table:

Field/Control Description

File name Name of model to be imported. Use the Browse button to locate the
file.

Merge imported If you check this option, the contents of the selected model are
package into this integrated into the open model. If you leave the box unchecked, the
model model is imported in a package (folder) so that you can open it
separately.

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4.10 Unlock Models

The Unlock Models dialog box, displayed when you choose Model Unlock Models when
no model is open, is used to enable you to release certain of your models that may have
become locked for editing by other users.

In the Unlock Models dialog box, a list is displayed showing any models in your client
workspace that may have, for some reason, become locked. Using the check boxes, select
the models that you want to unlock.

Structure
The main fields and controls of the dialog box are listed in the following table:

Field/Control Description

Select all Checks the boxes of all the listed models

Clear all Clears the checks from all boxes of the listed model

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5 Task Panels
The task panels are the panes to the right of the Storyboard workspace. They contain the
tools required to build your model, configure each model element, locate the data services,
and deploy the model.

You use the task panels in conjunction with the different workspace boards, and according to
the task you are performing for building your application. To open a task panel, click the
relevant task-panel toolbar button at the far right (default) of the Storyboard desktop.

The task panels in this version of Visual Composer have been defined for use with freestyle
application modeling. The task panels are:

• Get Started Task Panel

• Browse Model and Search Model Task Panels

• Compose Model Task Panel

• Configure Element Task Panel

• Inspect Formulas Task Panel

• Find Data Services Task Panel

• Deploy to Portal Task Panel

At times, you may want to hide the open task panel in order to enlarge the available
workspace. To do so, click the X at the top right of the panel, or use the window splitter
between the workspace and the task panel to close it partially or entirely. You can reopen the
panel by moving the splitter to the left.

To move the task panel to the left of the workspace, choose Tools Options Workspace
tab, and from the Taskbar position drop-down list, choose Left.

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5.1 Get Started Task Panel

The Get Started task panel is the first task panel displayed when you open Visual Composer
Storyboard. It enables you to open existing models or to create a new model.

You can use the Get Started task panel as an alternative to the menu options ( Model
New Model and Model Open Model) or the main toolbar options (New Model and
Open Model).

Structure
This task panel displays groups of options for starting your modeling. Under Open an Existing
Model, a tree hierarchy is displayed to enable you to access all models available to you on
the Visual Composer server. The MyModels folder contains models that you have created.
The Public folder contains models that have been created for access by all users. To
search for a model in the Local Repository, you can click the (Search) button at the top
right of the task panel and use the Search for Models and Folders dialog box to locate the
model you need.

Under Recently Used Models, a list of up to the last five most recently-opened models is
displayed for fast access to the most-recently opened models.

To create a new model, you can use the Create a new model option in the Related Tasks list,
opening the Create New Model dialog box (see New Model).

You can also use the Manage models link under Related Tasks at the bottom. This opens the
Manage Models dialog box (see Manage Models).

The Online Resources list provides links to both Visual Composer documentation and to the
Visual Composer forum on SAP Developer Network (SDN).

You can display the Get Started task panel at any time during your modeling by clicking the
Start button at the bottom of the task panel toolbar..

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5.2 Browse Model and Search Model Task Panels

Definition
The Browse Model task panel displays a hierarchical tree that represents the open model.
The Search Model task panel is a search engine used in conjunction with the Browse Model
task panel.

Use
You can use the Browse Model tree to modify the model hierarchy and to navigate through
the model. The Search Model task panel, accessed from the open Browse Model panel,
enables you to locate elements within the open model.

Structure
For details about each task panel, see:
• Browse Model Task Panel [External]
• Search Model Task Panel [External]

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5.2.1 Browse Model Task Panel

This task panel is used to view a hierarchical tree of the model elements.

Structure
The Browse Model task panel includes the following elements:

• Drop-down lists for adjusting the display

• Hierarchical tree

Use the drop-down lists to filter the tree display as follows:

• Display options:

Menu Option Description

Detailed tree Expands the nodes to display all elements within the model, down to
component level (not included are operators and connectors).

Top-level Collapses all nodes to display only the top-most items, such as
elements only package, page or iView.

• Sort by options:

Menu Option Description

Element type Orders the display according to the type of element. For example,
top-level elements are grouped by package, page and iView, while
the elements in expanded nodes are grouped according to input
forms, tables, data services and so on.

Element name Orders each level of elements alphabetically.

The hierarchical tree displays the elements in the model, starting from the top-level elements:
packages, pages and iViews. Each top-level node can be expanded to display all the
elements contained in that node, according to the display and sort options from the drop-
down menus. You can use the tree to:

• Locate and view an element in the model, by double-clicking the element in the tree
to display it on the Design board

• Copy elements from a node, by dragging them to the target top-level node

• Rename an element, by double-clicking it in the tree, and then using the right-click
context menu

• Delete an element, by double-clicking it in the tree, and then using the context menu

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5.2.2 Search in Model Task Panel

This task panel - accessed through the Browse Model task panel - is used to search for
elements of a given name or mask. Searches can find elements as small as an input port of a
data service or a data-binding line.

To display the search model, click Search in Model at the bottom of the Browse Model task
panel. Using the fields and controls listed in the following section, define your search and click
Search. The results are displayed in the empty pane. When you double-click an item in the
results pane, the model area containing that item is displayed on the Design board and the
specific item is highlighted.

Structure
The Search Model task panel includes the following fields and controls:

Field/Control Description

Look for combo box The partial or complete text of the element(s) you are searching
for. To mask a name, use an asterisk (*).

You can also search for model elements using their reference ID
codes rather than their names. To locate an element ID, select
the element and open the Configure Element task panel. At the
bottom left of the panel, the ID is displayed as follows: REF:
<ID>.

Filter by drop-down list Limits the search defined in the Look for field according to the
following types of element:
• None Model
• BI and alert data service Nested iView
• BI data service OLAP query
• BI query Package
• Black box Page
• Characteristic Relational query
• Chart view Rule
• Data service SAP data service
• Form view Table view
• HTML view Web service
• iView
• Layer
For details about each type of element, see Compose Model
Task Panel

Search button Executes the search you define.

Clear button Deletes the results displayed from a previous search.

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Field/Control Description

Option button Displays additional search options, listed in the following rows.

Search entire model Searches both high-level and lower-level nodes of the model.
checkbox

Case-sensitive search Search only for text listed exactly as in the Look for field.
checkbox

Full-text search checkbox Searches through all text at all levels of the model.

5.3 Compose Model Task Panel

The Compose Model task panel serves as a repository of elements that can be dragged-and-
dropped onto the Design board to compose the model workflow. Only those elements
applicable to the current level of the model are displayed.

You build your model diagram by dragging the required icon from the Compose Model task
panel onto the Design board. Once you have placed certain elements on the board, you can
also drag out from their input or output ports and use the context menu to create the required
item.

If you drag out from a component that includes a large number of fields, the Select
Display Fields dialog box may be displayed, to enable you to limit the fields that will be
displayed in the form or table at runtime. For more information, see Select Display Fields
Dialog Box..

When you create a new model or open an existing one, the Compose Model task panel
contains only icons for top-level elements: Package, Page and iView. As you drill down into
each element, the display in the task panel changes according to level.

Note also that the collection of elements displayed at iView level may change according to the
runtime environment that you select. To display only those model elements available in the
selected runtime (deploy) environment, choose Tools Options Compiler tab and check
the Mask Unsupported features option.

For more information, see Compose the Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The following table describes the elements available in the different Compose Model task
panels:

Group Name Element Name Description Model

Level
Components iView A diagram for defining a portal iView. Top
Page A diagram for composing iViews on a Top
portal page.

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Group Name Element Name Description Model

Level
Package A "container" for organizing model Top
elements into a portal package.
Components Form view A single form for data entry and iView
selection.
Table view A tabular view of data, for display iView
and/or edit.
Chart view A range of chart types for displaying iView
data.
HTML view A container for displaying an external iView
HTML document.
Nested iView An iView within a selected iView. iView
Layer A group of components that are shown iView
or hidden together at runtime.
Connectors Start Defines a value to initialize the flow. iView
End Defines the end of the flow. iView
Navigate Defines navigation to a different iView. iView
Signal In Receives parameters from a different iView
iView.
Signal Out Sends parameters to another iView. iView
Popup Signal Defines the flow of popup data. iView
Timer Defines the timing of an event. iView

User Data Contains the personal data of the user. iView

Data Store Temporarily stores data from the model iView
for later use.
Operators Filter Defines selection criteria for retrieving iView
and displaying data. Note that you can
use a dynamic expression to define any
field in the model as a filter in the
operator.
Sort Sorts data according to a specified iView
field.
Sigma Aggregates the values of all the records iView
into a single record.
Upper Retains only the specified top number iView
of records.
Lower Retains only the specified bottom iView
number of records.

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Group Name Element Name Description Model

Level
Distinct Omits records containing duplicate data iView
in the selected fields. Note that the
fewer fields checked as distinct, the
fewer records are returned.
Additional Union Merges into a new dataset the data of iView
Operators two datasets, and removes duplicates.

Intersect Creates a new dataset from data that iView

exists in both of two datasets.

Subtract Creates a new dataset from two iView

datasets by including data that is only
in the first dataset but not in the second
dataset.

Group by Groups a dataset according to the iView

selected operation - such as Min or
Count - defined for one or more fields
(columns).

Combine Combines two datasets into a new iView

dataset, channeled into an input form.

Switch Accepts input from multiple sources iView

and channels the data to a single
model element.
For examples about using each element, see the Compose the Model section of the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide. For details about each element and its
properties, see Configure Element Task Panel.

You can filter the display of elements in the task panel by using the (Options) drop-down
menu at the top center. The options available in the menu are:

Menu Option Description

Large Icons Displays each icon with its label beneath it

Small Icons Displays icons only

List View Displays icons in a list, with labels to the right

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Menu Option Description

Details View Displays icons in a list, with labels and tooltips

Expand All Displays icons (and labels) of all the groups

Collapse All Displays only the group names

Integration
Usually, you will use the Find Data Services task panel first, to add the main data services of
the model. Afterwards, you will use the Compose Model task panel to add model elements
not inserted into the model by dragging out from the data services. See the Developing
Business Logic section of the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide for a
description of the overall model-creation process.

For more information about the Find Data Services task panel, see Find Data Services Task
Panel.

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5.3.1 Select Display Fields Dialog Box

Definition
This dialog box may be displayed when you drag out from a component that includes a large
number of fields. It enables you to limit the fields displayed in the form or table that you are
creating to those that are needed at runtime.

This option is activated/deactivated from the Options dialog box:

...
Choose Tools → Options.
Click the Composing tab.
In the top section (Ask for user intervention when creating:), choose Components with more
than and indicate the base number of fields that will cause this dialog box to be displayed.

Structure
All the fields that can be output to the form or table are listed in the pane of the window.
Check the fields that should be included in the component. You can use the Select all and
Clear all checkboxes to facilitate the selection.
To define display fields for query information in a BI query, see Select Display Fields: Query
Information [Page 26].

5.3.1.1 Select Display Fields: Query Information

Definition
Use the Select Display Fields dialog box to select the query information you want to display in
your model. Query information is textual information saved in a BI query such as query author
and last update of the data, and is generated from an output port on the BI query data
service. The Select Display Fields dialog box is displayed when you drag from a query's Info
port and choose Add Form View from the context menu.

Use
In the Select Display Fields dialog box, a list is displayed showing available query information.
Using the checkboxes, you select the query information that you want to display.

Structure
The main fields and controls of the dialog box are listed in the following table:
Field/Control Description

Select all Checks the boxes of all the information types.

Clear all Clears the checks from all boxes.

AUTHOR Author: The user who defined the query.

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Field/Control Description

INFOCUBE InfoProvider: The InfoProvider that provides the data reported by the
query.

MODTIME Changed At: The time at which the query definition was last changed.

MODUSER Last Changed by: The user who last changed the query definition so that
the query has been regenerated.

REPTNAME Query Technical Name: Technical name for the query.

REPTXTLG Query Description: Description of the query.

ROLLUPTIME Status / Validity of Data: The point in time when data for the latest
request that can be used for reporting was posted to the InfoProvider.
This shows a date and a time (in the local time zone).

ROLLUP_DATE Relevance of the Data (date): The date of the ROLLUPTIME text
element.

ROLLUP_TIME Relevance of the Data (hour): The time of the ROLLUPTIME text
element.

SRDATE Key Date: The date for which time-dependent master data is selected.

SYUSER Current User: The user who has this query open.

SYUZEIT Last Refreshed: When the query data was last refreshed.

Example
See Adding Query Information to Your Model [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler's Guide.

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5.4 Configure Element Task Panel

The Configure Element task panel is used to configure the properties of each model element
on the Design board. In addition to defining the various element properties, you also use this
task panel to define and configure the fields and controls within the UI components.

You can display the Configure Element task panel in one of three ways:

• Click the Configure button in the task-panel toolbar.

• Right-click the element and choose Configure Element from the context menu.

• On the Design board, double-click on the element.

The set of properties for each type of element differs, and many include tables at the bottom
of the task panel for mapping fields between elements.

For more information, see Configure Elements in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
Modeler's Guide.

Structure
Each model element and connecting line on the Design board can be configured in the
Configure Element task panel. However, note that:

• Layers are configured within the framework of the iView in which they are created.

• Annotations, created from the Design board toolbox, can also be configured.

The following sub-sections detail all of the properties and attributes that can be configured for
each model element. The topics are arranged alphabetically for easy access. Each element is
described according to the following format:

• Definition keyblock:

Provides a short description of the model element.

• Use keyblock:

Provides the following information about the element:

o Group in the Compose Model task panel

o Model level at which it can be added to the model

o Restrictions to its use, if any

• Structure keyblock:

Provides a table or tables with the following information:

o Property: the model characteristic

o Attribute: the metadata of the element property

o Description: explanation of the property or attribute, if needed

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5.4.1 Annotation
A design-time-only "note" or descriptive text added to the Design board.

Free text inserted at any level of the model.

This element is added using the (Annotation Tool) in the Design toolbox at the bottom of
the Design board. To insert it, click the button and click on the workspace at the location you
want to insert the annotation. Then type your text.

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Property Attribute Description

Font style Normal Default

Emphasized Bold

Italics

Underline

Font size Given in points. Default size is 8

Alignment Left Aligns text to left

Right Aligns text to right

Center Centers each line of text

Fill color Displays a color palette for selecting the background color of
the annotation block

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5.4.2 Calendar View

A Web Dynpro-based calendar view for display and/or edit of data information. Data is
mapped onto the calendar according to time periods.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

Restrictions: Web Dynpro runtime only

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Calendar view Calendar Name of calendar

title

Time period From date The field in the back-end system from which the
field start date is retrieved and displayed in the
calendar

To date The field in the back-end system from which the

field end date is retrieved and displayed in the
calendar

Calendar Auto Displays data starting from the earliest record

range retrieved from the back-end system

Fixed Displays data starting from the date defined in the

Calendar start field

Bound Adds (or subtracts) incrementally one month to

the date defined in the Calendar start field to
display data starting from that date

Calendar The first month displayed in the Calendar view

start (applicable only when selecting Fixed or Bound)

Legend Legend Below

placement
Above

Left

Right

None

Legend Filter Displays only legend items corresponding to the

filtering data currently displayed on the calendar

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Group Property Attribute Description

Show all Displays all legend items coming from the back-
end system, regardless of the data currently
displayed on the calendar

Dynamic If selected, the calendar legend is taken from the

legend back-end system (otherwise the legend must be
defined in Storyboard)

Edit Displays the Dynamic Legend dialog box, where

you can select/create the entry list on which the
legend is based. See Entry List Manager and
Create an Entry List in the SAP NetWeaver
Visual Composer Modeler's Guide

Legend ID The field in the back-end system that contains the

field legend ID

Formatting Week Show Adds the number of each week to the calendar
numbers
Hide Hides the number of each week

Weekends Include Highlights weekends that overlap the retrieved

data

Skip Weekends that overlap retrieved data are not

highlighted on the calendar

Color Default Uses colors as defined by the system default

scheme settings

Straight Uses light shades of various colors (blue, green,

yellow, ...), as defined in the system default color
palette

Reverse Uses dark shades of various colors (blue, green,

yellow, ...) as defined in the system default color
palette

Snake Uses different shades of the same color, starting

with light shades and gradually shifting to dark
ones

No. of Number of months appearing in the Calendar

months view

First week The first day of the week displayed on the

day calendar

Selection Single User can select one time period

mode
Unselectable Read only

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Group Property Attribute Description

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box

(see Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Layout Fit contents Auto Automatically sizes the contents of the view
according to its size defined on the Layout board

Frame Default Standard portal view frame

style
Primary Top border in standard color
frame

White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title Displays view title

bar

Collapsible Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

frame

Visibility Non No conditions are given for displaying the

condition calendar in runtime, so that it will be automatically
visible

True The calendar will be visible when this value

appears in the formula defining when the
calendar is displayed, such as Hidden, Required
and so on

False The calendar will not be visible when this value

appears in the formula defining when the
calendar is displayed, such as Hidden, Required
and so on

Table at bottom # Legend item ID

Label Legend item label

Color Displays a color palette for selecting the color of

the legend item

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Group Property Attribute Description

Condition A Boolean expression indicating the condition

that must be satisfied in order for the legend item
to be displayed

Table at bottom ID Legend item ID

(when selecting
Dynamic Color Displays a color palette for selecting the color of
legend) the legend item

5.4.3 Chart View

A diagram, selected from a range of chart types, for displaying data.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

For more information about creating a chart, see Create a Chart in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Chart View Chart title The title displayed at the top of the chart. You can
either enter a title in the field, or click the browse
button (ellipsis) at the right to open the Edit Title
dialog box and specify a title using a dynamic
expression.

Chart type Area Calculates the interception point of the X value and
the Y value, filling in the area below it, displaying the
trend of each value over time or category

Bar Compares values across categories, in a horizontal

display (with the category given in the vertical, Y,
axis)

Column Compares values across categories in a vertical

display (with the category given in the horizontal, X,
axis)

Line Displays the results of a data series as a continuous

line drawn from point to point (value to value) of the
X axis

Pie Shows how the values in a single data series relate

to the sum of the results, with each value depicted as
a percentage of the total value

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Group Property Attribute Description

Doughnut [Flash runtime only] Displays the results in a pie

chart that is hollow and may depict multiple series

Combo [Flash runtime only] A combination of overlaid

column and line chart

Data series Clustered For bar or column charts, compares the values of a
category by depicting one next to the other

Stacked For bar, column, line or area charts, shows the

relationship of each value of a category as a part of a
single bar or line

Overlaid For area or line charts, overlays the values of a

category to show the relationship of each value to
the whole

3-D clustered Adds a third dimension to the clustered display

3-D stacked Adds a third dimension to the stacked display

3-D overlaid Adds a third dimension to the overlaid display

Area contour Slope The edges of the area are drawn smoothly
and Line
contour Curve The edges of the area are drawn as sharper corners

Elbow The edges of the area are drawn as right angles

Pie labels Auto Inserts the value inside the pie or doughnut segment
if possible

Inside Inserts the value inside the pie or doughnut segment

Outside Places the value outside the pie or doughnut

segment

Callout Draws a line from the pie or doughnut segment to

the value placed outside

None No label

Inner radius For doughnut charts, the radius of the hollow part of
the doughnut

Category Field The field whose values are used as the categories of
Axis the chart

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Group Property Attribute Description

Axis label A name for the category axis. You can either enter a
title in the field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at
the right to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify
a title using a dynamic expression.

Value Axis Axis label A name for the value axis. You can either enter a title
in the field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at the
right to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify a
title using a dynamic expression.

Value range Auto-adjust Determines the points and increments of the value
axis according to the resulting values

Base at zero Sets the first point of the value axis at 0

Fixed range User-defined range, as follows:

• Minimum value: first point on axis

• Maximum value: last point on axis

• Interval size: number indicating the amount

between points on the axis

Range slider Adds a slider to the chart. Although the value range
begins at 0, the slider range is defined according to
the same values defined in Fixed range previously

Dynamic Same as the range slider, but the value axis begins
range slider at the Minimum value rather than at 0

Tick marks Number of marks to be indicated on the axis

Data Effect None No animation

Animation
Interpolate Calculates how to connect data points, in order to fill
in gaps and create a continuous line or series of
values. The interpolation method is defined
according to:

• Speed: from Very slow to Very fast

• Apply to:

o Entire chart

o Data series (categories)

o Data points (values)

o Data series/points (both)

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Group Property Attribute Description

Slide in / out Displays the chart data in a sliding motion, according

to the following parameters:

• Direction: From left, From right, From top or

From bottom

• Speed: from Very slow to Very fast

• Apply to:

o Entire chart

o Data series (categories)

o Data points (values)

o Data series/points (both)

Fold / Unfold Displays the chart data as "unfolding" motion,

according to the following parameters:

• Speed: from Very slow to Very fast

• Apply to:

o Entire chart

o Data series (categories)

o Data points (values)

o Data series/points (both)

Chart Legend Below

Formatting placement
Above

Left

Right

None

Grid display Default For HTMLB, this indicates "no grid display"

Horizontal Horizontal lines only

lines

Vertical lines Vertical lines only

Grid lines Standard vertical and horizontal lines

Horizontal Horizontal stripes (thick lines) only

stripes

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Group Property Attribute Description

Vertical Vertical stripes (thick lines) only

stripes

None No grid at all

Color Default Standard portal color scheme

scheme
Straight Portal color scheme used for area, column and bar
charts

Reverse Portal color scheme used for line charts

Snake Portal color scheme used for pie charts

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box (see

Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Layout Fit contents Auto Automatically sizes the contents of the view
according to its size defined on the Layout board

Frame style Default Standard portal view frame

Primary Top border in standard color

frame

White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title Displays view title

bar

Collapsible Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

frame

Visibility [none] No conditions are given for displaying the form in

condition runtime, so that it will be automatically visible

true The form will be visible when this value appears in

the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

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Group Property Attribute Description

false The form will not be visible when this value appears
in the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

Enter Formula for indicating under what conditions the

formula view is displayed in the iView

Table at # Series ID
bottom
Data Series Name of the data series (category) axis

Formula Field on which to base the data-series axis

5.4.4 Combine Operator

A Flex-based operator that combines two datasets into a new dataset, channeled into an
input form.

Group: Additional Operators

Model level: iView

Restriction: Flash runtime only

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Combine Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at bottom Type of data in field

(Data
Type)

Field Name of field processed through the

operator

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5.4.5 Data Binding

Definition
A connection between two UI components (or between a web service and a UI component)
that channels identical data from the output port of one UI component to the input port of the
other UI component.

Use
This connection line is defined directly on the Design board.
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Data Binding Event name Disabled; not relevant

Guard condition Disabled; not relevant

Line style Straight Direct 45-degree line with no corners

Angular Direct line

Curved

With right angles Line with 90-degree angles

(orthogonal)

[default] Orthogonal lines

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Field Name of field processed through the

operator

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5.4.6 Data Flow

Definition
The means by which data is channeled between a data service and connected UI
components, or between two UI components whose connection was changed from Data
binding to Data flow.

Use
This connection line is defined directly on the Design board.
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Data Flow Event name Disabled; not relevant

Guard condition Disabled; not relevant

Line style Straight Direct 45-degree line with no corners

Angular Direct line

Curved

With right angles Line with 90-degree angles

(orthogonal)

[default] Orthogonal lines

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Field Name of field processed through the

operator

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5.4.7 Data Mapping

A connection between two model components, describing, for example, what data is input to
an element or what fields are output from another element. This type of connection requires
mapping of the data fields from the input element to the fields of the data service.

When you drag out from the input port of a data service in order to create the input
element, the fields are mapped automatically..

This connection line is defined directly on the Design board.

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Data Event name The name of the action that raises the
Mapping event for transferring the data to the
data service

Guard condition An expression indicating the condition

that must be satisfied in order for the
event to be activated

Mapping scope All data rows Transfers to the data service all of the
(appears only if Multiple is table rows
selected in the Selection
modedrop-down list. See Selected data Transfers to the data service only table
Table View) rows rows selected by the user

Line style Straight Direct 45-degree line with no corners

Angular Direct line

Curved

With right Line with 90-degree angles

angles (orthogonal)

[default] Orthogonal lines

Table at Type of data in field

(Data Type)
bottom
Input Field The name of the field required at the
input to the data service

Assigned Value The name of the field coming from the

output of the component that
corresponds to the field at the input to
the data service

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5.4.8 Data Service

An element that provides access to data, such as that in a query, BAPI, or stored procedure,
from one of different types of systems configured on the portal.

Group: N/A

Model level: iView

Restrictions: The list of available systems depends on what is configured in the portal and
how it is configured. For example, SAP BW systems 3.1C configured as OLAP systems using
the BI XMLA Connector are displayed as OLAP query data services in the workspace. SAP
BW systems 3.5 and higher configured with the SAP Java Connector, however, are displayed
as BI queries in the workspace. See the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Installation &
Configuration Guide for more information about preparing your back-end systems.

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes available in different types of
systems:

Data Service Property Attribute Description

SAP Data Service Name of the data service as referred to in Visual

Service name Composer

System The alias defined for the system in the portal system
alias landscape

System Formal name of the back-end system

type

Technical Technical name assigned to the data service

name

Auto For function modules that modify the database, a

commit second "commit" call is automatically sent to confirm
the database update

Auto Indicates that a conversion BAPI is required, for

convert values in one unit of measurement to another

SAP Web Service Name of the web service as referred to in Visual

service name Composer

System The alias defined for the system in the portal system
alias landscape

System Formal name of the web service system

type

Technical Technical name assigned to the data service

name

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Data Service Property Attribute Description

Auto For function modules that modify the database, a

commit second "commit" call is automatically sent to confirm
the database update

Auto Indicates that a conversion BAPI is required, for

convert values in one unit of measurement to another

BI Query Name Name of the data service as referred to in Visual

Composer

System BI system name, which you can edit in case you move
the model to a different system environment

Provider Technical name of the InfoProvider (not editable)

Query Technical name of the query (not editable)

View Technical name of the query view, if applicable (not

editable)

Maximum Display limit of the query's result as deployed to the

rows portal, to avoid unintentionally returning a very large
result

Suppress Indicates that the result rows should not be displayed

sum in the query result

Characteristic Name Name of the data service as referred to in Visual

Composer

System BI system name, which you can edit in case you move
the model to a different system environment

Provider Technical name of the InfoProvider (not editable)

Technical Technical name of the characteristic (not editable)

name

Read mode Master Offers all values of the selected characteristic that
Data appear in the master data table. Since InfoCubes may
Table be quite sparsely populated, this will yield many
selections that show no results, but the logic involved
is simple and hence the performance is optimal.

Dimension Performs a SELECT on the dimension table to retrieve

Table the list of characteristic values. This calculation is
more time-consuming than Master Data Table, but
with better chances of yielding applicable results.

Relational Name Name of the data service as referred to in Visual

Query Composer

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Data Service Property Attribute Description

System System name, which you can edit in case you move
the model to a different system environment

Maximum Display limit of the query's result as deployed to the

rows portal, to avoid unintentionally returning a very large
result

OLAP Query Name Name of the data service as referred to in Visual

Composer

System System name, which you can edit in case you move
the model to a different system environment

Maximum Display limit of the query's result as deployed to the

rows portal, to avoid unintentionally returning a very large
result

5.4.9 Distinct Operator

Definition
A general operator that omits records containing duplicate data in the selected fields. Note
that the fewer fields checked as distinct, the fewer records are returned.

Use
Group: Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Distinct Operator Name Label for the operator

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Field Field whose values should be

returned only once

Distinct Checkbox for selecting Field

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5.4.10 End Point

Definition
A connector that defines the end of a flow. In a popup, it returns data to the item that called up
the popup.

Use
Group: Connectors
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

End Point Name Label for the connector

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Output Field returned by the end point.

Parameters

5.4.11 Filter Operator

A general operator that defines selection criteria for retrieving and displaying data.

Group: Operators

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Filter Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at Type of data in field

(Data
bottom
Type)

Field Field in which filter criteria (User Parameters) is

defined. The displayed list includes the fields at
the output of the connected element. To filter
according to fields from other elements, choose
Enter formula.

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Group Property Attribute Description

Filter Equals "text" Value of the text field exactly matches the
defined text

Does not equal “text” Value of the text field differs from the defined
text”

Starts with "text" Value of the text field begins with the defined
text

Does not start with Value of the text field does not begin with the
"text" defined text

Ends with "text" Value of the text field ends with the defined text

Does not end with Value of the text field does not end with the
"text" defined text

Contains "text" Value of the text field contains the defined text

Does not contain Value of the text field contains text that differs
"text" from the defined text

"text1" or "text2" Value of the text field contains either one text or
another text

Not "text1" or "text2" Value of the text field contains neither the first
text nor the second text

"text1" and "text2" Value of the text field contains both of two
defined texts

"text1" and "text2" Value of the text field contains both of two
defined texts

"text1" and "text2" Value of the text field contains both of two
defined texts

Not "text1" or not Value of the text field either does not contains
"text2" the first defined text or else does not contain
the second defined text

[none] No filter

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5.4.12 Form View

A single form used for entering and selecting data.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Form View Form title Name of form. You can either enter a title in the
field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at the right
to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify a title
using a dynamic expression.

Editing Indicates whether users can enter data into the form
condition and change displayed data at runtime. Enter true
or false to specify whether the form view is
editable, or click the fx button to define the
expression that specifies under which condition the
form view is editable at runtime.

Read-only User can view displayed data only

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box (see

Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Scroll Show Adds a scrolling button area

buttons
Hide Hides the scrolling button area

Edit Displays the Page Scrolling Buttons dialog box

Layout Fit contents Auto Sizes the contents of the view according to system
default settings

Actual size Sizes the contents of the view as defined on the

Layout board

Fit width Changes the contents of the view in proportion to

the form size

Align Absolute User can freely arrange the UI components on the

contents form (long labels may not be fully shown at runtime)

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Group Property Attribute Description

Vertical Lines up the form's UI components vertically

Horizontal Lines up the form's UI components horizontally

Place labels Before Places the labels to the left of the form's fields and
controls

Above Places the labels above the form's fields and

controls

Frame Exact The size of the form at runtime is exactly as defined

sizing on the Layout board (if necessary, scroll bars will
appear in order to display all UI components)

Expand Enables the form to expand as needed at runtime in

order to accommodate all UI components

Fit Shrinks or expands the form at runtime so that it

tightly fits around the UI components

Frame style Default Standard portal view frame

Primary frame Top border in standard color

White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title bar Displays view title

Collapsible Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

frame

Visibility [none] No conditions are given for displaying the form in

condition runtime, so that it will be automatically visible

true The form will be visible when this value appears in

the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

false The form will not be visible when this value appears
in the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

Enter formula Formula for indicating under what conditions the

view is displayed in the iView

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Group Property Attribute Description

Table at (Display The field is visible in form

bottom Field)

Data type of the field

(Data
Type)

Field Name of the field

Control Type of control (for a full list of control types, see

Control Properties Dialog Box)

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5.4.13 Group by Operator

An operator that groups a dataset according to the specified set of grouping fields, for which
selected sigma functions have been defined.

Group: Additional Operators

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Group Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at Type of data in field

(Data
bottom
Type)

Field Field from which data should be grouped

Sigma GROUP1 Subgroupings of the selected field

GROUP2
GROUP3

COUNT Totals the number of field values that are not

blank

MIN Returns the lowest field value

MAX Returns the greatest field value

SUM Returns the sum of all field values

AVERAGE Returns the average (arithmetic mean) of the

field values

VARIANCE Estimates the variance based on the field values

STDDEV Estimates standard deviation based on the field

values

[none]

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5.4.14 HTML View

A container for displaying an external HTML document.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

• Be aware that all text written in the HTML View is not translated with the model.

• HTML views cannot be used within popup windows.

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

HTML HTML title Name of the view. You can either enter a title in the
view field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at the right
to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify a title
using a dynamic expression.

Default URL of the HTML document to be displayed

URL

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box (see

Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Layout Fit Auto Automatically sizes the contents of the view

contents according to its size defined on the Layout board

Frame Primary frame Top border in standard color

style
White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title bar Displays view title

Collapsible frame Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

Visibility [none] No conditions are given for displaying the form in

condition runtime, so that it is automatically visible

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Group Property Attribute Description

true The form is visible when this value appears in the

formula defining when the form is displayed, such as
Hidden, Required and so on

false The form is not visible when this value appears in

the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

Enter formula Formula for indicating under what conditions the

view is displayed in the iView

5.4.15 Input Signal

Definition
A connector that receives parameters from a different iView.

Use
Group: Connectors
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Input Signal Name Label for the connector

EPCM Event URN of the other portal iView

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Input Fields Fields input through the signal

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5.4.16 Intersection Operator

Definition
An operator that creates a new dataset from data that exists in both of two datasets, as in the
following illustration:

Use
Group: Additional Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Intersection Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Field Field from which data should be

grouped

Key Checkbox for selecting the Field

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5.4.17 iView
A diagram for defining a portal iView.

Group: Components

Model level: Model (top level)

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Portal iView Window type Primary window A standalone window or source window for
other windows

Nested window A window that is designated to display a

nested iView within another iView (see
Nested iView)

Popup window A window that is designated to display an

iView activated by a popup signal within
another iView (see Popup Signal)

Window title iView name

Show title Display iView name in window

bar

Fit contents Actual size Automatically sizes the iView components

according to its size defined on the Layout
board

Fit width Changes the size of the iView components to

fit the window's width

Fit height Changes the size of the iView components to

fit the window's height

Fit both Changes the size of the iView components to

fit the window's width and height

Layout Absolute User can freely arrange the components of

method the iView

Vertical Lines up the iView components vertically

Horizontal Lines up the iView components horizontally

Window Adds splitters between iView components

splitters that enables their resizing at runtime

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Group Property Attribute Description

Window Enables dragging and rearranging iView

dragging components at runtime

Layers See Layers

Table at The display is according to the type of layers

bottom defined (if any). See Layers

5.4.18 Layers
A mechanism for grouping components that are shown or hidden together at runtime.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

For more information about building layered iViews, see How to . . . Create Layered iViews in
the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
Layers are configured as part of the Portal iView model component. The following table
describes the properties and attributes that are relevant to configuring the layers only:

Group Property Attribute Description

Layers Navigation None Standard layers are used, without tabs or

control wizard steps (see Using Standard Layers in the
SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide)

Tab strip Labeled tabs are used to enable the user to

navigate between layers

Wizard Numbered and labeled boxes are used as

steps and optional substeps to navigate
between layers

Accordion A stack of collapsible panels is used to display

and hide the information in each layer

Link list A horizontal row of link controls, like tabs, is

used to navigate between layers

Link tree A hierarchical tree of collapsible/expandable

link controls is used to display the content of
the layers to the right of the tree

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Group Property Attribute Description

Default layer For standard layers (None as Navigation

control), the Layer Name (from the table at the
bottom of the task panel) that indicates the first
layer to be displayed

Default step For a wizard, the Step Name (from the table at
the bottom of the task panel) that indicates the
first layer to be displayed

Default tab For tab strips, link lists and link trees, the Tab
Name (from the table at the bottom of the task
panel) that indicates the first layer to be
displayed

Default panel For accordions, the Panel Name (from the table
at the bottom of the task panel) that indicates
the first layer to be displayed

Transition [none] The next layer is displayed directly, without

effect animated effects

Slide (horizontal) Slide in from left

Slide (vertical) Slide in from top

Swap (horizontal) Swap horizontally

Swap (vertical) Swap vertically

Swivel Swivel in/out

Wipe (horizontal) Wipe horizontally

Wipe (vertical) Wipe vertically

Fade In/Out

Zoom In/Out

Roadmap Show all steps For wizards, displays both main and substeps
steps
Show main steps For wizards, displays only main steps

Table at # For all types of layers, the layer ID number

bottom
(Show For design purposes only, highlights the
Layer) selected layer

Layer Name Label of a standard layer (None)

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Group Property Attribute Description

Tab Name For tab strips, link lists and link trees, the layer
name, displayed in the tab

Step Name For wizards, the label of the step displayed

below the box

Step Label For wizards, the number displayed in the box

Panel Name For accordions, the label of the layer displayed

in the panel

5.4.19 Lower-Range Operator

Definition
A general operator that retains only the specified bottom number of records.

Use
Group: Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Lower-Range Name Label for the operator

Operator
Field Field whose values define the range

No. of rows The number of records in the range

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5.4.20 Model

Definition
The top-level model component (diagram), on which packages, pages and iViews can be
defined.

Use
Group: Components
Model level: Model (top level)
Using the Add (plus) button at the bottom, you can enter data describing the model in order to
create a model profile. When you click the button, the Model Property dialog box is
displayed. Define the property using the two controls:
• Name
Drop-down list of already-defined properties. To enter a property not defined, choose
Type text and enter a property name.
• Value
The attribute that you enter for the property

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Model Name Model (file) name

Comments Text describing model

Table at bottom Type of data field

Property Name of property

Value Data that you enter for the property

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5.4.21 Navigation Point

A connector that defines navigation to a different iView, which is displayed in the window of
the source iView, causing the source iView to close. In this case, navigation is from the
source iView to the target iView only.

Group: Connectors

Model level: iView

When you drag the connector onto the Design board, the Select Target iView dialog box is
displayed, showing a hierarchical tree with the iViews currently available in your model. Two
options (radio buttons) are available for choosing the target iView:

• Select existing iView Select one of the iViews shown in the tree; its name is displayed
in the Name field

• Create new iView In the name field, you can overwrite the New iView text and
create a new target iView of any name

• Restriction: Web Dynpro runtime only

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Navigation Name Label for the connector

Point
Target iView Name of iView to which the point connects

Table at Type of data in field

(Data
bottom
Type)

Input Fields Fields input from the connected form to the target
iView

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5.4.22 Nested iView

An iView displayed within another iView. The nested iView can be defined either as a
separate iView entirely (with Nested window as Window type), or by using the Nested iView
icon within the iView that will be the source window.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

When you drag the Nested iView icon onto the Design board, the Select Nested iView dialog
box is displayed, showing a hierarchical tree with the iViews currently available in your model.
Two options (radio buttons) are available for choosing the target iView:

• Select existing iView Select one of the iViews shown in the tree; its name is displayed
in the Name field

• Create new iView In the name field, you can overwrite the New iView text and
create a new nested iView of any name

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Nested Window title Name of the iView within the source iView. You can
iView either enter a title in the field, or click the browse
button (ellipsis) at the right to open the Edit Title
dialog box and specify a title using a dynamic
expression.

Target iView The source window in which the nested iView is

displayed. You can either enter a title in the field, or
click the browse button (ellipsis) at the right to open
the Edit Title dialog box and specify a title using a
dynamic expression.

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box (see

Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Layout Fit contents Actual size Automatically sizes the contents of the view
according to its size defined on the Layout board

Frame style Primary frame Top border in standard color

White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

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Group Property Attribute Description

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title bar Displays view title

Collapsible Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

frame

Visibility [none] No conditions are given for displaying the form in

condition runtime, so that it will be automatically visible

true The form will be visible when this value appears in

the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

false The form will not be visible when this value appears
in the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

Enter formula Formula for indicating under what conditions the

view is displayed in the iView

5.4.23 Output Port

Definition
The port that contains the result of the request coming from the input port of the data service.

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Output Port Port name Label for the port

Dynamic port When selected, indicates that the

metadata of the data service
channeled through the port is
unknown (all data will be displayed
at runtime)

Capacity The maximum number of records

stored in the dataset.

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Output Fields Fields output through the port

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5.4.24 Output Signal

Definition
A connector that sends parameters to another iView.

Use
Group: Connectors
Model level: iView
Deploy environment: All

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Output Signal Name Label for the connector

EPCM Event URN of the other portal iView

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Output Fields Fields output through the signal to

the other iView

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5.4.25 Package

Definition
A “container“ for organizing model elements, such as pages and iViews, into a portal
package.

Use
Group: Components
Model level: Model (top level)
...

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Package Name Package (folder) name

Comments Text describing the package

5.4.26 Page

Definition
A diagram for composing iViews on a portal page.

Use
Group: Components
Model level: Model (top level)
...

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Portal Page Name Page name

Comments Text describing the page

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5.4.27 Popup Signal

A connector that defines a popup iView. Popup iViews are displayed in a separate window,
receiving input from the source iView and sending output back to it.

Group: Connectors

Model level: iView

When you drag the connector onto the Design board, the Select Popup iView dialog box is
displayed, showing a hierarchical tree with the iViews currently available in your model. Two
options (radio buttons) are available for choosing the target iView:

• Select existing iView Select one of the iViews shown in the tree; its name is displayed
in the Name field

• Create new iView In the name field, you can overwrite the New iView text and
create a new popup iView of any name

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Popup Window title Display name of the popup view. You can either enter
Signal a title in the field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at
the right to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify a
title using a dynamic expression.

Target iView Name of iView to which the point connects. You can
either enter a title in the field, or click the browse
button (ellipsis) at the right to open the Edit Title dialog
box and specify a title using a dynamic expression.

Modal window Indicates if the user can interact with the popup
window independently of the source iView. If the
window is modal, the user must close the popup
window to continue to work with the source iView. If
Modal window is not checked, the user can continue
working in the source iView with the popup window
open.

Center Indicates whether to center the popup window in the

window middle of the application screen when it is opened.

Closure event Used to specify an event to be triggered when the

popup window is closed at runtime. See Creating a
Popup iView

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5.4.28 Sigma Operator

A general operator that aggregates the values of all the records into a single record, displayed
in a form view.

Group: Operators

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Sigma Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at Type of data in field

(Data
bottom
Type)

Field Field whose data should be aggregated

according to the Sigma attribute

Sigma COUNT Totals the number of field values that are not
blank

MIN Returns the lowest field value

MAX Returns the greatest field value

SUM Returns the sum of all field values

AVERAGE Returns the average (arithmetic mean) of the field

values

VARIANCE Estimates the variance based on the field values

STDDEV Estimates standard deviation based on the field

values

[none]

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5.4.29 Sort Operator

Definition
A general operator that sorts data according to a specified field.

Use
Group: Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Sort Operator Name Label for the operator

Table at bottom # Sort priority

Type of data in field

Sort By: Field according to which the data should be

sorted

Direction up Ascending order numerically (also A to Z)

down Descending order numerically (and Z to A)

5.4.30 Start Point

Definition
A connector that defines the value that initializes the flow.

Use
Group: Connectors
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Start Point Name Label for the connector

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Input Parameters Fields that are input from the

connector into the flow

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5.4.31 Subtraction Operator

An operator that creates a new dataset from multiple datasets by including data that is only in
the first dataset but not in any of the other datasets, as in the following illustration:

(The subtraction operation)

The dataset from which the subtraction is made (the "first" dataset) is that which is transferred
to the topmost input port of the operator.

Group: Additional Operators

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Subtraction Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at bottom Type of data in field

(Data
Type)

Field Field that serves as the basis for the

subtraction operation

Key Checkbox for selecting the Field

Be sure to connect the dataset from which the subtraction occurs to the top port of
the Subtraction operator.

(Connect main dataset to top port)

In this example, the dataset coming from the Flight Getlist data service will be the first in the
subtraction equation, so that all other data will be subtracted from it..

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5.4.32 Switch Operator

A general operator that defines multiple execution flows. You use this operator to receive
input from multiple sources (such as a data service and a form view) and pass the received
data as input to a single model element.

Group: Additional Operators

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Switch Name Label for the operator

Operator

Table at Type of data in field

(Data
bottom
Type)

Fields Names of the fields whose values are returned

through the switch operator to the output element

You add and remove ports on the operator by right-clicking the operator icon on the
Design board and choosing Add Port or Remove Port from the context menu. You
can add an unlimited number of ports.

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5.4.33 Table View

A tabular view of data, for display and/or edit. The table displays each object in the dataset in
a separate row and each object field in a separate column.

Group: Components

Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Table view Table title Name of the table. You can either enter a title in the
field, or click the browse button (ellipsis) at the right
to open the Edit Title dialog box and specify a title
using a dynamic expression.

Editing User can enter data into the table and change
condition displayed data. Indicates whether users can enter
data into the form and change displayed data at
runtime. Enter true or false to specify whether
the table view is editable, or click the fx button to
define the expression that specifies under which
condition the table view is editable at runtime.

Read-only User can view displayed data only

Selection Single User can select one row only

mode
Multiple User can select multiple rows

Unselectable Read-only - users cannot select any rows

Toolbar Show Adds a toolbar button area

Hide Hides the toolbar button area

Edit Displays the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box

(see Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box)

Scroll Show Adds a scrolling button area

buttons
Hide Hides the scrolling button area

Edit Displays the Page Scrolling Buttons dialog box

Row colors Standard Initial display is a plain grid

Alternating Rows are displayed in alternating dark-white

pattern

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Group Property Attribute Description

Transparent No background grid

No. of rows Number of rows to display per page

Keep When a row is selected in a table and the table is

selected row refreshed with new data, the focus remains on the
selected row, rather than moving to the first row of
the table.

Wrap text If checked, text the table header and in the table
cells automatically wraps as needed.

Layout Fit contents Actual size Sizes the contents of the view according to its size
defined on the Layout board

Fit width Changes the contents of the view in proportion to

the form size

Frame style Primary frame Top border in standard color

White Top border in white

Neutral color Top border in lighter color

Dark color Top border in darker color

Transparent No frame

Frame title bar Displays view title

Collapsible Contents of view can be hidden/displayed

frame

Visibility [none] No conditions are given for displaying the form in

condition runtime, so that it will be automatically visible

true The form will be visible when this value appears in

the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

false The form will not be visible when this value appears
in the formula defining when the form is displayed,
such as Hidden, Required and so on

Enter formula Formula for indicating under what conditions the

view is displayed in the iView

Table at (Display The field is visible in the table

bottom Field)

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Group Property Attribute Description

Data type of the field

(Data
Type)

Column Name of the field (column header). To add a

field/column, click the Add (plus) button.

Control Type of control (for full list of control types, see

Control Properties Dialog Box)

5.4.33.1 Messages Table

Definition
A messages table displays messages related to SAP BI system queries in a table that you
can integrate into your Visual Composer model. The messages displayed provide information
relevant to the query, such as whether the query has been successfully saved or if there has
been a problem saving it.

Some messages will only appear the first time they are issued if, for instance,
they have to do with successfully generating a query, which is an activity that is
not repeated (until the query definition is changed again).

Use
You generate a message table by dragging from the Messages output port on an SAP BI
query, and choosing Add Form View from the context menu.

Structure
In a message table, each message is displayed in a row in a table which has the following
three columns by default:
Type Number Text

The key to the message type. The message ID number The text of the message
Possible types include:
• E – Error
• W – Warning
• I – Information
• S – Success
• A – Abend

Example
See Using Messages [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

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5.4.34 Timer
A connector that defines the timing of an event. The timer may trigger any number of
execution flows in the component. Multiple timers, with different intervals, can be used in the
same component.

Group: Connectors

Model level: iView

Restriction: Flash runtime only

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:

Group Property Attribute Description

Timer Name Label for the connector.

Interval Indicates the frequency, in minutes, that the timer is

evaluated.

Initial delay Delays the start of the timer count according to the
amount of time intervals specified.

Guard condition Enables or disables the component session

according to the formula entered. While the timer is
disabled the clock still keeps ticking, but no timer
events are generated.

Table at Type of data in field.

(Data Type)
bottom
Field The fields that hold the timer data.

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5.4.35 Transition

Definition
A connecting line between two layers of a wizard or with standard layers, indicating the event
that must be invoked in order to trigger the transition from one layer to the other.

Use
This connection line is defined directly on the Design board.
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element.
Group Property Attribute Description

Transition Event name

Guard condition Enables or disables the transition to

the next layer according to the
formula entered.

Line style Straight Direct 45-degree line with no

corners

Angular Direct line

Curved

With right angles Line with 90-degree angles

(orthogonal)

[default] Orthogonal lines

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5.4.36 Union Operator

Definition
An operator that merges into a dataset the data of two datasets and removes duplicates, as in
the following illustration:

Use
Group: Additional Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Union Operator Name Label for the operator

Table at bottom Type of data in field

Field Field whose values are unified

Key Checkbox for selecting the Field

5.4.37 Upper-Range Operator

Definition
A general operator that the retains only the specified top number of records.

Use
Group: Operators
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

Upper-Range Name Label for the operator

Operator
Field Field whose values define the range

No. of rows The number of records in the range

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5.4.38 User Data

Definition
A connector that contains the personal data of the user. The User Data fields can be
referenced from any dynamic expression, thereby personalizing the component by creating
dynamic attributes that depend on the current user data and preferences.

Use
Group: Connectors
Model level: iView

Structure
The following table describes the properties and attributes of this model element:
Group Property Attribute Description

User Data Name Label for the connector.

Table at bottom Type of data in field.

User Parameters The fields in the User Data dataset.

Additional fields can be added using
the Add (plus) button.

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5.5 Inspect Formulas Task Panel

The Inspect Formulas task panel is used to view and edit formulas that have been defined in
the fields of the different model components.

You access the task panel by drilling down into the iView and clicking the Inspect button in the
task-panel toolbar. According to the selections in the drop-down lists, formulas used
throughout the model or in the selected element are displayed.

Structure
The Inspect Formulas task panel includes the following controls:

Control Menu Option Description

Display All formulas Formulas of any type defined for any element of the model

Computations All formulas and computations defined in the General tab

of the Control Properties dialog box

Hide/Show state Formulas created to define Hidden, Disabled, Required

and Visibility conditions (in the UI Control part of the
General tab of the Control Properties dialog box or in the
Configure task panel)

Execution flow Formulas - such as Guard conditions - defined for

activating events

Formatting Formulas defined in the Formatting tab of the Control

Properties dialog box

Display Formulas defined in the Display tab of the Control

Properties dialog box

Validation Formulas defined in the Validation tab of the Control

Properties dialog box

Scope Collapse list Displays the name of each element that contains a formula

Expand list Displays the elements along with each formula that they
contain

Refresh Refreshes the display of formulas

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5.6 Find Data Services Task Panel

The Find Data Services task panel is used to locate and add data services - queries, BAPIs,
web services, stored procedures and others - to your model.

You access the task panel by drilling down into the iView and clicking the Find Data button in
the task-panel toolbar. You then select the system alias of the back-end system in which the
data service resides, search for the data service and drag it onto the workspace.

When a data service includes a very large number of ports and fields, you may be prompted
to define the exact ports and fields that you want to include. For more information, see Define
Data Service Dialog Box.

For more information about the process of adding data services to your model, see Find Data
in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The fields and controls of the task panel change dynamically according to the type of system
that you choose, such as BI system or SAP system. The following controls and fields are
available:

System Control/Field Menu Option Description

Type

System list Portal alias of the back-end system

containing the data service.

SAP BI Look for list Look for a query Enables you to search for a specific query
System by entering its name in the Query field.

Look for a view Enables you to search for a specific query

view by entering its name in the Query
field.

Browse infoarea Enables you to browse the InfoArea tree,

tree viewing a selected system's InfoCubes,
queries, query views, and InfoObjects in a
tree.

Display query Displays the list of recently accessed

history queries for the current BI system user.
Note that depending on how users are
mapped in the system, this could differ
from the current portal user.

Display view Displays the list of recently accessed query

history views for the current BI system user. Note
that depending on how users are mapped
in the system, this could differ from the
current portal user.

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System Control/Field Menu Option Description

Type

Display favorites Displays the list of favorites for the current

BI system user. Note that depending on
how users are mapped in the system, this
could differ from the current portal user.
See also Favorites Folders.

Display roles Enables you to browse queries based on

roles saved in the BI system.

Query field Displayed with Look for a query and Look

for a view. Either enter the query/query
view or a mask, or select from a drop-down
list of recent searches.

Search button Used to locate the query or query view

entered in the Query field.

Reload button Refreshes the display of search results.

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

SAP System Look for list Look for a service Enables you to search for a specific data
by name service by entering its name in the Service
field.

Look for a service Enables you to search for a data service by

by group locating the function group to which it
belongs.

Browse services Displays the hierarchy of data services

catalog available in the selected back-end system.

Service field Displayed with Look for a service by name.

Either enter the name of the data service or
a mask, or select from a drop-down list of
recent searches.

Group field Displayed with Look for a service by group.

Either enter the name of the group or a
mask, or select from a drop-down list of
recent searches.

Search button Used to locate the data service or group

entered in the Service or Group field,
accordingly.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

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System Control/Field Menu Option Description

Type

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

Web Service System field Alias of the Web service system.

Operation list Displayed with third party-based web

services. Either enter the name of the
operation, or select from a drop-down list of
recent searches.

Search button Used to locate the operation or group

entered in the Group or Operation field,
accordingly.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

OLAP Look for list Look for a cube Enables you to search for a specific query
System by entering its name in the Cube field.

Browse cubes Enables you to browse the catalog of

catalog cubes.

Cube field Displayed with Look for a cube. Either

enter the name of the cube or a mask, or
select from a drop-down list of recent
searches.

Search button Used to locate the cube entered in the

Cube field.

Reload button Refreshes the display of search results.

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

Relational Look for list Look for a table Enables you to search for a specific table
System by entering its name in the Table field.

Browse tables Enables you to browse the catalog of

catalog tables.

Table field Displayed with Look for a table. Either

enter the name of the table or a mask, or
select from a drop-down list of recent
searches.

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System Control/Field Menu Option Description

Type

Search button Used to locate the table entered in the

Table field.

Reload button Refreshes the display of search results.

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

Non-SAP Function button Enables you to select from a list of

System functions.

Search button Used to locate the function entered in the

Function field.

Details button Displays information about the selected

data service.

Clear button Clears the display of search results.

You can test the functionality of the data service by choosing Test Data Service from its
context menu. For more information, see Test Data Service Dialog Box.

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5.6.1 Define Data Service Dialog Box

This dialog box may be displayed when you drag a data service onto your workspace. If the
data service includes a large number of fields or ports, you can use the dialog box to limit the
selection to the specific ports and fields to include in your model.

If the dialog box is not displayed automatically when you drag to the workspace, you can
display it by right-clicking the data service and choosing Define Data Service from the context
menu.

This option is activated/deactivated from the Options dialog box:

1. Choose Tools Options .

2. Click the Composing tab.

In the top section (Ask for user intervention when creating:), choose Data services with more
than and indicate the base number of fields that will cause this dialog box to be displayed
automatically..

Structure
The dialog box is divided as follows:

• In the left pane, the Input Ports group contains the names of all ports at the input to
the data service. When you select the checkbox next to a port, all of its fields are
displayed in the right pane.

• Like the Input Portsgroup, the Output Ports group contains all of the ports at the
output from the data service. When you select the checkbox next to a port, all of its
fields are displayed in the right pane.

• The Select all checkbox at the top right enables you to check all of the fields
displayed in the right pane.

• The Clear all checkbox removes the checks from all the fields in the right pane except
those that are mandatory (displayed in red with an asterisk). If there are no
mandatory fields in the port, the check is also removed from the port name in the left
pane.

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5.6.2 Favorites Folders

Definition
Favorites provide an easy way to store and access frequently used SAP BI system queries.
You can store Favorites at the root of a system node, or in folders. Use the Favorites folders
dialog boxes to add Favorites, and to create and work with Favorites folders. These dialog
boxes are displayed when you select a BI query in the Find Data Services task panel, and
from the context menu, choose Add to Favorites.

Favorites are stored in lists by the current BI system user. Note that depending
on how users are mapped in the system, the current BI system user could differ
from the current portal user.

Use
Use the Select Favorites Folder dialog box to browse for, select, and add a Favorite or to
remove a folder. Use the Create Folder dialog box to specify a name for a new folder.

Structure
The main fields and controls of the dialog boxes are listed in the following tables:

Select Favorites Folder Dialog Box

Field/Control Description

Select the folder to which to add the query System tree in which to navigate to a location
in which to add a selected query as a
Favorite. You can store Favorites at the root
of the system node or in a folder.

Create New Folder Displays the Create Folder dialog box with
which you can name a new folder in which to
store Favorites. You can also nest folders into
existing folders.

Remove Folder Removes a selected folder.

Add Stores the Favorite in the selected location

and dismisses the dialog box.

Create Folder Dialog Box

Field/Control Description

New Folder Name Field in which to enter a name for the new
folder.

Create Creates the folder.

Integration
You can perform other Favorites activities on the Find Data Services task panel.
To browse for and select a Favorite:
...

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On the Find Data Services Task Panel [External], select an SAP BI data service.
In the Look for drop-down list, select Display favorites.
Navigate to, select, and work with an InfoObject in the favorites and query structure as
desired.
While browsing Favorites, you can also remove a query from Favorites:
Select a query, and from the context menu, select Remove from Favorites.
...

Example
See Working with Favorites [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide.

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5.6.3 Test Data Service Dialog Box

This dialog box enables you to test the functionality of the selected data service.

You display the dialog box by right-clicking the data service and choosing Test Data Service
from its context menu. The Test Data Service dialog box is displayed, showing all of the fields
that it processes.

Structure
The left pane displays the fields of information for input and the right pane displays the results
that are received. You must enter values into the mandatory fields (displayed in red with an
asterisk). Click Execute at the bottom left to display the results of the query, Clear to remove
the results from the right pane, and Close to close the dialog box.

5.6.4 Define / Test Query Dialog Box

Definition
This dialog box enables you to test and update the query or query view definition of an SAP
BI query data service. You can use this dialog box to enter values for variables or filters,
execute the query, and select required output fields that you need in the BI query data
service.

Use
You display the dialog box by right-clicking the BI query data service and choosing Define /
Test Query from its context menu. The Define / Test Query dialog box is displayed, showing
all of the fields that it processes.

Structure
The dialog box is divided as follows:
• In the Specify filter section:
{ The Input group contains the names of all input fields on the Input port of the
data service. You may enter input values in the fields to test the query with
these filter values.
{ The Variables group contains the names of all variables on the Variables port of
the data service, if any. You may enter variable values in these fields to test the
query with these values.
• In the Select fields for output port section:
{ The Select fields for output ports list contains all of the fields at the output from
the data service. When you select the checkbox next to a field, it will be included
in the query results.
{ The Select all checkbox at the top right enables you to check all of the fields
displayed in the right pane.
{ The Clear all checkbox removes the checks from all the fields in the right pane.
• In the Review output section, the results of the values you have currently selected are
displayed in a table after you click the Execute button.

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{ Click Execute to execute the query with the values provided above and display
the results in a table in the Review output section.
{ Click Generate to update the query or query view definition, adding the checked
fields to the data service’s Output port and removing the unchecked fields.
{ Click Close to close the dialog box.

Be aware that you actually update the BI query or query view definition with this
dialog box.

5.7 Deploy to Portal Task Panel

The Deploy to Portal task panel is used to compile and deploy the model currently open in
Storyboard.

The models that you build in Visual Composer are generated in Generic Modeling Language
(GML) code. To deploy your application to a portal, the GML code must be compiled into a
language supported by the portal. During compilation, warnings and possible errors may be
discovered, enabling you to check the model validity. The compiled content is deployed
directly to the portal, in the runtime environment that you select.

You access the task panel by displaying the iView in the Design board, at the level you want
to deploy, and clicking the Deploy button in the task-panel toolbar.

For more information, see Deploy the Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer
Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The following controls and fields are used in the task panel:

Control/Field Description

iView read-only Displays the name of the iView being deployed.

field

Deploy entire If selected, deploys the entire model (regardless of the level displayed on
model the Design board), otherwise deploys only the part of the model currently
displayed.

Compile If selected, compiles only those iViews that have been modified. This is
changed iViews useful with nested iViews and enhances performance significantly. If option
only is not checked, compiles entire model.

Flex 2.0 only.

Deploy button Activates the compilation and deployment process. Successful deployment
is indicated by a Deployed Successfully message. If errors or
problems occur, the appropriate messages or warnings are displayed along
with the source code. To view the deployed file, click on the Run "<iView
Name>" line.

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Control/Field Description

Compile button Compiles the model code. Successful compilation is indicated by a

Compiled Successfully message. If errors or problems occur, the
appropriate messages or warnings are displayed along with the source
code. To display the code, click the View source code line.

Clear button Clears the displayed compilation or deployment messages.

In the Results pane, up to four links may be available, as follows:

Icon Description

Displays the compiled file of the model being deployed.

(View Source Code)

(Preview) Displays the portal content area of the model only (without the
masthead and the navigation panel). This option is faster than the
Run Model option (following). Flash runtime only.

(Run Model) Accesses the deployed runtime application.

(Last Depoyed) Runs an application that was deployed in a previous session.

The Last Deployment header displays a link to the runtime component from the last
deployment, if any. When you click this link, all relevant pages and primary iViews that were
previously deployed are retrieved from the portal PCD automatically, with a time stamp..

Integration
The contents of the model are packaged into standard PAR files, one file per iView.

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6 Control Properties Dialog Box

The Control Properties dialog box is used to define all the properties of the fields and controls
contained in each UI component of the iView.

For each control or field, you define a range of control-specific properties, grouped together
by function, such as Display, Formatting or Validation.

To display the controls and fields, it is recommended to use the Layout board, where you can
see a visualization of each control and field, and the overall layout within the component.
Using the Configure Element task panel, you select the control and open the Control
Properties dialog box by:

• Right-clicking the control or field on the Layout board and choosing Properties from
the context menu

• Double-clicking the row of the control or field displayed in the table at the bottom of
the Configure Element task panel

• Choosing Properties from the pull-down list in the Control column of the table at the
bottom of the Configure Element task panel

To create a new control, click the Add (plus) button at the bottom of the Configure Element
task panel.

To delete an existing control:

• Select it on the Layout board and press Del on your keyboard

• Double-click the row of the control or field in the Configure Element table and click the
Delete (minus) button

You can leave the Control Properties dialog box open as you configure different controls and
fields; it is not necessary to close it as you move from control to control.

Structure
The following controls and fields can be defined using the Control Properties dialog box:

Bulleted list Drop-down list Input field Radio button group

Calendar Expression box List box Spinner

Checkbox Gauge Numbered list Text editor

Clock Horizontal slider Plain text Ticker

Combo box HTML text Progress bar Toggle button

Date picker Image Pushbutton Vertical slider

For a description of all of these items, see Available Controls and Fields.

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The Control Properties dialog box contains a set of different tabs of properties, displayed
according to the control or field being configured. The following topics describe the properties
in each tab:

• Control Properties - General Tab

• Control Properties - Display Tab

• Control Properties - Range Tab

• Control Properties - Styles Tab

• Control Properties - Formatting Tab

• Control Properties - Entry List Tab

• Control Properties - Validation Tab

• Control Properties - Image Tab

• Control Properties - Action Tab

• Control Properties - HTML Tab

Each of these sections describes the different properties defined within the tab for each type
of control or field. A table lists each property, giving its possible attributes, the control/field for
which it is relevant and a description of the property.

6.1 Available Controls and Fields

This section lists all the controls and fields that can be defined within a UI component.

Controls and fields are defined either automatically when a component, such as a form, is
created, or they are added using the Configure Element Task Panel. To configure the
properties of the control, use the Control Properties dialog box, as described in the topics of
this section.

Structure
The following table describes the available controls and properties:

Control/Field Example Description

Bulleted list A selection control that

displays a menu of options
presented in a bulleted list.

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Control/Field Example Description

Calendar A date selection control that

allows the user to select a
date or a range of dates
using a navigable monthly
calendar.

Checkbox A dual-state selection control

used for setting or clearing
Boolean (yes/no) fields.

Clock A read-only control for

displaying time values in an
analog or digital clock. It can
be used either for displaying
the value of a time field, or
the continuously running
time of the system clock.

Combo box A combination of a drop-

down list and an input field,
enabling the user to choose
an option from a drop-down
list or else enter values not
available in the list.

Date picker A date selection control that

allows the user to select a
date using a drop-down
calendar.

Drop-down list A list showing the possible

values that a user can select
and also the currently-
selected value.

Expression box A read-only control for

displaying a calculated value
in a single-line textbox.

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Control/Field Example Description

Gauge A read-only control for

displaying numeric values on
a radial scale. The current
value of the gauge is
determined by the angle of
the gauge's needle relative
to the total angular extent of
the gauge

Horizontal slider A numeric selection control

(HSlider) that lets the user select a
value by moving a slider
thumb right and left between
the end points of a horizontal
slider track.

HTML text A read-only control used for

displaying an HTML-
formatted fragment.

Image A control used for displaying

an embedded image. It is
used in conjunction with the
Image Library.

Input field A single-line input control

supporting all data types.

List box A selection control

consisting of a list that
presents the possible values
that a user can select.
Exactly one item in the list
can be selected at any time.

Numbered list A selection control used for

creating ordered menus of
numbered options.

Plain text A control used for displaying

a text message with uniform
formatting. If the control is
associated with an action, it
is displayed as a hyperlink.

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Control/Field Example Description

Progress bar A read-only control for

displaying numeric values
using a gradually filled bar.
The current value is
determined by the size of the
filled portion of the bar,
relative to the total size of
the bar.

Pushbutton A control used to invoke

actions when it is clicked
with the mouse or activated
using the keyboard.

Radio group A selection control

consisting of a group of radio
buttons, one for each of the
possible values that a user
can select. Only one radio
button in the group can be
selected at any time.

Spinner A numeric range control with

up/down buttons for stepping
through the values in the
range.

Text editor A multi-line text editing

control with support for line
breaks, word wrapping and
scrolling.

Ticker An animated read-only

control for displaying values
on a continuously-moving
display ribbon.

Toggle button A dual-state selection control

used for setting or clearing
Boolean fields. Toggle
buttons are usually
associated with actions that
are triggered when the
toggle state is changed.

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Control/Field Example Description

Value help A button next to an input

field that displays a dialog
box with a list of valid values
for the field. This helps an
end-user select the right,
properly formatted value to
enter into the field. You
configure the list of values
with the Value Help
Configuration Wizard.

Vertical slider A numeric selection control

(VSlider) that lets the user select a
value by moving a slider
thumb up and down between
the end points of a vertical
slider track.

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6.2 Control Properties - General Tab

This tab is used with all controls and fields in order to define the runtime visibility parameters
(such as hidden or disabled) and default values.

You can use the Control type drop-down list to change the control that has been selected.
The fields and controls of the tab may then change accordingly. In all fields, you can enter a
dynamic expression that defines the exact visibility condition or the default value. To do so,
click the Condition or Formula button to the right of the appropriate field.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Section Property Attribute Control Description

UI Control All controls Drop-down list showing all other

Control type controls of the same Data type

Hidden All controls The control should be hidden or

displayed, according to the
condition outlined in the
expression

Note that this parameter can

operate only on full columns,
rather than on single cells. The
value can be specified as either
the Boolean true/false or else
activated by a control external
to the table (rather than
according to a value in another
field of the same table).

Disabled Bulleted list, Calendar, The control is displayed but not

Checkbox, Combo box, enabled
Date picker, Drop-down
list, HSlider, HTML text,
Image, Input field, List
box, Numbered list,
Plain text, Pushbutton,
Radio group,
Spinner,Text editor,
Toggle button,VSlider

Required Bulleted list, Calendar, The control or field - displayed

Combo box, Date in red and with an asterisk -
picker, Drop-down list, requires client-side validation: It
HSlider, Input field, List must be filled in or selected
box, Numbered list,
Radio group, Text
editor, VSlider

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Section Property Attribute Control Description

Inherit The field inherits attributes from

another field in the displayed
iView.

Attributes that can be inherited

include: label, tooltip, field
length, data type, static entry
list.

Data Field name All controls Read-only

Source
Field Data type All controls Read-only

Default Bulleted list, Calendar, A value or an expression

value Checkbox, Combo box, describing the value
Date picker, Drop-down automatically given for the
list, HSlider, Input field, control
List box, Numbered list,
Radio group, Text
editor, Toggle button,
VSlider

Expression Clock, Expression box, Used in controls that contain a

Gauge, Progress bar, computed value
Gauge

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6.3 Control Properties - Display Tab

This tab is used with all controls other than Text Editor, to define the label text and format of
the control, and to determine exactly where in the component the control is displayed.

Use the Appearance section to configure the exact "look" of the control and its label.

Use the Layout section to configure where the control is placed, its size and its tabbing order,
if needed.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Section Property Attribute Control Description

Appearanc Label All controls except The name displayed on the

e Text editor control, written in quotation
marks (" "). You can use the
Formula button to enter an
expression that indicates the
label to use, and when

Tooltip All controls except Displays a quick description of

Text editor the control when the user runs
the mouse over it

Text style Normal Bulleted list, Plain Default text style

text
Bold

Italic

Small

Header 1 First header style

Header 2 Second header style

Header 3 Third header style

Monospace Box-like font

Border style Default Bulleted list, Default border style of the

Calendar, Clock, control
Combo box, Date
Solid picker, Drop-down Border is a solid line
list, Expression box,
Inset HTML text, Image, "Engraved" 3D border
Input field, List box,
Numbered list, Plain
Outset "Embossed" 3D border

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Section Property Attribute Control Description

text, Progress bar,
None No border
Pushbutton,
Spinner, Ticker

Label Regular label Calendar, Default label style

position Checkbox, Combo
Label above box, Data picker,
Drop-down list,
Long label Expression box,
Gauge, HTML text,
Image, Input field,
Short label
List box, Numbered
list, Progress bar,
Regular label Radio group, For right-reading languages
(after) Spinner (see following note )

Long label For right-reading languages

(after) (see following note )

Short label For right-reading languages

(after) (see following note )

No label

Clock Running Clock Indicates that the time should

options clock be taken (and continuously
updated) from the running
system clock. Otherwise, the
time value is taken from the
bound data field

Second hand Shows the second hand for

analog-clock displays

Digital Shows the clock in digital

display format

Time zone GMT . . . Adjusts the time display

according to the specified time
zone, according to the number
of hours before or after GMT

Scrolling Ticker The rate at which the values

speed are moved along the ticker strip

Button Without Pushbutton Displays button without the bar

options notch to the left

With notch Adds the standard bar to left of

button

Toggle Label only Toggle button Displays the label text without
button the button border

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Section Property Attribute Control Description

Notch and Displays a ►notch with the

Label label

Button only Displays the label within a

button border

Layout Position All controls except Offset from top left, in pixels
(pxls) Text editor

HxW (pxls) Size of control, HxW, in pixels

Layer If control is stacked with other

controls, its number from the
top of the stack

Tab order When user tabs through the

controls of the component in
runtime, the number indicating
what place this control has in
the tab order. Note that -1
removes the control from the
tab order entirely and 0
indicates that it is highlighted
according to its appearance in
the component

Max. length Input field, HSlider, Maximum number of characters

(pxls) Spinner, VSlider allowed in the field or control

# of Checkbox, Radio Number of columns in which to

columns group group the items of the control

Wrap text No Plain text Truncates text according to

width of the field

Yes Automatically wraps text to

match the width of the field

At runtime, the system checks the Language value in the Personalize attributes and if the
language is right-to-left reading, adapts the alignment of the controls accordingly..

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6.4 Control Properties - Range Tab

Definition
This tab is used to define the range of value for a number of controls: gauge, horizontal and
vertical slider, progress bar and spinner.

Use
Using the Minimum and Maximum lists, you define the value range, along with an optional
Step size value (precision). Sliders and gauges must be bound on both sides (specifying both
Minimum and Maximum), while spinners can be bound on one or both sides (specifying either
Minimum or Maximum or both), or unbound (specifying neither Minimum or Maximum), as
described in the table that follows.
You can also choose to add tick marks to the range control.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:
Section Property Attribute Control Description

Value range Minimum Gauge, Lowest numerical value in the

HSlider, range. You can use the Label
Progress checkbox and field to define a label
bar, for the low end of the range.
Spinner,
Maximum VSlider Highest numerical value in the
range. You can use the Label
checkbox and field to define a label
for the high end of the range.

Step size Gauge, A value for dividing up the range.

HSlider,
Spinner,
VSlider

Ticks Gauge, Tick marks displayed on the

HSlider, control.
VSlider

Enable HSlider, As you drag the slider, the chart is

dragging VSlider continuously updated.

Value format None Progress Fills the bar with color according to
bar the relative amount of the task
range completed.

Absolute Fills the bar with color and displays

the corresponding absolute value
of the task range completed.

Percentage Fills the bar with color and displays

the corresponding percentage of
the task range completed.

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6.5 Control Properties - Styles Tab

This tab is used to define the styles used for the text of the control, and the conditions under
which the styles are to be applied. Use the Style tab to create a table of different text styles,
each with an expression defining the condition under which that style is used.

Use the buttons to the right of the table as follows:

Button Description

Add a style

Delete the selected style

Move the selected style up one row in the table

Move the selected style down on row in the table

For an example of how to define a set of styles using the Styles tab, see Using Exceptions in
Your Model in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Section Property Attribute Control Description

Style Style column Expression The number or name of the style

Selectors head box, Progress
bar, Ticker
Condition The expression defining when the style
column head should be applied

Text font A drop-down list of available font

names

Align Left Text is aligned to the left margin

Center All lines of text are aligned to the center

Right Text is aligned to the right margin

Foreground A palette of colors from which to select

the font color

Background A palette of colors from which to select

the color filling the text box

Text style Bold Boldface font

Italic Italic font

Underline Text is underlined

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6.6 Control Properties - Formatting Tab

This tab is used to define the format of the number, text, time or date in the field.

The properties configured in this field are displayed according to the data type of the control:
• Text
• Number
• Date
• Time
Certain controls, such as an input field or an expression box, can contain data of any of the
four types listed. Others, such as a horizontal slider or a progress bar, must be of a single
data type.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Section Property Attribute Control Description

Text Default Expression box, Uses standard text format

Format Input field,
Zero fill Ticker Fills a string of a given length with
zeroes
Password Indicates whether text characters
entered into the control should be
displayed as asterisks
Trim spaces Removes extra spaces between
words or at the beginning of the text
Lower case Uses only lower-case characters for
the text
Upper case Uses only upper-case characters for
the text
Proper case Capitalizes the first letter of the main
words
Custom Activates the Expression field to
define specific text formatting
Expression Read-only field displaying the
defined format; activated when
Custom is selected
Number Numeric Expression box, Standard numbering
Format HSlider, Input
Local format field, Progress Uses the portal runtime locale
bar, Spinner, formatting
Percentage Ticker, VSlider Displays numbers as a percentage
of 100

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Section Property Attribute Control Description

Currency Adds a symbol of the currency,

selected from Currency symbol
drop-down list
Custom Activates the Expression field to
define specific text formatting
Expression Read-only field displaying the
defined format; activated when
Custom is selected
Decimal places Auto Automatically adds decimal places
according to the values received
1 to 7 Indicates the number of decimal
places to display
Thousands None No separator is used between the
separator thousands and hundreds numbers
Comma A comma is used to set off the
thousands
Currency Currency icon, such as for dollar or
symbol Euro
Date Local format Date picker, Uses the portal runtime locale
Format Expression box, formatting
Input field,
[date formats] Ticker A range of different formats for
displaying the date
Custom Activates the Expression field to
define specific text formatting
Expression Read-only field displaying the
defined format; activated when
Custom is selected
Time Local Format Expression box, Uses the portal runtime locale
Format Input field, formatting
Ticker
[time formats] A range of different formats for
displaying the time
Custom Activates the Expression field to
define specific text formatting
Expression Read-only field displaying the
defined format; activated when
Custom is selected

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6.7 Control Properties - Entry List Tab

This tab is used to create or select static or dynamic lists of options, for use in bulleted and
numbered lists, drop-down lists, and groups of radio buttons.

The list controls can have one of two types of entry lists:
• Static lists have set values that you define.
• Dynamic lists are populated at runtime according to the input fields selected and the
corresponding values assigned.
You can use this list in conjunction with the Entry List Manager, for selecting global lists that
have been defined for use throughout the model. For more information, see How to . . .
Create an Entry List in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
When the Entry List tab is first displayed, the List scope set of radio buttons provides these
options:
• Static
• Dynamic
• Global
The display of the properties in the tab changes according to these selections.

Static Entry List

Control Description
Value column header The value of the option displayed in the list
Display Text column
The text to display for the option
header

Add a new entry

Delete the selected entry

Move the selected entry up one place in the list

Move the selected entry down on place in the list

Example:

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Dynamic Entry List

When you choose the Dynamic radio button from the List scope group, the Find Data Service
dialog box is displayed. Search for your data service and define your input and output ports,
as explained in the Find Data Service Dialog Box section, which follows.
Section/Field Control Description
Data service Used to display the Find Data Service Dialog
Box, for selecting the data service and its
input and output ports, for the entry list.
Input port Input Field column header Displays the fields channeled through the
input port that you selected in the Find Data
Service dialog box.
Assigned Value column The values that you require in order to get the
header output values that you want in your list,
defined by:

• Entering a fixed value

• Entering a formula (choose Enter

formula from the drop-down list)
Using the Expression Editor, entering a
different field in the form, from which to take
the value
Output port Output Field column Displays the VALUE and the TEXT rows to
header define the two fields that correspond to the
actual value returned and the text to be
displayed in the list (see example following)
Assigned Value column The VALUE is the field from which the value
header should be taken and the TEXT is the field
from which the actual displayed text should
be taken (see example following).
Sort checkbox Lists the options alphabetically in the list.
Allow duplicates checkbox Enters identical text options more than once,
according to the results returned.
Additional entries Expands the dialog box to allow you to add
checkbox static text options to the list.
Additional Value column header Adds static entries to the list, defined by
entries clicking (Expand) and defining a static
entry list as described in the previous table.
Click (Contract) to return to the Dynamic
List screen.
Display Text
column header

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Example

Global Entry List

This option displays a pane listing all static and dynamic entry lists that have been defined in
the Entry List Manager as "global", for use throughout the model. To edit a displayed global

entry list, select it and click (Global Entry List)at the right.

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6.7.1 Find Data Service Dialog Box

Definition
This dialog box is used when creating a local or global entry list, in order to define the data
service – and its input and output ports – from which the values for the list are taken.

Use
When defining a dynamic entry list for global use, using the Entry List Manager, this dialog
box is displayed automatically (see Entry List Manager [External]). When defining a dynamic
entry list for local use within a form, you need to display it by clicking at the right of the
Data service field (see Control Properties - Entry List Tab [External]).

Structure
The following table describes the controls and fields in the dialog box:
Control/Field Description

System The portal system in which the data service resides

Look for A combo box from which you can select from a list of data services
contained in that data service and used in the model, or enter a
mask for searching for a data service

Search Activates a search for the data service

Select data service Displays all data services matching the text in the Look for field and
residing on the selected System

Input port Drop-down list of input ports on the selected data service, enabling
you to select the port that channels the values you need for your list

Output port Drop-down list of output ports on the selected data service, enabling
you to select the port that returns the values you define for your list

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6.8 Control Properties - Validation Tab

This tab is used to define a set of rules used to check the validity of the values of the control
and to respond in case of an invalid value. If the user enters a value that is defined here as
invalid, the error message defined for that condition and value is displayed.

Use the table of this tab to define a set of conditions corresponding to the appearance of a
value and create an error message. Note that the order of the conditions can be important.

Use the buttons at the right of the table as follows:

Button Description

Add a style

Delete the selected style

Move the selected style up one row in the table

Move the selected style down on row in the table

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Section Property Attribute Control Description

Validation Condition Calendar, Checkbox, Drop-down list of

Rules column Combo box, Data picker, standard conditions for
head Drop-down list, HSlider, starting the condition
Input field, List box, clause, such as: Equals,
Radio group, Spinner, Is blank, Contains and
Toggle button, VSlider Ends with

Value [none]
column
head Type textType Enter a specific value,
numberType such as 'Chicago'
dateType time (note the single quotation
marks) or 10

Enter formula Enter a formula using the

Expression Editor

[fields in The controls and fields

component] defined within the
component

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Section Property Attribute Control Description

Error Text of the message that

Message should appear if the error
column condition occurs
head

Validation Continue Even if validation fails,

Error execution execution continues, and
Handling the problematic field is
(Flex only) marked in red. Displays
a single message per
control

Stop If a rule fails, the

execution execution of the action
stops at that point and
the problematic field is
marked in red

6.9 Control Properties - Image Tab

This tab is used to select an image to be displayed in an image control.

In order to select an image, you must first have defined an image library for the model. To do
so, see Define an Image Control in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide
(for the procedure) or Image Manager in this guide.

Once defined, the images in the image library are displayed in the pane of this tab. Use the
checkbox beneath each image to select the image to be added.

Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:

Control/Field Description

Displays the Image Manager dialog box for adding images to the
Upload button
Image Library.

The condition under which the selected image should be displayed in

Image the image control. Click Condition to define an image, or accept true
(default) to display the image at all times.

The image is displayed in its original size. Its edges are cut off if the
Original size
control size is smaller than the image dimensions.

Fit size The image is sized to fill the control.

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6.10 Control Properties - Action Tab

This tab is used to define the action, or event, triggered when the control is selected. It is
used to define actions for the following types of controls:

Bulleted list Date picker Input field Pushbutton

Calendar Drop-down list List box Spinner

Checkbox HSlider Numbered list Toggle button

Combo box Image Plain text VSlider

You can use this tab to define one of two types of actions:

• A “system action” is a predefined event, such as closing a window or inserting a row.

You select the specific action from the popup menu displayed when you add an

action (click the (Add) button.

• A “custom action” is a specialized action that you define, by choosing Custom action
from the popup menu and entering the name for the action in the Action Name
column of the new row.

The fields and controls of the tab change according to the type of action you define, and
according to the specific option you chose for that type of action.

For each field and control, you can define a sequence of actions. To do so, add the actions to
be executed for the control, and use the arrow buttons in the toolbar above the action list to
arrange the actions in the proper sequence.

Structure
The following table describes the controls and fields that are displayed in the tab, according to
your selection in the popup menu of system actions:

Control / Action / Description

Field Attribute

Add Add new action.

Delete Delete selected action.

Move Up Move action one up in sequence.

Move Move action one down in sequence.

Down

# Number of sequence step.

Action Name of either system or custom action.

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Control / Action / Description

Field Attribute
Name Enables the runtime user to choose a value from a field (Assigned
Assign
expression) in one element (Apply to) and then assign it to a field
(Target field) in another element (Target).

Clear Form Removes the values currently displayed in the input fields of an
element. Useful, for example, in a Submit sequence of actions.

Close Closes the window (for example, a popup window).

Window

Delete Row Deletes the current object and moves the cursor to the next object.

Dynamic Invokes a dynamic action, according to the given formula defined

Action in the field in the Action Properties section.

Export Data At runtime, copies data to the Clipboard and displays a dialog box
that lets the user choose to display the data according to column
heading or field name. In charts, displays the data series, one
table for each axis.:
• Export row
• Export element – Exports contents of entire view
• Export selected elements – Exports selected content
• Export window - Exports contents of entire window

Export Data Copies selected data to Clipboard and pastes it into a displayed
to Excel Excel worksheet according to the following Action Properties:
• Export row
• Export element – Exports contents of entire view
• Export selected elements – Exports selected content
• Export window - Exports contents of entire window

This features is available only with Windows Explorer..

Find Row Looks for the next object in the dataset that matches the
expression defined in the field in the Action Properties section. The
search starts from the current cursor position until the end of the
dataset, and then continues from the beginning back to the cursor
position, in a cyclical manner.

History Back Navigates back one step through the target element’s history.

Hyperlink Opens the document at the URL address specified in the field in
the Action Properties section.

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Control / Action / Description

Field Attribute

Insert Row Inserts a new row and moves the cursor to the new object,
selected according to the following Action Properties:
• Insert after
• Insert before
• Insert first
• Insert last

Move Row Moves to a new row position, selected according to the following
Action Properties:
• Move after
• Move before
• Move first
• Move last

Print Sends the selected data to a printer according to the following

Action Properties:
• Print element – Prints contents of view
• Print selected element – Prints selected contents of view
• Print window
• Print page

Prompt Displays the message defined in the field in the Action Properties
section, in a modal dialog box.

Select Used “behind the scenes” to select a target element or dataset

Element when the cursor is moved to that object.

Select Row Selects the object that corresponds to the specified row, and
scrolls the dataset so that the row is brought into view. Selected
according to the following Action Properties:
• First row
• Last row
• Next row
• Previous row
• Row number (selected from spinner)

Show Page Scrolls the dataset so that the specified page is brought into view,
according to the following Action Properties:
• First page
• Last page
• Next page
• Previous page
• Page number (selected from spinner)

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Control / Action / Description

Field Attribute

Sort Rows Sorts the target dataset according to the order specified in the field
in the Action Properties section.

Submit Form Starts execution of the form.

Custom User-definable action.

Action

Action Read-only field displaying the defined formula for the action.
code

Apply to Self Defines on which element to apply the action.

[other UI
component in
iView]

Validation None Defines the controls that will undergo validation once the action is
scope triggered:
Self
• None – No validation occurs.
Element For example, a Cancel action requires no validation.
• Self – Validates only the control that invokes the action.
Window • Element – Validates all controls in the UI element (such as
form or table) that contains the control that invokes the
action.
For example, if Apply to is set to Self, clicking a Submit
button in a form triggers validation of all fields in the form
to which validation conditions have been defined.
• Window – Validates all controls displayed in the window
containing the control that invokes the action.
For example, controls in components such as forms, but
not nested iViews or popups, and in the selected layer, will
be validated.

Action Action-specific parameters, described previously in this column per

Properties action.

6.11 Control Properties - HTML Tab

Definition
This tab is used to insert formatted HTML text into the block of the HTML control.

Use
You should first type in the HTML text in the pane and then format it, selecting part or all of
the text and applying the different controls.

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Structure
The following table describes the properties configured in this tab:
Control Description

[font list] Drop-down list of fonts to choose from

[font size list] Drop-down list of font sizes

Boldface font

Italic font

Underlined font

Font color

Align to left

Align to center

Align to right

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6.12 Value Help Configuration Wizard

Definition
You can add value help to input fields in your model. This creates a button that displays a
dialog box with a list of valid values for the field, which helps an end-user select the right,
properly formatted value to enter into the field. You configure this list of values with the Value
Help Configuration Wizard, which you access from the Layout board. Select an input field,
and from the context menu, choose Add Value Help.
Value help also generates the proper selection syntax required by Visual Composer and can
therefore be particularly useful when working with variables, for example. (See Working with
Variables [External]).

You may only deploy models that contain value help to Adobe Flash format. To
check that your runtime is set to Flash: from the Visual Composer main menu,
choose Tools → Options. Select the Compiler tab, and from the Runtime
dropdown box, select Flash.

Use
Configure the list of values to appear in value help using three steps provided by the wizard:
...

Select the type of value help to add on the Add Value Help for Selected Input Field screen
Select the data service that provides the values on the Select Data Service screen
Configure the advanced options on the Specify Data Service Runtime Parameters screen
(optional for BI systems – this screen appears only if you have deselected the Hide advanced
configuration options (BI systems only) checkbox on the Add Value Help for Select Input Field
screen)
When you have completed the steps, the wizard generates an embedded iView that
represents the value help dialog box and its functionality. Next to the input field, the wizard
also generates a value help button. At runtime, when the user presses the button, the dialog
box appears and lists values for the input field.

Structure
The main sections and controls of the three screens in the wizard are described in the
following three tables:

Add Value Help for Selected Input Field

The wizard attempts to suggest the best type of value help for the selected field, but you can
change the selection on this screen.

For variables, the wizard recommends the value help type that will generate the
proper syntax depending on the type of variable selected. Do not change the
recommended selection.

Control/Field Menu Option Example Description

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Control/Field Menu Option Example Description

Type Single selection Allows the user to select

a single value. This is
the simplest type of
value help.

Interval selection Allows the user to select

a range of values.
Suggested particularly
for BI system interval
variables.

Multiple selection Allows the user to select

one or more individual
values. Suggested
particularly for BI system
multiple selection
variables.

Selection options Allows the user to select

a set of values
according to complex
selection criteria.
Suggested particularly
for BI system selection
options variables.

Single value and Allows the user to either

selection options select a single value or
use more complex
selection options.
Suggested particularly
for BI queries, query
views, or characteristics.

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Control/Field Menu Option Example Description

Selected Field Properties Review properties of the

selected input field.

Hide advanced configuration options (BI systems only) If selected, the

advanced Specify Data
Service Runtime
Parameters screen (the
final screen in the
wizard) does not
appear.
This option is only valid
for value help based on
BI systems and has no
affect if you are using
data services in other
systems. Filling out the
options in the Specify
Data Service Runtime
Parameters screen is
required for value help
based on, for example,
an SAP System. In such
cases, the advanced
dialog box will appear
even if you have chosen
to hide it.

Select Data Service

You can base the value help list on any type of data service.

Section/Control Area/Menu Option Description

Select Data Service System area Browse and search a selected

system for a data service. See Find
Data Services Task Panel [External],
which describes similar functionality.

Data service tree Select the data service that will

provide the values. Typically, this is
the same object represented by the
input field itself, but not necessarily.
You may select the following types
of data services:
• SAP systems: BAPI or RFC
• SAP BI systems:
characteristic, query, or query
view
• OLAP systems: cube,
dimension, or level
• Relational systems: table

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Section/Control Area/Menu Option Description

Properties Review properties of the selected

data service.

Properties – Get data from Master Data Table Retrieve characteristic values from
(SAP BI system characteristic the master data table.
only)
Dimension Table Retrieve characteristic values from
the dimension table.

Properties – axis (SAP BI system characteristic only) Indicates whether the selected
characteristic is on the free
characteristics, rows, or columns
axis in the query definition.

Specify Data Service Runtime Parameters

This screen appears if you have deselected the Hide advanced configuration options (BI
systems only) checkbox on the Add Value Help for Selected Input Field screen. It also
appears, regardless of selection of the checkbox, if you are using an SAP System.
Configuring the parameters on this advanced screen is mandatory for SAP Systems, but
optional for BI systems.
Note: Asterisks (*) on this screen indicate required fields.

Section Control/Field Menu Option Description

Input Port (available input ports) Typically, this is an

Input port, but data
services can have
multiple input ports.
You can select the
Variable port of a BI
query if available, for
example.

Input Fields List of available input

fields.

Assigned Value Allows you to assign a

default value to the
corresponding field.
You can type text or
enter a formula.

Search Field ID (available fields) Select a field to

provide search
capabilities within that
field.

Search Field Name Enter a label for the

search field, if
selected.

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Section Control/Field Menu Option Description

Output Port (available output ports) Select the output port

to which to deliver the
value the user selects.
Typically, this is an
Output port, but data
services can have
multiple output ports.

Output Fields List of available output

fields. Place a
checkmark in the ?
column to indicate that
the field should be
displayed in the value
help dialog box.

Field Text You may overwrite the

values in this column
to change the label of
the corresponding
field.

Key Field (available key fields) The value delivered to

the input field.
For input fields, the
Key value is typically
required.
For variable input
fields, the Key
(External Display)
value is required.

Example
See Integrating Value Help into Your Model [External], in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler’s Guide.

Visual Composer also provides a second type of value help that you can use
during design-time in formulas or to populate controls such as drop-down lists.
See Value Help List [External].
See also:
See Using a BI System as a Data Service [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler’s Guide for a table of BI system InfoObjects and their different
formats. For example, you typically want to use the _ext_key format of a characteristic
in value help as input for a variable.
See Working with Variables [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler’s
Guide to see how value help helps you generate proper selection syntax in addition to
field values.

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7 Tools Menu Dialog Boxes

This section describes the different options that are available from the Tools option of the
Storyboard main menu:
• Documentation Wizard [External]
• Entry List Manager [External]
• Image Manager [External]
• Alias Manager [External]
• System Definition (Web Service) [External]
• Alert Data Service [Page 126]
• Customize Toolbar [External]
• Options [External]

7.1 Documentation Wizard

The Documentation Wizard organizes the information in your model according to the
parameters that you specify (such as printing notes or creating an index), creates a document
and enables you to print it and save it.

You display the Documentation Wizard by choosing Tools Documentation Wizard .

Once you select the print options, and click Generate, the document is displayed for printing
or saving. Choose the Print or Save As option from the File menu.

Structure
The following table lists the options in the wizard for printing your documentation:

Control Option Description

Source level A drop-down list showing all the upper-level

elements ("diagrams") of your model, such as
pages and iViews, to enable you to select how
much of the model is to be documented.

Include in Top-level Design Prints only the diagram(s) displayed on the Design
documentation board diagrams only board.

Model elements and Prints information about the model (for example,
properties the iView name, author, last modified date, user-
defined hyperlink and user defined notes). In
addition, it prints a table listing the elements
belonging to the model component, and properties
of those elements. If the component has no lower-
level elements, the table does not appear.

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Control Option Description

Statistics A section at the end of the document that provides

the following model statistics: Total Diagrams,
Total Definitions, Total Property Values, Average
Definitions per Diagram, Average Properties per
Element.

Index Adds an alphabetized index of model elements to

the document.

All Design-board Prints all diagrams of component levels below that

diagrams displayed on the Design board.

Generate button Displays a standard Windows screen for printing

or saving the documentation.

Close button Closes the Documentation Wizard without

generating documentation.

7.2 Entry List Manager

The Entry List Manager is used to create global lists of options, for use in bulleted and
numbered lists, drop-down lists, and groups of radio buttons throughout the model. Once
created, these global entry lists are available in any of the model UI components that contain
the relevant controls.

You use this dialog box, accessed by choosing Tools Entry List Manager , to create
three types of lists:

• Static lists, which have set values that you define.

• Dynamic lists, which are populated at runtime according to the input fields selected
and the corresponding values assigned.

• Value Help lists ,which are auxiliary design-time tools implemented through a wizard.
They help you identify a data service and configure a list of master data values to
store in a static entry list.

For an explanation of the procedure for creating global and local entry lists, see “How to . . .”
Create an Entry List in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The structure of the dialog box changes according to the type of list chosen. Once you have
added an entry list, you create it exactly as you do local entry lists in the Control Properties
dialog box.

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The three buttons at the bottom left are used to manage the creation of the global entry lists:

• Add: a drop-down list for selecting the type of global entry list that you want to create:

o Static List: for details, see Control Properties - Entry List Tab

o Dynamic List: for details, see Control Properties - Entry List Tab

o Value Help List: for details, see Value Help List

Each list is shown in the Entry Lists pane above the buttons. When you click on a list,
the details about it are displayed to the right, for viewing and/or editing.

• Remove: Deletes the selected global entry list

• Rename: Activates the name for you to edit the existing one

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7.2.1 Value Help List

Value help lists are reusable selections of master data values that are made available as
entry lists for use while designing your model. You can use these to, for example, supply valid
values to a formula or to populate controls such as drop-down lists. Value help lists are
created with the help of a wizard that is accessed from the Entry List Manager when you click
Add, and choose Value Help List.

You create a value help entry list in two steps provided by the wizard:

• Select a data source

• Review value help list

You can repeat these steps as many times as you wish while creating the list (for example, to
create lists with values from different data services).

Structure
The main sections and controls of the two screens of the wizard are described in the following
two tables:

Select a Data Source

Section Control Description

Available Services Select system Browse and search a selected system for a data
service. See Find Data Services Task Panel, which
describes similar functionality. Data services from
three types of systems are supported:

• SAP BI systems

• XMLA systems
JDBC systems
Data service tree Depending on the type of data service you have
selected above, select the following kind of object in
the data service tree:

• Characteristic (SAP BI system)

• Level (XMLA system)

• Table column (field) (JDBC system)

Description Review the description, if available, of the object selected in the data
service tree.

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Review Value Help List

Section/Control Field Description

Search section Look for • Browse data - retrieve and browse all master
data values, without search restrictions

• Look for key - SAP BI systems only - Restrict

the list of master data to be retrieved by
searching in keys based on numeric operator
values specified below.

• Look for text - SAP BI systems only - Restrict

the list of master data to be retrieved by
searching in text based on textual operator
values specified below.

Operator If Look for key or Look for text is selected, choose an

operator to apply:

Keys (numeric operators):

• Equal To
• Not Equal To
• Between
• Not Between
• Less Than Equal To
• Greater Than
• Greater Than Equal To
• Less Than
• Contains Pattern
• Not Contains Pattern
Text (textual operators):
• Equal To
• Contains Pattern
Low Enter a low or text value for the selected operator, if
relevant.

High Enter a high value for the selected operator, if

relevant.

Find data used in If checked, search for values within the dimension
cube only (SAP BI table. If unchecked, all values of the selected
systems only) characteristic that appear in the master data table are
retrieved.

Browse / Search Browse when browse data is selected, otherwise

Search. Retrieve the available master data values for
the object selected on the previous screen. Up to the
first 1000 values are retrieved. Search masks are
applied (as above) if relevant, to reduce the size of the
list.

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Section/Control Field Description

Available Values The list of values available for your list. Move individual selected values back
and forth between lists with the arrows or clear them with the Clear button.

Selected Values Values selected to appear in your list. Move individual selected values back
and forth between lists with the arrows or clear them with the Clear button.

Example
See Creating a Value Help Entry List in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide.

Entry list value help is also known as design-time value help. A second type of value help, a
run-time value help, is also available in Visual Composer. With this, you create a button next
to an input field that displays a dialog box of valid values during your model's runtime. See
Value Help Configuration Wizard..

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7.3 Image Manager

The Image Manager is used to create a library of images for use in image controls within the
model. When defining an image control in a model component, you use the Image tab in the
Control Properties dialog box to select an image from this image library.

Choose Tools Image Manager to access the dialog box. To add an image, you first click
Browse, locate and select the image you want to add, and then click Upload.

Images that you add to the library are then available throughout the model. For more
information about adding images and using the Image Manager, see How to . . . Define an
Image Control in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The main parts of the Image Manager dialog box are:

• The toolbar, for renaming and deleting images

• The display pane, for showing the images contained in the library

• The fields and buttons at the bottom, for locating and adding the images

The following table describes the controls in the dialog box:

Control Description

Activates the name of the selected image for you to edit it.

Deletes the selected image.

Displays online help information about the Image Manager.

Opens the standard Choose file dialog box for you to locate the image that you
Browse want to add. When you click Open, the dialog box is closed and the file name is
displayed in the field at the bottom.

Enters the image named in the field into the library, displaying a thumbnail in the
Upload
display pane.

Close Closes the Image Manager.

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7.4 Alias Manager

The System Alias Manager enables you to review the back-end systems from which you have
chosen the data services in the model and:

• Change the source system as necessary

• Rename a portal system alias if it has been renamed in the portal

• Rename a system alias if a model has been ported between servers that have
different aliases for the same back-end system

Choose Tools Alias Manager to access the dialog box. A table is displayed listing all
system aliases used in the model, along with their details. To change a system alias, you
check its row and click Rename.

For more information about using the Alias Manager, see How to . . . Manage Your Portal
System Aliases in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The following table describes the main controls of the System Alias Manager dialog box:

Control Option Description

Select Select "<name>" Alias Selects all instances of the selected alias

Select All Aliases Selects the entire list of aliases

Select None Deselects all selected aliases

Replace Displays a dialog box, in whose field you enter the

new portal alias that you require

[table] Alias column header Alias currently defined for the system in the System
Landscape editor of your portal

Used in column header Name of the iView containing a data service within
the named system

Used by column header Name of the data service

System Type column Type of system containing the data service

header

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7.5 System Definition (Web Service)

The System Definition (Web Service) is used to define web services to be used in the
modeling process. Web services that you define will be accessible only to users logging on to
Visual Composer using your user name and password.

You display the System Definition (Web Service) dialog box by choosing Tools Define
Web service system . You then enter all the information relating to the new web service
system.

Structure
The System Definition (Web Service) dialog box includes the following fields and controls:

Control Description

New system name Unique name of the web service system

Alias that will be used in the portal to identify the web

New system alias
service system

Web service URL Web service's URL address

URL requires User and Password Defines that the web service requires user
checkbox authentication

User The user name

Password The password assigned to the user

Create button Creates an alias for the defined Web service

7.6 Alert Data Service

Definition
An alert data service is a data service that displays all SAP alerts available in the Universal
Worklist on the portal. You can build an alert data service into your model to display alerts in
an analytical application. You display the alerts in a table, using the Select Display Fields
dialog box to select which alert attributes are displayed.
All SAP and SAP BI systems that are configured as alert connectors on the portal are capable
of broadcasting alerts. See prerequisites in Add an Alert Data Service [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide, and Configuring Universal Worklist
Connectivity [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Installation & Configuration
Guide [External] for more information.

Use
Within an iView, choose Tools → Alert Data Service, then click Generate to place an alert
data service on your storyboard.

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Configure a start point on the data service’s Input port, then drag from the data service’s
Output port and select Add Table View to display the alerts in a table. The Select Display
Fields dialog box appears, which allows you to select which alert attributes to display.

Structure
The following table lists the available alert attributes you can display using the Select Display
Fields dialog box:
Attribute Description

ACTIVITYLINK1 URL link to an activity you need to complete. There can be up to

three activities for each alert.
ACTIVITYLINK2
This could also display the URL link to an associated an SAP BI
ACTIVITYLINK3 system query view, if relevant.

ACTIVITYTEXT1 Description of the associated activity you need to complete.

ACTIVITYTEXT2

ACTIVITYTEXT3

ALERTCATEGORY Category of alert. For example: Sales Performance; Max. vacation

time exceeded; Book sold out.

ALERTID Back-end alert ID.

ATTRIBUTES List of all attributes for alert, delivered in one string. For design-time
usage only. Not recommended to deploy this into a table for end-
users.

DESCRIPTION Description of alert (long text). Compare with SUBJECT (short text).

DUEDATE Date by which the task described in the alert needs to be

completed, in the current portal user's time zone.

DUETIME Time by which the task described in the alert needs to be

completed, in the current portal user's time zone.

ESCALATED Boolean value indicating whether the alert has been escalated.

EXPIREDATE Date when the alert is scheduled to be removed from the list, in the
current portal user's time zone.

EXPIRETIME Time when the alert is scheduled to be removed from the list, in the
current portal user's time zone.

PRIORITY Priority of alert. For example: High; Very High.

RECIPIENTS List of people who received the alert. There can be multiple people
in this list.

STATUS Status of alert. For example: New; In Progress.

SUBJECT Description of alert (short text). Compare with DESCRIPTION (long

text).

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Example
See Add an Alert Data Service [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's
Guide.

See also:
Universal Worklist Configuration [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Technology Consultant's
Guide.

7.7 Customize Toolbar

The Customize Toolbar dialog box enables you to change the contents of the following
toolbars and toolboxes:

• Main toolbar (see Main Toolbar)

• Design board toolbox (see Workspace Toolboxes)

• Layout board toolbox (see Workspace Toolboxes)

• Source board toolbox (see Workspace Toolboxes)

You display the Customize Toolbar dialog box by choosing Tools Customize . When
you select your choice of toolbar or toolbox, the list of buttons that can be displayed in the
toolbar is shown in the Available buttons pane at the right. You use the arrow buttons to add
them to or remove them from the currently-displayed buttons (at the left).

Structure
The following table describes the controls in the Customize Toolbar dialog box:

Control Option Description

Toolbar Main toolbar Displays the buttons of the main toolbar

Task panel Displays the buttons of the task panel

Design toolbox Displays the buttons of the Design board toolbox

Layout toolbox Displays the buttons of the Layout board toolbox

Source toolbox Displays the button of the Source toolbox

Help Not relevant

Moves the selected button one place up (to the left) in the
configuration

Moves the selected button one place down (to the right) in
the configuration

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Control Option Description

Removes a currently-displayed button from the toolbar

Adds the selected button to the toolbar

Restore Resets the toolbar to its original configuration

Defaults

OK Closes the dialog box

Apply Displays the new toolbar configuration immediately

Cancel Closes the dialog box and cancels all changes made since
the last time you clicked Apply

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7.8 Options Dialog Box

This dialog box contains a set of tabs that enable you to customize the layout and general
behavior of the Visual Composer Storyboard.

The Options dialog box, displayed by choosing Tools Options , defines much of the
base functionality of your Storyboard. You should review the parameters in the Options tabs
before beginning to create models in Visual Composer.

Structure
Tables describing the options available in each tab of the Options dialog box are found in
subsequent topics:

• Options - Model Tab

• Options - Drawing Tab

• Options - Composing Tab

• Options - Workspace Tab

• Options - Compiler Tab

• Options - Administration Tab

• Options - Performance Tab

The following buttons, at the bottom of the dialog box, are available for all of the tabs
together.

Button Description

Help Displays context-sensitive help for the open tab

Restore Defaults Cancels all changes and restores default values for all tabs

Optimize for Selects the configuration parameters that provide optimal speed of
Speed operation

OK Enters all changes made in all tabs

Cancel Cancels all changes and reverts to values from last OK

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7.8.1 Options - Model Tab

Used to define the top-level functionality of model creation.

Structure
Option Description

Used to automatically display the last model worked on when you next
Reload last model
access Visual Composer. If this is not selected, you need to open a model
at startup
each time you access the application.

The interval at which the open model is saved automatically: from 5

Save model every
minutes to 2 hours.

Maximum undo Number of times that you can consecutively click the Undo/Redo toolbar
levels buttons ( Edit Undo/Redo ).

Number of times that you can consecutively click the Back/Forward

Maximum history
toolbar buttons ( Search Back/Forward ) in order to go back one
size
level in your model.

7.8.2 Options - Drawing Tab

Used to define what occurs as you drag-and-drop elements onto the Design board, and how
the items are drawn and displayed.

Structure
Group Option Sub-Option Description

Drawing Avoid This is important when dragging layers onto the

overlapping Design board. However, it is recommended to
shapes leave this checked so that you need to
manually drag the elements into the layer,
thereby joining them into one unit.

Automatically fit Adjusts the size of the last-opened model in the

diagram on workspace when you first access Visual
open Composer.

Display diagram Displays (or hides) the title of the model

title component in the workspace.

Interaction Show drag-and- Displays the animated shape of the object you
drop sprite are dragging.

Snap shapes to Automatically snaps the icon that you drag to

grid while the lines of the grid.
dragging

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Group Option Sub-Option Description

Highlight shapes Highlights the border of the icon as you run the
under mouse mouse over it.

Select all Lets you select a group of objects by dragging

shapes partially the bounding rectangle partly over them.
within selection
box

Optimize screen Enhances the speed and quality of the model

refreshing display.

Lines Line style Default With right angles (orthogonal).

Straight Direct 45-degree line with no corners.

Angular Direct line.

Curved

With right Line with 90-degree angles.

angles

Smooth corners None Lines drawn straight, from element to element

(port to port).

Small Degree of sharpness of the corners.

Medium

Large

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7.8.3 Options - Composing Tab

Used to define monitoring capabilities.

Structure
Option Sub-Option Description

Ask for user These three options are used to limit the amount
intervention when of unneeded data that may ultimately be
creating: handled by the model.

Data services with X fields/port or Y Displays the Define Data Service dialog box for
more than ports you to select the ports and fields to be included
in the data service that you are adding.

Components with Z fields Displays the Select Display Fields dialog box to
more than select only those fields of the form or table that
are needed at runtime.

Connectors with more X fields Displays the Select Input Fields or Select Output
than Fields dialog box when dragging out and
creating a connector, in order to limit the number
of fields channeled through the connector

Automatically create Are an exact match All fields match

data mapping when
source and target Similar There is at least one matching field.
are:
Match at least 50% At least half of the fields match.

Never No data mapping is created.

Request confirmation Diagrams Displays a confirmation dialog box when

before deleting: deleting a model.

Primary elements Displays a confirmation dialog box when

deleting data services and components.

Other elements Displays a confirmation dialog box when

deleting all other model items.

When editing All fields Displays the fields in the Configure Element task
elements with many panel.
fields, initially show:
Selective fields

Only fields in use

Modeling Suggest next steps Displays the Next Step tips for guiding you
through your modeling.

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7.8.4 Options - Workspace Tab

Used to position the task panel and the workspace toolboxes, and adjust the layout of multiple
workspace windows.

Structure
Option Sub-Option Description

Task panel Right Positions the task panels either at the right or the left of the
workspace
Left

Toolbox Top Positions the main toolbar either horizontally at the top or
position bottom of the workspace, or vertically at the right or left of the
Bottom workspace

Right

Left

Hide Removes the toolbar from the display

Windows mode Maximized Standard Windows options for displaying multiple windows of
the workspace
Cascading
windows

Horizontal
tiles

Vertical tiles

Maximum Single Only one window can be displayed at the same time
windows
5, 10, 20, 25 Number of windows that can be open at the same time

Unlimited Any number of windows can be open at the same time

Synchronize Disabling this option can enhance performance

windows

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7.8.5 Options - Compiler Tab

Used to define processes for finding data services and deploying the model.

Structure
Option Sub-Option Description

Runtime Lets you choose from the available runtime

environments to which you can deploy. The same
model can be deployed to one environment and
subsequently deployed to another environment.

PAR name prefix The prefix of all PAR files created by Visual Composer

Portal deployment The path to the Portal Catalog folder that will include
folder the compiled files

Portal system folder The path to the Portal Catalog folder where new
systems will be created

Data service Cache retrieved Caches the data services found in the Find Data
retrieval services (for fast Services task panel
retrieval)

Do not cache Retrieves the same data services each time rather than
data services caching them
(get latest)

Mask unsupported Removes from the display items - such as model

features elements and property options - that are not supported
by the currently-selected deploy environment

Deploy model with Deploys the PAR file with the model, so that a portal
PAR user can open the model in Storyboard, directly from
the portal PCD (using the Open in Storyboard option).

Add Guided Enables the model to be subsequently used as a

Procedure callable object for Guided Procedure.
information
This option automatically renders input and output
parameters for display in Guided Procedures.

Enable styling of Enables you to define a customized portal theme for

Flex controls in the Flex controls used in the application being
portal themes modeled.

Report unsupported Displays a message indicated that the selected item is

features not supported by the currently-selected deploy
environment

Generate Generates the standard portal translation worklist file

Translation Info file

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Option Sub-Option Description

Add Flash (Flex applications only) Displays a debugging console

debugging console at the bottom of the screen listing debug messages

7.8.6 Options - Administration Tab

Definition
Used to define monitoring capabilities.

Structure
Option Sub-Option Description

Log Severity Fatal Errors from which the application cannot recover and
which cause the system to terminate

Error Error from which the application can recover, but which
prevents it from fulfilling the required task

Warning An anomaly from which the application can recover and

fulfill the required task, although attention from a
developer or operator is required

Info Text describing what actions have been performed

None No messages are displayed

Trace Severity Path Used to trace the execution flow

Debug Used for debugging purposes, with extensive and low-

level information

None No trace messages are displayed

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8 BI Menu Dialog Boxes

This section describes the different options that are available on the BI menu in the Visual
Composer main menu:
• BI Integration Wizard [Page 138]
• SQL Editor [Page 183]
• MDX Editor [Page 185]

• Data sources supported by these menu options include systems based on

a BI Java Connector (BI XMLA, BI ODBO, BI JDBC, or BI SAP Query
Connector). See Defining Portal Systems and Aliases [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Installation & Configuration Guide.
• SAP BW systems 3.1C and higher are supported if they have been
configured as OLAP systems using the BI XMLA Connector. We
recommend, however, that you configure SAP BW systems 3.5 and higher
with the SAP BI Connector. You can access queries, query views, and
characteristics from these systems directly on the Find Data Services task
panel (see Using a BI System as a Data Service [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler’s Guide). You cannot use the BI
menu options with systems configured in this way.
• You may only deploy models created using BI menu functionality to Adobe
Flash format. To check that your runtime is set to Flash: from the Visual
Composer main menu, choose Tools → Options. Select the Compiler tab,
and from the Runtime dropdown box, select Flash.

Queries with mandatory variables are not supported by BI XMLA connections.

BI Terminology Notes
BI menu functionality allows you to build queries on diverse OLAP (as well as relational) data
sources defined in your portal. These may include SAP BI systems (BW) or non-SAP data
sources. In cases where SAP BI system terminology differs from general OLAP terminology,
the BI dialog boxes use the standard OLAP terminology.
A short summary of some of the major differences between standard OLAP and SAP BI terms
follows:

OLAP and SAP BI Terminology

OLAP Standard Term SAP BI Term

dimension characteristic

measure key figure

member characteristic level

level hierarchy level

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For OLAP systems, the caption value from your data service is displayed in
dialog box fields. For relational systems, the field name is displayed.

For definitions of terms used in Visual Composer, see the Glossary [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler’s Guide.

8.1 BI Integration Wizard

Definition
The BI Integration Wizard walks you through the process of creating a query using one of a
set of query templates. The wizard creates a data service element in the Visual Composer
workspace configured with the query you choose.

See the prerequisites described in the notes in BI Menu Dialog Boxes [Page
136].

Use
...

Create an iView and drill down into it.

Start the BI Integration Wizard by choosing BI → BI Integration Wizard.
Follow the wizard steps. The wizard’s process flow differs depending on the system and
template selected.
Once you have completed the wizard screens, a data service, configured automatically with a
start input and a table view as output (or HTML view, in the case of the Heatmap template), is
created on the workspace. These three elements together constitute a complete iView, ready
for deployment to your portal.

All formats of fields in the query represented by the data service are displayed
by default in the table view (key, value, and so on). Edit the table element to
select only the specific fields or field formats that you wish to see in the results
(see Table View [External]: Table at bottom).

Structure
Reference topics for available wizard screens are listed below:
• Select a System [Page 139]
• Select a Query Template [Page 139] (includes links to template configuration
subtopics)
• Select a Cube [Page 172]
• Define Filters [Page 172]
• Select a Table [Page 174]
• Design a Layout [Page 175]
• Select Fields [Page 177]

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• Configure Joins [Page 179]

• Configure Filters [Page 180]
• Specify the Sort Order [Page 182]
• Review Output [Page 182]

Example
See Use the BI Integration Wizard [External] and Creating a BI iView [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler’s Guide.

8.1.1 Select a System

Use
Use this screen to select the system that contains the data service for which you want to build
a query. OLAP and relational systems configured using a BI Java Connector are supported.
The list of available query templates on the subsequent wizard screen varies depending on
the system you have selected on this screen.

Structure
The main sections of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Description

Available Systems Displays the systems available, categorized in folders based on the
BI Java Connector used to configure the system. Available systems
depend on what you have configured on the portal, and may include:
• XMLA connections – OLAP systems based on the BI XMLA
Connector
• ODBO connections – OLAP systems based on the BI ODBO
Connector
• JDBC connections – Relational systems based on the BI
JDBC Connector
• SAPQ connections – Relational systems based on the BI SAP
Query Connector

Description Displays the description of selected folder or system, if available.

Properties Displays properties for the selected folder or system, if available.

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8.1.2 Select a Query Template

Definition
A query template is a set of screens that you complete to answer a typical business question,
which is a question formulated to organize and analyze the data in your data source.

Use
Use this screen to learn about available query templates and select one to base your query
upon. The set of templates available depends on whether you have selected a relational or
OLAP system on the previous screen (Select a System [Page 139]). After you select a
template, you proceed to the first screen specific to configuring your query (if applicable).
Subsequent steps in the wizard’s navigation trail update based on the template you have
chosen.
Note that although a sample business question is provided for each query template, a given
template can address many different questions. For example, you can configure the Top N
query template to address any of the questions below:
• What are my top five customers based on sales?
• What are my bottom ten products based on margin?
• What products make up the top 10% of sales?

Structure
The main sections of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Description

Available Templates Displays the list of available query templates. OLAP

templates are grouped into categories. See below for the
complete list of available templates.

Description Displays a description of the selected query template.

Sample Business Question Displays the sample business question associated with the
selected query template.

The following query templates are available for OLAP systems:

Category / Name Description Sample Business Parameters /
Question Example

Grand Totals Aggregates all What is the total Not applicable.

measures to the revenue of all sales
highest level. Returns transactions?
one column of data
with the total for each
measure.

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Category / Name Description Sample Business Parameters /

Question Example

Freeform Walks you through Not applicable. See Design a Layout

defining a query [Page 175].
without the constraint
of a particular
business question.

Aggregation

Count For a selected level, Sales returns for See Count Parameters
counts members MyCompany equal [Page 143].
contributing to a $25,000. How many
specific measure. product lines does this
represent?

Percentage Share Calculates the share What percentages do See Percentage Share
that selected members Canada and Mexico Parameters [Page
represent within the represent of my total 153].
sum of the level sales?
members, and
expresses this as a
percentage.

Dynamic Calculation

Cumulative Total Cumulates the value What is my monthly See Cumulative Total
of a measure over a year-to-date expense Parameters [Page
specific date range. total? 146].

Moving Average Calculates the What are the average See Moving Average
average values of manufacturing costs of Parameters [Page
selected measures products A and B for 149].
based on specified Q2 and Q3, based on
time periods the previous four
months?

Rank

Rank Change Based on a specific What is the change in See Rank Change
measure, calculates rank for my top ten Parameters [Page
the change in rank of customers between 159].
members of a last year and this
particular level year?
compared with their
rank from a previous
period.

Top N Calculates the rank of Who are my top ten or See Top N Parameters
a level based on a bottom ten customers? [Page 161].
specific measure.

Trend

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Category / Name Description Sample Business Parameters /

Question Example

Trend Over Time Displays the trend of a What is the trend in See Trend Over Time
specific measure for a my gross margin over Parameters [Page
selected member over the past few years? 163].
time.

Variance

Percentage Growth Calculates the By what percentage See Percentage

percentage by which a did my sales increase Growth Parameters
specific measure has this year compared to [Page 151].
increased or last year?
decreased for a
selected member in
comparison to the
same period of time
previously or
subsequently.

Planned vs. Actual Calculates the values How do my actual See Planned vs.
of a measure defined costs compare to the Actual Parameters
as actual and a planned costs? [Page 155].
measure defined as
planned, illustrating
the difference between
actual and expected
results.

Zero Activity Identifies members of Which products didn't See Zero Activity
a selected level that sell last year? Parameters [Page
have had sales in the 166].
past, but which have
had no sales in a
specified time period.

The following query templates are available for relational systems:

Name Description Sample Business Parameters /
Question Example

All Data Selects all records What are all the Not applicable.
and all fields as the available grade levels
final result, without and their details?
any filters or joins.

Count (not available for Counts all How many employees See Select Fields
SAP Query systems) occurrences of a is each different [Page 177] for an
certain type of data in manager responsible example.
a group or groups for?
within a table.

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Name Description Sample Business Parameters /

Question Example

Freeform Walks you through Not applicable. Not applicable.

defining a query
without the constraint
of a particular
business question.

Heatmap Aggregates values of What is the relative Heatmap Parameters

a selected primary distribution of sales [Page 168]
group and compares among certain
them with values of a divisions and
secondary group by companies?
displaying the results
in boxes of differing
sizes and colors.

Minimum/Maximum Finds the minimum or Which store has the See

maximum value of a smallest revenue; Minimum/Maximum
field, and provides where is that store Parameters [Page
details from the row and who is the 171].
that holds that value. manager?

8.1.2.1 Count Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Count Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the Count
(OLAP) template. With this template, you can build queries that count members of a selected
level that contribute to a specific measure. This can address business questions such as the
following:
Sales returns for MyCompany equal $25,000. How many product lines does this represent?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Count Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the
query is based.
As each of the screen’s three sections must be
based on different dimensions, dimensions
selected in the other two sections are omitted
from this list.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy field.

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Section Control Description

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected

dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to
display in the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains all the members
you wish to count.

With measure ... Lists all measures in the cube on which the
not equal to zero query is based.
Select the measure to which all members in the
selected level contribute. Any member in the
selected level with a non-zero value in this
measure will be counted.

Displayed by Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the
query is based.
As each of the screen’s three sections must be
based on different dimensions, dimensions
selected in the other two sections are omitted
from this list.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected

dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to
display in the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the members that
should be listed on the rows in the result.

For Date Range Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in the cube on
which the query is based.
As each of the screen’s three sections must be
based on different dimensions, dimensions
selected in the other two sections are omitted
from this list.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected

dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to
display in the Level field.

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Section Control Description

Period level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the time
granularity upon which to base the date range.

From Lists all members in the currently selected

level.
Select the start period of the date range in
which to count members.

To Lists all members in the currently selected

level.
Select the end period of the date range in
which to count members.

Example
You want to know how the quantity of products sold is distributed over states, and how that
quantity changes from month to month. To create this query, configure the values on this
screen in the following manner:

Count Members Of section:

• Dimension = Product
• Hierarchy = Product
• Level = Product Name
• With measure ... not equal to zero = Store Sales

Displayed by Members Of section:

Dimension = Customers
Hierarchy = Customers
Level = State

For Date Range section:

Time dimension = Time
Hierarchy = Time
Period level = Month
From = January
To = March

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The result of this query might be a table such as the following:

Products Sold by States: January to March

Customers January February March

CA 1056 1131 1074

OR 1185 970 1239

WA 1343 1382 1391

This table shows that, for example, 1056 different products were sold in California in January,
1131 different products were sold in February, and so on.

8.1.2.2 Cumulative Total Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Cumulative Total Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Cumulative Totals template. With this template, you can build queries that cumulate the
value of a measure over a specific date range.
In the result, the measure is first cumulated over the date range specified, and the starting cell
displays that initial period's sum. Thereafter, each cell in the grid displays the accumulation of
the previous sum plus the sum in the next time period, and so on.
This kind of query is particularly useful if you have a specific target to hit by the end of the
year, for example, and you want to track your progress toward it throughout the year. This can
address business questions such as the following:
What is my monthly year-to-date expense total?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Calculate Running total of measure Lists all measures in the cube on which
the query is based.
Select the measure for which you want
to display a running total.

For Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on

which the query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy
field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently

selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the
level to display in the Level field.

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Section Control Description

Level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the
members you want to see in the
query’s result.

For Date Range Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in the
cube on which the query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy
field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently

selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the
level to display in the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the time
granularity upon which to base the date
range.

From Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the start period of the date
range in which to cumulate the total.

To Lists all members in the currently

selected level.
Select the end period of the date range
in which to cumulate the total.

Display the last ... periods If checked, restricts your display to the
number of periods specified.

Example
You want to show the cumulative total of store sales for certain machine parts. To create this
query, configure the values on this screen in the following manner:

Calculate section:
• Running total of measure = Store Sales

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For Members of section:

Dimension = Product
Hierarchy = Product
Level = Product Name

For Date Range section:

Time dimension = Time
Hierarchy = Time
Period level = Month
From = July
To = December
Display the last ... periods = checked; set to 3 periods

The data used to cumulate the total, together with the result of this query (the shaded cells),
are shown in the tables below:

Cumulative Total Query: Data Reference

Part Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Part A 25 15 10 10 10 5

Part B 20 10 5 5 10 15

Part C 5 5 5 5 10 5

Cumulative Total of Store Sales for Machine Parts (Result Shaded)

Part Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Part A 25 40 50 60 70 75

Part B 20 30 35 40 50 65

Part C 5 10 15 20 30 35

The result table above also illustrates the difference between restricting your display to the
last few time periods and not restricting your display. If you uncheck the Display the last ...
periods field, the result will show values in the entire table.

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8.1.2.3 Moving Average Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Moving Average Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the
Moving Average template. With this template, you can build queries that calculate the
average values of selected measures based on specified time periods. You determine the
time periods to be averaged, and you can use the result to analyze past or forecast future
results. Typically, your forecasts are more accurate if you perform the average over larger
time periods.
This can address business questions such as the following:
What are the average manufacturing costs of products A and B for Q2 and Q3, based on the
previous four months?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Calculate Moving average of measure Lists all measures in the cube

on which the query is based.
Select the measure for which
you want to display a moving
average.

Based on number of periods Enter the number of time

periods on which to base the
average.

For Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the

cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to see
in the query's result.

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Section Control Description

Display Date Range Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in
the cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the time granularity upon
which to base the date range
display.

From Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the start period of the
date range to display.

To Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the end period of the
date range to display.

Example
You want to know the average manufacturing costs for March and April based on the previous
four months. To create this query, configure the values on this screen in the following manner:

Calculate section:
• Moving average of measure = Manufacturing Cost
• Based on number of periods = 4

For Members of section:

Dimension = Product
Hierarchy = Product
Level = Product Name

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Display Date Range section:

Time dimension = Time
Hierarchy = Time
Period level = Month
From = December
To = April

The data used to calculate the moving average, together with the result of this query (the
shaded cells), are shown in the tables below:

Moving Average Query: Data Reference

Part Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

Part A $25 $15 $10 $10 $5

Part B $20 $10 $5 $5 $15

Part C $5 $5 $5 $5 $5

Average Manufacturing Costs (Based on Previous Four Months)

Part Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

Part A $15 $10

Part B $10 $9

Part C $5 $5

Each cell in the result shows the average of its own figure and the previous three months,
since the Based on number of periods value is set to 4 months.

8.1.2.4 Percentage Growth Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Percentage Growth Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Percentage Growth template. With this template, you can build queries that calculate the
percentage by which a specific measure has increased or decreased for a selected member
in comparison to the same period of time previously or subsequently.
This template is similar to the Rank Change template, but it doesn't perform a Top N
calculation to select the members of the base period (and the results are expressed as a
percentage).
This template can address business questions such as the following:
By what percentage did my sales increase this year compared to last year?

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Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Calculate Absolute percentage growth of Lists all measures in the cube

measure on which the query is based.
Select the measure for which
you want to calculate growth.

For Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the

cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to see
in the query’s result.

Between Base and Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in
Comparison Periods the cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the time granularity for the
base and comparison periods.

Base period Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the base period for the
growth calculation.

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Section Control Description

Comparison period Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the comparison period
for the growth calculation.

Example
The result of a Percentage Growth query is displayed in a table with five columns such as the
below:

Percentage Growth Query Result

Product Base Period Comparison Difference Percentage

Period Change

Wine 20 60 40 200%

Beer 80 60 -20 -25%

Juice 100 10 -90 -90%

A percentage growth result may not always show a growth trend, as you can see from the
sample results above. You may see a decrease or decline (negative value) in your growth
result.

8.1.2.5 Percentage Share Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Percentage Share Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Percentage Share template. With this template, you can build queries that calculate the
share that selected members represent within the sum of the level members. The result is
expressed as a percentage.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
What percentages do Canada and Mexico represent of my total sales?

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Structure
The controls in the main section of this screen, Calculate Share of Members of, are listed in
the following table:
Control Description

Dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the

query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the
hierarchy to display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected

dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to
display in the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently selected

hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the members
you want to see in the query’s result.
The level name in the radio buttons below
updates according to the value you select.

As a percentage of the sum of all members of Calculates individual members’ shares in

<level name> proportion to the total for all level members.
Note that defining filters (on the subsequent
wizard screen) will have an effect on the way
your result displays.

As a percentage of the sum of all filtered Calculates individual members’ shares in

members of <level name> proportion to only those members you select
in the subsequent step of defining a filter.
You must define a filter (on the subsequent
wizard screen) for this option to work properly.

Based on measure Lists all measures in the cube on which the

query is based.
Select the measure upon which to base the
calculation.

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Example
The table below illustrates the difference between basing the result on all level members and
basing the result on filtered level members:

Percentage Share Result – All vs. Filtered

Product Family Unit Sales % Based on All % Based on Filtered

Wine 200 20% 33%

Beer 200 20% 33%

Juice 200 20% 33%

Whiskey 200 20%

Soft drinks 200 20%

In this case, the Product Family level has five members. You have selected three members
(Wine, Beer, and Juice) on the Define Filters screen (which follows this screen in the wizard).
To illustrate the effect of this template’s different options:
• As a percentage of the sum of all members of level Product Family:
The percentage share is based on the total for the whole level. In the table above, each
member has 20% of the share of the total. If you wanted to define a query that tells you
what percentage Canada and Mexico make up of your total sales, you would also use
this option. In this case, you would filter your results to just select Canada and Mexico,
and their percentages added together would not add up to 100% if there are other
members contributing to the total that are simply not displayed.
• As a percentage of the sum of all filtered members of level Product Family:
The percentage share is based on only the total of the filtered members. In the table
above, each member takes 33% of this share. You might also use such a query to
compare sales results among three sales representatives, excluding the rest of the
group – essentially comparing themselves to each other within a subset of a level.

The table above is for illustration purposes. The actual result of this query will
show three columns: one for the level, one for the measure, and one for the
percentage share.

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8.1.2.6 Planned vs. Actual Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Planned vs. Actual Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Planned vs. Actual template. With this template, you can build queries that calculate the
values of a measure defined as actual and a measure defined as planned, illustrating the
difference between actual and expected results.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
How do my actual costs compare to the planned costs?
Results to business queries such as these can be key in optimizing sales. For example, if
your result is far greater than your plan for a specific product, this could indicate a lost
opportunity or insufficient supply for the demand.

Structure
The main controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Control Value Description

Calculate Planned versus Measures Use this value if you actually

Actual defined by have measures defined as
Planned and Actual in your
data service. The measures
might have names such as the
below:
• Planned; Actual
• Plan Profit; Actual Profit
• Plan Sales; Actual Sales
• Quantity Ordered;
Quantity Shipped
The controls displayed on this
screen differ based on which
value is selected in this control.

Planned vs. Actual Indicators Use this value if you have

members (not measures) that
indicate planned and actual
values.
This type of configuration is
typically found in data services
based on SAP BI systems.
The controls displayed on this
screen differ based on which
value is selected in this control.

Dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the hierarchy to display in
the Hierarchy field.

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Control Value Description

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected dimension.

Select the hierarchy that contains the level to display in the
Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently selected hierarchy.

Select the level that contains the members for which to
evaluate planned vs. actual results.
These are the members that will appear on the rows in the
result.

Planned versus Actual defined by = Measures only:

Plan measure Lists all measures in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the planned measure.

Actual measure Lists all measures in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the actual measure.

Planned versus Actual defined by = Planned vs. Actual Indicators only:

Measure for comparison Lists all measures in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the measure for which you want to compare planned
vs. actual values. For example, Profit.

Planned / Actual dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the hierarchy to display in
the Planned / Actual hierarchy field.

Planned / Actual hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected planned / actual
dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to display in the
Planned / Actual level field.

Planned / Actual level Lists all levels in the currently selected planned / actual
hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the members to display in the
Planned indicator and Actual indicator fields.

Planned indicator Lists all members in the currently selected planned / actual
level.
Select the member that indicates the planned value.

Actual indicator Lists all members in the currently selected planned / actual
level.
Select the member that indicates the actual value.

Either Planned versus Actual Option:

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Control Value Description

Plan version If checked, allows you to specify a plan version using the
controls below.
This option is typically only valid for data services based on
SAP BI systems.

Version dimension Lists all dimensions in the cube on which the query is based.
Select the dimension that contains the hierarchy to display in
the Version hierarchy field.

Version hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the currently selected version

dimension.
Select the hierarchy that contains the level to display in the
Version level field.

Version level Lists all levels in the currently selected version hierarchy.
Select the level that contains the members to display in the
Version field.

Version Lists all members in the currently selected version level.

Select the member that indicates plan version. For example,
this might be a numeric value such as “001” or “003.”

Example
You want to use planned and actual indicators to compare values in your accounts. To create
this query, you might configure the values on this screen in the following manner:
• Calculate Planned versus Actual defined by = Measures
• Dimension = Product
• Hierarchy = Product
• Level = Product Name
• Plan measure = Units Ordered
• Actual measure = Units Shipped
• Plan version = unchecked (leave section blank)
The result of this query might be a table such as the following:

Products Shipped: Planned vs. Actual

Product Plan Actual

Good Imported Beer 275 275

Portsmouth Light Beer 121 78

Walrus Light Beer 211 188

Good Chardonnay Wine 422 242

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8.1.2.7 Rank Change Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Rank Change Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the
Rank Change template. With this template, you can build queries that, based on a specific
measure, calculate the change in rank of members of a particular level compared with their
rank from a previous period.
This template borrows from the functionality of the Top N template in order to select the
members of the base period.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
What is the change in rank for my top ten customers between last year and this year?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Calculate Change in Rank type Select from the following rank

types:
• Top Count
• Bottom Count
• Top Percent
• Bottom Percent

Value Enter the rank value. For

Count rank types, the value is
numeric. For Percent rank
types, the value corresponds
to a percentage.
For example:
If you select Top Count and
enter a Value of 5, you
want to calculate the
change in rank of your
top five members
between one period and
another.
If you select Top Percent
and enter a Value of 10,
you want to calculate
the change in rank of
your top 10% of
members between one
period and another.

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Section Control Description

For Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the

cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to see
in the query’s result.

According to measure Lists all measures in the cube

on which the query is based.
Select the measure to use for
the rank change calculation.

Between Base and Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in
Comparison Periods the cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the time granularity for the
base and comparison periods.

Base period Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the base period from
which to calculate the rank
change.

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Section Control Description

Comparison period Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the comparison period
with which to calculate the
rank difference.

Example
The result of a Rank Change query is displayed in a table with five columns such as the
below:

Rank Change Query Result

Product Base Period Rank Rank Base Rank Difference

Comparison Period
Period

Wine 1500 6 1 5

Beer 1300 8 2 6

Juice 800 1 3 -2

There are three steps to the calculation in this query:

...

• The query first computes the results of a Top N query in the base period you specify
(values in Base Period and Rank Base Period columns). This also selects the members
that will appear on the rows in the table.
• Next, it calculates the Top N results for those same members in the comparison period
(Rank Comparison Period column).
• Finally, the query computes the difference between the base and comparison period
ranks, and delivers that value in the Rank Difference column.

8.1.2.8 Top N Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Top N Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the Top N
template. With this template, you can build queries that calculate the rank of a level based on
a specific measure. This template is not limited to top values, but also lets you select bottom
values, independently or together with top values. This sort of query makes it easy to identify
your leaders and laggards.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
Who are my top ten or bottom ten customers?

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Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control / Value Description
Define Query Ranks and In this section, use the checkboxes to include top, bottom, or
Values both rank types in the query results. Use the values below to
configure the rank type (count or percent), which can differ
between the two.
Top rank Count Select this option to
type configure a top count rank.
Enter a number in the Value
field to indicate count (for
example, 5 specifies top 5).
Percent Select this option to
configure a top percent rank.
Enter a number in the Value
field to indicate percentage
(for example, 10 specifies top
10%).
Bottom rank Count Select this option to
type configure a bottom count
rank.
Enter a number in the Value
field to indicate count (for
example, 5 specifies bottom
5).
Percent Select this option to
configure a bottom percent
rank.
Enter a number in the Value
field to indicate percentage
(for example, 10 specifies
bottom 10%).
Define Members Dimension Lists all dimensions in the
cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.
Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the
currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display
in the Level field.

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Section Control / Value Description

Level Lists all levels in the currently
selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to
see in the query’s result.
According to measure Lists all measures in the
cube on which the query is
based.
Select the measure to use for
the top (or bottom) N
calculation.

Example
For a step-by-step example, see Creating a BI iView [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual
Composer Modeler’s Guide.

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8.1.2.9 Trend Over Time Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Trend Over Time Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Trend Over Time template. With this template, you can build queries that display the trend
of a specific measure for a selected member over time.
This is a common type of business query with which you track performance over a specific
time period, helping you to easily identify and react to trends from one year (or other time
period) to the next.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
What is the trend in my gross margin over the past few years? Is it increasing or decreasing?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Display Trend in measure Lists all measures in the cube

on which the query is based.
Select the measure for which
you want to display a trend.

For Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the

cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to see
in the query’s result.

During Date Range Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in
the cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

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Section Control Description

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the time granularity upon
which to base the trend
calculations.

From Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the start period of the
trend.

To Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the end period of the
trend.

Example
You want to identify the trend in unit sales for product families over the last half of the year.
To create this query, configure the values on this screen in the following manner:

Display section:
• Trend in measure = Unit Sales

For Members of section:

Dimension = Product
Hierarchy = Product
Level = Product Family

During Date Range section:

Time dimension = Time
Hierarchy = Time
Period level = Month
From = July
To = December

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The result of this query is displayed in a table similar to the below:

Unit Sales Trend: Month to Month

Product Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Family

Drink 2,205 1,921 1,939 1,898 2,344 2,419

Food 17,036 15,741 14,663 14,232 18,278 19,356

Non- 4,522 4,035 3,786 3,828 4,648 5,021

Consumable

8.1.2.10 Zero Activity Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Zero Activity Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the
Zero Activity template. With this template, you can build queries that identify members of a
selected level that have had sales in the past, but that have had no sales in a specified time
period.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
Which products didn't sell last year?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Display Members of Dimension Lists all dimensions in the

cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the members you want to see
in the query’s result.

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Section Control Description

Based on the measure Lists all measures in the cube

on which the query is based.
Select the measure in which to
look for a zero value.

With No Activity for Time dimension Lists all the time dimensions in
the cube on which the query is
based.
Select the dimension that
contains the hierarchy to
display in the Hierarchy field.

Hierarchy Lists all hierarchies in the

currently selected dimension.
Select the hierarchy that
contains the level to display in
the Level field.

Period level Lists all levels in the currently

selected hierarchy.
Select the level that contains
the time granularity for the
from and to periods.

From Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the beginning of the
time period that should have
zero activity.

To Lists all members in the

currently selected level.
Select the end of the time
period that should have zero
activity.

Example
You want to know which products did not sell at all in January. To create this query, configure
the values on this screen in the following manner:
Display Members Of section:
• Dimension = Product
• Hierarchy = Product
• Level = Product Name
• Based on the measure= Store Sales

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With No Activity For section:

Time dimension = Time
Hierarchy = Time
Period level = Month
From = January
To = January

The result of this query is a simple table such as the following:

Products Not Sold: January

Product

Portsmouth Imported Beer

Top Measure Imported Beer

Fabulous Apple Drink

Great Cranberry Muffins

Great Muffins

8.1.2.11 Heatmap Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Heatmap Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to the
Heatmap template. With this template, you can build queries that aggregate values of a
selected primary group and compare them with values of a secondary group by displaying the
results in boxes of differing sizes and colors.
Using heatmaps, a large quantity of results can be organized within boxes in a specifically
constrained space, making it easy to compare the major factors within a result set at a glance.
Both color intensity (shifting within a gradient) and size of the boxes indicate relative
performance, helping you to easily spot trends or standouts in a quick overview.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
What is the relative distribution of sales among certain divisions and companies?

You must configure the Internet Graphics Server URL in the Visual Administrator
to use the Heatmap template. See Configuring Optional Properties in the Visual
Administrator [External] in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Installation &
Configuration Guide.

• You may only use one heatmap per model, and one per portal
page.
• In order to resize the display of the heatmap, follow the
procedure below in Resizing Heatmaps.

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Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Display Heatmap for Primary grouping Lists all the fields selected on
the Select Fields [Page 177]
screen.
Select the field that should
designate the primary
grouping (larger boxes). You
may select any data type.

Secondary grouping Lists all the fields selected on

the Select Fields screen.
Select the field that should
designate the secondary
grouping (smaller sub-boxes).
You may select any data type.

Where Size is determined by Lists all the numeric fields

selected on the Select Fields
screen.
Select the field that should
determine the relative size of
the boxes.

Color is determined by Lists all the numeric fields

selected on the Select Fields
screen.
Select the field that should
determine the relative color of
the boxes.

Resizing Heatmaps
Heatmaps are displayed in a special container in an HTML view. If you want to resize the
display of the heatmap, you must resize both the HTML view and the heatmap container
itself. Follow this procedure:
...

In the storyboard, double-click the URL port on the heatmap data service.
On the Configure Element task panel, in the Output Fields section, double-click the URL field
to modify it.
In the Compute Field field, change the width and height parameters in the URL.
Save the value.

Make sure that the HTML view and the heatmap container are the same size. To
see the size of the HTML view, go to the Layout tab and select the HTML view.
Its width and height are displayed in the pane below.

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Example
You want to view the relative distribution of sales (both in quantity and revenue) among
certain divisions and companies. To do this, configure the values on this screen in the
following manner:

Display Heatmap for section:

• Primary grouping = Sales.Division (the Division field from the Sales table)
• Secondary grouping = Sales.Company (the Company field from the Sales table)

Where section:
• Size is determined by = Sales.Quantity (the Quantity field from the Sales table)
• Color is determined by = Sales.Revenue (the Revenue field from the Sales table)

For these values to be available in the drop-down lists on this screen, you must
first have selected them on the Select Fields [Page 177] screen.

The result of this query would generate a heatmap similar to the following:

In this heatmap:
Instances of Division are represented by the large, primary boxes.
Instances of Company are represented by the smaller, colored boxes secondary to 1.
Instances of Sales in quantity are represented by the size of 2. The larger the box, the higher
the quantity.
Instances of Sales in revenue are represented by the color of 2, in a gradient. The darker the
color (towards the right side of the gradient legend – which might denote millions of dollars),
the higher the sales in revenue.
Although the display looks simple at first glance, note that sizes of both the primary and
secondary boxes are shown relative to each other, as well as the colors of the boxes (in a

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relative gradient). You can compare how divisions are doing relative to each other, as well as
how companies are doing relative to each other.
It is easy in a heatmap to note standouts within a large pool of data. For example, in this
result:
• The company represented by the largest sub-box (in the Financials division in the
upper-left corner) has the highest sales in quantity.
• The company represented by the darkest sub-box (in the Industrials division) has the
highest sales in revenue.

8.1.2.12 Minimum/Maximum Parameters

Use
Use the Configure Minimum/Maximum Parameters screen to configure parameters specific to
the Minimum/Maximum template. With this template, you can build queries that find the
minimum or maximum value of a field and provide details from the row that holds that value.
This template can address business questions such as the following:
Which store has the smallest revenue; where is that store and who is the manager?

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Select criteria Smallest Indicates that the value should

be the smallest (minimum).

Largest Indicates that the value should

be the largest (maximum).

Select field Lists all fields in any table selected on the Select Fields [Page
177] screen.
Select the field in which to search for the smallest or largest
value.
Although the fields you selected with Select Fields determine
which fields will appear in the result, you can base your
minimum or maximum requirement on any field in the table.
The field you select does not have to be a numeric data type.

Example
You want to know which store has the smallest revenue, where the store is, and who the
manager of the store is. To find this out, you configure the values on this screen in the
following manner:
...

1. Since you want to see the store, city, and manager’s name in the result, you have
already used the Select Fields screen to select the Store, City, and Manager fields
from a table called Sales.

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2. On this screen, select the Smallest radio button.

3. From the Field drop-down list, select the Sales.Revenue field (the Revenue field from
the Sales table).

The result of this query is one row displayed in a table such as the following:

Smallest Revenue: Store Details

Store City Manager

NotSoSuperStore Palo Alto Jones

The result shows that NotSoSuperStore had the smallest revenue, and the fields (columns)
displayed in the table are those that you configured on the Select Fields screen. Note that you
do not actually need to see the Revenue field in the result, since you know the query result
will show you the record with the minimum value for Revenue.

8.1.3 Select a Cube

Use
Use this screen to select the cube upon which to base your query.

Structure
The main sections of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Description

Available Cubes Lets you look for a cube or browse the cubes catalog. See Find
Data Services Task Panel [External] for a description of the similar
Look for functionality.
The data service tree lists the system you selected on the Select a
System [Page 139] screen as the root node in the tree, followed by
any catalogs contained in that service, followed by any cubes
contained in the catalog.

Description Displays the description of the selected cube, if available.

Properties Displays properties for the selected cube, if available.

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8.1.4 Define Filters

Use
Use this screen to define single filter values and filter ranges. A filter is a set of criteria that
restricts the set of records returned as the result of a query. With filters, you define which
subset of data appears in the result set.

Defining filters is usually optional, but depending on the template you have
chosen it may be an important step. For the Percentage Share template, for
example, you usually need to define filters in order for the business logic to work
correctly.

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Æ button Transfers a selected member to the Selected Filter

Values list. Repeat to define additional filter
values. You may create individual filter values with
members from different levels, hierarchies, or
dimensions.

Range Æ button Defines a filter range:

...

Select a start member (to indicate the start of the

range).
Click Æ to transfer it to the Selected Filter Values
list.
From the same level in the metadata hierarchy,
select the end member of the range.
Click Range Æ.
The end member’s name is appended to the name
of the start member in the Selected Filter Values
list, indicating that the range is active.

Å button Removes a selected filter or filter range from the

Selected Filter Values list.

Clear button Removes all values from the Selected Filter

Values list

Browse tab Lets you navigate within a metadata hierarchy to

the desired member.

Dimension Lists available dimensions in the selected cube.

Hierarchy Lists available hierarchies in the selected

dimension.

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Section Control Description

Metadata list Lists available metadata in the selected hierarchy.

Expand the desired level and locate the member
or members desired.

Search tab Allows you to search for a specific member within

a selected level. Useful if you are having trouble
locating a specific member in your data service, or
if you have expanded a level with too many
members to display in the list.

Dimension Lists available dimensions in the selected cube.

Hierarchy Lists available hierarchies in the selected

dimension.

Level Lists available levels in the selected hierarchy.

Search Type the name of the member you wish to find into
this field. The field also functions as a drop-down
list, which you can use to select from the history of
searched members.

Search button Searches for the member entered in the Search

field.

Metadata list Displays a list of members found, with both

Caption and Unique Name

Selected Filter Lists the selected individual filter values or filter

Values ranges.

Filter Details Displays details about a selected filter or filter

range.

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8.1.5 Select a Table

Use
Use this screen to select the table upon which to base your query.

Structure
The main sections of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Description

Available Tables Lets you look for a table or browse the tables catalog. See Find
Data Services Task Panel [External] for a description of the similar
Look for functionality.
The data service tree lists the system you selected on the Select a
System [Page 139] screen as the root node in the tree, followed by
any catalogs contained in that service, followed by any schema
contained in the catalog, followed by any tables in the schema.

Table Description Displays the description of the selected table, if available.

Table Properties Displays properties for the selected table, if available.

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8.1.6 Design a Layout

Use
Use this screen to design the layout for your Freeform OLAP query results. The Freeform
template is a special template that walks you through defining a query without the constraint
of a particular business question. On this screen, you select from available measures (key
figures), dimensions, and levels and place them into either rows or columns. You can also
optionally specify sort conditions for dimensions or levels.

Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control/Sub-section Description

Cube Data Lists the metadata for the cube you

selected on the Select a Cube [Page
172] screen, in tree format. At the root
of the tree is the cube, followed by
dimensions (including the special
measures and time dimensions),
followed by available hierarchies,
levels, and members.
Select a measure, dimension, or level
to place in either rows or columns.

Selected Data -- Rows Æ button Transfers the measure, dimension, or

level selected in the Cube Data list to
the rows. You can create multiple rows
in the query definition, as long as the
metadata for each row comes from a
different dimension.

Å button Clears the selected data from the query

definition.

Clear button Removes all objects in the Selected

Data -- Rows list from the query
definition.

Rows Lists all objects currently selected to

appear on the rows.

Selected Data -- Columns Æ button Transfers the measure, dimension, or

level selected in the Cube Data list to
the columns. You can create multiple
columns in the query definition, as long
as the metadata for each column
comes from a different dimension

Å button Clears the selected data from the query

definition.

Clear button Removes all objects in the Selected

Data -- Columns list from the query
definition.

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Section Control/Sub-section Description

Columns Lists all objects currently selected to

appear on the columns.

Properties Caption Review the caption of the metadata

selected in one of the Selected Data
lists to help you determine sort
conditions.

Unique name Review the unique name of the

metadata selected in one of the
Selected Data lists to help you
determine sort conditions.

Type Review the type (dimension, level, or

measure) of the metadata selected in
one of the Selected Data lists to help
you determine sort conditions.

Sort by Select from the available metadata to

specify sort conditions. Any dimension
members in the query can be sorted
either by one of its attributes (caption,
name, or unique name) or by any
measure.

Sort order Select whether to sort in Ascending or

Descending order on the metadata
selected in Sort by, above.

8.1.7 Select Fields

Use
Use this screen to select the fields upon which to base your query. You may select fields from
different tables in your data service (note that you must select fields from at least two different
tables to use joins). There is no limit to the number of fields you may select.
Selecting fields typically determines which fields will be displayed in the result. For the Count
(relational) template, the order in which you select the fields is also important because it
determines grouping (see Example, below).
When using the Heatmap template, at least two of the fields you select must be numeric.

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Structure
The main sections and controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Section Control Description

Æ button From the Available Tables and

Fields list, transfers a selected
field, or all fields in a selected
table, to the Selected Values
list.

Å button Removes a selected field from

the Selected Values list.

Clear button Removes all fields from the

Selected Values list.

Available Tables and Fields Lets you look for a table or

browse the tables catalog. See
Find Data Services Task
Panel [External] for a
description of the similar Look
for functionality.
The data service tree lists the
system you selected on the
Select a System [Page 139]
screen as the root node in the
tree, followed by any catalogs
contained in that service,
followed by any schema
contained in the catalog,
followed by any tables in the
schema.
Select individual fields or
tables.

Selected Values Lists the fields selected in the

query, including their Table,
Column, and Type identifiers.

Example
You are using the Count (relational) template to determine how many employees each
manager is responsible for, and how many are part-time or full-time employees. To find out,
you use the Count template and select the Manager field, and then the Type field from the
Employees table. This query counts all occurrences in groups, with one group per selected
field.
The result of such a Count query is a table such as the below:

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Count Query With Grouping: Configuration One

Manager Type Count

Miller Full-time 38

Miller Part-time 3

Jackson Full-time 10

Jackson Part-time 1

Sullivan Full-time 16

Note that the order in which the fields appear in the Selected Fields list is important. The
results are first grouped by the first field, then by the second field, and so on.
If you had first selected Type and then Manager from the Employees table, the order of the
columns above would be reversed, grouping the result first by employment type, then by
manager, as in the table below:

Count Query With Grouping: Configuration Two

Type Manager Count

Full-time Miller 38

Full-time Jackson 10

Full-time Sullivan 16

Part-time Miller 3

Part-time Jackson 1

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8.1.8 Configure Joins

Use
Use this screen to create or delete joins. Since multiple tables are required for joins, you must
have selected fields from multiple tables on the Select Fields [Page 177] screen in order to
configure joins. If you have only selected fields from one table, this step is bypassed.

• This is an optional step.

• The type of join created with this step is an inner join (intersect).

Structure
The main controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Control Description

Left Field Lists all fields from all the tables selected on the Select Fields [Page
177] screen. Select the join field for the left table.

Operator Lists operators that specify how the left and right fields should be
compared. Available operators are:
= (Equal to)
> (Greater than)
< (Less than)
>= (Greater than or equal to)
<= (Less than or equal to)
<> (Not equal to)

Right Field Lists all fields from all the tables selected on the Select Fields screen.
Select the join field for the right table. The Left Field and Right Field
selections must be from different tables.

Add Adds the join configured by the Left Field, Operator, and Right Field lists
to the Joins list. You may add as many joins as you want.

Joins list Lists the currently configured joins.

Delete Deletes a selected join from the Joins list.

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8.1.9 Configure Filters

Use
Use this screen to create or delete (relational) filters.

This is an optional step.

Structure
The main controls of this screen are described in the following table:
Control Description

And/Or Specifies and/or conditions for multiple filters. The And/Or

control is enabled after the first filter has been added. Select
from the following values for second and subsequent filters:
• And: This filter’s condition must apply.
• Or: This filter’s condition is handled after any And
filters.

Field Lists all fields from all the tables selected on the Select Fields
[Page 177] screen. Select the field for which to configure the
filter.

Operator Lists operators that specify how the Field entry and the
corresponding Value entry should be compared. Available
operators are:
= (Equal to)
> (Greater than)
< (Less than)
>= (Greater than or equal to)
<= (Less than or equal to)
<> (Not equal to)
is between (Is between)
is like (Is like)
is null (Is null)

Value Enter the value to which to compare the field. The value can
be either numeric or text.

And (Is between operator only) If you have selected Is between as your operator, enter the
end value for your range.

Add Transfers the filter to the Filters list.

Filters list Lists the currently configured filters.

Delete Deletes a selected filter from the Filters list.

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8.1.10 Specify the Sort Order

Use
Use this screen to specify or delete sort orders for specific fields, and to arrange entries
according to priority.

This is an optional step.

Structure
The main controls of this screen are listed in the following table:
Control Description

Field Lists all fields selected on the Select Fields [Page 177] screen. Select the field
for which to specify a sort order.

Order Allows you to specify Ascending or Descending order for the field selected
above.

Add Transfers the sort configuration to the Sort list. You may add as many sort
configurations as you wish.

Sort list Lists the currently configured sort configurations.

Up Increases the priority of the entry selected in the Sort list.

Down Decreases the priority of the entry selected in the Sort list.

Delete Deletes the entry selected in the Sort list.

8.1.11 Review Output

Use
Use this screen to review the query you have defined and see a preview of its result in a
table.

Structure
The main sections of this screen are described in the following table:
Section Description

Description Confirms the values you have selected from your data service in a
descriptive phrase of the result.

Output Displays results of the query, listed in the columns you have configured
using the wizard. The display is limited to a maximum of fifteen rows of
the result.

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8.2 SQL Editor

Use
Use the SQL Editor to create new relational data services or edit the SQL statements of
existing relational data services. You can edit the SQL statements of relational data services
that have been created by the BI Integration Wizard, dragged from the Find Data Services
Task Panel [External], or generated by the SQL Editor itself.
The SQL statement is available as a field on the Input port of the corresponding relational
data service.

For security purposes, SQL Editor functionality is turned off by default in Visual
Composer. Therefore, if you try to access it you will see the message "You are
not authorized to use this functionality."
See Security Risks with the SQL Editor and MDX Editor [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Security Guide for more information.

• See the prerequisites described in the notes in BI Menu Dialog

Boxes [Page 136].
• The SQL Editor is not available for SAP Query data services
(services defined based on the BI SAP Query Connector).
To create a new relational data service using the SQL Editor:
...

Create an iView and drill into it.

Choose BI → SQL Editor.
See the reference below.
After you save your statement and close SQL Editor, you return to the workspace where a
new relational data service has been configured with the SQL statement you’ve created.
To edit the SQL statement of an existing relational data service:
...

In the workspace on the Design board, select the relational data service, and from the context
menu, choose SQL Editor (alternately, choose BI → SQL Editor).
See the reference below.

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Structure
The main sections and controls of the SQL Editor are described below:
Section Control Description

Object Browser Browse tab Lets you browse or look for and select relational
data. See Find Data Services Task Panel
[External] for a description of the similar Look for
functionality for relational systems.
Select any type of relational metadata, and drag it
to the Editor pane, or double-click to add it at the
current cursor location. The unique name of the
selected metadata is added to the statement.

Syntax Examples tab Provides syntax templates, organized into several

categories, with which to build your SQL
statement.
Select a syntax example, and drag it to the Editor
pane, or double-click to add it at the current
cursor location. Replace the objects in brackets
(<< >>) with selected metadata from your data
service.

Editor Editor icons

Cut – Cuts text selected in the Editor pane.

Copy – Copies text selected in the Editor

pane.

Paste – Pastes at the current cursor location.

Undo – Reverts the last action.

Redo – Repeats the last action.

Validate – Checks your SQL statement and

lets you know if it is valid. The editor lets you
save statements even if they are invalid.

Run – Runs your statement to preview its

result. Generates a table of the result in the
Preview section.

Editor pane Displays the current SQL statement and lets you
edit it using the following methods:
Type directly into the pane.
Transfer metadata objects or syntax examples
from the Object Browser.
Use the editor icons.

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Section Control Description

Preview Displays a table of the results. Generate the

preview using the Run icon. Maximize or restore
the pane by clicking the up (Expand) or down
(Collapse) arrows.

Save Saves your statement and closes the editor.

Close Closes the editor without saving.

8.3 MDX Editor

Use
Use the MDX Editor to create new OLAP data services or edit the MDX statements of existing
OLAP data services. You can edit the MDX statements of OLAP data services that have been
created by the BI Integration Wizard, dragged from the Find Data Services Task Panel
[External], or generated by the MDX Editor itself.
The MDX statement is available as a field on the Input port of the corresponding OLAP data
service.

For security purposes, MDX Editor functionality is turned off by default in Visual
Composer. Therefore, if you try to access it you will see the message "You are
not authorized to use this functionality."
See Security Risks with the SQL Editor and MDX Editor [External] in the SAP
NetWeaver Visual Composer Security Guide for more information.

See the prerequisites described in the notes in BI Menu Dialog Boxes [Page
136].
To create a new OLAP data service using the MDX Editor:
...

1. Create an iView and drill into it.

2. Choose BI → MDX Editor.
3. See the reference below.
4. After you save your statement and close MDX Editor, you return to the workspace where
a new OLAP data service has been configured with the MDX statement you’ve created.
To edit the MDX statement of an existing OLAP data service:
...

In the workspace on the Design board, select the OLAP data service, and from the context
menu, choose MDX Editor (alternately, choose BI → MDX Editor).
See the reference below.

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Structure
The main sections and controls of the MDX Editor are described below:
Section Control Description

Object Browser Browse tab Lets you browse for and select OLAP metadata within
the selected system. To help narrow your search,
restrict your criteria to a certain type of metadata using
the Criteria drop-down list:
• Schema
• Cube
• Dimension
• Hierarchy
• Level
• Member
If using a Criteria selection, select metadata from
additional drop-down lists as required (required fields
are denoted by red asterisks).
Select any type of OLAP metadata and drag it to the
Editor pane, or double-click to add it at the current
cursor location. The unique name of the selected
metadata is added to the statement.

Syntax Examples Provides syntax templates, organized into several

tab categories, with which to build your MDX statement.
Select a syntax example and drag it to the Editor
pane, or double-click to add it at the current cursor
location. Replace the objects in brackets (<< >>) with
selected metadata from your data service.

Editor Editor icons

Cut – Cuts text selected in the Editor pane.

Copy – Copies text selected in the Editor pane.

Paste – Pastes at the current cursor location.

Undo – Reverts the last action.

Redo – Repeats the last action.

Validate – Checks your MDX statement and lets

you know if it is valid. The editor lets you save
statements even if they are invalid.

Run – Runs your statement to preview its result.

Generates a table of the result in the Preview section.

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Section Control Description

Editor pane Displays the current MDX statement and lets you edit
it using the following methods:
• Type directly into the pane.
• Transfer metadata objects or syntax examples
from the Object Browser.
• Use the editor icons.

Preview Displays a table of the results. Generate the preview

using the Run icon. Maximize or restore the pane by
clicking the up (Expand) or down (Collapse) arrows.

Save Saves your statement and closes the editor.

Close Closes the editor without saving.

• The MDX Editor cannot create a preview of results that consist of a

single cell, such as the result of the statement SELECT FROM
<<cube>>. You may save such a query, but the resultant data service
will not have input and output ports.
• If you use the MDX Editor to save changes to data service generated
using the BI integration wizard’s Zero Activity template, your result will
be changed to a horizontal display (results listed across columns)
instead of a vertical display (results listed in rows).

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9 Expression Editor
The Expression Editor is a dynamic dialog box displayed in a wide range of configuration
tasks in order to enable you to define a formula for a specific dynamic behavior.

The expressions defined through the Expression Editor are evaluated at runtime, according to
the actual values returned in the runtime workflow. Expressions can be written for all element
attributes of the "formula" or "expression" type. This includes field initialization, calculation,
validation and text formatting, as well as display visibility and event guard conditions. The
expression syntax was designed for ease-of-use by non-programmers, being very similar to
that used to write spreadsheet formulas.

The dialog box is displayed when you:

• Click a Formula or Condition button

• Choose Enter formula from a drop-down list (which includes the fx symbol)

For full instructions about how to use the Expression Editor, see “How to . . .” Define a
Dynamic Expression in the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
The Expression Editor dialog box is named differently according to the attributes being
defined. For example:

• When defining a Visibility condition in the Configure Element task panel, it is called
the Hiding Condition dialog box.

• When defining properties in the Control Properties dialog box, it is called, among
other names:

o Computed Value dialog box (when defining a formula in the Expression field
of the General tab)

o Dynamic Label dialog box (when defining a formula in the Label field of the
Display tab)

• When defining actions in the Create Toolbar Buttons dialog box, the Expression
Editor is called, among other names:

o Search Formula dialog box (when defining a system-action expression in the

Search formula field)

o Prompt Message dialog box (when defining a system-action expression in the

Prompt message field)

In all cases, the structure of the Expression Editor is the same and contains the following
sections:

• The Expression pane at the left, in which you construct the dynamic expression.

• The Assistant pane at the right, listing the available basic formulas, which you select
(and enter into the Expression pane) by double-clicking.

The Data Fields node at the top contains all of the fields available in the different
model components, for use in your formula.

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The Operators node at the bottom lists all the operators available for use in the
formula.

• The Help pane at the bottom right, activated when you click on a formula or drag it
into the Expression pane. The Help pane displays an explanation of the function
along with an example.

• The Check button at the bottom right is important for checking the validity of your
formula before you enter it into the field. (Only after validating your formula should
you click OK to close the Expression Editor.)

• The Message corner at the bottom left displays the responses when you click Check.

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10 Create Toolbar Buttons Dialog Box

You use this dialog box to create, in a table or other UI component, a collection of buttons that
initiate different actions in the workflow, such as adding a row in a table, displaying a popup
window or closing a window.

This dialog box is displayed when you right-click a component and choose Create Toolbar
from the context menu, or when you click the Edit button to the right of the Toolbar field in the
Configure task panel. You can display the dialog box on either the Design board or the Layout
board.

For an explanation of the procedure for creating a runtime toolbar, see Create a Toolbar in
the SAP NetWeaver Visual Composer Modeler's Guide.

Structure
To create toolbar buttons, you use the buttons at the bottom left of the dialog box, naming
each button in the Button name field at the top. The buttons that you create are listed in the
Toolbar Buttons pane at the left.

Once you have added and named the toolbar button, you define the action assigned to the
button exactly as you do in the Action tab of the Control Properties dialog box. The contents
of this dialog box change according to the type of action you define for the button:

• A “system action” is a predefined event, such as closing a window or inserting a row.

You select the specific action from the popup menu displayed when you add an

action (click the (Add) button.

• A “custom action” is a specialized action that you define, by choosing Custom action
from the popup menu and entering the name for the action in the Action Name
column of the new row.

The options for defining these types of actions are described fully in Control Properties -
Action Tab.

The following table describes the controls and fields of this dialog box:

Section Control Description

[Bottom left] Adds a new button to the toolbar

Removes the selected button from the toolbar

Moves the selected button one place up (to the left) in the toolbar
configuration

Moves the selected button one place down (to the right) in the
toolbar configuration

Adds a separator bar to the toolbar

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Section Control Description

Define Button The text appearing on the button, which should correspond to the
Button name event name defined for the connector line

List in the See Control Properties - Action Tab

middle

11 Title Dialog Box

The Edit Title dialog box enables you to define a title for the model element that will be used
at design time and at runtime. You display the dialog box by clicking the browse button
(ellipsis) next to the Title field in the Configure Element task panel.

Structure
The Edit Title dialog box contains the following options:

Option Description

Default The static title for the model element. The default title is displayed for the
element on the Design board. It is also displayed for the element on the
Layout board, if a custom title is not defined. At runtime, the default title is
used if you do not define a custom title.

Custom The title for the model element. A custom title can contain dynamic
expressions and is created dynamically at runtime. It is used at runtime as
the element title. If you define a custom title, the title [Custom] is used for
the element on the Layout board. The custom title is not used for the
element on the Design board; in this case, the default title is used.

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