Build.executive.dashboard

Epicor 9Build an Executive DashboardCourse9.05.601

Disclaimer

This document is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. This document and itscontents, including the viewpoints, dates and functional content expressed herein are believed to be accurate as of itsdate of publication. However, Epicor Software Corporation makes no guarantee, representations or warranties withregard to the enclosed information and specifically disclaims any applicable implied warranties, such as fitness for aparticular purpose, merchantability, satisfactory quality or reasonable skill and care. As each user of Epicor software islikely to be unique in their requirements in the use of such software and their business processes, users of this documentare always advised to discuss the content of this document with their Epicor account manager. All information containedherein is subject to change without notice and changes to this document since printing and other important informationabout the software product are made or published in release notes, and you are urged to obtain the current releasenotes for the software product. We welcome user comments and reserve the right to revise this publication and/ormake improvements or changes to the products or programs described in this publication at any time, without notice.The usage of any Epicor software shall be pursuant to an Epicor end user license agreement and the performance ofany consulting services by Epicor personnel shall be pursuant to Epicor's standard services terms and conditions. Usageof the solution(s) described in this document with other Epicor software or third party products may require the purchaseof licenses for such other products. Where any software is expressed to be compliant with local laws or requirementsin this document, such compliance is not a warranty and is based solely on Epicor's current understanding of such lawsand requirements. All laws and requirements are subject to varying interpretations as well as to change and accordinglyEpicor cannot guarantee that the software will be compliant and up to date with such changes. All statements ofplatform and product compatibility in this document shall be considered individually in relation to the products referredto in the relevant statement, i.e., where any Epicor software is stated to be compatible with one product and alsostated to be compatible with another product, it should not be interpreted that such Epicor software is compatiblewith both of the products running at the same time on the same platform or environment. Additionally platform orproduct compatibility may require the application of Epicor or third-party updates, patches and/or service packs andEpicor has no responsibility for compatibility issues which may be caused by updates, patches and/or service packsreleased by third parties after the date of publication of this document. Epicor® is a registered trademark and/ortrademark of Epicor Software Corporation in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. All othertrademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Copyright © Epicor Software Corporation 2010.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent ofEpicor Software Corporation.

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Revision: August 31, 2010

Contents

Build an Executive Dashboard Course..................................................................................6Before You Begin....................................................................................................................7

Audience.........................................................................................................................................................7

Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................7

Environment Setup..........................................................................................................................................8

Overview.................................................................................................................................9ShopVision Overview.....................................................................................................................................10

Executive Dashboard Layout...............................................................................................11Sales Order Backlog Analysis..........................................................................................................................11

View the Tracker.....................................................................................................................................11

Schedule the Process Set................................................................................................................................12

Workshop - Schedule a Process Set................................................................................................................13

Workshop - Review the Executive Dashboard Layout......................................................................................14

BAQ and Executive Query Setup.........................................................................................15Create Schedules...........................................................................................................................................15

Detail......................................................................................................................................................15

Schedules...............................................................................................................................................16

Workshop - Create Schedules.................................................................................................................17

Create a New Schedule...................................................................................................................17

Choose a Schedule Type..................................................................................................................17

Define the Run Dates and Run Times...............................................................................................17

Establish a Process Set....................................................................................................................................18

Workshop - Establish a Process Set.........................................................................................................19

Schedule the Process Set................................................................................................................................19

Workshop - Schedule the Process Set......................................................................................................20

Define the Source Business Activity Query......................................................................................................20

General..................................................................................................................................................20

Phrase Build............................................................................................................................................20

Diagram View..................................................................................................................................21

Tree View........................................................................................................................................21

Additional Tabs...............................................................................................................................22

Display....................................................................................................................................................22

Column Select.................................................................................................................................22

Sort Order.......................................................................................................................................22

Analyze Sheet.........................................................................................................................................22

Where Used............................................................................................................................................22

Workshop - Define the Source BAQ........................................................................................................23

Copy an Existing BAQ......................................................................................................................23

Analyze and Test the BAQ...............................................................................................................23

Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ.................................................................................24

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Field Mapping Sheet...............................................................................................................................25

Save to Process Set.................................................................................................................................25

Limitations..............................................................................................................................................25

Workshop - Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ.......................................................27

Create the Base Cube Query............................................................................................................27

Schedule and Name the Query........................................................................................................27

Map the Query Fields Using Microsoft® Excel® ...............................................................................27

Map the Query Fields Manually........................................................................................................28

Submit and Save the Executive Query..............................................................................................29

Verify the Process Set......................................................................................................................29

Build the BAQ and Executive Query Against Data Dimensions.........................................................................30

Workshop - Build the BAQ Against Data Dimensions..............................................................................31

Copy an Existing BAQ......................................................................................................................31

View the Included Tables.................................................................................................................31

Verify the Query Phrase...................................................................................................................31

Verify the BAQ Fields.......................................................................................................................32


Workshop - Add the Executive Query Against Data Dimensions..............................................................33

Create the Base Cube Query............................................................................................................33

Schedule and Name the Query........................................................................................................33

Map the Query Fields.......................................................................................................................33

Save the Executive Query to a Process Set........................................................................................34

Verify the Process Set......................................................................................................................34

Executive Dashboard Display Setup....................................................................................35Produce the Dimension BAQ..........................................................................................................................35

Workshop - Produce the Dimension BAQ ...............................................................................................36

Copy an Existing Query....................................................................................................................36



Create the Dimension Details BAQ.................................................................................................................37

Workshop - Create the Dimension Details BAQ.......................................................................................38





Design the Data BAQ.....................................................................................................................................39

Workshop - Design the Data BAQ...........................................................................................................40





Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard........................................................................................41

Workshop - Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard..............................................................42

Construct the Executive Dashboard.................................................................................................42

Add the Dimension BAQ to the Dashboard......................................................................................42

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4 | Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Add the Dimension Details BAQ to the Dashboard...........................................................................42

Add the Data BAQ to the Dashboard...............................................................................................42

Add a Second Grid View for the Data BAQ......................................................................................43

Create the Executive Dashboard Definition......................................................................................43

Adjust the Dimension Grid...............................................................................................................43

Define the Publish and Filter Parameters for the Dimension Query....................................................44

Adjust the Dimension Detail Grid.....................................................................................................44

Adjust the First Data Grid................................................................................................................45

Adjust the Second Data Grid...........................................................................................................46

Define the Publish Parameters for the Dimension Details Query........................................................46

Define the Subscribe and Filter Parameters for the Data Query.........................................................47

Insert a Graph Chart View...............................................................................................................47

Insert a 3D Chart View....................................................................................................................48

Create a Multi-Pane Executive Dashboard View...............................................................................49

Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard.....................................................................................................50

Workshop - Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard...........................................................................51

Conclusion.............................................................................................................................52

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Build an Executive Dashboard Course

This course explores the Business Activity Queries (BAQ), Executive Queries, and process sets building processes necessaryfor Executive Dashboard data organization and data visualization. Workshops throughout the course demonstrate theExecutive Dashboard creation processes.

The Executive Dashboard gives you a visual representation of any aspect of your company's performance based oncurrent application data. Create complex data views using the Executive Dashboard functionality, which display throughmultiple dimensions in both grid and graph formats.

This course uses the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis system dashboard to demonstrate the ExecutiveDashboard construction process.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of the Executive Dashboard.

• Learn the specific building terms of Executive Dashboards and Executive Queries.

• Understand how to create a process flow and data displaying process within an Executive Dashboard.

• Build a source Business Activity Query (BAQ) to query application data.

• Establish an initial Executive Query to schedule cube builds.

• Define the dimensions of the cube information buckets.

• Construct a Business Activity Query (BAQ) to query the cubes.

• Run the Executive Query to populate the cubes.

• Design and produce Data, Dimension, and Dimension Details Business Activity Queries (BAQs).

• Create and view the data on the Executive Dashboard.

• Build and deploy the Executive Dashboard to the Main menu for general use.

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Before You Begin

Read this topic for information you should know in order to successfully complete this course.

Audience

Specific audiences will benefit from this course.

• Business Analysts

• System Administrator

• IT/Technical Staff

Prerequisites

In order to complete the workshops in this course, all necessary modules must be licensed and operating in your trainingenvironment. For more information on the modules available, contact your Epicor Customer Account [email protected]. It is also important that you understand the prerequisite knowledge contained in other valuablecourses.

• Navigation Course - This course introduces navigational aspects of the Epicor application's user interface. Designedfor a hands-on environment, general navigation principles and techniques are available at each of the interfacelevels in the Epicor application - system, module, and program. Workshops focus on each of these levels and guideyou through each navigational principle introduced.

• Introduction to the Dashboard Course - This course provides an introduction to the dashboard - a personalizedinformation and a command center.

• Advanced Dashboard Course - This course shows you how to display information through a variety of Dashboardviews using advanced techniques.

• Business Activity Queries Course - This course introduces the Business Activity Query (BAQ) Designer dataextraction tool. It discusses data location concepts and provides an overview of query building techniques using thePhrase Builder, the Criteria Wizard, and the Calculated Field Wizard.

• Database Concepts Course - This course reviews the table and field name identification process using Field Help,Customization Tools, and the Data Dictionary Viewer functionality. It also describes table linking procedures andrequirements, Dataset Relationships Tracker features, and join type definitions and specifications.

• Non-course Prerequisites:

• Exposure to other database query programs.

• Fundamental knowledge of relational database concepts such as table relationships, records, and field types.

• Understanding of the functionality of the current release of the Epicor application.

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Before You Begin | 7

Environment Setup

The environment setup steps and potential workshop constraints must be reviewed in order to successfully completethe workshops in this course.

Your Epicor training environment, in which the Epicor demonstration database is found, enables you to experienceEpicor functionality in action but does not affect data in your live, production environment.

The following steps must be taken to successfully complete the workshops in this course.

1. Verify the following or ask your system administrator to verify for you:

• Your Epicor training icon (or web address if you are using Epicor Web Access) points to your Epicortraining environment with the Epicor demonstration database installed. Do not complete the courseworkshops in your live, production environment.

Note It is recommended that multiple Epicor demonstration databases are installed. Contact Supportor Systems Consulting for billable assistance.

• The Epicor demonstration database is at the same service pack and patch as the Epicor application.Epicor's education team updates the Epicor demonstration database for each service pack and patch. If yoursystem administrator upgrades your Epicor application to a new service pack or patch, he or she must alsodownload the corresponding Epicor demonstration database from EPICweb > Support > Epicor > Downloadsand install it. If this is not performed, unexpected results can occur when completing the course workshops.

• Your system administrator restored (refreshed) the Epicor demonstration database prior to startingthis course. The Epicor demonstration database comes standard with parts, customers, sales orders, and soon, already defined. If the Epicor demonstration database is shared with multiple users (that is, the databaseis located on a server and users access the same data, much like your live, production environment) and is notperiodically refreshed, unexpected results can occur. For example, if a course workshop requires you to ship asales order that came standard in the Epicor demonstration database, but a different user already completedthis workshop and the Epicor demonstration database was not restored (refreshed), then you will not be ableto ship the sales order. Epicor's education team has written the course workshops to minimize situations likethis from occurring, but Epicor cannot prevent users from manipulating the data in your installation of theEpicor demonstration database.

2. Log in to the training environment using the credentials manager/manager. If you are logged into your trainingenvironment as a different user, from the Options menu, select Change User.

3. From the Main menu, select the company Epicor USA (EPIC03).

4. From the Main menu, select the Main Plant.

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Overview

The functionality behind the Executive Dashboard employs an Executive Query to analyze a linked Business ActivityQuery (BAQ) and dimensionally summarize its data. Executive Queries are tied to process sets, which return the dataas defined by the underlying BAQ when executed. This returned dataset creates an informational bucket called a cube.This cube is the foundation for creating data groups that are summarized and published using the Executive Dashboard.

Executive Dashboard Flow

The following diagram outlines this process and shows the three dimensions, or tables, that result in the database, andeventually generate the data displayed on the Executive Dashboard. These are the cube (MFGCub), the definition(MFGDef), and the dimension (MFGDim) tables.

• A - A Business Activity Query (BAQ) pulls specific data from the database based on the table and field criteria onthe BAQ.

• B - The BAQ passes the table and field criteria to the Executive Query.

• C - The Executive Query aggregates the dimension data defined through field mapping and creates three dimensiontables, which are the cube (MFGCub), the definition (MFGDef), and the dimension (MFGDim) tables.

• MFGCub - This table contains the primary data record created by the Executive Query. It stores the dimensionpair and all the fields, as defined through the field mapping, that the Executive Query aggregates.

• MFGDef - This table stores all the MFGCubeID values. It also contains identifier creation dates.

• MFGDim - This table contains the unique list of the BAQ data dimension fields mapped within the ExecutiveQuery. Both the Dimension 1 and Dimension 2 data field values are stored within this table, so you must use afilter to select the appropriate dimension list. These are the values that display in the Dimension ID panel withinthe Executive Dashboard. This is the unique list of the mapped fields such as Country, Product Group, Customerand so on. Specific data such as Mexico, Fabricated, and Dalton is not contained in this table.

• D - The dimension results are then queried using another BAQ.

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Overview | 9

• E - The BAQs are added to a dashboard and the Executive Queries populate the data that displays on the ExecutiveDashboard.

Executive Dashboard Terms

Below is the terminology necessary to understand the Executive Dashboards and Executive Queries creation process.

• Executive Query - The Executive Query is a query that uses several Business Activity Queries (BAQs) to pull itscontents. The BAQs work together to create a unique datasource for display on the Executive Dashboard.

• Process Set - A Process Set is a collection of tasks and queries that can be combined into the foundation of anExecutive Dashboard, or other BAQs. The process set is executed immediately or through an established schedule.Once executed, the process set populates the underlying queries for the Executive Dashboard.

• Cube - A Cube is the virtual information bank for the Executive Query results. Very similar to the concept of datamining, the Cube populates as a result of the scheduled Process Set, and provides layers of details used to displaydimensions on the Executive Dashboard.

• Dimension - A dimension is a group definition. You can use many dimensions and they are always analyzed inpairs.

• Dimension Pair - Two dimensions are analyzed and assigned a set number. Dimension 1 is the first group definitionthat displays data inside an Executive Query and Dashboard. Multiple dimensions are allowed. You cannot use theDate field for a Dimension 1 value, you can only use it as a Dimension 2 value.

• Field Mapping - This is the data groupings term. Dimension 1 and 2 are paired up to match one set of fieldmapping. You can use four controls for the field mapping selection: dimension, decimal, integer, and character.You can create nearly an unlimited number of field mapping dimension sets for each BAQ.

ShopVision Overview

The ShopVision module displays strategic data required for critical short-term and long-term decision making. Thedata displays in a dynamic graphic tool that allows you to sort, group, and view data in a grid, pie chart, bar chart, orgraph.

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Executive Dashboard Layout

If your company uses the ShopVision module, you already have several Executive Dashboards available for review.These dashboards display current information on shipping performance, plant performance, and so on. Use theShopVision dashboards as examples for building your own Executive Dashboards.

Review the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Executive Dashboard before you create queries and thedashboard itself.

Sales Order Backlog Analysis

ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis displays aggregated order backlog data in a dashboard format. Datadisplays in color-coded graphs, charts, and tables, and can be filtered by parameters such as customer, order, part,plant, ship-to, and sales territory.

Unlike the Sales Order Backlog Status Tracker, which displays details such as sales order number, the ShopVision SalesOrder Backlog Analysis dashboard displays high-level data summaries. These summaries allow executives to monitoropen orders by different parameters, such as customer and plant, analyze performance, and identify trends over variousperiods.

A dashboard is a special type of tracker. You cannot add or edit records in trackers.

Tip Before you use any tracker, review the Tracker Overview topic in the Application Help to learn about itsgeneral program functionality. The overview topic explains the tracker interface, as well as how to best searchfor specific records. The topic also contains definitions of concepts and terms.

For more information on dashboards and dashboard capabilities, refer to the Dashboard Overview topic inthe Application Help. This topic contains links to other dashboard topics that explain how to personalize andcustomize dashboards.

View the Tracker

When you first open the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis dashboard, it is blank. To populate the dashboard,click the Refresh button on the toolbar. This enables the dashboard to retrieve data from existing executive queries.

Tip The dashboard cannot display data if ShopVision Executive Queries have not been scheduled to run asprocess sets. An Executive Query is a special query that uses another query, called the Business Activity Query,to extract data from the database and return aggregated data to a special table in the Epicor application. Oncecreated, an Executive Query needs to be scheduled to run as a process set. Process sets for ShopVision ExecutiveQueries are delivered in the standard product, but they must be scheduled to run. The system administratorusually is responsible for scheduling process sets. Inform your system administrator of the type of informationyou wish to view on the dashboard. Scheduling a process set to run a ShopVision Executive Query takes a fewminutes.

Tip If you are set up with Dashboard Designer rights in your user account, you can access all dashboardcapabilities for the tracker by selecting Developer from the Tools menu. In Developer Mode, you can adddashboard elements such as queries, URLs, and grids to the tracker, and modify the properties of existingelements. You can also change the sheet layout of the tracker and save your layouts for the next time youlaunch the tracker. A tree view for the tracker is also available in Developer Mode.

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Executive Dashboard Layout | 11

Schedule the Process Set

Use Schedule Process Set to schedule when a process set runs on the System Monitor. A process set is a record thatcontains tasks, such as queries and other processes, that have been assigned to it through other programs. When yourun a process set, you also run all the tasks associated with that process set.

For example, if an Executive Query is assigned to a process set, it pulls data from the database and displays it within adashboard.

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Workshop - Schedule a Process Set

In this workshop, schedule the process set to view and to use the Executive Dashboard.

Navigate to Schedule Process Set.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Schedule Process Set

1. In the Process Set field, select zSVSalesOrderBacklog - EPIC03.

2. In the Schedule field, select Now.

3. In the User Description field, enter Refresh Sales Backlog Executive Dashboard.

4. On the Standard toolbar, click Submit.

5. Exit Schedule Process Set.

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Executive Dashboard Layout | 13

Workshop - Review the Executive Dashboard Layout

In this workshop, review the Executive Dashboard. You will re-build a similar dashboard throughout the followingworkshops.

Navigate to ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > ShopVision > Sales Backlog Analysis

1. On the Standard toolbar, click the Refresh All icon.

The Dashboard populates with data.

2. View the Dimension ID panel.

The Dimension ID panel displays the original BAQ field name that is summarized, or aggregated, by the ExecutiveQuery as one of the dimension pairs. Use this panel to select the dimension detail list you wish to view. Manydimension fields are available to create your complex data view.

Note

Any database field, such as Country, State, Product Group, and so on, may be a Dimension ID. Any BAQcalculated field can also be a Dimension ID.

3. View the Dimension Detail panel.

The Dimension Detail panel displays the data contained in the aggregated field that is currently selected withinthe Dimension ID panel. This list displays the unique records contained within the selected Dimension ID.

4. View summary grids.

The Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail and Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail grids display the datapulled in through the Executive Query. The fields you select for display through the Executive Query’s field mappingsheet are shown on this grid.

5. View the chart and the graph.The Dimension Detail Backlog - Chart View and the 3D Chart-Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout aregraphical visualizations of data generated by the dimension pair.

6. Exit ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis.

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BAQ and Executive Query Setup

Prior to creating your custom Executive Dashboard, you must set up both a schedule and a process set. You must alsobuild multiple Business Activity Queries (BAQs) and Executive Queries. The Epicor application requires a minimum offive related BAQs and related Executive Queries to correctly display data on an Executive Dashboard.

The multiple BAQs and Executive Queries you create define how data is aggregated on your Executive Dashboard, socareful consideration of what tables and fields to display is crucial. This section describes and guides you through howto create these components. The BAQs and Executive Queries you build are based on the system queries that make upthe ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis dashboard.

Required Queries

The queries required by the Epicor application are as follows:

1. BAQ Against Data Details - This is the base BAQ used to pull the data from the database. The related ExecutiveQuery aggregates the data details.

2. BAQ Against Data Dimensions - Run this BAQ to define the dimensions that are used against the data, likeCountry, Salesperson, and so on. The related Executive Query aggregates the data dimensions.

3. Dimension BAQ - This BAQ is used to pull the dimension data from the first Executive Query.

4. Dimension Details BAQ - This BAQ defines the dimension options you can select from the Executive Dashboard.

5. Data BAQ - This BAQ is used to pull the data from the first Executive Query. It locates the MfgCube data thatdisplays on the Executive Dashboard.

You can use the Business Activity Query to both update existing BAQs and to create custom BAQs. These queries arethe building blocks for your custom Executive Dashboard.

Create Schedules

Use System Agent Maintenance to establish recurring schedules and control all automatic transactions that occurthroughout the Epicor application. Create schedules that occur during specific intervals, such as seconds, minutes,days, weeks, and months, as well as define the first run date and time for the schedule.

Once you define schedules, you can link tasks such as processes, reports, and Executive Queries to these schedules.When the system clock activates a schedule, all the tasks assigned within this schedule run.

Detail

Use the Detail sheet to review and update the details of the system agent. Use this sheet to refine the system agentsettings.

Tip You can set up the system agent to run the processes on one server and the System AppServer on a differentserver. For example, you can run the System AppServer through one server, and run the Task AppServerthough another server. By dividing the processes between these two machines, you can improve performanceon both servers.

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BAQ and Executive Query Setup | 15

Schedules

Use the Schedules > Detail sheet to add schedules to a system agent. The schedule identifies how often the taskslinked to the schedule run.

You can create as many schedules as you need. You can then assign reports and processes to run during a specificschedule.

Example You can create one schedule that runs every week on Wednesday and another schedule that runsevery night at 2 am. You can link tasks to these schedules you want to run during these different times.

The schedules you create and save on this sheet automatically display on Schedule lists throughout the Epicor application.You find Schedule lists on both reports and process programs. When you select a schedule for a program, the reportor process becomes a task within the schedule. Each time the system clock launches the schedule, all tasks linked tothis schedule run as well.

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Workshop - Create Schedules

In this workshop, set up a recurring schedule in the Epicor application before you start building the Executive Query.

Create a New Schedule

Navigate to System Agent Maintenance.

Menu Path: System Management > Utilities > System Agent

Important This program is not available in the Epicor Web Access™ interface. You can launch this programfrom an Epicor Smart Client (Windows

®) interface.

1. In the Agent ID field, verify SystemTaskAgent is selected.

2. Navigate to the Schedules > Detail sheet.

3. From the New menu, select New Schedule.

4. In the Description field, enter XXX-Five Minute Interval Schedule (where XXX are your initials).

5. Verify the Enabled check box is selected.

If not, select it to activate this schedule.

Choose a Schedule Type

1. In the Schedule Type field, select Interval.

This activates the Interval sheet.

2. In the Interval field, enter 0000500.

Note The format needed is hhhmmss. In this case the schedule runs every five minutes.

Define the Run Dates and Run Times

1. In the Next Run Date field, enter today's date.

This is the first day the schedule should run.

2. In the Next Run Time field, enter a time five minutes from now.

This is the first time on the first day the schedule should run.

3. Click Save.

4. Exit System Agent Maintenance.

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Establish a Process Set

You must assign Executive Queries to process sets. Use Process Set Maintenance to define the records that the Epicorapplication should use to run various automated tasks. These process sets, or series of tasks, run through a scheduleyou define in System Agent Maintenance and execute when you launch the schedule. The Executive Dashboard thenupdates its data to display the current information.

After you create the process set, other programs can add their records as tasks to run within this process set. You alsosubsequently launch this program to view all tasks, such as Executive Queries, reports, and processes, which areautomatically run through this process set.

Example You can add reports (such as the Job Traveler) and specific processes (such as the Auto Job CompletionProcess) to a process set.

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Workshop - Establish a Process Set

In this workshop, define a process set, or series of tasks, and then attach it to your previously defined schedule.

Navigate to Process Set Maintenance.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Process Set


®) interface.

1. Click New.

2. In the Process Set ID field, enter XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials).

3. In the Description field, enter XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).

4. Click Save.

Notice that the Process Set Tasks grid is currently blank, as no tasks have been added to it. You will add tasksin later workshops, as well as attach this process set to a schedule.

5. Exit Process Set Maintenance.

Schedule the Process Set

Use Schedule Process Set to schedule when a process set is run. A process set is a record that contains tasks, suchas queries and other processes, that are assigned to it through other programs. All related tasks run at the same timethe process set runs.

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Workshop - Schedule the Process Set

In this worskshop, schedule the process set you created in the previous workshop. You will attach two Executive Queriesto this process set in the following workshops. When the schedule activates the process set, the Executive Queries runand refresh the Executive Dashboard with current data from the database.

Navigate to Schedule Process Set.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Schedule Process Set

1. In the Process Set field, select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials).

2. In the Schedule field, select XXX-Five Minute Interval Schedule (where XXX are your initials).

3. Select the Recurring check box.

This check box indicates the report should be run on a recurring basis.

4. In the User Description field, enter Sales Order Backlog Status.


6. Exit Schedule Process Set.

Define the Source Business Activity Query

The source Business Activity Query (BAQ) is the query that populates the selected data from the database. The BusinessActivity Query Designer is the primary query creation and modification tool in the Epicor application. This BAQ isthe source for all the dimensions within an Executive Query, so the multiple BAQs that you create or modify are thebuilding blocks for your entire Executive Dashboard display.

Many BAQ combinations are available due to the ability to link multiple BAQs through outer joins between tables. Usethis functionality to create a set of common queries to both pull and calculate the data that displays on the ExecutiveDashboard.

Note This course does not cover the creation of a customized source BAQ. For more information on how tocreate a customized BAQ, refer to the Application Help.

Following are the key sheets found within Business Activity Query Designer.

General

Use the General sheet to create your query. You define the query’s identifier and description here. You also indicatewhether or not this query should be made available to the entire company.

Phrase Build

Use the Phrase Build sheet to design a query using the visual representation of the query.

The Phrase Build sheet provides a visual presentation of the query you are creating. Two types of visual representationsare available: diagram view and tree view.

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A special sheet is provided for each query creation mode. When you switch from the diagram view to the tree view,your query is also transformed to the tree view. When you switch from the tree view to the diagram view, the existingtree query is converted to the diagram query. Note that not all queries can be transformed from the diagram view tothe tree view. If your diagram contains table joins that cannot be reflected on the tree view, they are discarded.

Three sheets are available at the bottom of the Phrase Build sheet. Use these sheets to indicate how tables are linkedtogether, define the relation between the tables, and specify the selection criteria for the query.

Diagram View

In the diagram view, the tables, of which the query is composed, display as diagram blocks, and the parent-childrelations between the tables as arrows from child to parent table.

On the Diagram View sheet, in the left pane, the table palette is situated. It allows selecting tables and dragging themon the canvas in the center pane (or double-clicking them). Initially, all tables from the database show in the palette.The Filtering edit box helps to show only the table names, starting with the specified letters. If the Connected Onlycheck box is selected, the palette displays only the tables that have relations, described in system tables, with the tableselected on the canvas.

The right pane contains the description and list of the columns on the selected table. The Filtering edit box allowsviewing only the columns, with names that start with specified letters. The toolbar state buttons provide the followingdata display options for the table columns: sort column names (alphabetically or in database order) and show or hidethe user-defined fields.

The center of the form contains the canvas where tables are dropped.

Tree View

In the tree view, the tables, of which the query is composed, display as a tree. The root of the tree is the first table inthe query and the remaining tables display as child nodes according to the specified order.

If you select the Tree view sheet when the diagram on the Diagram view sheet contains no table, the standardsearch dialog shows with the list of all tables in the database. You can select the root table of the query. The tree isbuilt based on the information on table relations in the system tables.

If you select the Tree view sheet when a diagram already exists on the Diagram view sheet, this diagram transformsto the tree query (using the defined table order). In this case, not all table joins transform.

The path from the root node to the currently selected table defines the list of the tables in the query. If connectionbetween some tables does not exist in system tables, it is added to the tree and marked bold red to identify theuser-defined join.

The path selected in the tree shows in the edit line below the tree. This line is not read-only and allows manual entryin the table list, divided by slashes. An edit line has a context menu which shows all existing tables. Tables, connectedwith the current table in the system tables, display in the other color. This method allows you to create the queryquickly.

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Additional Tabs

Three sheets are available at the bottom of the Phrase Build sheet. Use these sheets to organize table order, definethe relation between the tables, and specify the selection criteria for the query.

Display

The Display sheet consists of two sub sheets: Column Select and Sort Order.

On the Display sheet, you can define the columns that display on your query, how the data is sorted within the query,and set the display names for the columns.

Column Select

The Column Select sheet allows you to define the columns that display on your query. Use this sheet to set up theorder in which these columns display on the Dashboard.

On the Column Select sheet, you can also configure the display names for each column and create a calculation fora selected field. The display names display on the query instead of the default column name.

Sort Order

Use the Sort Order sheet to define how the data results display when the query runs. You can sort your data throughany combination of columns.

You can also select whether the data displays in ascending or descending order.

Analyze Sheet

Use the Analyze sheet to both analyze and test your query for any possible problems before you use it in the liveenvironment.

The Analyze button checks the syntax of the query, including any calculations.

The Test button executes the query and retrieves data from the database. The Test button helps to identify if thereare issues with the joins created in the Phrase Builder tool. Review the data carefully to determine if the query displaysthe correct information in the correct format.

Where Used

Use the Where Used sheets to review all the dashboards that have access to the current query. The information onthese sheets helps you decide if you should re-design the current query or create a new one.

Tip If several user dashboards use the current query, you should not change it, but rather create a new sharedquery. This allows your users to decide if they want to use your new query.

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Workshop - Define the Source BAQ

The source BAQ pulls the selected data from the database and is the source for your Executive Queries.

Copy an Existing BAQ

A standard BAQ is used in this example.

Navigate to the Business Activity Query Designer.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Business Activity Query


®) interface.

1. Click Query ID and click Search.

2. Select zSVSalesOrderBacklog and click OK.

3. From the Actions menu, select Copy Query.

The Copy Query window displays.

4. In the Query ID field, enter EPIC03-XXX-SalesOrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

5. Select the Shared check box.

This check box indicates that this query is available to all users. After you save this query, all users within yourcompany can add this query to their personal Dashboard.

6. Click Save.

Analyze and Test the BAQ

1. Navigate to the Analyze sheet.

2. Click the Analyze button.

3. To the Syntax is OK message, click OK.

4. Click the Test button.

5. In the Query Results grid, review the data retrieved by the query.

6. Click Save.

7. Exit the Business Activity Query Designer.

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Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ

Use Executive Query to formulate an Executive Query against data details. This creates a cube of data, or aninformational bucket, that the Executive Dashboard gathers for display. This cube of data is contained within theMfgCube tables. This process includes finding and selecting your source BAQ, which is used as a base for these queries,and defining the data that populates the MfgCube tables.

Each Executive Query has one or more field maps. You must define the Delete Action method for each query. ExecutiveQueries are not separate files within your application, but are a set of records processed using the BAQs as a sourceand the MfgCube tables as a target. Due to this configuration, you cannot save an Executive Query through the Savebutton. Instead, you must first Submit the Executive Query for processing and then add it to a process set using theSave Process Set icon.

Note If you click the Submit icon, the MfgCube tables only update once. If you close the Executive Querywindow without saving it to a process set, you lose the information created in the Executive Query.

The important fields and sections found within the Selection sheet are as follows:

Base Cube Query

The Cube ID identifies the purpose of the Executive Query and is the first thing you should identify. This value is usedto identify the Task of a query within a process set. You also use the BAQ ID to find and select the source BAQ towhich you attach this Executive Query.

Delete Action

You must define the Delete Action method for each Executive Query. The query uses this method to refresh its dataeach time it is activated by the process set:

Options include the following:

• Delete Entire Cube - This is the default option. When you delete or refresh the data within the Executive Query,it clears out all values in the query’s field map sets. This option displays completely new data when you refresh theinformation.

• Delete Dimension Pair - This option removes and restores only the two values used to define the dimensions forthe first field map set. The rest of the data remains, leaving the dimension pairs and data in any other field mapsets linked to the BAQ intact. Use this option when you need two BAQs to populate a dashboard display. Thedashboard populates all data from both queries by refreshing only the dimension pair within the first field map set.

• Delete Nothing - This option does not remove any data. Instead, it adds new data to the existing data.

• Delete Pair by Summarization - This option removes and restores any dimension pair data that is generatedthrough the Executive Query. This is useful if you select either the Summarize by BAQ or the Summarize by Datecheck boxes.

Summarize Check Boxes

Select the Summarize by BAQ check box to indicate that this Executive Query combines the populated data usingthe specified BAQ. Select this check box when you want the data to summarize within the BAQ before it displays onthe Executive Dashboard.

Select the Summarize by Date check box to indicate that this Executive Query aggregates the pulled data using aspecific date. Select this check box when you want to calculate the summarized data by dates. Selecting this check boxalso activates the Run Date field, where you can define a specific date or calendar date on which this data is summarized.If you select the Dynamic check box, the options for the Run Date field change to Tomorrow, Next Tuesday, First ofMonth, and so on.

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Note You can select the Summarize by BAQ and Summarize by Date check boxes in combination with any ofthe previous Delete Actions. These options give you flexibility for the results in the MFGCube table. If you donot select the Summarize by BAQ or the Summarize by Date check boxes, the Delete Pair By Summarizationoption works in the same way as the Delete Dimension Pair action.

Query Schedule

Use the Schedule field to define when you want this query to refresh its data. The default value is Now, but if youselect a schedule other than Now, the Recurring check box becomes available. Select this check box to indicate thatthis Executive Query should run repeatedly. You do not need to select a schedule within this program. Instead, youcan add this Executive Query to a process set and then schedule the process set.

Field Mapping Sheet

Use the Field Mapping sheet to define the dimension pair that is used to measure the data of the Executive Query.The data is summarized against the two dimension values you select here and the results display on an ExecutiveDashboard through grid and graph displays.

Each Executive Query has one or more field maps, which are the selected dimensions linked to the type of data required.Each field map contains two dimensions used to evaluate the data. These dimensions can be any column within theselected BAQ, including calculated fields, such as the Product Group field or the Order Date field, with the exceptionof using a date field for the dimension of one field map.

You can use this sheet to indicate which additional fields display through this Executive Query. All the fields from theselected BAQ display on this sheet automatically, and you can use this sheet to hide or select the indicated fields onthe view.

The controls on this sheet are divided into four types: Dimension, Decimal, Integer, and Character. Note that only15 data values, 10 decimal and 5 integer, can display within each Executive Query.

Note Executive Queries can summarize, or aggregate logical data combinations, but they cannot create averages.Because of this, the query results represent a sum of the values between the dimension pair. For example, youcan aggregate a character column against a date or numerical column. Selecting two similar character valuescan cause blank query results.

Save to Process Set

To finish the Executive Query, you must save it to an existing process set.

The Save To Process Set window allows you to select the process set that is used to run the report, form, process,or Executive Query. When you select a process set on this window and click OK, this item becomes a task on theprocess set.

Note If you do not save your Executive Query to a process set and you exit Executive Query, you will lose yourquery.

Limitations

Important limitations on Executive Queries include the following:

• You can only analyze and store two dimensions with each Executive Query. You define these dimensions on theField Mapping sheet. You can use any field from the selected BAQ as a dimension.

• Formulas do not evaluate through Executive Queries. However, any formulas you define for the selected BAQ orreport query are always evaluated.

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• The Executive Query only aggregates data to calculate summaries by totaling numeric values and counting characterBAQ columns. It cannot calculate averages.

• You can map only one BAQ column to a specific data value field. You cannot merge field columns through anExecutive Query.

• You can display only the data of the current company through the Executive Query. If you need to consolidate databetween multiple companies, you must run the specific BAQ report.

• You cannot synchronize Executive Query processes between multiple companies. You must schedule these processeswithin the company.

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Workshop - Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ

In this workshop, create the Executive Query against the source BAQ. Map dimension pairs and add the query to aprocess set for scheduling purposes in later workshops.

Create the Base Cube Query

Navigate to Executive Query.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Executive Query

1. In the Cube ID field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials).

2. Click BAQ ID.

3. In the Starting At field, enter EPIC03 and click Search.

4. Select EPIC03-XXX-SalesOrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

5. In the Delete Action field, verify Delete Entire Cube defaults.

Schedule and Name the Query



3. In the User Description field, enter XXX Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).

Map the Query Fields Using Microsoft® Excel

®

If you are taking this course as an embedded course launched from your Epicor 9 application, you can map the fieldsusing a Microsoft

® Excel

® spreadsheet.

If you are using the pdf version of the course, skip to the next task Map the Query Fields Manually.

1. Navigate to the Field Mapping > List sheet.

2. Highlight the row and on the Standard toolbar, click Delete.

The Field Mapping Sets grid is now blank.

3. Click the Data Entry link at the bottom of the page.

Microsoft Excel opens.

4. Highlight rows 1 - 23, right-click, and select Copy.

5. In the Field Mapping > List sheet, right-click anywhere in the blank grid and select Paste Insert.

Notice that the data loads into the grid. Field mapping of your first Executive Query is complete.

6. Close the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

7. Review the Field Mapping Sets grid.

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8. Skip the next task Map the Query Fields Manually and continue with the following task Submit and Savethe Executive Query.

Map the Query Fields Manually

If you are using the pdf version of the course, map the fields manually.

1. Navigate to the Field Mapping > Detail sheet.

2. In the Dimension 1 field, select Cust. ID.

3. In the Dim 1 Text field, enter CustID.

4. In the Dimension 2 field, select Need By.

5. In the Dim 2 Text field, enter Need By Date.

This is the dimension pair of the first mapping set.

6. In the Decimal 1 field, select OpenQty.

7. In the Decimal 2 field, enter OpenValue.

8. In the Integer 1 field, enter RelCount.

9. Delete all values in the other fields.

You first Mapping Set is ready.

10. On the Standard toolbar, click New to add the new Mapping Set.

11. Map the remaining Mapping Sets using the same process. Enter the following information:

Note In addition to the information in the table, make sure you select the below 3 fields for all MappingSets:

• In the Decimal 1 field, select OpenQty.

• In the Decimal 2 field, select OpenValue.

• In the Integer 1 field, select RelCount.

Character 1Dimension 2 TextDimension 2Dimension 1Text

Dimension 1MappingSet

Need By DateNeed ByCustomerCustomer2

CustGroupIDNeed By DateNeed ByCustGroupCustomer Group3

PlantIDNeed By DateNeed ByPlantPlant4

Project IDNeed By DateNeed ByProjectProject5

ProdGrpIDNeed By DateNeed ByProdGroupProductGroup6

Need By DateNeed ByWarehouseWarehouse7

Need By DateNeed ByRegionRegion8

TerritoryIDNeed By DateNeed ByTerritoryDescription9

Need By DateNeed ByCountryCountry10

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Character 1Dimension 2 TextDimension 2Dimension 1Text

Dimension 1MappingSet

Need By DateNeed ByStateState/Prov11

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekCustIDCust. ID12

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekCustomerCustomer13

CustGroupIDWeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekCustGroupCustomer Group14

PlantIDWeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekPlantPlant15

Project IDWeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekProjectProject16

ProdGrpIDWeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekProdGroupProductGroup17

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekWarehouseWarehouse18

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekRegionRegion19

TerritoryIDWeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekTerritoryDescription20

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekCountryCountry21

WeeklyNeedByNeedByDateWeekStateState/Prov22

ProdCodeProdGrpIDProjectProject23

Submit and Save the Executive Query


2. On the Standard toolbar, click Save Process Set.

The Save to Process Set window displays.

3. In the Process Set field, select XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).

This is the process set you previously created.

4. Click OK.

5. Exit Executive Query.

Verify the Process Set

Verify the indicated Process Set contains your query.




®) interface.

1. Click Process Set ID and click Search.

2. Select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

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The first Executive Query displays as a task on the Process Set Tasks grid.


Build the BAQ and Executive Query Against Data Dimensions

The purpose of building the BAQ and the related Executive Query against data dimensions is to provide a unique listof the Dimension Details. The MFGCubeDim table that is created when the MFGCube table is populated by the firstExecutive Query has only a list of the dimension fields such as Country, Product Group, and Salesperson.

To get the unique list of dimension details such as France, USA, Machined Parts, John Doe, and so on, you mustaggregate the dimension fields against the dimension data. It is required that you aggregate the BAQ against datadimensions to complete this process.

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Workshop - Build the BAQ Against Data Dimensions

After you created your BAQ against data details and the related Executive Query, you are ready to build your secondBAQ. This second BAQ pulls dimension data from the initial Executive Query for display on the Executive Dashboard.

Another standard BAQ is used in this example.

Copy an Existing BAQ




®) interface.

1. In the Query ID field, search for and select zMfgCubeBLogDimCube and click OK.



3. In the Query ID field, enter EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDim1 (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

4. In the Description field, enter XXX Order Backlog Dimension One (where XXX are your initials).


6. Click Save.

View the Included Tables

1. Navigate to the PhraseBuild > TreeView > Criteria sheet.

Notice the current criteria: Cube ID = SVSalesBacklog.

2. In the FilterValue column, click SVSalesBacklog.

The Specify a Value window displays.

3. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.This is the Cube ID for the first Executive Query you created.

Verify the Query Phrase

1. Navigate to the General sheet and view the Query Phrase section.

Your phrase should look like this:

for each MfgCube no-lock where MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXXCubeBackLogOrders' .

2. Click Save.

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Verify the BAQ Fields

1. Navigate to the Display sheet.

2. Verify these fields display in the Display Column(s) section:

LabelFull Name

CompanyMfgCube.Company

Cube IDMfgCube.CubeID

Dimension 1MfgCube.Dimension1

Dimension 1 IDMfgCube.Dimension1ID

GroupCalculated.GroupDetail

ShortChar01MfgCube.ShortChar01


PerfEntityCalculated.PerfEntity

GroupDtl1Calculated.GroupDtl1

Dim1DescrCalculated.Dim1Descr

DimDtlCalculated.DimDtl

DimDescriptionCalculated.DimDescription






The Query Results grid populates with data.

5. Review the data retrieved by the query.

6. Click Save.


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Workshop - Add the Executive Query Against Data Dimensions

In this workshop, create the Executive Query against data dimensions. Attach the Executive Query to the BAQ againstdata dimensions, map for dimension pairs, and add it to a process set for scheduling purposes in later workshops.

Create the Base Cube Query

Navigate to Executive Query.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Executive Query

1. Click New.

2. In the Cube ID field, enter XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1 (where XXX are your initials).

3. Click BAQ ID and click Search.

4. Select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDim1 (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

This is the BAQ created in the previous workshop.

5. In the Delete Action field, verify Delete Entire Cube is selected.

Schedule and Name the Query



3. In the User Description field, enter XXX Order Backlog Dimension One (where XXX are your initials).

Map the Query Fields

1. Navigate to the Field Mapping > Detail sheet.

2. Clear any fields that have default values.

3. Map the fields according to the table below.

Enter the following information:

DataField

DimDtlDimension 1

DimDtlDimension 1 Text

DimDescriptionDimension 2

DimDescriptionDimension 2 Text

CompanyCharacter 1

Cube IDCharacter 2

ShortChar01Character 3

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DataField

ShortChar02Character 4

Dimension 1Character 9

Dim1DescrCharacter 10

This Executive Query has only one field map set.

4. Delete the information in other fields.


Save the Executive Query to a Process Set

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Save Process Set.

The Save to Process Set window displays.

2. In the Process Set field, select XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).

This is the process set you previously created.

3. Click OK.

4. Exit Executive Query.

Verify the Process Set




®) interface.

1. Click Process Set ID and click Search.

2. Select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

The second Executive Query displays as a task on the Process Set Tasks grid.


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Executive Dashboard Display Setup

The Business Activity Queries (BAQs) and related Executive Queries you created both select and define the data youwant to display on your Executive Dashboard. You must also create the BAQs that directly display the data on theExecutive Dashboard.

These queries are the Dimension BAQ, the Dimension Details BAQ, and the Data BAQ. Once you create these queries,you are ready to construct and view the Executive Dashboard, and optionally deploy it to the Main menu for generaluse.

Produce the Dimension BAQ

The Dimension BAQ defines the dimension options available for selection on the Executive Dashboard display. ThisBAQ pulls data from the first executive query.

This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the dimensions indicated on the FieldMapping sheet of the first Executive Query.

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Executive Dashboard Display Setup | 35

Workshop - Produce the Dimension BAQ

In this workshop, create an additional dimension BAQ to provide dimension options for selection on the ExecutiveDashboard.

Copy an Existing Query




®) interface.

1. Click the Query ID button.

2. In the Starting At field, enter zMfg and click Search.

3. Select zMfgCubeDimOne and click OK.



5. In the Query ID field, enter EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

6. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Dimension Cube Query (where XXX are your initials).


This check box indicates that this query is available to all users. After you save this query, all users within thecompany can add this query to their personal Dashboard.

8. Click Save.

9. View the Query Phrase section.


for each MfgCubeDim no-lock where MfgCubeDim.DimNum = 1.



2. Verify these fields display in the Display Column(s) section:

LabelFull Name

Dimension IDMfgCubeDim.DimensionID

Created ByMfgCubeDim.CreatedBy

CreatedDateMfgCubeDim.CreatedDate

Create TimeMfgCubeDim.CreatedTime

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LabelFull Name

Cube IDMfgCubeDim.CubeID

Dimension NumberMfgCubeDim.DimNum

CompanyMfgCubeDim.Company

Load GroupCalculated.Dimension1

DimIDCalculated.DimID_Format15








6. Click Save.

7. Remain in the Business Activity Query Designer.

Create the Dimension Details BAQ

The Dimension Details BAQ pulls in the various detail records that are available with each selected dimension. You canalso select a detail option to display the data you need.

This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the selected dimension details on theDimension ID grid.

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Workshop - Create the Dimension Details BAQ

In this workshop, create an additional dimension details BAQ to provide dimension detail options for selection on theExecutive Dashboard.


1. In the Business Activity Query Designer, navigate to the General sheet.

2. On the Standard toolbar, click Clear.

3. Click Query ID.


5. Select zMfgCubeBacklogDimDtls and click OK.



7. In the Query ID field, enter EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

8. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Dimension Details Cube Query (where XXX are your initials).


10. Click Save.



Notice the current criteria: Cube ID = SVSBLOGGRPDTLS.

2. In the FilterValue column, click SVSBLOGGRPDTLS.


3. In the Value field, enter XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1 (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

This is the Cube ID for the second Executive Query you created.



for each MfgCube no-lock where MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1'.



2. Verify the following fields display in the Display Column(s) section:

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LabelFull Name





GroupMfgCube.GroupDetail



Dimension DescriptionMfgCube.ShortChar09

Dimension DetailMfgCube.ShortChar10








6. Click Save.

7. Remain in the Business Activity Query Designer.

Design the Data BAQ

The Data BAQ pulls the data from the first Executive Query. It locates the MfgCube data and displays it on the ExecutiveDashboard.

This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the main bulk of the data included onthe dashboard.

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Workshop - Design the Data BAQ

Create the Data BAQ that pulls the data from the first Executive Query.


1. In the Business Activity Query Designer, navigate to the General sheet.

2. On the Standard toolbar, click Clear.

The Clear Confirmation window displays.

3. To the Clear this form? message, click Yes.

4. Click Query ID.


6. Select zMfgCubeBacklogData and click OK.



8. In the Query ID field, enter EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

9. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX are your initials).


11. Click Save.



Notice the current criteria: Cube ID = SVSalesBacklog.

2. In the FilterValue column, click SVSalesBacklog.


3. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

This is the Cube ID for the first Executive Query you created.



for each MfgCube no-lock where MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXXCubeBackLogOrders' AndMfgCube.Dimension2Date > 01/01/1901.

5. Click Save.

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2. Verify the following fields display in the Display Column(s) section:

LabelFull Name






Dimension 2 DateMfgCube.Dimension2Date


Release CountMfgCube.ValueInt01

Date BucketCalculated.DateBucket

Open QtyCalculated.OpenValue

Open ValueCalculated.OpenQty








6. Click Save.


Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard

You have created the minimum of five BAQs and you can now add them to a dashboard. These queries are linked toExecutive Queries, so adding them to the dashboard allows you to create an Executive Dashboard.

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Workshop - Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard

In this workshop, add the Dimension, Dimension Details, and Data BAQs you created to the Executive Dashboard andfinalize its layout.

Construct the Executive Dashboard

Navigate to the Dashboard.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Dashboard

1. If necessary, from the Tools menu, select Developer.

You must be in the Developer Mode to create a new Dashboard.

Add the Dimension BAQ to the Dashboard

1. From the New menu, select New Query.

The Dashboard Query Properties window displays.

2. Click Query ID.


4. Select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.

5. In the Dashboard Query Properties window, click OK.

Add the Dimension Details BAQ to the Dashboard



2. Click Query ID.


4. Select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.


Add the Data BAQ to the Dashboard



2. Click Query ID.


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4. Select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.


Add a Second Grid View for the Data BAQ

The two data grids track sales order backlog status by week and by day.

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX areyour initials) and select New Grid View.

The Dashboard Grid Properties window displays.

2. In the Dashboard Grid Properties window, click OK.

At the bottom of the dashboard, view the two identical grids that display.

Create the Executive Dashboard Definition

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Save.

The Save As window displays.

2. In the Dashboard ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogStatus (where XXX are your initials).

3. In the Description field, enter XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).

4. Select the Enable Refresh All check box.

This check box now displays on the Dashboard toolbar.

5. Click OK.

6. On the Standard toolbar, click Refresh All.

The Executive Dashboard populates with data.

7. View the Executive Dashboard.

Adjust the Dimension Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension: Summary (where XXX are your initials) gridand select Properties.

This is the dashboard's top grid.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension ID.

3. Click the Clear All button.

4. In the Display Columns list, select MfgCubeDim.DimensionID.

This grid displays a single column.

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5. Click OK.

At the top of the Executive Dashboard, view the Dimension ID grid.

Define the Publish and Filter Parameters for the Dimension Query

To make this Executive Dashboard act like the model ShopVision Sales Backlog Analysis Executive Dashboard, you mustdefine what is being published and subscribed to on the dashboard through each query, and filter the grid data.

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension: XXX Backlog Dimension Cube Query (whereXXX are your initials) query and select Properties.


2. In the Caption field, enter Dimension.

3. Navigate to the Publish sheet.

4. In the Publish Columns section, select MfgCubeDim.DimensionID and DimID_Format15.

DimID_Format15 is a calculated field that gets the first fifteen characters from the MfgCubeDim.DimensionIDfield.

5. Select the Publish to Title check box.

This check box indicates that the title of the query displays specific information from a selected column.

6. In the field under the Publish to Title check box, select MfgCubeDim.DimensionID.

7. In the Title caption field, enter DimID.

8. Navigate to the Filter sheet.

9. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCubeDim.CubeID.

10. In the Condition field, select =.

11. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials).

This is the first Cube ID you created.

12. Click OK to exit the Dashboard Query Properties window.

Adjust the Dimension Detail Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid andselect Properties.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail.


4. In the Display Columns list, select MfgCube.Dimension1.


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6. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube.ShortChar09.


8. In the Value field, select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension- Dimension: DimID_Format15.

This is the field published from the first query.

9. Click OK to exit the Dashboard Grid Properties window.

10. View the Executive Dashboard.

11. In the Dimension ID grid, select CustID and view the customer list that displays in the Dimension 1 grid.

Adjust the First Data Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the first EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid andselect Properties.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail.

3. Click Clear All.

4. In the Display Columns list, select the following columns:

• MfgCube.Dimension1

• MfgCube.Dimension2Date

• MfgCube.ValueInt01

• DateBucket

• OpenQty

• OpenValue


6. In the ColumnName field, select DateBucket.


8. In the Value field, enter Weekly.

This is the condition that displays the weekly detail on the grid.


10. Right-click inside the Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and select Show Group By.

11. Drag the Dimension1 column header up to the gray bar above the column headings.

12. Release the column when the red arrows display.

The grid is now grouped by Dimension 1.

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Adjust the Second Data Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid andselect Properties.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail.


4. In the Display Columns list, select the following columns:

• MfgCube.Dimension1

• MfgCube.Dimension2Date

• MfgCube.ValueInt01

• DateBucket

• OpenQty

• OpenValue




8. In the Value field, enter Daily.

This is the condition that displays the daily detail on the grid.


10. Right-click inside the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and select Show Group By.

11. Drag the Dimension1 column header up to the gray bar above the column headings.

12. Release the column when the red arrows display.

The grid is now grouped by Dimension 1.

Define the Publish Parameters for the Dimension Details Query

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls: XXX Backlog Dimension Details Cube Query(where XXX are your initials) and select Properties.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Sales Backlog Dimension Details.

3. Navigate to the Publish sheet.

4. In the Publish Columns list, select MfgCube.ShortChar10.

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5. Select the Publish to Title check box.

6. In the field under the Publish to Title check box, select MfgCube.ShortChar10.

7. In the Title caption field, enter Dimension Detail:.


9. Click the Refresh All icon.

View the Dashboard title. It now displays Dimension Detail: and the information you selected in the DimensionDetail grid.

Define the Subscribe and Filter Parameters for the Data Query

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX areyour initials) and select Properties.


2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Sales Backlog Cube Data.


4. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube.Dimension1ID.


6. In the Value field, select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimension- Dimension: MfgCubeDim.DimensionID (whereXXX are your initials).

This field is published from the Dimension query.



Insert a Graph Chart View

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: Sales Backlog Cube Data (where XXX are yourinitials) query and select New Chart View.

The Dashboard Chart View Properties window displays.

2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail Backlog.

3. In the Chart By: (X-axis) field, select MfgCube.Dimension2Date.

4. In the Chart On: (Y-axis) section, select OpenQty and OpenValue.

5. In the Group By: (Z-axis) section, select MfgCube.Dimension 1.



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9. In the Value field, enter Daily and press Tab.

You can now add a second condition.

10. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube.Dimension1.


12. In the Value field, select EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls- Sales Backlog Dimension Details:MfgCube.ShortChar10 (where XXX are your initials).

This field is published from the Dimension Details query. This Chart View displays daily information based ondata selected in the Dimension Details query.

13. Click OK.

At the bottom of the Dashboard, the Dimension Detail Backlog Chart View displays.

14. On the left side of the Chart View, click Settings.

If necessary, scroll down to see the entire Settings pane, or move the Dimension Detail Backlog Chart Viewupward in the Dashboard. You can also adjust the size of other grids to see the Chart View properly.

15. In the Chart Type field, select LineChart.

16. In the Settings pane, click the Refresh icon.


Insert a 3D Chart View

1. In the tree view, right-click the EPIC03-XXX-OrdBLogData: Sales Backlog Cube Data (where XXX are yourinitials) query and select New Chart View.

The Dashboard Chart View Properties window displays.

2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout.

3. In the Chart By: (X-axis) field, select MfgCube.Dimension1.

4. In the Chart On: (Y-axis) section, select OpenValue.




8. In the Value field, enter Daily.

9. Click OK.

10. On the left side of the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View, click Settings.

11. In the Chart Type field, select PieChart3D.

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12. In the Settings pane, click the Refresh icon.


Create a Multi-Pane Executive Dashboard View

The model ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Dashboard has a default view with multiple panes for ease ofuse and better data assessment.

Move the sheets around and save the layout as your default view.

1. Click the push pin icon to hide the tree view.

2. Click the Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel and move it to the left side of the screen.The Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel now displays as the half portion of the Dashboard.

3. Adjust the width of the Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel to display as approximately one fifth of theDashboard screen.

4. Click the Dimension panel and move it to the upper left corner of the Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel.

5. Position the Dimension panel so that it displays on top of the left portion of the Dashboard, with the SalesBacklog Dimension Details panel below it.

6. Click the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and move it upwards towards the Sales Backlog CubeData panel.

7. Once in position, release the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel.

The Sales Backlog Cube Data panel now displays two sub-panels, Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail andDaily Backlog by Dimension Detail.

8. Click the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View and move it upward towards the Dimension DetailBacklog Chart View.

9. Position the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View to display on the same panel as the DimensionDetail Backlog Chart View.

These two Chart Views now display next to each other on the same panel.

10. From the Tools menu, selectLayouts > Save Layouts As Default.


12. On the Standard toolbar, click Refresh All.

13. Verify the dashboard functionality. Select items in Dimension grids and view the data on the other grids and charts.

You can compare the layout to the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Dashboard.

Menu Path: Executive Analysis > ShopVision > Sales Backlog Analysis

14. Remain in the Dashboard.

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Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard

After you finish you dashboard design, you can build and deploy it to other users. Use the Application Builder processto compile the dashboard definition into an User Interface (UI) finished assembly and deploy it to the server.

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Workshop - Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard

In this workshop, build and deploy the Executive Dashboard as the UI Application.

1. From the Tools menu, select Application Builder > Test UI Application.The dashboard displays in a new window that users can see once it is deployed.

2. Click Refresh All to refresh the data and close the window.

3. From the Tools menu, select Application Builder > Deploy UI Application.

The Deploy Dashboard Assembly window displays.

4. In the Deploy Dashboard Assembly window, selectAdd Menu Tab and Add Favorite, and click Deploy.

Building the AppBuilder Assembly may take few moments.

The Deploy UIApp Assembly window displays. The message displays the location where the .dll file is createdand deployed on the server.

5. In the Deploy UIApp Assembly window, click OK.


7. Close the XXX-OrderBLogStatus (where XXX are your initials) dashboard and ShopVision Sales Order BacklogAnalysis.

8. On the Main menu, click the Favorites bar.

9. Click the Dashboard Assemblies Favorites Group and view the XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXXare your initials) dashboard.

10. Notice that the Dashboard is also embedded on the Main menu as a new sheet.

11. From the Options menu, select Developer Mode.

12. Click the Menu Groups sheet and navigate to Sales Management > Order Management > General Operations.

13. Click the Menu Items sheet to view the content of the folder.

14. Navigate to the Favorites sheet and verify Dashboard Assemblies group is open.

15. Right-click the XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials) dashboard, and drag and drop itinto the Menu Items sheet.Notice the cursor changes to a drag-drop-copy.

16. In the Copy Menu Item window, click OK.

The Executive Dashboard is now available to all users.

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Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the Build an Executive Dashboard course.

Please take a moment to let Epicor know how to serve you better by completing a course evaluation athttp://www.keysurvey.com/survey/191084/2e21/ or by clicking the Course Evaluation link below. Your feedback providesthe guidelines for the future direction of Epicor education.

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