topic Parameters in SAS Visual Analytics

Parameters

megha_singh89 — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 12:44:19 GMT

Can anybody Please explain how do I create a Quarterly and Monthly view of the same data.

I want to create a parameter where the end user gives the input whether he wants to view the data Quarterly or Monthly

and the view changes according to that.

Re: Parameters

Mike_Drutar — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:38:51 GMT

You could potentially levearge the Stack Container to allow the report viewer to choose between which visualziation they want to see (Quarterly or Monthly). Robert Anderson has a great write up on stacked containers in his post: Using Containers in SAS Visual Analytics.

Re: Parameters

RR2809 — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 18:39:17 GMT

Hi I did it in my report, it’s not so complicated 😉

Create in repository additional table e.g. "Param" - with field "Period" and records: 'Monthly', 'Quarterly'. I did this as Excel file and added to SAS VA.
Add this custom table as new source to your report builder (so now you will have as sources 2 tables - main with analysed data (e.g. "Sales" and second "Pamar").
Create in your report button-bar, assign to bar "Period" category from "Param" table and create new parameter (text type) with this button-bar (called e.g. "View Type"). So - when you will choose "Monthly" on button-bar the parameter "View Type" will get "Monthly" value, and so on for choosing "Quarterly"
Create (if you have not yet) in "Sales" data set new categories: "Mth", "Qtr" e.g.: Mth=Month ('Date'n); Qtr=Quarter ('Date'n)
Create custom category "Period_An." in "Sales" data set like this: if 'View Type 'p = "Monthly" return 'Mth'n else 'Qtr'n
Use category "Period_An." in your report as category for analysis (in tables or charts). Now after choosing desired value on button-bar you will get monthly or quarterly view of analysed data.

Same technic I'm using for reviewing data in daily, weekly, monthly or yearly perspective, as well as for viewing results for period or cumulated in the same report.

Hope it's clear, forgive me poor English.

Robert R.

Re: Parameters

saspert — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 19:57:46 GMT

@RR2809 this is a great tip. I think I am slowly understanding the concept. I think you have a drop down list wherein you can select from-

Monthly (781)

Quarterly (45)

My numbers are dummy but the actual table will probably show the record count. Now can I implement a similar thing for multiple selecction? Say the users can select more than 1 categorical field from -

Country (2)

Market (12)
Product (5)

Region (21)

Please feel free to send me a private message if necessary

Thanks,

saspert.

Re: Parameters

RR2809 — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 21:56:04 GMT

Hi,

I will try to show concept with screens:

1. Add Supporting Table, then create button-bar and declare connected parameter ("Par_PERIOD", text type)

2. In Fact Table (witch contains data to be analysed) create new calculated category ['Date' is calendar date]:

3. Result: one report with several views (measures and categories from Fact Table Source):

Best Regards

Robert R.

Re: Parameters

megha_singh89 — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:15:47 GMT

Thanks a lot. It was really helpful.

Another thing I would like to ask is :

If we have to create a text parameter, everytime we'll be making excel tables like the one you mentioned in your post?

Megha.

Re: Parameters

RR2809 — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 09:39:10 GMT

Hi,

No, you need excel file only once - just to prepare supporting data source in repository.

Of course you can prepare this table in Guide or other way .... Whatever.

In report, then:

Create button-bar, assign cattegory, right click mouse - choose "Create parameter"

Robert R.

Re: Parameters

semone — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 13:15:17 GMT

Hi Saspert, I have the same need as well (multiple parameter selection). Were you able to come up with a workable solution?

Best,

Sean

Re: Parameters

semone — Wed, 06 Jan 2016 13:18:37 GMT

No sooner had I posted then I found this which enables the functionality I need in 7.2:
http://blogs.sas.com/content/sgf/2015/09/16/accessing-va-reports-with-parameterized-urls/