What is RangeFinder?

RangeFinder is a component that allows the dashboard developer to easily visualize how a value compares to what is typical for a specific metric. RangeFinder is flexible by design, so it can be used to perform a variety of analyses across almost any type of data or industry. Some metrics that can easily be created using RangeFinder are:

• Inventory Analysis
• Call Center Scorecard
• Sales Projections and Analysis
• Manufacturing Production Analysis
• Distribution Analysis

Calculating the ‘Typical’ Range

Typical Range

RangeFinder incorporates a proprietary algorithm to calculate a ‘typical’ range for a population of data. A departure from the way most other SAP BusinessObjects Dashboard/Xcelsius components work, RangeFinder incorporates this logic directly into the plugin so you don’t need to create lengthy calculations in the Excel model to derive these metrics.

Excel Data

Customizing the Component

ToolTip Customization

As SAP BusinessObjects Dashboard/Xcelsius developers ourselves, we know how important it is to have complete control over how your dashboard looks and feels. That’s why we built so much design flexibility into the RangeFinder Plugin.

Nearly every aspect of RangeFinder can be configured through either hardcoding values in the Properties sheet or through binding to a dynamic data cell. Here are some of the properties that can be changed:

• Fonts, sizes and colors
• Customize colors for background, typical range, target, indicator, border and trend
• Enable and disable text and visualizations
• Change the look and feel of tooltips

RangeFinder in Action!

Manufacturing Production Analysis

You can see some more examples of RangeFinder being utilized in the following dashboards on the RangeFinder product page (http://www.alteksolutions.com/software/plugins/rangefinder/examples.asp):

• Call Center Scorecard
• Sales Analysis Application

Getting RangeFinder

Not quite sure that RangeFinder can provide the analysis that is needed for your dashboard project? Try a fully functioning version free for 30 days by going to http://www.alteksolutions.com/software/plugins/rangefinder/trial.asp.

To purchase RangeFinder at a discount during the introductory offer phase that will expire on March 31, 2012, please go to http://www.alteksolutions.com/software/plugins/rangefinder/purchase.asp

Related posts:

1. Crystal Dashboard Design (Xcelsius 2008): Tips and Tricks ep5: Parent and Child Dashboards from InfoView using Doc Download!
2. Xcelsius 2008 SP 3 Fix Pack 5 Now Available!
3. SAP BusinessObjects 4 Teaser

Fixed Issues

• ADAPT01369834 (Leading blank spaces are truncated)
• ADAPT01487252 (Spreadsheet table disappears when refreshing)
• ADAPT01505461 (Background colors change)

Download

The FP is available out on SAP’s Service Marketplace through the following path:

• Software Downloads > Support Packages and Patches > A – Z Index > D > Dashboard Design (Xcelsius) >  Comprised Software Component Versions > BOBJ Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 > SBOP Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 Fix Pack 3.5

Documentation

FP 3.5 Fixed Issues

FP 3.5 Release Notes

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1. Xcelsius 2008 SP 3 Fix Pack 4 Now Available!
2. Xcelsius … Crystal Dashboard Design … Xcelsius 2008 Fix Pack 3.2 Now Available!
3. Xcelsius 2008 SP 3 Fix Pack 3 Now Available!

Splash Page

Splash Page

Upon logging in, the user will be greeted with a new home page that I like to call a splash page. Here the users can view their recently viewed documents, unread messages, recently run documents, and any alerts that they have  subscribed to. In addition to those items, the user has a list of all their available applications they can use. Of course if the user would like to go to a specific location including folders, categories, inbox, and tabs, they can do so by specifying it in their preferences.

Tabbed Browsing and Pinning

Tabbed Browsing

No longer will you have to jump from report to report in one browser or set your preferences to open reports in a new window (even though you still can). Users can open reports inside of one Launchpad and quickly switch between them via a tabbed structure like any new internet browser. This brings a natural usability to the SAP BusinessObjects BI Launchpad that any user can easily associate with skills they have previously learned. If you would like a document permanently opened, pin it to the BI Launchpad and it will stay there when you log on and off until you unpin it.

Navigating BI Launchpad Content

Document Navigation

The way in which a user navigates through the repository looking for documents has changed. In previous versions, users had immediate access to their favorites and inbox as well as either the folder structure or a category structure. With the new version of SAP BusinessObjects, the user will have to navigate differently using what SAP BusinessObjects calls “Drawers” but what I like to refer to as an accordion menu like what is in Xcelsius. The four areas that you have access to dependent on security are:

• My Documents
  • My Favorites
  • Inbox
  • Alerts
  • Personal Categories
• Folders
  • All public folders that the user has access to
• Categories
  • All corporate categories that the user has access to
• Search

Properties and Scheduling Dialog Boxes

Scheduling Dialog

In XI R2 and 3.x when navigating to either the properties or scheduling pages, the whole page for InfoView had refresh. In the newest version, BI 4.0 now works a lot like the 3.x versions of the Central Management Console. Every time you go to the properties page, scheduling page, or preferences page a dialog box pops up allowing you to not affect the current page that you are on. After you are done with the document properties or making a schedule, you can close the dialog box and immediately be taken to the page you were previously on.

Open Document Links

Open Document

I know that every time I have to generate and open document link I have to reference either notes I had used in the past or our blog post that we created for an easy reference guide. With BI 4.0 you can right click on a document and choose Document Link and it will generate the basic open document link for you. If you have to add in refresh options or prompts, you will have to add this on.

BI Workspace

Taking the place of My InfoView in previous versions of SAP BusinessObjects, BI Workspaces will allow users to create a personalized view of BI Launchpad by creating a workspace with Web Intelligence Documents, Xcelsius Dashboards and Crystal Reports that can all interact and set it as their default homepage.

Session Notifications

Session Notifications

The session notifications in previous version were non existent. The problem really comes into play when a user was developing a Web Intelligence document and the java applet could not interact with InfoView therefore not telling it that the session was active. After 20 minutes, InfoView would time out and the user would lose all progress made since they last saved their document. Now I am happy to announce that BI Launchpad tells you when your session is going to time out and ask if you want to extend it!!!

For More Information

To learn more about BI Launchpad in SAP BusinessObjects 4.0, check out the BI Launchpad’s User Guide, available on the SAP Help Portal.

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1. Exploring 4.0: Information Design Tool
2. Unlocking Your BI Content with OpenDocument
3. SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise 4.0 Ramp-up and Analysis!

The new model takes the traditional universe and breaks it down into three components:  the Connection, the Data Foundation, and the Business Layer.  These components all existed in some form in previous versions, but now they each get their own editor and a host of new features and options.  Let’s review these in a bit more detail.  (Note that the screenshots below are from the ramp-up version of this software and could change in the final release).

The Connection

The Connection is a named set of parameters that define how one or more SAP BusinessObjects applications can access relational or OLAP databases.  The big news in the 4.0 release is that a universe can have multiple connections to different data sources!  Previously this was only possible with Data Federator, but federation is now built into the universe layer.  More on this in the next section…

From a designer’s perspective, perhaps the best change is that the Connection now gets a proper editor instead of the old wizard dialog from previous versions.  This interface is much easier to use, especially if you need to quickly change something about the connection, such as changing the driver from ODBC to OLE DB.  More importantly, there is a Show Values tab where you can browse the schema, view the data, and even do basic queries right from within the Design Tool.

The Data Foundation

The Data Foundation contains a schema of relevant tables and joins from one or more relational databases that are used as a basis for one or more  Business Layers.  This looks and feels much like the old universe designer tool, but with an improved interface.  Users of the previous version of Universe Designer know that the interface hasn’t changed much since the early days of BusinessObjects 5.x and 6.x, so this revamp is a welcomed change.

As expected, you use the Data Foundation editor to define your database structure and joins as well as row-level security.  As mentioned above, you can even add data from another secondary source and map a join between the two sources.  This is as simple as adding the second connection to your project and creating the join.  The Information Design Tool treats the data as if it were all from a single source.  This is a very powerful feature, indeed.

Another big area of improvement is the context menu options when right-clicking a table in the designer.  You can now quickly replace a table with another, search for related tables, or even add a calculated column.  All this adds up to more rapid development and deployment and less time struggling with the quirks of the tool.

The Business Layer

The Business Layer is a collection of metadata objects that map to SQL or MDX definitions in a database, for example, columns, views, database functions, or pre-aggregated calculations.  This is the same as the left Universe panel on the previous designer tool, but with additional functionality.  The editor allows you to quickly view the query and values behind each object you create.  There is also an area to provide metadata describing the source of the object, including technical information, mapping, and lineage.

Aside from creating the various dimensions and measures that make up the Business Layer, the designer can also create and save queries using the traditional query panel to test their universe using specific use cases.  The query can be executed directly from within the Information Design Tool and the developer can do some analysis to make sure they are getting the correct results.

For More Information

For more information and to get a better look at the Information Design Tool, check out this great set of tutorials provided by the SAP Developers’ Network.

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1. Exploring 4.0: BI Launchpad
2. SAP BusinessObjects Enterprise 4.0 Ramp-up and Analysis!
3. Xcelsius … Crystal Dashboard Design … Xcelsius 2008 Fix Pack 3.2 Now Available!

Full Security Integration with the BI Platform

Data Services 4.0 now leverages the BI Platform for security and administration. This puts all of the security for Data Services in one place, instead of it being fragmented across the various repositories. Now, Data Services repositories are managed through the Central Management Console where the administrator can set rights on individual repositories just like he would with any other object in the BusinessObjects world.

This change brings some welcomed improvements. For example, users now log in to the Data Services Designer or Management Console with their BusinessObjects user ID. You no longer need to enter database credentials when you log in to Designer. Instead, once you log into BusinessObjects, you are presented with a simple list of Data Services repositories to choose from.

Built in Text processing transform

I first saw the BusinessObjects Text Analysis offering in a live demo years back. There was a ton of potential, but it was yet another tool separate from the rest of the suite and never got much momentum. Now that technology is included in Data Services 4.0. Using Text Processing, Data Services can read unstructured text such as e-mails and extract the important information from it, including names, places, dates, and their relationships. I am excited to see how this will be used by our clients.

New Datastore support for HANA

A lot of hype has surrounded SAP’s new High-Performance Analytic Appliance, or HANA software. This technology will allow for in-memory analysis of data and provides real-time data loads from any data source that Data Services supports. Many of the BI client tools in BusinessObjects 4.0 support HANA, including Xcelsius Dashboard Design and Explorer. I’m looking forward to the chance to work with this new product and find out what it can really do.

64-bit Server Architecture

Just like BusinessObjects 4.0, Data Services 4.0 has native 64-bit support.  Both the server components and client tools are now 64-bit.   The 32-bit server components are no longer offered, but there is still a 32-bit Designer tool available.

Get More Information

Data Services 4.0 is currently in ramp-up with SAP.  If you are interested in what Data Services 4.0 has to offer, read more about it from SAP’s What’s New guide.  Data Services 4.0 is scheduled for general release in June 2011.

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While we enjoy a nationwide client-base, we primarily deliver our SAP BusinessObjects consulting and training services in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and District of Columbia.

Our practical solutions deliver actionable and measurable business results that inform decision making, optimize IT efficiency, and improve business performance. We are a trusted advisor, strategic business partner, and expert implementer in business intelligence, data warehousing, data integration, information quality and performance management solutions.

We are currently looking for experienced, full-time SAP BusinessObjects developers to add to our consulting staff. Your initial project would involve the analysis, design, development and maintenance of SAP BusinessObjects universes and reports for an ongoing effort we have with an existing client.

Job Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing the client’s reporting requirements
• Creating Universes, reports and adhoc reports
• Designing and developing ETL routines to build the necessary back-end data
• Unit and integration testing
• Status Reporting
• Other related tasks

Job Requirements include:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Be able to interact with the business users to understand requirements and relate to their needs
• Experience in creating Business Objects Universes and Reports
• Understanding of how the security is designed in the Business Objects reports
• Desire and ability to quickly learn the client’s business processes
• Familiarity with Data Warehouse concepts including Star Schema or ER Modeling.
• Experience with Informatica or other ETL tools
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with Xcelsius, BusinessObjects SDK, or other SAP tools is a plus!

We offer:

• Competitive base salary
• Company-paid Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO health insurance
• Company-paid prescription, vision, dental, and short and long-term disability insurance
• 401k plan with company match
• Training & conference attendance opportunities
• Significant growth potential

To learn more about Altek Solutions, visit our website at www.alteksolutions.com.

For immediate consideration, please send cover letter, resume and salary history to Deb Berkheiser by email to dberkheiser@alteksolutions.com or by fax to (877) 844-7402.

All candidates must be legally able to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor H1B Visas at this time.

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1. We’re looking for a few good consultants…

Over the past few months we have been developing a new offering that is going to add to our web presence and really is something that no other company has done to date. On January 1st 2011, we will be launching a demo portal (http://demo.alteksolutions.com) that will serve as a showcase for some of the reports and dashboards we have created. The portal itself was built using the SAP BusinessObjects SDK and hopefully will be able to give people a new view into what is possible with business intelligence.

We look forward to your continued support in 2011.

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Due to our continued growth, Altek Solutions is currently seeking experienced Senior SAP BusinessObjects Consultants based in the Baltimore, MD area to add to our staff.  Your initial project would involve the analysis, design, development and maintenance of SAP BusinessObjects universes and reports for a new effort with an existing client.

About Altek Solutions

Altek Solutions is a leading provider of end-to-end business intelligence and data management solutions. With proven methodologies, deep expertise, and industry specialization, we solve our clients’ most pressing information challenges. For the past ten years, we have been Solution Provider Partners and Authorized Education Partners with SAP BusinessObjects.

While we enjoy a nationwide client-base, we primarily deliver our SAP BusinessObjects consulting and training services in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and District of Columbia.

Our practical solutions deliver actionable and measurable business results that inform decision making, optimize IT efficiency, and improve business performance. We are a trusted advisor, strategic business partner, and expert implementer in business intelligence, data warehousing, data integration, information quality and performance management solutions.

Benefits

• Excellent salary with significant growth potential
• Company-paid health, dental, vision and prescription plan
• Short and long-term disability
• 401k plan with company match
• Performance bonuses
• Attendance at industry conferences

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyzing the client’s reporting requirements
• Creating Universes, Reports and adhoc reports
• Designing and developing ETL routines to build the necessary back-end data
• Unit and integration testing
• Status Reporting
• Other related tasks

Job Requirements:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Must have experience in creating Business Objects Universes and Reports
• Must have an understanding of how the security is designed in the Business Objects reports
• Desire and ability to quickly learn the client’s business processes
• Familiarity with Data Warehouse concepts including Star Schema or ER Modeling.
• Experience with Informatica or other ETL tools
• Must have experience in writing SQL
• Experience with Xcelsius, BusinessObjects SDK, or other SAP tools a plus

To Apply:

If you are interested in a career with Altek Solutions, please forward your cover letter, resume and salary history to dberkheiser@alteksolutions.com, or call Deb Berkheiser at (877) 844-7476 x216.

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1. Now Hiring: Senior SAP BusinessObjects Consultants

Dear SAP Customers,

We are writing to you today in the spirit of openness. You have no doubt taken note of the changes SAP has made in its executive leadership team. We feel it’s important to write to you directly and express how honored and excited we are to be appointed Co-CEOs. We do this with the firm belief that SAP’s success was and will always be linked to the success of our customers. Our mission remains to make your business a best-run business. Customers are the very center of our strategy.

Over the last three weeks, we have been highly energized and working hard to set SAP on a better course. The excitement we feel and the passion we have for this company is very much about who we are and what we are all about. And we know that the changes at SAP have led to some questions, and we have answers for them:

Does new management mean a change in our strategy?

No. While we are making some changes at SAP, some things won’t change, including our product road map and our commitment to making your company a best-run business. We realize that SAP software touches 60 percent of the world’s transactions, and we take this responsibility seriously. We also recognize that you have made a substantial investment in SAP and built at least part of your business on us, which is why we want you to know that the investment you have made in SAP is protected and valid.

What will we change?

What we will change is to accelerate the pace of the innovation we deliver to you. We will do that by energizing our entire company to become even more open to and informed by the needs of your company. This is not a new task, as innovation has long but quietly flourished in many groups within SAP. Our goal now is to bring these groups together and unleash the creativity at SAP by fostering a new motivated employee culture, increasing customer involvement, and by increasing the clock speed of development efforts.

How will we operate the business as Co-CEOs?

With our appointment as Co-CEOs, SAP has put customers and product leadership at the center of our management model and given us a template to forge a new generation of leadership. Over the past year and a half, we have been working together on bringing the field and product teams closer together. With our different focus areas and skill sets we are a very complementary CEO team. Moving forward, we will retain our responsibilities leading Global Field Operations and Product Development, and you will also see an even closer alignment between solutions and services.

What else are we planning?

Over the coming days and weeks, we will share more updates on our key priorities—for example, delivering new innovation On Demand, On Premise, On Device, and in the Orchestration across your IT environment. Like you, we also highly anticipate the delivery of SAP Business ByDesign in the middle of this year. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we have a strong foundation as the leading business software company, with solutions that have a level of integrity and reliability trusted by thousands of organizations such as yours – our global customer base is among our greatest assets.

What is at the top of our agenda?

There’s one more thing that will change: we will listen more for your feedback and look for more opportunities to share our strategy with you. It will be very evident, as we reach out frequently to you and all of our stakeholders—customers, partners, employees and shareholders – to continue SAP’s transformation as a market leader focused on your success. We will use many opportunities to spark an active and open dialogue with you, to hear back from you, and welcome your ideas. In the coming days we will launch a blog platform to foster open dialog…for now, we welcome your comments at co-ceo@sap.com. We look forward to sharing our passion for software and its potential to transform business to help our customers be best-run businesses.

Best regards,

Bill McDermott and Jim Hagemann Snabe

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