Overview
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Report filters allow you to limit the amount of data that is returned, to the specific subset you require.
You may decide that you don't want to include all the data in a document. Applying conditions or filters to queries allows you to include only the data you need. The following illustrations show how a condition or filter works.
Without Filter |
With Booking Method Filter |
|---|---|
This table lists each step of the booking process for all Booking Methods. |
This table has been filtered to only show steps of the booking process where the Booking Method is Email. |
|
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Filter Types
There are a number of filter types available when building a report.
Filter Type |
Description |
|---|---|
View-Defined Calculated Filter |
This is a calculation defined at the view level. The filter condition has been defined so that the report writer only has to add the field to the report filter list, rather than defining and formatting it for each report. |
View-Defined Filter Group |
This is a group of filters defined at the view level. These are designed for commonly used sets of filters, allowing the report writer to simply add the group to the report filter list, rather than defining and formatting them individually for each report. |
Report Defined Filter |
This is a field that has been added to the report filter list and had a value defined by the report writer. |
User Defined Filter |
This is a field that has been added to the report filter list and set to prompt the report user for a value when viewing the report. |
Parameter |
This is a type of field that has been added to the report filter list and prompts the report user for a value. This value is then used by other filters or calculations in the report. Parameters are often used for What If analysis. |
Source Filter |
This is a filter that has been defined at the data source connection and applied to the view. Source filters are designed to restrict results of a report based on the report user's credentials. |
Pre-Defined Filters
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Pre-defined filters can be created to assist users with adding filters or conditions to their reports that ensure the data they require is easy to extract.
The use of pre-defined filters is especially useful in instances where:
- A common set of filters are used by report writers - such as location, or business unit; or
- If there are particularly complex filters that can be built ahead of time and are commonly used.
Pre-defined filters are indicated by the 
icon used in the data field list. To include a pre-defined filter on your report, select it from your field list and add to the Filters area.
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You will not be able to edit the contents of the filter once it is included in your report. If you wish to do so then creating a user defined filter is required.
See [View Defined Calculated Filters] for more information
Pre-Defined Filter Groups
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Filter Groups are created at the View level to save the user from recreating commonly used filter sets when building reports.
Pre-Defined Filter Groups are indicated by the 
icon used in the data field list. To include a filter set on your report, select it from your field list and add to the Filters area.
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See [View Defined Filter Groups] for more information
User Defined Filters
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If you wish to create your own filters from the data available to you in your view then you will have to create a user defined filter.
- The first step in adding a filter to your report is to drag either a dimension or metric item from the data fields list into the Filters Box as seen below.
- On the filter management page you will then be able to set the values for these filters.
User Prompt Filters
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User prompt filters or parameter driven reports can be created by creating user defined filters. If you do not specify particular values for the filter as discussed in detail below then the filter will be displayed on the report as a user prompt.
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Parameters
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Parameters are a special type of field which allows you to user input into calculated fields or have a single user prompt for multiple filters requiring the same input value. A parameter differs from a standard filter in that the input values can be used for calculations which permit you to do what if analysis.
For example a standard filter for Revenue would limit the result set to a specific revenue value - e.g. Greater than $100. However, a parameter could be used to drive a calculation - Multiply current sales units by $100.
Parameter fields are defined at the view but can be applied to report calculations and filters.
Parameter fields are indicated by the icon used in the data field list. This is indicated by the blue filter icon 
.
See [Parameters] for more information
Access Filter
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The access filter is a global filter applied to a report based on the user that is viewing the report at the time. This filter allows the same report to be distributed / used by many people but will only display data that is relevant for them.
For example an access filter may associate the user as the manager of a particular cost centre. When that user runs the report they will only see data for the cost - they will not be able to view data for other cost centres.
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