Overview
[top]
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. |
|
|
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. |
View Defined Calculated Field
[top]
View defined filters are created to assist users adding filters or conditions to their reports. These filters are especially useful in instances where:
- A filter is regularly used by report writers, such as Location, Business Unit, or Date Range
- There are particulary complex filter conditions or calculations that could be defined once at the view, rather than once per report
View defined filters are indicated by the 
icon in the Fields List of the Report Builder Data step. To include a view defined filter in your report, select it from your field list and drag it into the Filters list. You will not be able to edit the contents of the filter through the report builder as they are defined at the view level.
See [View Defined Calculated Filters] for more information.
View Defined Filter Group
[top]
View defined filter groups are created to provide the user with common sets of filters when building reports. These filters are formatted and defined at the view to save the user time rebuilding sets and their possible relationships for each use in a report.
View defined filter groups are indicated by the 
icon in the Fields List of the Report Builder Data step. To include a filter group in your report, select it from your field list and drag it into the Filters list. You will not be able to edit the contents of the filter set through the report builder as they are defined at the view level.
See [View Defined Filter Groups] for more information.
Report Defined Filter
[top]
Report defined filters are fields added to the Filter list of the Report Builder Data step by the report writer. The writer then defines the conditions and values for the filter, not allowing the report user to provide values.
User Defined Filter
[top]
User defined filters are fields added to the Filter list of the Report Builder Data step by the report writer. The writer then defines the conditions and formatting of the filter, but leaves the values set to User Prompt. This means that the report user will provide values for the filters when they run the report.
See [User Prompt Filters] for more information.
Parameter
[top]
Parameters are a special type of field, defined in the view, added to the Filter list of the Report Data step by the report writer. Parameters are indicated by the 
icon in the Fields List of the Report Builder Data step. The parameter should then be referenced by other filters or calculated fields. Parameter settings are defined at the view and cannot be modified in the report builder.
Parameters are designed to prompt the user for a value, much like [User Defined Filters] mentioned above, then pass the value to other components of the report.
See [Parameters] for more information.
Source Filter
[top]
Source Filters are defined at the Data Source connection level and then applied to views for use on reports. These are filters designed to restrict results in a report based on the user viewing it. For example, A sales person from Australia would see the Business Sales Report filtered by Australia, where a sales manager for Australia & New Zealand would see the report filtered to see Australia and New Zealand sales records.
Source Filters can be disabled/enabled in the Report Builder by advanced report writers who have the appropriate role permission enabled, otherwise the filters are designed to be applied, but not seen by standard writers and users.
See [Source Access Filters] for more information.
[top]