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BusinessObjectsXcelsiusEnterprise 2008:Core & Connectivity

Learner’s GuideBOX310

Copyright© 2009 SAP® BusinessObjects™. All rights reserved. SAPBusinessObjects owns the followingUnited States patents,whichmay cover products that are offered and licensed by SAPBusinessObjects and/or affliated companies: 5,295,243; 5,339,390;5,555,403; 5,590,250; 5,619,632; 5,632,009; 5,857,205; 5,880,742;5,883,635; 6,085,202; 6,108,698; 6,247,008; 6,289,352; 6,300,957;6,377,259; 6,490,593; 6,578,027; 6,581,068; 6,628,312; 6,654,761;6,768,986; 6,772,409; 6,831,668; 6,882,998; 6,892,189; 6,901,555;7,089,238; 7,107,266; 7,139,766; 7,178,099; 7,181,435; 7,181,440;7,194,465; 7,222,130; 7,299,419; 7,320,122 and 7,356,779. SAPBusinessObjects and its logos, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports®,Rapid Mart™, Data Insight™, Desktop Intelligence™, RapidMarts®, Watchlist Security™, Web Intelligence®, and Xcelsius®are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects,an SAP company and/or affiliated companies in the UnitedStates and/or other countries. SAP® is a registered trademarkof SAPAG inGermany and/or other countries. All other namesmentioned hereinmay be trademarks of their respective owners.

C O N T E N T SCourse introduction.....................................................................................................11Course description.......................................................................................................12Course audience...........................................................................................................13Prerequisites.................................................................................................................14Additional education...................................................................................................15Level, delivery, and duration.....................................................................................16Course success factors.................................................................................................17Course setup.................................................................................................................18Course materials..........................................................................................................19Learning process .........................................................................................................20

Lesson 1Creating a VisualizationLesson introduction.......................................................................................................1Producing interactive visualizations...........................................................................2

Presenting data visually........................................................................................2Using visual data....................................................................................................3Choosing the right Xcelsius product...................................................................4Setting up a visualization with embedded data................................................4Setting up a visualization with connected data ................................................5

Getting around in Xcelsius...........................................................................................7Using the Xcelsius interface..................................................................................7Using toolbars.......................................................................................................10Using the Components Browser........................................................................14Using the Object Browser....................................................................................17Using the Property sheets...................................................................................18Using the canvas...................................................................................................18Changing the layout of the interface.................................................................19Using document properties................................................................................20Using global settings............................................................................................21Finding help..........................................................................................................22

Working with your Excel workbook.........................................................................24Designing your Xcelsius visualization..............................................................24Designing your Excel workbook........................................................................24Working with your Excel workbook ................................................................26Applying best practices to your Excel workbook design...............................28Replacing the embedded Excel workbook.......................................................29Copying cells to the embedded Excel workbook............................................30Using recommended Excel functions................................................................30

iiiTable of Contents—Learner’s Guide

Recognizing unsupported Excel functions.......................................................31Visualizing data with charts.......................................................................................32

Using charts for visualization.............................................................................32Choosing a chart type..........................................................................................32Adding a dual axis to your chart ......................................................................39Taking advantage of dynamic labels and titles...............................................40Using data in ranges............................................................................................40Activity: Setting up a chart with a data range ................................................43Using data in a series...........................................................................................44Defining category axis labels..............................................................................45Activity: Setting up a chart with a data series ................................................46Deciding when to use a range and when to use a series................................47Anticipating future data by ignoring end blanks............................................47Activity: Setting up a chart to ignore end blanks ...........................................48

Using Xcelsius components........................................................................................50Understanding input and output components................................................50Understanding single value components.........................................................50Using single value component types.................................................................51Working with percentages..................................................................................53Using play options...............................................................................................55Using the Image component...............................................................................56Using a container component.............................................................................58Understanding alerts...........................................................................................58Setting up alerts....................................................................................................60Understanding text components........................................................................62Understanding other component types............................................................64Understanding the Calendar component.........................................................67Using the Trend Analyzer...................................................................................69Adding Print and Reset buttons.........................................................................72Understanding the History component............................................................73Understanding web connectivity component types.......................................74Activity: Performing "what-if" analysis ...........................................................76

Applying best practice for designing models..........................................................78Optimizing design................................................................................................78Removing yourself from the data......................................................................78Starting with pencil and paper...........................................................................79Designing a layout based on how users need to view data...........................79Creating a mockup of the dashboard................................................................81Following Excel best practices............................................................................82Avoiding getting lost in the visualization........................................................83Utilizing summarized data.................................................................................84Choosing a component based on your data.....................................................84Activity: Designing a visualization...................................................................85

Distributing your visualization.................................................................................87Previewing your model and creating Snapshots.............................................87Choosing the right output for your audience..................................................88Making your model available to others for re-use..........................................90

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity—Learner’s Guideiv

Quiz: Creating a visualization...................................................................................92Lesson summary..........................................................................................................95

Lesson 2Formatting a VisualizationLesson introduction.....................................................................................................97Applying formatting options.....................................................................................98

Using color schemes.............................................................................................98Creating custom color schemes........................................................................100Formatting text in your visualization..............................................................103Changing the layout of components...............................................................103

Using themes and template to apply formatting..................................................105Using themes.......................................................................................................105Using predefined templates..............................................................................107Using user-defined templates ..........................................................................108Activity: Formatting a model...........................................................................110

Quiz: Formatting a visualization.............................................................................112Lesson summary........................................................................................................113

Lesson 3Adding Interactivity to a VisualizationLesson introduction...................................................................................................115Using selectors............................................................................................................116

Adding a selector................................................................................................116Understanding data insertion...........................................................................116Using each data insertion type in selectors....................................................117Setting default values for selectors..................................................................119Using alerts in selectors.....................................................................................122Importing graphics as selectors........................................................................124Using a table as a selector.................................................................................126Using drill down to use a chart as a selector..................................................127Using the list builder selector to select multiple items.................................129Activity: Creating interactive models using selectors..................................129Creating interactive maps.................................................................................131Activity: Using maps.........................................................................................134

Adding dynamic visibility........................................................................................136Understanding dynamic visibility...................................................................136Defining dynamic visibility display status.....................................................138Choosing dynamic visibility options...............................................................139Using formulas...................................................................................................140Creating multi-layer reports.............................................................................141Activity: Creating interactive models using dynamic visibility..................142

Troubleshooting interactivity...................................................................................144Troubleshooting with the Spreadsheet Table component...........................144

vTable of Contents—Learner’s Guide

Alleviating common symptoms.......................................................................144Activity: Creating a presentation-ready visualization..................................146

Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization........................................................148Lesson summary........................................................................................................149

Lesson 4Creating a Connected VisualizationLesson introduction...................................................................................................151Using Live Data Sources...........................................................................................152

Understanding the workflow required to use live data sources ................152Using the Data Manager to add and configure connections.......................152Using the Connection Refresh button.............................................................154Understanding the External Interface connection type................................154Activity: Using the External Interface connection type................................156

Connecting to XML data...........................................................................................159Understanding XML Data connections ..........................................................159Choosing XML Data as your data connection ..............................................159Setting up an XML data connection by creating an XML definition .........160

Optional Procedure: To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trustall local drives .............................................................................................163

Activity: Connecting to XML with a new definition.....................................163Leveraging Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XMLdefinition.............................................................................................................165Activity: Connecting to XML with an existing definition using ExcelXML maps...........................................................................................................167

Connecting to data using an existing Web Service...............................................169Understanding Web Services...........................................................................169Choosing an existing Web Service as your data connection........................169Setting up your Web Services data connection..............................................170Activity: Connecting to data using an existing Web Service.......................171

Connecting to Crystal Reports data........................................................................173Understanding the Crystal Report Data Consumer connection.................173Choosing the Crystal Reports Data Consumer as your dataconnection...........................................................................................................173Setting up your Crystal Reports Data Consumer data connection.............174Activity: Connecting to Crystal Reports data................................................175

Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service........177Understanding BusinessObjects Universes and Query as a WebService..................................................................................................................177Choosing QaaWS as your data connection....................................................177Configuring a QaaWS connection to consume a WSDL...............................178Activity: Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as aWeb Service ........................................................................................................179

Connecting to Portal Data........................................................................................182Using the Portal Data connection type with no connection ........................182

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity—Learner’s Guidevi

Using the Portal Data connection type with a Provider connection ..........183Using the Portal Data connection type with a Consumer connection...............................................................................................................................183Activity: Using Portal Data with Dashboard Builder...................................183Review: Connecting to Portal Data..................................................................185

Using Live Office data...............................................................................................186Understanding the Live Office connection ....................................................186Setting up a Live Office connection ................................................................188Activity: Setting up the workbook for use with Live Office data...............189Activity: Populating your embedded Excel workbook with WebIntelligence data using Live Office..................................................................190Connecting to SAP data.....................................................................................191

Working with Business Requirements...................................................................193Gathering business requirements....................................................................193Deeper Investigation .........................................................................................193Activity: Visualizing Targets............................................................................193Analyzing an existing visualization ...............................................................194Activity: Emulating existing visualizations....................................................194

Quiz: Creating a connected visualization .............................................................195Lesson summary........................................................................................................196

Appendix AAppendix: Optional Connectivity UnitsConnecting to LCDS..................................................................................................197Understanding Adobe LiveCycle DataServices connections .............................197To set up an LCDS ....................................................................................................197Connecting to Sharepoint.........................................................................................198Adding Xcelsius visualizations as SharePoint web parts....................................198To set up SharePoint web parts for use in Xcelsius visualizations.....................198

Answer KeyQuiz: Creating a visualization.................................................................................201Quiz: Formatting a visualization.............................................................................203Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization........................................................204Review: Connecting to Portal Data.........................................................................205Review: Connecting to SAP data.............................................................................206Quiz: Creating a connected visualization .............................................................207

viiTable of Contents—Learner’s Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity—Learner’s Guideviii

A G E N D ABusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core

& Connectivity

Introductions, Course Overview...........................................30 minutes

Lesson 1Creating a Visualization............................................................7.75 hours❒ Producing interactive visualizations❒ Getting around in Xcelsius❒ Working with your Excel workbook❒ Visualizing data with charts❒ Using Xcelsius components❒ Applying best practice for designing models❒ Distributing your visualization

Lesson 2Formatting a Visualization...............................................................1 hour❒ Applying formatting options❒ Using themes and template to apply formatting

Lesson 3Adding Interactivity to a Visualization.................................4.75 hours❒ Using selectors❒ Adding dynamic visibility❒ Troubleshooting interactivity

Lesson 4Creating a Connected Visualization.......................................4.5 hours❒ Using Live Data Sources❒ Connecting to XML data❒ Connecting to data using an existing Web Service❒ Connecting to Crystal Reports data❒ Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service❒ Connecting to Portal Data❒ Using Live Office data

ixAgenda—Learner’s Guide

❒ Connecting to SAP data

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity—Learner’s Guidex

Course introductionThis section explains the conventions used in the course and in this training guide.

11—Learner’s Guide

Course descriptionBusinessObjects™ Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 enables you to transform Excel workbooks intocaptivating visualizations with the ability to provide interactive what-if analysis. Use Xcelsiusto build engaging dashboards for executives and business users. An Xcelsius visualizationprovides insight into complex data and delivers confidence to those who will use it to makedecisions.

As a business benefit, you will be able to connect your dashboards to any data source andprovide everyone in your organizationwith up-to-the-minute personalized data. You'llmanagemultiple data sources by controlling all live data connections from one central interface. Youwill improve your productivity by manipulating and linking your data to visually compellinganalytics in a single design.

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity—Learner’s Guide12

Course audienceThis course is intended fo rinexperienced BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 users whoneed to acquire proficiency with building interactive visualizations based on Microsoft Excelworkbooks. Users of Xcelsius Present 2008, Xcelsius Engage 2008, and Xcelsius Engage - Server2008 will find this course useful, but should be aware that some features and functionalitypresented in this course do not mirror the exact functionality in their version of Xcelsius.


PrerequisitesWhile not required for this course, experience with these products and technologies will behelpful:• Microsoft Excel


Additional educationNot applicable for this offering.


Level, delivery, and durationThis core level instructor-led course requires three-days to complete.


Course success factorsYour learning experience will be enhanced by:• Activities that build on the life experiences of the learner• Discussion that connects the training to real working environments• Learners and instructor working as a team• Active participation by all learners


Course setupRefer to the setup guide for details on hardware, software, and course-specific requirements.


Course materialsThe materials included with the course materials are:• Name card• Learner’s Guide

The Learner’s Guide contains an agenda, learner materials, and practice activities.

The Learner’s Guide is designed to assist students who attend the classroom-based courseand outlines what learners can expect to achieve by participating in this course.

• Evaluation form

At the conclusion of this course, you will receive an electronic feedback form as part of ourevaluation process. Provide feedback on the course content, instructor, and facility. Yourcomments will assist us to improve future courses.

Additional resources include:• Sample files

The sample files can include required files for the course activities and/or supplementalcontent to the training guide.

• OnlineHelp

Retrieve information and find answers to questions using the onlineHelp and/or user’sguide that are included with the product.


Learning processLearning is an interactive process between the learners and the instructor. By facilitating acooperative environment, the instructor guides the learners through the learning framework.

Introduction

Why am I here? What’s in it for me?

The learners will be clear about what they are getting out of each lesson.

Objectives

How do I achieve the outcome?

The learners will assimilate new concepts and how to apply the ideas presented in the lesson.This step sets the groundwork for practice.

Practice

How do I do it?

The learners will demonstrate their knowledge as well as their hands-on skills through theactivities.

Review

How did I do?

The learners will have an opportunity to review what they have learned during the lesson.Review reinforces why it is important to learn particular concepts or skills.

Summary

Where have I been and where am I going?

The summary acts as a recap of the learning objectives and as a transition to the next section.


Lesson 1Creating a Visualization

Lesson introductionIn this lesson, youwill get to know the interface and tools available in Xcelsius.What you learnin this lesson will be the foundation for all of the workshops you complete throughout thecourse.

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Describe the benefits of producing interactive visualizations of your data• Define the process of producing interactive visualizations of your data• Get around in the Xcelsius user interface• Work with your Excel workbook• Visualize data with charts• Use Xcelsius components• Distribute your visualization• Apply best practices for designing models

1Creating a Visualization—Learner’s Guide

Producing interactive visualizations

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius visualizations and the benefits of using Xcelsiusvisualizations in your presentations.

After completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Describe the features and benefits of presenting data visuallywith BusinessObjects XcelsiusEnterprise 2008

• Choose the right version of Xcelsius for your needs• Understand the process for creating visualizations that use embedded or connected data

Presenting data visually

Business data is often so complex that workbooks are needed to organize it in a meaningfulway. But what can you do if your audience doesn't use Microsoft Excel or is confused by rows,columns, and formulas?

Xcelsius enables you to quickly create engaging animated visualizations based on your Excelworkbook spreadsheets and allows you to interactwith these visualizations to perform "what-if"analysis on the fly.

Which is easier for most audiences to understand? A static Excel worksheet?

Or dynamic, interactive visualizations created with Xcelsius?


All visualizations allow you to interact with a copy of a spreadsheet embedded into thevisualization file. You can select items from the drop-downmenu in the Xcelsius visualizationto change the display in the chart.

Using visual data

Using visual data will allow you to:• Perform "what-if" analysis on the fly by changing variables that affect the calculated values

represented in charts and other visual indicators.• Use data fromExcelworkbooks to create dashboards and scorecardswith alerts that indicate

potential issues and opportunities for your organization.• Identify problems in your source data or your underlying business assumptions that are

difficult to see in tabular data.

For example, this visualization presents total projected sales as a function of sales from aprevious year multiplied by the projected growth rate for each product line in an attractive,easy-to-use format.

Alerts have also been set up with a "red zone" below $2750, and a target of $4000.


Choosing the right Xcelsius product

Xcelsius offers the following products with the following capabilities:

CapabilitiesProduct

Creates interactive data presentations from Microsoft Excelspreadsheets.Xcelsius Present 2008

Creates live dashboards from personal and corporate datasources. Consumes newor re-uses existingWeb services andlive data connection feeds.Xcelsius Engage 2008

Xcelsius Engage 2008 is limited to using a singleweb service.

Creates live dashboards from personal and corporate datasources without having to manually write Web services andlive data connection feeds.Xcelsius Engage-Server 2008Xcelsius Engage-Server 2008 is bundled with Flynet WebServices Generator.

Creates secure and personalized business intelligence (BI)dashboards connected to BusinessObjects™ Enterprise or

BusinessObjects XcelsiusEnterprise 2008

BusinessObjects Edge Series from Business Objects, an SAPcompany.

Easily connects to live enterprise data in SAP orBusinessObjects software.

Setting up a visualization with embedded data

When designing and deploying an Xcelsius visualization that uses embedded data, followthese steps.1. Design

• Data

You can import any Excel workbook into Xcelsius. Data, formulas, and formatting foundin theworkbookwill be included. All of the components in your visualization are boundto the values and formulas in the Excel workbook or external data sources to displayup-to-the-minute data in your visualizations.Macros, external spreadsheet andVBScriptnot supported.

You can also copy and paste cells from another Excel workbook to the embedded Excelworkbook in your visualization.


To connect to other data sources, use the Data Manager to create live data connectionsthat will populate your visualizations.

• Build and format the visualization

Add a combination of useful components (for example charts, gauges, tables, andmaps)to your visualization and then bind those components to cells, rows, or ranges of datain your Excel workbook. Use the property sheets to set alerts, define behavior andcustomize the appearance of those components.

2. Publish the visualization

By clicking a single toolbar button in Xcelsius, your visualization can be produced as aninteractive Flash file (SWF). Other toolbar buttons will produce the Flash file andautomatically embed that Flash file in a PowerPoint presentation slide, Microsoft Worddocument, Outlook email message, or an Adobe PDF document. Another toolbar buttoncreates the Flash file as well as an HTML document and folder structure that will displayyour Flash file in a web browser.

3. Deploy the published visualization

Host your Flash file in any environment including BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.1. UseHTML to call your SWF file on aweb server. The only requirement for the end user is currentversion of the Adobe Flash Player. Excel is only required at design-time, viewers are notrequired to have Excel to view your visualization.

Setting up a visualization with connected data

When designing and deploying a connected Xcelsius visualization, you start with the designworkflow to build the dashboard.

Creating a visualization involves this design workflow:1. Import the data source

Always start with an Excel workbook populated with data from your corporate database,your BusinessObjects Enterprise relational database, or another data source. Avoid importingworkbooks that include unsupported Excel functions, macros, and externally linked cells.Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008 will not have the option to interactwith BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.1. Import the workbook into Xcelsius.

2. Design and build the visualization

Build a dashboard by adding components such as charts or gauges to your visualizationand bind each component to cells, rows, or ranges in your Excelworkbook.Use the propertysheets to define the behavior and appearance of those components.

3. Connect the visualization

Using the Xcelsius Data Manager, you will add connections to a live data source (QaaWS,Web Service Connection, XML data, Flash Variables, Portal Data, Crystal Report DataConsumer, FSCommand, LCDSConnections, Excel XMLMaps, or LiveOffice Connections).


Once the connection is defined youwill indicate the refresh rate and direct loading and idlemessages to your visualization.

4. Publish the visualization

Connected visualizations allowuserswith the appropriate permissions to viewvisualizationsbased on live data.


Getting around in Xcelsius

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about the Xcelsius interface and how to customize it to help speedyour development of Xcelsius visualizations.


• Use the Xcelsius interface• Use the toolbars• Use the Components Browser• Use the Object Browser• Use Property sheets• Use the canvas• Change the layout of the interface• Use document properties• Use global preferences• Find help

Using the Xcelsius interface

The Xcelsius interface is composed of several independent elements:• Toolbars• Components Browser• Object Browser• Property sheets• Canvas• Embedded Excel workbook


To create a new Xcelsius file

• From the Filemenu, clickNew and select one of the following options:

• To create a new Xcelsius file with an empty embedded Excel workbook, clickNew.• To create a newXcelsius file and import an Excel file into the embedded Excelworkbook,

clickNewwith Spreadsheet, navigate to and select the Excel file in theOpen dialog box,and clickOpen.

A new file is created in Xcelsius.


To save an Xcelsius file

1. From the Filemenu, click Save As.

The Save As dialog box displays.

2. Navigate to the appropriate location for the file.

3. In the File name field, enter a unique name for the file.

4. Click Save.

The file is saved and the title bar updates to reflect the specific name for the file.

To open an existing Xcelsius file

1. From the Filemenu, clickOpen.


TheOpen dialog box displays.

2. Navigate to and select the Xcelsius file.

3. ClickOpen.

Note: If there is another Xcelsius file already open, you will be prompted to save that filebefore opening the new file. Click Yes orNo as appropriate.

The file opens in the Xcelsius interface.

Using toolbars

These toolbars contain all of the features that you will use most frequently when buildingvisualizations in Xcelsius.

Standard toolbar

DescriptionNameButton

Create a new visualization.New

Open an existing visualization.Open

Save changes to the current visualization.Save

Print the current visualization.Print



Cut the selected components from the canvas.Cut

Copy the selected components to the clipboard.Copy

Paste any components on the clipboard to the canvas.Paste

Undo the last action.Undo

Repeat the last action that was undone.Redo

Toggle between one of two different cursor tools. Thewhite arrow pointer allows you to click and drag

Selection tool

components from the Components Browser to thecanvas. The black crosshairs allow you to click in thecanvas to add the component selected in theComponents Browser.

Click to add a pre-selected component to the canvas.Component tool

Note: Only one of the Selection Tool and theComponent Tool buttons can be active at a time.

Specify an external Excel workbook to replace thedefault or current embedded Excel workbook to act asthe data source for the visualization.

Import spreadsheet

Use this button to launch the DataManager, where youcan create new and edit existing connections to otherexternal data sources.

Manageconnections

Increase the size of the canvas by small increments.Increase canvas

Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments.Decrease canvas

Reduce the canvas to align with the edges of thecomponents on it.

Fit canvas tocomponents



Increase the window to its full size.Fit canvas towindow

Quickly re-arrange the screen using one of four presetconfigurations:

Change windowslayout

• My Workspace• Canvas• Excel• Canvas and Excel

Preview the visualization to test the interactive behavior.Preview

Export toolbar


Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a newPowerPoint slide presentation.

Export toPowerpoint

Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a newWord document.

Export to Word

Publish to SWF format and add the file as an attachmentto a new Outlook email message.

Export to Outlook

Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a newPDFdocument.

Export to PDF

Publish a visualization and add it to the BusinessObjectsEnterprise. Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius EngageServer 2008 will not have this option.

Export to BusinessObjects platform

Themes toolbar


Choose a theme from the Themes palette to apply toyour visualization.

Change Theme



Choose froman existing color scheme, or create a customcolor scheme.

Colors

Format toolbar


Locks components together so they cannot be movedindividually.

Group components

Unlocks grouped components so they can be movedindividually.

Ungroupcomponents

Align the left edge of selected components.Align left

Align selected components horizontally through themiddles of the components.

Center horizontally

Align the right edge of selected components.Align right

Align the top edge of selected components.Align top

Align selected components vertically through the centersof the components.

Center vertically

Align the bottom edge of selected components.Align bottom

Horizontally distribute selected objects equal distancesfrom each other.

Space evenly across

Vertically distribute selected objects equal distancesfrom each other.

Space evenly down

Make the selected components the same width relativeto the first component in the selection.

Make same width



Make the selected components the same height relativeto the first component in the selection.

Make same height

Make the selected components the same size relative tothe first component in the selection.

Make same size

Bring component to the top layer.Bring to front

Send component to the bottom layer.Send to back

Bring a component forward one layer.Bring forward

Send a component backward one layer.Send backward

Using the Components Browser

Components are graphic objects, such as charts, gauges, or radio buttons, that can be added tothe canvas, then bound to data ranges and/or formulas from the Excel file. They are the buildingblocks of your visualizations. TheComponents Browser contains all of the components availablefor building visualizations. Available components are grouped by category and can be viewedin an accordion style menu or a tree menu. Alternately, all components can be viewed in analphabetical list.

To add a component to the canvas from the Components Browser, just click to select and clickthe canvas, or click and drag.

You can view components by category:


Or in a tree menu:


Or in a list menu:

To add a component to the canvas

1. In the Components Browser, navigate to the appropriate component using one of thefollowing methods:

• To browse using an accordion menu, click the Category tab and click the appropriateheading to expand it or scroll through the list.

• To browse using a folder structure, click the Tree tab and click the appropriate folder toexpand it.

• To browse an alphabetical list of all components, click the List tab.

2. Add the component to the canvas using one of the following methods:

• Click the component in the Components Browser, drag it to the appropriate location onthe canvas, and release the mouse.

• Click the component in the Components Browser, and then click the appropriate locationon the canvas.

The component is added to the canvas, and the property sheets update to displaycontext-sensitive options for configuration.

3. To resize a component, click and drag the handles for the component to the appropriateproportions.


Using the Object Browser

Once you have added components to the canvas from the Components Browser, thosecomponents are listed in the Object Browser. You can use the Object Browser to selectcomponents so you can cut, copy, paste, delete, bring forward, move back, group, ungroup,and rename them by right-clicking to access the secondary menu. You can also place a checkmark under the eye to hide the component so you canmore easilyworkwith other components.A check mark under the lock prevents changes from being applied to that component.

Examine the Object Browser shown. Note that all four components in the visualization appearin the Object Browser.

Objects at the top of the Object Browser list are closest to the canvas. New components areadded to the bottom of the Object Browser list. Therefore, they reside on the top-most layer ofthe visualization.

To use the Object Browser

• In the Object Browser, do any of the following:

• To hide or unhide all objects on the canvas, clickHide in the toolbar.• To hide or unhide individual objects, click the dot under theHide button for the object.• To lock or unlock all objects on the canvas, click Lock in the toolbar.• To lock or unlock individual objects, click the dot under the Lock button for the object.


• To change the order of an object relative to other objects, select the object and click theup or down arrow.

• To delete an object, select the object and clickDelete in the toolbar.

Using the Property sheets

Once a component has been added to the canvas, it must be configured using options on aProperty sheet. You can access Property sheets by double-clicking on the component orright-clicking the component and selecting Properties from the context menu.

There are five Property sheets which allow you to specify options that change the functionalityof the components on your canvas.

PurposeProperty sheet

Use the General Property sheet to bind the component to the data inthe embedded Excel workbook.General

Use the Drill Down Property sheet to enable the ability to drill into acomponent to get more data. This functionality is available for chartsonly. Th

Drill Down

Use the Behavior Property sheet to set limits on numeric values andenable dynamic visibility.Behavior

Use the Appearance Property sheet to apply formatting to individualcomponents.Appearance

Use the Alerts Property sheet to color-code performance indicators.This functionality is not available for all components.Alerts

Using the canvas

Only components on the canvas are active and part of your visualization. After you have addedall of your components, it is a best practice to resize the canvas relative to the components onit. You have several options for resizing the canvas. You can also change the actual size of thecanvas through the File menu.

To resize the canvas

• On the standard toolbar, do any of the following:

• To increase the canvas size, click Increase canvas.


Note: The canvas is increased in increments of five pixels in all directions each time youclick the button.

• To decrease the canvas size, clickDecrease canvas.

Note: The canvas is decreased in increments of five pixels in all directions each time youclick the button.

• To resize the canvas to the dimensions of the components on the canvas, click Fit Canvasto Components.

• To resize the canvas to the dimensions of the canvas pane in the Xcelsius interface, clickFit Canvas to Window.

The canvas size adjusts as specified.

Changing the layout of the interface

You can arrange the elements of the screen (Component Browser, Object Browser, Canvas, andProperties window) using the docking, auto-hide, and quick view features of Xcelsius 2008.Docking allows you to fix the location of different elements or allow them to float independently.Once an element is docked, you may choose to Auto-hide the element so that it only appearswhen you hover over the minimized button at the edge of the screen. Use the Quick Viewfeature to jump to one of several preconfigured layouts. Any customizations you make to thelayout will be retained when you exit and return in a future session.

To change the layout of the interface

• Do any of the following:

• To undock a window, click and drag the title bar away from its fixed location to changeit to a floating palette.

• To dock a window, click and drag the title bar of the floating palette to the location andrelease the cursor over the appropriate docking point.

• To hide a window, click the Auto Hide icon ( ).• To unhide a window, move the cursor over the docked pane to display it and click the

Auto Hide icon again.• To apply a Quick View, from the Viewmenu, clickQuick Views and select the

appropriate layout.


Using document properties

TheDocument Properties dialog box modifies the properties of the active visualization. Youcan adjust the canvas to a preset or custom size, change default font size, or enter an optionaldescription of the visualization. Device fonts are non-embedded fonts that depend on the localmachine to render the font. Xcelsius visualizations use non-embedded fonts by default andeach component can use a different font. Xcelsius visualizations that use embedded fonts arenot dependent on the fonts installed on the local machine but are considerably larger thanvisualizations that use device fonts (non-embedded).

While you can use Embedded Fonts for Xcelsius 2008, for best results use Global Fonts. Ifworking with a visualization migrated from Crystal Xcelsius 4.5, it is recommend that youavoid using embedded fonts.

To change document properties

1. From the Filemenu, clickDocument Properties.TheDocument Properties dialog box displays.

2. To define the canvas size, do one of the following:

• To use a predefined canvas size, select the Preset Size option and select the appropriatesize from the associated drop-down list.

• To define a custom size for the canvas, select theCustomSize option and enter thewidthand height in pixels in the associated fields.


3. To use a global font, do the following:a. Select the Use Global Font check box.b. In the associated drop-down list, select the desired font.c. Choose one of the following options:

• To not embed the font, select the Use Device Fonts (Fonts will not be embedded)option.

• To embed the font, select the Use Embedded Fonts option.

4. To add a description to the document, enter the text in theDescription pane.

5. ClickOK.

Using global settings

You can modify the global default preferences in the Preferences dialog box.• On the Document tab, you can modify global settings for the canvas, themes, and colors.• On the Grid tab, you can modify global settings for grid visibility, grid dimensions, and

object "snap-to."• On the Open tab, you can specify a specific folder to use when opening visualization files,

or have Xcelsius remember the last folder you used.• On the Language tab, you can select a default language for Xcelsius 2008.• On the ExcelOptions tab, you can enable LiveOffice Compatibility, hide the Switch To/Retry

dialog box, and limit the number of rows in a formula or component binding.


To change global preferences

1. From the Filemenu, click Preferences.The Preferences dialog box displays.

2. Click the appropriate tab.

3. Change the settings as desired.

4. ClickOK.

Finding help

There are several sources of help in Xcelsius:• Quick Start

From the Help menu, select Quick Start to show or hide the Quick Start Wizard whichcontains Quick Start tutorials.

• Xcelsius Help

From the Help menu, select Xcelsius Help to display a searchable HTML version of theXcelsius 2008 User Guide.

• Context-based help movies

Clicking in a property sheet will play a context based help movie that walks you throughconcepts related to the property.

To use the Quick Start wizard

1. From theHelpmenu, clickQuick Start.

TheQuick Start pane displays in the interface.

2. Do any of the following:

• To view a brief explanation on how to create a model, click Start: Zero to "wow" in 5minutes.

• To view a tutorial on how to create a model, click theQuickstart Tutorial link.• Todownload samples anddemos from the BusinessObjectswebsite, click theTemplates

link.• To view videos, tutorials, and other resources available through the Diamond Technical

Community, click the Learning Center link.• To view information on related products, click the Learn More link.

To view help topics

1. From theHelpmenu, click Xcelsius Help.

The Xcelsius 2008 User Guide dialog box opens in a browsable format.



• To browse help topics in tree format, click the Content tabs, expand the branches of thetree, and select the help topic you want to view.

• To browse an alphabetical list of help topics, click the Index tab, scroll through the list,select the help topic you want to view, and clickDisplay.

• To search for a help topic directly, click the Search tab, enter the keywords in the Typein the word(s) to search for field, click List Topics, select the help topic you want toview, and clickDisplay.

Note: Keep in mind that, if you enter more than one word to search for, the list includestopics that meet any of the search terms.

The help topic displays in the pane on the right.


Working with your Excel workbook

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn how to design your Excel workbook to efficiently design and buildXcelsius visualizations.


• Design your Xcelsius visualization• Design your Excel workbook• Work with your Excel workbook• Apply best practices to your Excel workbook• Choose a component based on your data• Prepare to build a model• Replace the embedded Excel workbook• Copy cells to the embedded Excel workbook• Use recommended Excel functions• Recognize unsupported Excel functions

Designing your Xcelsius visualization

There are several questions that you should answer before you launch Xcelsius. The answershave a significant impact on how you design your Xcelsius visualizations:• Who is providing the source information?• Who will be the audience for the completed visualization?• What information are you trying to convey from the source data?• What decisions or actions will be driven from the visualization?• How will the visualization be distributed?• How often will the visualization be refreshed with new data?

Tip: Design your model by first sketching it on paper. Retain this sketch during the creation ofyour Xcelsius visualization to help speed development and illustrate flaws in your design as earlyas possible.

Designing your Excel workbook

Xcelsius uses an Excel spreadsheet to serve as the mechanism for mapping data and formulasto the components in Xcelsius. Microsoft Excel has an enormous user base and is easy to use.There are three key benefits that Microsoft Excel provides when embedded inside Xcelsius2008:1. Data Model


You can enter highly aggregated data directly into the spreadsheet and visualize it, so thereis no need for a database. You can also pull in highly aggregated data from external sources,including Web services, XML, and databases.

2. Calculation Engine

In addition to Microsoft Excel having a very familiar and flexible formula language, it alsoprovides a calculation engine.

3. Eventing Model

When a cell changes, we get a data change event. This event is primarily used to instructExcel to recalcuate cell values, but this data change event can be used to kick off otherprocesses too.

A visualization with embedded data uses only the data and formulas from the original Excelfile. The visualization is completely self-contained, and does not rely on either Excel or onexternal data sources once it is exported to a SWF file format.

A connected visualization also uses the formulas and metadata from Excel. In addition, itallows you to configure connectivity to data from BusinessObjects Enterprise or any otherexternal XML-compliant live data source to connect directly to your published SWF visual(visualization). Once the visualization is deployed, Excel and Xcelsius are no longer needed:they are tools used only during design time. Once the visualization is exported to a SWF fileformat, it relies only on the external data source for live data connectivity.

Note: Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008 do not have this option.


Working with your Excel workbook

The design of the Excel spreadsheet can hamper or facilitate success with your Xcelsius model.When setting up your Excel workbook, consider the following:• Only oneExcelworkbook can be embedded into yourXcelsiusmodel at a time. Theworkbook

may contain multiple spreadsheets.• Color-coding cells and ranges in your embeddedExcelworkbook can assist you in identifying

the functions that specific cells serve in your model when binding components to ranges.• If you plan to include interactivity as part of your model to perform "what-if" analysis,

ensure that you have included the correct formulas in your Excel file.


Tips for working with the embedded Excel workbook:• Although the embedded spreadsheet is a fully functioning Excel spreadsheet, not all Excel

functions are supported. Xcelsius 2008 does not support macros, conditional formatting,and some formula functions.

• Xcelsius 2008 supports moving bound data ranges. For instance, if your chart source datarange needs to be moved down a row to fit in the title, simply select the range and move itto its new location. Xcelsius 2008 retains the new information and references the new range.However, if only part of the range is moved, the bound cell reference remains the same. Ifonly part of the range is moved and you want the new location referenced, you must openthe component's Properties panel and rebind the cell reference to the new location.

• The embedded spreadsheet allows you to change the sort order of your data. However, thisaction is not read as an event by Excel, and as such does not prompt Xcelsius to update indesign mode. The new sort is reflected in Preview mode or the exported visualization. Anupdate can also be forced by rebinding the range in the component.

Tips for working with Excel.• Imported data overwrites all data in the current embedded spreadsheet but the components

retain their cell-binding locations.• You can copy and paste cells between Xcelsius 2008 and Excel. Excel values and formulas

can be copied into Xcelsius 2008, but conditional formatting of cells is not retained.• Xcelsius 2008 opens an instance of Excel that runs in the background. Although you can

open a second instance of Excel, you cannot copy formulas between the instances. If youneed to use Excel and Xcelsius 2008 files simultaneously, first open Xcelsius 2008, and thenopen your Excel files using the Windows Explorer.

• If you need to keep Excel and Xcelsius 2008 files synchronized, make your updates in theXcelsius 2008 embedded spreadsheet and then export the data to an Excel spreadsheet.


• Xcelsius 2008 imports Excel files by copying the spreadsheet data and inserting the datainto the Xcelsius 2008 embedded spreadsheet. Once data is imported, it is no longer linkedto the original Excel spreadsheet. Any changes you make to the original Excel file do notappear in the embedded Excel workbook, nor do any changes to the embedded spreadsheetappear in the original Excel file.

• If you are using Excel 2003, you can see your default toolbars. Toolbar buttons not relatedtoworkingwith the data are disabled (Save, Open, Print, and so on.). These disabled buttonsare functions that are handled by Xcelsius. The embedded Excel workbook is saved whenthe XLF model is saved using the Xcelsius Save functions.

• If you are using Excel 2007, you can see the ribbon displayed at the top of the program. Inaddition to the disabled buttons, the drop-down menus are disabled in the ribbon.

• You can add Excel functionality to the embedded Excel workbook by right-clicking anyExcel toolbar and adding the toolbar with the desired functions.

Applying best practices to your Excel workbook design

These Excel best practices for organizing data and facilitating usability will save you time:• Keep data in contiguous, tabular (row or column) format.• Startwith an emptyworkbook. Xcelsius 2008 does not support using spreadsheets that have

links to otherspreadsheets or have macros in them. So it is a good idea to start with theempty spreadsheet that is embedded within Xcelsius 2008.Using the empty spreadsheetwill also reduce the risk that you use Microsoft Excel functions or plug-ins that Xcelsius2008 does not support.

• Divide data by type and store each type in its own worksheet. Start with three worksheetsand name them logically (for example rawdata, aggregated data, spreadsheet information).

• Logical content should flow in a rightwarddirection. For example,whenmultiplying columnsthe factored columns should be to the left of the product column.

• Do not manually enter content that could otherwise be automatically retrieved from a datasource using a query. The spreadsheet should only contain visual indicators of query ranges,destination cell ranges (where the data goes, using color or numbers) and display cell ranges(what data is displayed by the component).

• Most components need summary data to be useful, prepare the necessary summaries inadvance and include those summaries on their own worksheet in your embedded Excelworkbook.

• When working with financial data, break out revenue and expenses.• Keep the most frequently used destination ranges, selectors, and calculations at the top of

your spreadsheet.When you bind Xcelsius components to data from your workbook, you'llspend less time scrolling and hunting if you place frequently used ranges and calculationsat the upper-left part of your workbook tab.

• Use colors, labels, titles, and borders to identify data types. For example, yellow=destinationranges and light green = formulas.

• Include a legend of colors used, where the dashboard is, who defined the key performanceindicators and any other info that would reduce the learning curve for others who will usethis data in the future.


For more information on Xcelsius 2008, including best practices, forums, and white papers,refer to the following Web sites.

Xcelsius 2008 Features

http://www.businessobjects.com/product/catalog/xcelsius/

Xcelsius 2008 SAP Community Network

https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/crystalreports-xcelsius

Business Objects Webinar Series

https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/scn/businessobjects-webinars

Other useful sources of information for Xcelsius 2008 on the Web:

Interactive Data Visualization blog by Ryan Goodman: http://ryangoodman.net/blog/

The Xcelsius Journal: http://www.xcelsiusjournal.com/

DataPig Technologies Xcelsius Tips and Tricks (Crystal Xcelsius 4.5):http://www.datapigtechnologies.com/XcelsiusMain.htm

Replacing the embedded Excel workbook

When you create a new Xcelsius model, it initially has a blank Excel workbook embedded inthe model. You can add data and formulas directly to the embedded Excel workbook, or youcan replace the blank embedded Excel workbook with a copy of another external Excelworkbook. Keep in mind that, once you replace the embedded Excel workbook with a copy ofan external Excel workbook, the data is a copy and is no longer connected to your originalExcel workbook.

The imported Excel file becomes a snapshot of all data, formulas, and formatting from youroriginal Excel workbook, and theworkbook is embedded in the XLF file. Later, you can replacethe embedded workbook again. However, you may lose any bindings that you currently haveto components in the canvas if your worksheets are renamed.

To import content into the embedded Excel workbook

1. On the standard toolbar, click Import Spreadsheet.

Tip: A warning message may appear to indicate that any changes to the embedded Excelworkbook will be overwritten. To avoid this prompt in the future, select theDon't ask meagain check box and click Yes to proceed.

TheOpen dialog box displays.

2. Navigate to the location of the Excel file.

3. Select the file to be imported.Excel files (.xls, .xlsx) are the only type of file you can import using this process.

4. ClickOpen.


The contents of the source spreadsheet are imported into the embedded Excel workbookfor the Xcelsius file.

Note: You canmake changes to the contents of the embeddedworkbook because the Xcelsiusfile is not connected to the original spreadsheet. If you re-import the original spreadsheet,any changes you have made to the embedded content will be overwritten.

Copying cells to the embedded Excel workbook

If the data or formulas change, you can update your data by either re-importing the externalExcel workbook and replacing the embedded Excel workbook. Alternately, you can copy cellsfrom an external Excel workbook and paste them directly into the embedded Excel workbookin the Xcelsius interface. You can also copy cells from the embedded Excel workbook in oneinstance of Xcelsius to the embedded Excel workbook in another instance of Xcelsius.

Note: After you have bound components to a range of data in the embedded Excel workbook, youcan move data - and the component bindings will automatically update to reflect the new locationof the data.

To add content to the embedded Excel workbook

• Do one of the following:

• Manually enter the content in the embedded Excel workbook.• Copy the content from an existing spreadsheet and paste it into the embedded Excel

workbook.

Using recommended Excel functions

Xcelsius supports most Excel functions. Several commonly used Excel functions are:• vlookup• hlookup• match• if• if or• if and• concatenate• index

Although supported, the sumif and countif functionsmay slow the performance of your Xcelsiusmodel. Using a combination of the index and match functions can accomplish the same resultmore efficiently.

Using a selector component with the Insert Filtered Rows option is more effcieint than usingExcel's lookups functions.


To see the list of Excel functions that are supported by Xcelsius 2008, search for SupportedExcel Functions in Xcelsius Help (Press F1 or select Xcelsius Help from the About menu).

Database functions such as dsum and dcount may also slow the performance of your Xcelsiusmodel.

To view a full list of Excel functions that Xcelsius supports, consult theXcelsius 2008User Guide.

Recognizing unsupported Excel functions

While Xcelsius does support most Excel functions, some functions are not supported. Thesefunctions are not supported in Xcelsius:• is• dlookup

These Excel features are not supported in Xcelsius:• Macros• Conditional formatting• Pivot Tables• Filters• Excel Connectivity• Excel Add-Ins

All of theMicrosoft Excel functions (logic) are compiled into Adobe Flash at preview or exporttime. CertainMicrosoft Excel functions perform better on smaller data sets (tens of rows) whencompiled as Adobe Flash, so wherever possible avoid using the following functions on largerdata sets. If youmust access larger data sets, have the server or database perform the aggregationon the server side.

Here is a list of the Microsoft Excel functions that you should try to avoid using unless yourdata is set small (tens of rows):• SUMIF• COUNTIF• HLOOKUP• VLOOKUP


Visualizing data with charts

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius and the benefits of producing presentations withXcelsius.


• Use charts for visualization• Choose a chart type• Add a dual axis to your chart• Take advantage of dynamic labels• Use data in ranges• Use data in a series• Define category axis labels• Anticipate future data by ignoring end blanks

Using charts for visualization

Charts are one of the most powerful ways to convey a large amount of data in a meaningfulway. There are multiple charts in Xcelsius. Part of maximizing the tool is effectively utilizingthe charts available to you. Charts can also use a secondary axis for visualizations.

ExampleCategory

Line chart, Area chartLinear

XY chart, Bubble chartMulti-dimensional trends

Bar chart, Stacked bar chartComparative analysis

Pie chart, Radar chartDistributions

OHLC chart, Candlestick chartOHLC

Choosing a chart type

Charts can be used to display ranges of data. The following types are available:


Line chart

A single- or multi-line chart is ideal for showing tendency over a period of time. Use this chartin models that emphasize a trend line or a continuing sequence of data. The Dual Axis featureallows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Pie chart

A pie chart represents the distribution or participation of each slice (item) over a certain totalthat is represented on the overall value.

OHLC chart

An OHLC chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to the fourstock price values, which are represented as lines attached to the marker.


Candlestick chart

A candlestick chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to fourstock price values - open, high, low, and close - which are represented as colors.

Column chart

A single- or multi-column chart is ideal for showing and comparing one or more items over aperiod of time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a serieson either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.


Stacked column chart

A stacked column chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by addingone dimension on top of another. These types of charts are ideal when comparing severaldimensions over a period of time. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on eitherthe Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Bar chart

A single- ormulti-bar chart is ideal for showing and comparing one ormore items over a periodof time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series oneither the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.

Stacked bar chart

A stacked bar chart allows you compare several variables over a period of time. Stacked barsallow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. These types ofcharts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axis featureallows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.


Combination chart

A combination column and line chart is ideal for displaying a range of values and a trend linefor those values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary orSecondary axis with this chart.

Bubble chart

Abubble chart is a powerful analytic tool that lets you compare a group of items or series basedon three different parameters. It has an X axis and a Y axis to represent the item location overthe chart area, and a Z value to represent the item size.


XY chart

AnXY chart displays data that requires two dimensions to complete the analysis. The XY chartshows each data point as a result of the intersection of X values and Y values.

Area chart

An area chart is a variation on the line chart where the area below the line is filled in to givegreater impact to the visualization. The usual area charts are enhanced in Xcelsius withtransparency effects, which make them a very effective visualization for comparing trends.The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis withthis chart.

Stacked area chart

A stacked area chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time. Stackedareas allow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. Thesetype of charts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axisfeatures allow you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.


Radar chart

A radar chart allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout.

Filled radar chart

A filled radar chart allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout, with the center areafilled in for greater visual impact.


Adding a dual axis to your chart

Charts with a dual axis are used to visualize two trend-correlations between two uniquemeasures.

Charts with a dual axis can also be used to visualize two units of measure on one trend line.

You can use the Dual Axis feature on these charts:• Line chart• Column chart• Stacked column chart• Bar chart• Stacked bar chart• Combination chart• Area chart• Stacked area chart


Taking advantage of dynamic labels and titles

When you define the properties of a component, you can manually enter values like the labelsand titles for a component, or you can bind these elements to specific cells, rows, and columnsin the source file.

It is always a best practice to bind labels and titles to a cell in your embedded Excel workbook,rather than specifying them manually. Binding labels to cells ensures that your componentsare updated if you re-import the source file, provided the cell reference hasn't changed. If youenter the value manually, changing the information in the source file and re-importing it doesnot have any effect on those properties.

Note: Some fields are never updated, even if the source file is re-imported. These are known asstatic data sources, and they are available only in rare situations, such as the display status key fordynamic visibility.

Using data in ranges

A chart component displays data by series. You can manually create the series, or Xcelsiuscreates the series automatically by row or by column from a range of contiguous cells that youspecify.

For example, a crosstab of data looks differently based on the orientation. This data can be readeither by row or by column.


Here, the data is oriented by rows:

Here, the same data is oriented by columns:

To insert and configure a chart component with a data range

1. Click and drag the appropriate chart type from the Components Browser to the canvas.


The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the chart.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Chart, Subtitle, Category (X) Axis, and Value (Y)Axis fields, which provide labels for the chart, do one of the following:

• To manually enter labels, type the titles in the appropriate fields.• To bind the labels for the chart to the values in specific cells, click the button to the right

of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. Select the By Range option.


The restriction on using a data range is that all of the data that you want to represent inyour chart must be located in a contiguous block in the Excel file. It can be a single columnor row, or multiple columns or rows, but all of the data must be located together.

If you are dealing with multiple columns or rows, Xcelsius automatically creates series forthe data based on the cells you select.

4. Click the button to the right of the field associated with the By Range option to activate theSelect a range dialog box.

5. In the embedded workbook, select the range of cells that contains the appropriate values.

6. ClickOK.

7. Select theData in Rows orData in Columns option as appropriate.

8. Click Preview.The chart now displays the actual values from your source file.

Activity: Setting up a chart with a data range

Objective

• Bind a chart to a contiguous block of data

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as GrossSales2007.xlf .

2. Import the data in the Chart_Range.xlsworkbook from the Activity_Resources folder intoGrossSales2007.xlf.

3. Add a column chart to the canvas and enter or bind the titles to the data as appropriate.

4. Bind the column chart to the data range containing the gross sales for 2007.

Tip: Make sure to include the monthly headings so that category labels are automaticallycreated.

You should have five series based on the data range.

5. Resize the chart and the canvas as required and preview the model.


Your model should look similar to this:

6. Save your changes.

Compare your visualization to SOLUTION_GrossSales2007.xlf in theActivity_Resources folderto check your work.

Using data in a series

If your data is not in a contiguous block, you will need to create each series manually. You cancreate the series by adding one row or column at a time. This is essentially the same processas selecting a data range, except that the data does not need to be in a contiguous block of cells.

If possible, try to set up your data so that you can use a data range instead of defining the seriesone at a time. It's a good way to streamline the process of developing your models.


Defining category axis labels

Category axis labels are the values represented along the X axis of a chart. These labels are usedto provide context for the data displayed in the chart. For example, if you were showing a linechart displaying sales over time, the category axis labels would be the time increments reflectedin the data on the horizontal (X) axis.

You cannot define the category axis labels until you have specified at least one data series forthe chart. Once the option is enabled, you can define the labels by using the cell selector buttonto the right of the Category Labels(X): field to select a range of cells from your Excel file thatwill label your horizontal axis. In the example above, the abbreviations for each month usedas category labels would be found in the cell range at Sales!$B$16:$M$16.

To insert and configure a chart component with a data series

1. Click and drag the appropriate chart type from the Components Browser to the canvas.The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the chart.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Chart, Subtitle, Category (X) Axis, and Value (Y)Axis fields, which provide labels for the chart, do one of the following:

• To manually enter labels, type the titles in the appropriate fields.• To bind the labels for the chart to the values in specific cells, click the button to the right

of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. Select the By Series option.

4. Click + to add a series.

5. For the new series, click the button to the right of theName field to activate the Select arange dialog box.

6. In the embedded workbook, select the cell that contains the name of the series.

7. ClickOK.

8. Click the button to the right of theValues (Y) field to activate the Select a range dialog box.

9. In the embedded workbook, select the range of cells that contains the values for the series.


10.ClickOK.

11.Select the Primary Axis or Secondary Axis option to determine which axis to plot the serieson.

12.Repeat steps 4 to 11 for each series.

13.Click the button to the right of the Category Labels (X) field to activate the Select a rangedialog box.

14.In the embedded workbook, select the range of cells that contains the appropriate values.

15.ClickOK.The chart now displays the actual values from your source file.

Activity: Setting up a chart with a data series

Create a line chart to display Gross Sales in January for the last three years for all regions.

Objective

• Bind a chart to multiple blocks of data

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius visualization and save it as JanuaryGrossSales2006-2008.xlf.

2. Import the Chart_Series.xls spreadsheet into the new document, or copy and paste thedata on January Gross Sales for all three years into the embedded workbook.

3. Add a Line Chart to the Canvas and enter or bind the titles to the data as appropriate.

4. For the line chart, create three series for 2006, 2007, and 2008. Bind each series to the Januarydata for all regions.

5. Bind the category axis labels to the regions.



Your model should look something like this:


Compare your visualization to SOLUTION_JanuaryGrossSales2006-2008.xlf in theActivity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.

Deciding when to use a range and when to use a series

Depending on your needs, you may choose one of these three methods:

• Method 1

By Range: If you have a contiguous block of data , you can use this method to automaticallycreate each series by using the cell selector beside By Range to identify where the seriesdata resides. Xcelsius will automatically names the series and label the categories usingcolumn headers and row headers.

• Method 2

Hybrid: If you have a contiguous block of data , you can use this method to automaticallycreate each series by using the cell selector beside By Range to identify where the seriesdata resides. Once the series are created, you'll switch toBy Series andmanually name eachseries and manually labeling your category labels.

• Method 3

By Series: Use By Series to add each series manually. You'll also need to manually nameeach series and label your categories.

Anticipating future data by ignoring end blanks

If you capture data periodically and are anticipating more data in the future, you can create arange that includes the cells in your workbook where that data will reside. Then, you can use


an option called "Ignore Blank Cells" to have the chart ignore those blank cells until they arepopulated with data. This eliminates the need to update the chart's binding each time youcapture new data.

For example, if you have a spreadsheet that captures data on a monthly basis but the valuesfor November and December are not yet available, select Ignore Blank Cells "In Values" for themissing data in your series. To ignore an entire series, select "In Series."

To ignore end blanks in a chart

• On the Behavior property sheet for a chart, under Ignore Blank Cells, select either of thefollowing options:

• To suppress any missing values in the chart, select the In Values check box.• To suppress any series that do not contain actual values, select the In Series check box.

Note: This option is only available for multi-series charts.

The missing values are suppressed in the chart display.

Activity: Setting up a chart to ignore end blanks

Create a stacked column chart to display the number of orders in 2008 for all regions. Set upthe chart to accommodate when new data is updated in the spreadsheet.

Objective

• Ignore end blanks in a chart

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as NumberOfOrders2008.xlf.

2. Import the Chart_End_Blanks.xls spreadsheet from the Activity_Resources folder into thenew visualization, or copy and paste the data on Number of Orders for 2008 into theembedded Excel workbook.

3. Add a stacked column chart to the canvas and enter or bind the titles to the data asappropriate.

4. Bind the chart to the data range that contains the number of orders for all months in 2008.

Tip: Make sure to include the monthly headings so that category labels are automaticallycreated.


5. On the Behavior property sheet, configure the chart to ignore blank values.




A solution file called SOLUTION_NumberOfOrders2008.xlf is included in theActivity_Resourcesfolder if you need to check your work.


Using Xcelsius components

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius features and components.


• Understand input and output• Use single value components• Understand single value component types• Work with percentages• Use play options• Use the image component• Use containers• Understand and set up alerts• Understand other component types• Understand text component types• Use the History and Calendar components• Understand the Trend Analyzer• Add a Print and Reset button• Use Web connectivity component types

Understanding input and output components

Within Xcelsius, components are intended for two purposes: displaying output and receivinginput. Some components can be used for one purpose only, while others can both receive inputand display output.

Output components like charts and gauges are intended to display data only. They can be usedto show values or the results of formulas in a dynamic way (that is, you can hover your mouseover an output component to see the related values), but you cannot change the values in sucha component directly. Any cell containing a formula is automatically considered to be output.

Input components like sliders and selectors, on the other hand, are intended to be bound tocells that contain the values that affect formulas. You can use these components to addinteractivity to your models, which allows you to perform "what-if" analysis. When a userchanges the value in one of the single value components, it can affect the output values of othercomponents based on the formulas you use.

Understanding single value components

As the name suggests, a single value component is bound to a single cell within the Excel file.If the value in this cell is referenced by a formula where the result of the formula is displayed


in a chart or other component in your model, you can manipulate the single value componentto determine what happens to the displayed output.

Some single value components can also be used for output, such as the gauge and the progressbar, to read an existing value in a cell.

Note: Unless you are using a single value component for output only, you should not bind it to acell that contains a formula – if you do, you cannot change the value it displays.

Using single value component types

You can use single value components to display output or to enter input to add interactivityto your models. The maximum and minimum values for these single value components canbe manually adjusted on the General property sheet. Here are some examples of single valuecomponents:

Slider

This represents a variable that can be modified to affect other components in the form of a barwith a marker that you can slide up and down to change the value.

Dial

This represents a variable that can be modified to affect other components in the form of amechanical dial.

Gauge

This represents a single value output and illustrates where the value lies within a range. Thegauge should only be used to show output values, though it can be set up for input if youactivate the play options; however, most users only recognize it as an output component, ason a car dashboard.


Progress bar

This represents a value that changes and fills the progress bar area depending on its value.This can also be used as input if you activate the play options.

Spinner

This represents a variable that can be modified to affect other components. Users can interactwith the spinner by clicking the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the value, or byentering a value into the text box.

Play control

This increases the value of a cell in your model systematically. The buttons next to the playbutton speed up the process of scrolling forward or back through the values, while the buttonson the outside jump back or ahead to the next increment.

Value

This represents a single cell of your Excel file. You can click and drag up and down ordouble-click and manually enter a value.

To insert and configure a single value component

1. Click and drag the appropriate single value component from the Components Browser tothe canvas.


The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the single valuecomponent.

2. On the General property sheet, for each required field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the values, type the values in the appropriate fields.• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button to

the right of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

Note: Most single value components include a Title field and a Data field. However, thisis not the case for all components. Refer to the online help for assistance in determining howto configure each type of component.

3. Select any additional options for the component, as required.

Note: The options available depend on the type of component.

Working with percentages

When working with percentages, Xcelsius requires that you enter the decimal equivalent ofthe percentage. For example, 75% would be entered as 0.75. To avoid the incorrect behavior inyour single value component, you must configure several settings for percentages. You must:• Set the required minimum and maximum limits for the component between 0 and 1 (any

value above 1 will be higher than 100%).


• Define the increment size in decimal format.• Define the number format for values as Percent.

To use percentages in a single value component

1. On theGeneral property sheet for the component, set the requiredminimumandmaximumlimits using a value between 0 and 1.For example, to set a minimum limit of 25%, enter the decimal value .25. To set a maximumlimit of 100%, enter the decimal value 1.

2. On the Behavior property sheet, set the required increment size. To increment the slider by1% at a time, enter the decimal value .01.

3. On the the Text tab of the Appearance property sheet, do the following:a. In the table, select the Value option.b. In theNumber Format drop-down list, select Percent.c. In theDecimal Places field, enter 0.


Using play options

For some of the single value components, you can activate play options. Play options allowyou to change your input values automatically within a given range.

Once you have enabled the play button for the component, you can also set up related options,such as Auto Replay, which starts playing at the lowest number again once the highest valuehas been reached. You can also extend the amount of time it takes to play through the entirerange to make it easier for users to see changes in the output components.

Play options can be used to turn output components such as the gauge or progress bar intoinput components.

Note: Play options are not available for the dual slider or the spinner.

To set up play options

1. On the Behavior property sheet for a single value component, under Interaction Options,select the Enable Play Button check box.


2. In the Play Time (seconds) field, enter the amount of time during which the single valuecomponent plays from the minimum limit to the maximum limit.

3. If desired, select either of the following options:

• To automatically reset the single value component back to the minimum limit once itreaches the maximum limit, select the Auto Rewind check box.

• To automatically restart playing through the values, select the Auto Replay check box.

Using the Image component

Use the image component to add graphics, logos, custom JPGbackgrounds and SWFanimationsto your presentations. You can also add another Xcelsius model into your model.

The image component can be used with these file formats:• JPG• PNG• GIF• BMP• SWF

Some options available when working with the image component are:• Linked files

During the creation of your model, indicate the URL to your image. During runtime, theimage is loaded from that location. The file size of your model will be smaller with linkedfiles, which reduces the loading time. The biggest advantage is that the model doesn't needto be re-published if the graphic or animation changes. Update the graphic in its externallocation and your model will display the new graphic during runtime.

• Embedded files

If you choose to embed a loaded image, it becomes part of the completed model so you canpublish and distribute your model as a standalone file which provides faster performanceif you couple the graphic with dynamic visibility.

Note: If you link to an image file, Xcelsius will generate a sub-folder with the same nameas the SWF during export and put the image in that folder. You cannot change the locationof the image once it is published or else the SWF will not be able to find the image and itwill not be able to load that image.

• Block Mouse Events


When layering components in your model, users can still click and activate controls eventhough they are hidden beneath other components. This means you can create a custombutton by layering a background component on top of a toggle button, icon, or check box,and resizing the components as appropriate. If you do not want the control active, the BlockMouse Events setting will disable the controls below the image component.

• Transparency

Use this slider to determine the transparency of the animation or image file.

To insert and configure an image or animation

1. Click and drag the image component from the Components Browser to the canvas.

The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the component.

2. Click Import.TheOpen dialog box displays.

3. Navigate to and select the image or animation.

4. ClickOpen.


• To resize the image based on the size of the component, select the Resize Image toComponent check box.

Note: Ideally, you should select this option prior to importing the image.

• To embed the images in the Xcelsius file so that connectivity is not required, select theEmbed File check box.

Note: You cannot embed another Xcelsius SWF file.

• To change the transparency level of the background, click and drag the Transparencyselector to the appropriate level, ormanually enter the percentage in the associated field.

• To prevent actions related to the background, select the BlockMouse Events check box.• To hide the background color of the SWF so that the components behind it are visible,

select theHide SWF Background Color check box.


Using a container component

The Panel Container and Tab Set group and display other components.

Panel Container

The panel container groups components into a single scrollable container. A panel containeris very useful when trying to display a single component (for example, a table) that is largerthan the space available on the screen. The panel container also allows editable groupswithoutusing the properties window.

Tab Set

The tab set container allows you to layer components directly on top of one another, and thenselectively display one of the components when the tab that contains the component is clicked.A tab container is very useful when trying to display several large components that do notneed to be visible at the same time.

To add components to a container

1. Click and drag the container from the Components Browser to the canvas.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Title or Label field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the title, type the value in the Title field.• To bind the title to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the right of the Title

field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. On the canvas, click and drag the component into the container.

4. For the tab container, to add more tabs, do the following:a. Select the tab.b. Click (+).c. Do one of the following:

• Enter a label in the Label dialog box and clickOK.• Leave the label blank, clickOK, and repeat steps 2 and 3.

Understanding alerts

Alerts are color cues that you add to components to describe the value as it compares to a targetvalue.When the value falls within the threshold range for that alert, it is given the color assignedto that range.

You can set your own threshold values, specify a percentage of a value, or bind the thresholdvalues to cells in your embedded Excel workbook. You can also define how the thresholds arecalculated and specify the formatting that is applied when those thresholds are achieved.


Alerts are not available for all components, depending on what type of data the component isintended to display. Components that display portions out of the whole, like the pie chart andthe area chart, do not support alerts. You also cannot set alerts for multi-series charts (try usinga selector and a chart that references a single series instead). You can use alerts with a fewselectors too (Combo Box, Icon, Label Based Menu, List Box, List Builder, and Ticker).

In the following visualization, an alert is used to code each bar in the bar chart. Green barsindicate the total sales are above the target values for that line. Yellowmeans sales were equalto target, and red indicates that sales were below target.


Setting up alerts

The following steps are involved in setting up alerts:


To set up alerts

1. Select the component on the canvas and activate the Alerts property sheet.

2. Select the Enable Alerts option.

Note: Whether you can activate alerts and which types of alerts are available depends onthe type of component.

3. Select one of the following alert types:

• As Percent of Max Value

Note: The maximum value is defined on the General property sheet.


• As Percent of Target• By Value

The other options for the Alerts property sheet are activated or deactivated based on thetype of alert selected.

4. If you selected the As Percent of Target option, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the target, type the value in the field.• To bind the target to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the right of the field

to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

5. To define the threshold levels for the alert, do any of the following:

• To change the thresholds for an existing level, click the cursor in the From or To cell inthe table, type the newvalue, and click the cursor outside of the cell to commit the change.

• To add a new level, enter the upper threshold for the level in the field above the tableand click Add.

• To define the thresholds automatically based on values in the embedded workbook,select the Use a Range check box, click the button to the right of the field to activate theSelect a range dialog box, select the range of cells, and clickOK.

6. To define the colors for the threshold levels, do one of the following:

• To define the colors automatically, select the Enable Auto Colors check box. If desired,click the Color Selector for the auto colors and select a different predefined gradient orcreate a custom color scheme.

• To define the colors manually, select the level, click the Color Selector for the level, andselect the appropriate color for the level. Repeat for all levels.

7. Under Color Order, select one of the following options to define how the threshold levelsare ordered and how colors are assigned to them:

• Low values are good• Middle values are good (percent alerts only)• High values are good

8. Under Alert Location, select one of the following options to define where the alert colordisplays:

• Background• Marker• Value

Understanding text components

There are several options available for adding text to your models beyond the titles and labelsyou can specify for individual components:


Input Text

The Input Text component is a single entry field that allows users to enter text. Users can enterlong strings, but the display is limited to the physical size of the component.

Input Text Area

The Input Text Area component is a scrollable entry field that allows users to enter long stringsof text. Entries wrap within the component.

Label

The Label component is a simple text label that is not intended for input. This can be used tocreate additional titles, labels, and help text.

To insert and configure a text component

1. Click and drag the appropriate text component from the Components Browser to the canvas.



2. On the General property sheet, choose one of the following:

• To bind the label to the value in a specific cell, select the Link to Cell option, click thebutton to the right of the field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell,and clickOK. If appropriate, click Apply Cell Formatting to retain the formatting fromthe embedded Excel workbook.

• To manually enter the label, select the Enter Type option and type the label in the textbox.

3. To apply HTML formatting, select the Enable HTML Formatting check box.

4. For input components, under Data Insertion, do the following:a. To display the data in the text component by default, select the Insert Data On Load

check box.b. Click the button to the right of theDestination field to activate the Select a range dialog

box.c. Select the cell.d. ClickOK.

Understanding other component types

A variety of special use components are available in the Other category.


Calendar

The calendar selector allows you to select a date or display a date from the embedded Excelworkbook.

Local Scenario Button

The Local Scenario Button saves specific combinations of values during "what-if" analysis andreturns those scenarios at a later time. Note that the scenarios are unique to the local computeron which they were created and are not included when the model is sent to another computer.

Trend Icon

This display component indicates positive versus negative values using color-coding. It issimilar to an alert. The Trend Icon changes its pointing direction, depending on the value ofthe cell to which it is linked:• If the value is positive, the arrow points up.• If the value is zero, the symbol is neutral.• If the value is negative, the arrow points down.

History

The History component is linked to a data point and records the value of that point every timeit changes. It can also be configured to record the value at a set time interval.


Panel Set

The Panel Set component combines the functionality of the Image component and the Panelcontainer. Each pane in the panel set can contain its own image or animation.

Source Data

The Source Data component indexes the selected source data range. This component does nothave a visual display; it works within the visualization in combination with other componentsand allows you to push data into other cells simply by changing the value of the component'sSelected Index.

Trend Analyzer

The Trend Analyzer combines data analysis and visualization. The component analyzesspreadsheet data and inserts data points for a trend line into the spreadsheet, which can thenbe added to a component in your visualization.

Print Button

The Print Button launches the Print dialog box when clicked during runtime. The print buttonis part of the canvas and will be visible in the printout. Only components visible at the timethe Print button is clicked will be visible in print. If you have dynamically visible componentsthen only those currently visible on the screen will print.


Reset Button

The Reset Button returns the visualization to its original state. Users can interact with thecomponents, then click the button to clear their changes.

Grid

TheGrid component is a dynamic table that represents a group of rows and columns of content.The Grid lets you show the data just as it is on any table, or perform data modification that canimpact other components. The Grid component differs from the Spreadsheet and List Viewcomponents in that rather than being a static representation of the data table, the user can clickthe cells of the Grid and type new values or drag the values higher/lower.

Understanding the Calendar component

TheCalendar component allows you to input a day or date into your embeddedExcelworkbook.The day, month and year values can be added to a single cell, or day, month and year can eachbe in their own individual cell.

In this example, the full date is entered in the destination cell, rendered as julian value:

The same component is configured here to insert the day:


To insert and configure an interactive calendar

1. Click and drag the calendar component from the Components Browser to the canvas.

The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the calendar.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Title field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the value, type the value in the Title field.


• To bind the value for the component to the value in a specific cell, click the button to theright of the Title field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. Under Data Insertion, do the following:a. In the Insertion Type drop-down list, select the appropriate type.

Tip: To view a help movie explaining how the Day and Date insertion types work, clickthe info icon next to the drop-down list.

b. For theDestination,Month Destination, and Year Destination fields, do one of thefollowing:• To manually enter the values, type the values in the appropriate fields.• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button

to the right of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, andclickOK.

Note: The interactive calendar component can be used for output only by adding thecomponent without specifying the destination cells for input.

Using the Trend Analyzer

The Trend Analyzer is a component that performs these statistical trend calculations:• Linear• Logarithmic• Polynomial• Power• Exponential

The statistical analysis calculations are assigned to the client (SWF). The component appearson the canvas.


However, it does not appear in the published SWF.

To add a trend analyzer to a chart

1. In the embedded Excel workbook, create a new column to store the trend values.

2. Click and drag the trend analyzer from the Components Browser to the canvas.



3. On the General property sheet, for theData field, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theData field to activate the Select a range dialog box.b. Select the cells to be analyzed.c. ClickOK.

4. Under Trend/Regression Type, do one of the following:


• To have Xcelsius determine the best type of analysis, select the Use Best Fit option.• To specify the type of analysis, select the Select a type option and select the thumbnail

for the desired type.

5. For the Analyzed Data Destination field, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theAnalyzedDataDestination field to activate the Select

a range dialog box.b. Select the cells set up in step 1 to store the data.c. ClickOK.

6. If desired, under More Options, bind the other available destinations.

7. Adjust the properties of the chart to include the new column in the data range of the chart.

Adding Print and Reset buttons

The Print Button enables an end user to trigger a snapshot of the published SWF in its currentstate. You can scale the print to a percentage of the original size, or automatically scale to fitthe page. Using the Print Button produces a higher quality print than using your browser'sprint screen function.

The Reset Button provides amethod for end users to reset themodel or dashboard to its originalstate. If the visualization contains a live data connection, the Reset Button does not reload data;it merely returns the visualization to its original state. The Reset Button does not reset the valuesfor Flash Variables.

To insert and configure a Print or Reset button

1. Click and drag the Print or Reset from the Components Browser to the canvas.

The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the button.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Label field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the value, type the value in the Label field.


• To bind the value for the component to the value in a specific cell, click the button to theright of the Label field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. For the Print button, on the Behavior property sheet, set the print scale.

Understanding the History component

The History component records the current value of a single cell in the embedded Excelworkbook and inserts that value into another contiguous row/column. TheHistory componentcan be configured to record a value when a trigger event occurs, or at a fixed time interval.

In the example shown, each time any option is selected in the List Box, the value is recordedin table. The most recently recorded value is at the bottom.

To insert and configure the History component

1. Click and drag the History component from the Components Browser to the canvas.


2. On the General property sheet, for theData field, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theData field to activate the Select a range dialog box.


b. Select the cells to be checked for changes.c. ClickOK.

3. Under Data Insertion, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theData Destination field to activate the Select a range

dialog box.b. Select the cells to be checked for changes.c. ClickOK.

4. Choose one of the following options:

• To display changes whenever values in the cells specifed in theData field change, selecttheWhen Value Changes option.

• To display changes at regular intervals, select theOn Interval option and specify theduration of the interval in the associated field.

Understanding web connectivity component types

Web connectivity components link your model to external sources for dynamic content andup-to-the-minute data.

Slide Show

The Slide Show component is useful for displaying a large number of images. Unlike the normalImage Component, which requires that you first import the file, the External Slide Showcomponent loads the image at the URL specified in the URL data source. By adding the URLsin the Excel file, you can select images and define the behavior to indicate the rate at which theslide show should progress.

URL Button

The URL Button component allows you to link to a URL within your model. When the buttonis clicked, the website specified opens in either the same window or a new window. You canuse a single URL, or link to a dynamic cell and have the visual model dynamically drive whatURL the end user can open. Note that a user's ability to link to this information requires Internetconnectivity.

Reporting Services Button

The Reporting Services Button component enables you to connect to the Xcelsius ReportingServices (XRS) server and select the report that will be used to populate the visualization. TheXRS server is aweb service that allowsXcelsius to communicatewith your SQLServer ReportingServices (SSRS) server. Use of XRS requires an installation on your web server.


Connection Refresh Button

The Connection Refresh button is linked to one or more data connections that retrieve datafrom an external source. Adding the Connection Refresh Button to your visualization allowsusers to refresh the data on demand.

To insert and configure a URL

1. Click and drag the URL component from the Components Browser to the canvas.


2. On the General property sheet, for the Label and URL fields, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the values, type the values in the appropriate fields.• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button to

the right of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. UnderWindowOptions, in theOpen In drop-down list, select one of the following options:

• To open the URL in a new window, select New Window.• To open the URL in the same window and overwrite the model, select This Window.

To insert and configure a slide show

1. Click and drag the slide show component from the Components Browser to the canvas.



2. On theGeneral property sheet, for theURL (JPEGor SWFFile) field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the value, type the value in the URL field.• To bind the value for the component to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the

right of the URL field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. On the Behavior property sheet, under Transition Behavior, select the appropriate optionsfor the transitions in your slide show.

Activity: Performing "what-if" analysis

Create a revenue forecast model that has gauges to represent revenue, bookings, and deferredtotals. Set up alerts based on the target provided in the spreadsheet. Create dials that representtargeted values for each revenue, booking, and deferred total.

Objectives

• Link a single value component• Build alerts• Use the reset button

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as RevenueForecast.xlf.

2. Import the What_If.xls spreadsheet from theActivity_Resources folder into the newXcelsiusvisualization.


3. Add three gauges to the canvas and bind them to the title and total value for the Revenue,Bookings, and Deferred columns.

4. Set the scale maximum for the Revenue and Bookings gauges to 10,000. For the Deferredgauge, set the minimum to -5000 and the maximum to 5000.

5. Enable alerts for each gauge as a percentage of target value, where high values are good forthe Revenue and Bookings gauges, and low values are good for the Deferred gauge.

6. Add three dials to the canvas and bind them to the title and target value for the Revenue,Bookings, and Deferred columns.

7. Set the scale maximum for the Revenue and Bookings dials to 10,000. For the Deferred dial,set the minimum to -5000 and the maximum to 5000.

8. Add a background, a chart title, and the reset button to the canvas for presentation.

9. Preview the model.


10.Save your changes.

A solution file called Solution_RevenueForecast.xlf is included in the Activity_Resourcesfolder if you need to check your work.


Applying best practice for designing models

IntroductionIn this unit, youwill learn some best practices for designing and building your Xcelsiusmodel.


• Optimize design• Remove yourself from the data• Start with pencil and paper• Design layout based on how users need to view data• Create a mockup of the dashboard• Follow Excel best practices• Avoid getting lost in the visualization• Utilize summarized data

Optimizing design

When you work with Xcelsius, you have access to many components that you can combinewith over 100 supported Excel functions.

Because of the free-form design capabilities of Xcelsius, you have the flexibility to design awide array of visualizations. With this flexibility there is a line between what you can do withthe product versus what you should do for business users - keep the visualization simple andeasy to use so they can quickly analyze their key performance indicators and drive action fromanalysis.

These design and deployment best practices are covered in more detail in this unit.• Remove yourself from the data• Start with pencil and paper• Design the layout based on how users need to view the data• Create a mockup of the dashboard• Follow Excel best practices• Don't get lost in the visualization• Utilize summarized data

Removing yourself from the data

Follow these hints when designing a model:

Do...

• Think about the questions end users will answer with your visualization.• Answer these questions:


"Who will use the dashboard?"

"What decisions need to be made?"

"What data do users need to make those decisions?"

• Involve stakeholders in a mind mapping session. Have them sketch process flow diagramsor brainstorm simple lists. These activities assist you in identifying the metrics or keyperformance indicators that should be included in your visualization.

• First concentrate on the business problem you are solving with your dashboard. The datasource and query response are key components of the dashboard, but you don't want thoseconsiderations to hinder the initial brainstorming process.

Don't...

• Focus on data issues by starting with questions such as:

"Which database will we use?"

"How do we get permissions and establish connections?"

"Which tables?"

Starting with pencil and paper

Create an end user flow diagram, mind map, or requirements list.

Do...

• Start with a pencil and paper or a whiteboard in a collaborative setting to sketch out yourvisualization and note how users will travel between components to answer businessquestions.

• Focus on how users need to visualize the information.

Don't...

• Start by creating graphs in Excel or formatting data.• Open Xcelsius and begin dragging components to the Canvas without first sketching out

the visualization.

Designing a layout based on how users need to view data

As you start sketching ideas, design your layout based on howusers need to digest informationin order to make a decision or take action.

Do...

• Use selectors to create multiple dimensions for drill down.• Combine components and create layers of information that create a natural workflow for

accessing information.• Show the most important information first.


Build a dashboard that allows a business user to see the total sales for all regions for any givenproduct and then view the quarterly trend or drill down to a monthly view.

This dashboard design satisfies all these requirements by utilizing best practices.

Don't...

• Waste valuable space with useless graphics. In this example, gauges require the end userto do a mental calculation of the total sales for all regions.

• Over-crowd a screen with too many charts unless it is absolutely necessary to display themtogether so the users can have a holistic view to draw their analysis.


This dashboard shows what not to do when designing the layout for your dashboard.• It requires the user to unnecessarily scroll to select products.• There is no clear metric for gauges. The user cannot compare the relative values - is $2350

a good or excellent sales number?• The Quarterly Total Sales title is ambiguous: quarterly sales for what?• The Monthly Total Sales values are represented as a bar chart when the trend should be

visualized in a line.

Creating a mockup of the dashboard

Create a non-functioningXcelsiusmodel to quickly assess the arrangement of key performanceindicators and analytics together in a visual format.

Do...

• Allow stakeholders and end users to share the dashboard so they can gain perspective andinsight into how the dashboard truly applies to the business scenario.

• Simulate how an end user will interact with the dashboard to viewmetrics and supportinganalytics.


• Build a static view of sample data usingmethods that streamline the production time.Noticethat only the Regional Sales, All Products, and Monthly selectors work in this mockup ofthe dashboard.

• Set yourself up to quickly make changes and adjustments without having to rework thedashboard.

Don't...

• Try to make the first draft of the dashboard a production-ready final product. Even if yourplanning process is efficient, youwill find that changes to your dashboardwill be necessarybased on feedback from the stakeholders. Once the stakeholders feel they can effectivelyuse the dashboard, you can then work toward connecting and scaling your dashboard forproduction.

Following Excel best practices

Follow Excel best practices:• Organize and label your data so that any successor can understand your organizational

method without needing additional instructions.• Keep functions and logic at the top.• Use colors, labels and borders to identify data types.• Use tabs for larger spreadsheets.• Use lightweight Excel functions (logic) supported by Xcelsius. These are some of the most

commonly used functions:○ VLOOKUP○ HLOOKUP○ MATCH○ IF


○ IF OR○ IF AND○ CONCATENATE

Note: TheCONCATENATE functionmay slightly slowdownamodel. It is recommendedthat you use the ampersand "&" to join cells (for example, =A1&B1).

Note: Using an Xcelsius selector component with the Insert Filtered rows option yieldsa faster running Xcelsius visualization than using Excel lookup formulas.

○ INDEX

Avoiding getting lost in the visualization

When designing and deploying a dashboard:

Do...

• Create an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.• Use titles and font size effectively.• Use text colors that are easy to read.

Don't...

• Use a background that makes it hard to read the text.• Use a selector that is not necessary for the task.• Make charts too small for good trend analysis.• Show tabular data that does not assist views in taking action or making decisions.


• Use different legends for different components in the same visualization.• Use a pie chart where the series are not true representations of the contribution as a whole.

Utilizing summarized data

Do...

• Analyze the available data sources and data structure.• Design universes, data warehouses, or databases to store data that lends itself to minimal

query response time.• Use summarized data.• Build queries to summarize data to be loaded into the Excel file.

Don't...

• Use non-summarized data.

Choosing a component based on your data

Consider the following business scenario and the spreadsheet data shown:• You have five products that you want to track on one dashboard that shows monthly and

quarterly views.• You also want a gauge to show a year-to-date total for each selected product.

Which component is best suited to show trending over months and quarters?


Activity: Designing a visualization

Your supervisor has given you an Excel workbook that was saved from a Web Intelligencedocument in BusinessObjects Enterprise. You have been asked to design an Xcelsius modelthat includes the following:• A chart component that displays the number of customers within each region• A chart component that displays the number of customers within each country• A chart component that displays the gross sales per region

Objective

• Plan the design of a spreadsheet and model

Instructions

1. Open Design_RawData.xls from the Activity_Resources folder.

2. Familiarize yourself with the data contained in Design_RawData.xls.

3. On a piece of paper, draw an Xcelsius visualization with a layout that accommodates therequired charts.

4. Organize the data in your workbook so that it can accommodate the needed charts, and canbe easily updated when new data becomes available.Try to incorporate the best practice of using the existing functions and cells in theworkbookso that dynamic functions are more easily referenced and managed rather than manuallymanipulating and rebuilding the spreadsheet whenever new data is available.


Note: A pivot table may be best suited in this scenario because it allows you to link tosummarized data based on the raw data. Remember that although pivot table functions arenot supported in Xcelsius, you can still reference the data displayed in a pivot table.

5. Launch Xcelsius and create a new model.

6. Add the chart components you drew in your paper Xcelsius model to your canvas.

7. Import your Excel spreadsheet containing the data from step 2.

8. In Xcelsius, link each chart component in your canvas to data in your Excel workbook.

9. Present your Xcelsius model layout and Excel workbook design to the class.

10.Save your Xcelsius model layout as MyProject.XLF. You will re-use this XLF file and Excelworkbook in a later activity.


Distributing your visualization

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about the many different ways to share your completed Xcelsiusmodel.


• Preview your model and create Snapshots• Choose the right publishing output for your audience• Make your model available to others for re-use

Previewing your model and creating Snapshots

Before you publish, you may want to take a snapshot of the model and view it in anotherformat. From preview mode, you can publish to all available formats, or export the data to anexternal Excel workbook.


To preview a model

1. On the standard toolbar, click Preview.

2. To export a snapshot of your model to another format, perform the following steps:a. From the Filemenu, select Snapshot and choose the appropriate menu command for

the desired format.b. Navigate to the appropriate location for the file.c. In the File name field, enter a unique name for the file.d. Click Save.

3. To exit preview mode, click Preview again.

Choosing the right output for your audience

The Role of Adobe Flash at Preview or Export Time

When you preview or export your visualization, all of the data, logic, and formatting from theembedded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is compiled as Adobe Flash to produce a ShockwaveFlash (SWF) file. When you distribute your Xcelsius visualization as a SWF, only Adobe Flashplayer (version 9 or later) is required to view the SWF .

Note: Microsoft Excel is only required at design time when building Xcelsius visualizations.

Once your model is complete, you can publish it in multiple formats. Regardless of the formatyou choose (for example, email, HTML, PowerPoint, and so on), a SWF file is embedded insidethe output. To view the visualization, your audience needs both a Flash player and the programassociated with that output. The format you choose depends on the data you are using andyour intended audience. PDF and PPT desktop formats maintain the security of your BusinessObjects Enterprise connection, if applicable.

Flash (SWF)

This option creates a SWF file that you can then embed in other files, run as a SWF in a FlashPlayer, or call from anHTML file. If you double-click the file fromWindows Explorer and havea Flash Player installed, the SWF opens in your default web browser.

AIR

Adobe AIR is a cross-operating system runtime that lets developers combine HTML, Ajax,Adobe Flash®, and Flex technologies to deploy rich Internet applications (RIAs) on the desktop.Adobe AIR allows developers to use familiar tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver® CS3, Flex®Builder™ 3, Flash CS3 Professional, or any text editor to build their applications and easilydeliver a single application installer that works across operating systems.

A web browser enables a user to interact with content and applications typically located on awebsite on a server. Adobe AIR builds upon capabilities and technologies used in the browserto enable deployment of applications on the desktop. Adobe AIR complements the browser


by providing users and developers with a choice about how to deliver and use applicationsbuilt with web technologies.

HTML

This option creates a SWF file and an HTML file that calls that SWF file using the followingHTML code:<HTML><HEAD><TITLE>FILENAME.swf</TITLE></HEAD><BODY><OBJECT classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"codebase="http://fpdownload.adobe.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0"

WIDTH="800" HEIGHT="600" id="myMovieName"><PARAM NAME="movie" VALUE="FILENAME.swf"><PARAM NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><PARAM NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><PARAM NAME="play" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME="loop" VALUE="true"><PARAM NAME=bgcolor VALUE="#FFFFFF"><EMBED src="HTML_TEST.swf" quality=high bgcolor=#FFFFFF WIDTH="800" HEIGHT="600" NAME="myMovieName" ALIGN="" TYPE="application/x-shockwave-flash" play="true" loop="true" PLUGINSPAGE="http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></EMBED></OBJECT></BODY></HTML>

There are two optional advanced topics when you export your SWF into a Web page:

1. Pass values into your Xcelsius 2008 SWF as it loads using Flash Variables: Use the FlashVariable connection in Xcelsius 2008 to define the Flash Variable names and where to storethem in the spreadsheet when they are passed in at runtime. When you export your SWFasHTML, the current values for the Flash Variables from the spreadsheet are also generatedin the OBJECT and EMBED tag. For more information on passing Flash Variables into aSWF, see http://www.permadi.com/tutorial/flashVars/.

Note: Flash Variables are passed into Xcelsius as the SWF loads, so Flash Variable valuesdo not trigger a data change in the spreadsheet. If you want an XML or Web service dataconnection, run and use those values with the Refresh on Load option for each connection(by the time Refresh on Load is called, the Flash Variable values have already been storedin the spreadsheet).

2. Pass values from Xcelsius 2008 out to JavaScript: FSCommand is a standard Flash call thatXcelsius 2008 makes available via the FSCommand connection.

Note: For more information on using FSCommand with JavaScript, seehttp://www.moock.org/webdesign/flash/fscommand/index.html. There are certainrestrictions to Adobe Flash when you want to call out to JavaScript; see the section “FlashPlayer Security” for more information.


Business Objects Platform

This option generates a SWF file that can be stored in a BusinessObjects Enterprise or CrystalReports Server folder.

This option prompts you for your BusinessObjects Enterprise logon. Once you are logged on,the Save As dialog box appears to allow you to save the automatically generated SWF file tothe Enterprise repository. You can then navigate to the SWF file in InfoView.

Note: Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008, BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage2008 and Business Objects Xcelsius Present 2008 do not have this option.

PDF

This option creates a new Adobe PDF document with your model embedded in it, which isparticularly useful for creating interactive reports.

PowerPoint

This option creates a newMicrosoft PowerPoint presentation PPT file with your visualizationembedded as an object on a slide inside the PPT file. You may copy the object to other slidesor PPT files, or you can copy the entire slide to another PPT file.

Outlook

This option creates a new Microsoft Outlook email message with your model attached as aSWF file.

Word

This option creates a newMicrosoft Word document and embeds a SWF of your visualizationin the document. The embedded visualization is dynamic and interactive.

Making your model available to others for re-use

It's often efficient and effective to re-use components and/or data from one model in anothermodel.• Share components

The configured components in your XLF model file can be shared by others in yourorganization as a starting point for their visualizations. Any Xcelsius user should be able toopen a copy of your XLF file and copy components from the canvas of your XLF to thecanvas of their XLF.

• Export data

Selecting Export from the Data menu allows you to save your embedded Excel workbookas an XLS file that can be re-used in other Xcelsius XLF files.


To export a model

1. From the Filemenu, select Export and choose the appropriate menu command for thedesired format:

• Flash• AIR• HTML• Business Objects Platform• PDF• PowerPoint Slide• Outlook• Word

The Export dialog box displays.



4. Click Save.

To export the data for a model

1. From theDatamenu, click Export.The Save As dialog box displays.



Note: The file type is an Excel file.

4. Click Save.


Quiz: Creating a visualization1. Match the description on the left to the appropriate button.

ButtonDescription

Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments. A.

Click and drag components from the Components Browser to thecanvas.

B.

Preview the model to test the interactive behavior. C.

Lock components together so they cannot be moved individually. D.

Increase the canvas to its full size. E.

Open an existing model. F.

Convert to SWF format and embed the file in a new PDF document. G.

2. What are valid methods for bringing data from Excel into an Xcelsius model?

3. What Property sheet would you use to indicate performance using color coding?

4. Match the type of chart to its function.

ChartFunction

A chart that represents the distribution or participation of each slice(item) over a certain total that is represented on overall value.

A. Stacked column chart

A chart that allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout. B. Bubble chart

A chart that allows you to compare several variables over a period oftime by adding one variable on top of another within a column.

C. XY chart

A chart that displays data that requires two dimensions to show eachdata point as a result of the intersection of X values and Y values.

D. Radar chart

A chart that lets you compare a group of items or series based on threedifferent parameters. It has an X axis and Y axis to represent the itemlocation over the chart area, and a Z value to represent the item size.

E. Pie chart

5. Several of the following items are Excel best practices when working with Xcelsius. Whichone is not an Excel best practice?


a. Organize your data.

b. Keep functions and logic at the top.

c. Use colors, labels and borders.

d. Use tabs for larger spreadsheets.

e. Use lightweight functions that work.

6. A chart is bound to the embeddedExcelworkbook byRange (Data in Rows) to theworkbookshown below. How can you specify the behavior of the bound chart so that it does notdisplay the July values until those cells contain data?

7. Which of the following methods will produce an Excel .XLS file that contains a copy of thedata in the embedded Excel workbook in an .XLF file?

a. From theDatamenu, select Export .

b. From the Filemenu, select Snapshot ➤ Current Excel data.

c. From the Filemenu, select Export ➤ Word.

d. From the Filemenu, select Preview ➤ File ➤ Snapshot ➤ current Excel.

8. Which files created in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 can be sent to BusinessObjectsEnterprise?

a. .HTML (Hypertext Markup)

b. XLS (Excel)

c. SWF (Xcelsius Flash)


d. .XML (Extensible Markup)

e. XLF (Xcelsius design)


Lesson summaryAfter completing this lesson, you are now able to:

• Describe the benefits of producing interactive visualizations of your data• Define the process of producing interactive visualizations of your data• Get around in the Xcelsius user interface• Work with your Excel workbook• Visualize data with charts• Use Xcelsius components• Distribute your visualization• Apply best practices for designing models


Lesson 2Formatting a Visualization

Lesson introductionIn this lesson, you will learn to unleash the power of customization. Xcelsius gives you a hugedegree of freedom to customize your visualization. Change colors, text, and layout to reflectthe nature of your project and the spirit of your company.


• Apply formatting options• Use themes and templates to apply formatting

97Formatting a Visualization—Learner’s Guide

Applying formatting options

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn how to customize the colors, text, and layout of your visualizations.


• Use color schemes• Create custom color schemes• Format text• Change the layout of components in your visualization

Using color schemes

A color scheme is a collection of colors that have been defined for components in the model.A color scheme allows you to make decisions about the colors of each component and re-usethose settings each time that component type is used in your model.

You may choose from a selection of built-in color schemes or create custom color schemes bycloning the existing color schemes. Change the color scheme using the Colors button on thetoolbar. Note that the components change depending on the color scheme selected.


To apply a color scheme

1. From the Formatmenu, click Color Scheme.


The Color Schemes dialog box displays.

2. In the tree, select the color scheme.The theme colors appear in the Preview pane.

3. Ensure the Apply to Existing Components check box is selected.

4. ClickOK.The color scheme is applied to the components on the canvas.

Creating custom color schemes

When a color scheme is used, you may still override the color setting for a specific componenton the Color tab of the appearance property sheet. If a built-in color scheme does notmeet yourneeds, you can create a new custom Color Scheme either from scratch or by copying a built-inColor Scheme and making changes to the copy.

You can change colors for text, buttons, scroll bars, charts, single-value components, selectors,maps and background components. Colors can be set by color gradient, RGB orHue/Saturation/Luminosity.


To create a custom color scheme

1. From the Formatmenu, click Color Scheme.The Color Schemes dialog box displays.

2. Click Create New.


The Custom Color Scheme dialog box displays.

3. In theName field, enter a unique name for the color scheme.


• To change a color in the palette, select the color swatch and edit the values for it or clickthe cursor on the desired color in the spectrum.

• To automatically create a color scheme based on a specific color, select the color swatchand select the Auto Match Colors check box. If desired, change the degree to which theautomaticallymatched colors resemble each other by clicking anddragging the associatedslider to the appropriate position.

• To define the color scheme at a more detailed level, click the Advanced Settings link todisplay the additional options. Click the appropriate tab, click the Color Selector for theelement to be edited, and select the new color. Repeat as required for all elements.

• To reset all colors, click Reset.


5. Click Save.The custom color scheme is applied to the components on the canvas.

Formatting text in your visualization

Text can be formatted on the Text tab of the Appearance property sheet.

To format text

• On the Text tab of the Appearance property sheet, do any of the following:

• To change the font, select a font from the drop-down list.

Note: By default, the font is set to Verdana. If you choose to use non-embedded fontsin the visualization, you can use the font box to change the font for the component.

• To set the font size, type a number in the field or select a number from 8 to 72 from thedrop-down list.

• To format the text, click Bold, Italic, and/or Underline.• To align text, click Align left, Center, or Align Right.• To customize the font color, click the Color Selector and select a color from the palette.

Changing the layout of components

Some components allowyou to change the appearance by adjusting the layout of the component.You can change the options in the table on the right by going to the Layout tab of theAppearanceproperty sheet.

Layout OptionComponent

Chart Area, Plot Area, Title Area, Enable LegendCharts


Layout OptionComponent

No layout optionsContainers

Image sizing, Thumbnails, Number of Labels Displayed,Transparency, Filter Gap,Markers, Enable Background, Show

Selectors/Single Value

Ticker Background, Button Separation, Auto Replay, ShowGridlines, Gridlines, Custom Column Widths

TransparencyMaps

Wrap text, TransparencyText

Show button background, TransparencyOther

No layout optionsArt and Backgrounds

Show button background, TransparencyWeb Connectivity


Using themes and template to apply formatting

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn about built-in tools to help speed up the process of building andformatting Xcelsius visualizations.


• Use themes• Use predefined templates• Use user-defined templates

Using themes

A theme is a collection of object properties that change the look or style of the componentsused in your model. There are nine themes available:• Admiral• Aero• Aqua• Elan• Graphite• Halo• theme• Nova• Windows Classic

When you apply a theme to your model, sometimes your components change. This happensbecause some themes have fewer components available than other themes. For example, theAqua theme has six gauges and the Graphite theme only has two gauges available. If youchoose a gauge that is available in the Aqua theme, then change the theme to Graphite - thegauge will be changed to one that exists in Graphite.

To use a theme, select the thumbnail image. All theme settings are applied to all of thecomponents in your model.


To apply a theme

1. From the Formatmenu, click Theme.


The Themes dialog box displays.

2. Select the appropriate theme.

The theme displays in the Preview pane.

3. ClickOK.The theme is applied to all components.

Using predefined templates

Xcelsius provides a long list of components and functionality that you can use to buildexceptionally creative and individual models. However, there may be times when you wantto createmodelsmore quickly, when you think that displaying data in a simple, familiar formatmay meet your needs better, or when you want to ensure consistency of formatting acrossmultiple models. For these situations, Xcelsius includes a set of templates – predefined sets ofcomponents that you can use to jumpstart the development of your own model.


To open a template

1. From the Filemenu, click Templates.TheNew from Template dialog box displays.

2. In the Category pane, select the appropriate category.

3. In the Items pane, select the appropriate template.

The template displays in the Preview pane.

4. ClickOK.

Note: If there is another Xcelsius file already open, you will be prompted to save that filebefore creating a new file based on the selected template. Click Yes orNo as appropriate.

A new file is created in Xcelsius based on the template.

Using user-defined templates

While Xcelsius provides some predefined templates based on common scenarios, your ownbusiness needs may be quite different.

To accommodate this, Xcelsius allows you to create your own templates based on completedmodels. Once you have created a template you can use to it to create multiple models that usethe same components but are bound to unique data. You can alsomake changes to the completedmodels that are not reflected in the original template.

Using templates is an effective way to set consistent parameters for all Xcelsius developers inyour organization.

To create your own template, all you need to do is save your model in the Xcelsius programfiles on your local computer. This automatically adds themodel to the list of available templatesthe next time you use the New from Template command.


Note: This is especially important if you are creating multi-layer presentations or reports byimporting other models. Using a template ensures that all of the disparate models have a consistentformat.

To save a template

1. Open the visualization you intend to use as a template.

2. From the Filemenu, click Save As.The Save As dialog box displays.

3. Navigate to the location of the Xcelsius templates: C:\Program Files\BusinessObjects\Xcelsius\assets\template\New.The path may be different, depending on how Xcelsius was installed.

4. In the File name field, enter Demo.xlf.

5. Click Save.

The template is saved and can be accessed in theNew from Template dialog box.

If you desire a preview picture for your template, continue with the remaining steps.


Follow the remaining steps to setup a thumbnail SWF image to visually identify yourtemplate in theNew from Template dialog box.

6. From the File menu, select Export > Flash (SWF).

7. In the File name: field of the Export dialog box, type Demo.swf and place the SWF in thesame folder as the XLT used for the template.

8. From the Filemenu, click Templates.TheNew from Template dialog box displays. The Demo template is visible.

Activity: Formatting a model

You are assigned to build a template for a company called RU4REAL. The marketing team hasidentified the design elements for you to implement.

Objectives

• Create a custom color scheme• Create a new template

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius visualization.

2. Create a new custom color scheme called RU4REAL and set the colors as follows:

BGRColor

000Color 1

4134204Color 2

47146224Color 3

45241255Color 4

88179110Color 5

18611972Color 6

1414890Color 7

255255255Color 8-10

3. Under Advanced Settings, change all background elements to black and all text elementsto white.

4. Save the custom color scheme.

5. Set the global font for the template to Arial.


To set the global font, consult the procedure named To change document properties located inthe unit named Getting around in Xcelsius found in the lesson Creating a Visualization.

6. Add the following components to the canvas:• Column chart• Two gauges• Dial• Accordion selector

7. Change the theme to Halo and reapply the custom color scheme.


8. Save the Xcelsius file as a template called RU4REAL.

Note: You must save the file to the correct folder for it to be available as a template.

9. Open theNew from Template dialog box to confirm that your template is available.

10.Create a new document based on Template 1 and confirm whether you can apply yourRU4REAL custom color scheme to it.

11.Reset the color scheme to Current Theme Colors and the theme toNova.

A solution file called SOLUTION_RU4REAL.xlf is included in the Activity_Resource folder if youneed to check your work.


Quiz: Formatting a visualization1. True or false? You cannot specify a unique font for a single axis label, title label, or legend.

2. True or false? When defining a custom color scheme, it is possible to specify the colors ofindividual components.

3. Which components have no layout options?

4. Which of the following statements is true?

a. Text can be formatted on the Text tab of theGeneral property sheet.

b. Text can be formatted on the Text toolbar.

c. Text can be formatted on the Text tab of the Appearance property sheet.

d. Text can be formatted on the global style sheet.

5. Where do you change the appearance of all components in a model in one step, includingspacing, weights, and so on?

6. Where are templates located?



• Apply formatting options• Use themes and templates to apply formatting


Lesson 3Adding Interactivity to a Visualization

Lesson introductionIn this lesson, you will add interactivity to make your data more engaging.


• Use selectors• Add dynamic visibility• Troubleshoot unintended behavior

115Adding Interactivity to a Visualization—Learner’s Guide

Using selectors

IntroductionIn this unit, you will use selectors to change the data presented in your models.


• Add a selector• Understand data insertion• Use each data insertion type in selectors• Set default values for selectors• Use alerts in selectors• Import graphics as selectors• Use a table as a selector• Use a drill down to create a selector from a chart• Use the List builder selector to select multiple items• Create interactive maps

Adding a selector

The selector serves as the primary method for users to interact with the Xcelsius models bytoggling data or the visibility of charts. Selectors facilitate an intuitive end user interface thatenables easy navigation, filtering, and drilling down into information.

Use selectors to:• Transform static visuals into dynamic visual models• Copy rows and columns of data within the Excel spreadsheet from a source location to a

target destination that can be read by a chart or another output component• Define parameters for ad hoc queries against a live data source or reporting applications• Toggle different visualswithin the dashboard to appear or disappear (coupledwith dynamic

visibility)• Open child dashboard SWF files within a parent SWF• Accomplish the same function as Excel lookup functions, but without the drop in

performance.

Understanding data insertion

To select a particular piece of data, a selector copies data from a source range to a destinationrange. If a component is bound to the destination range, the data in the destination range willappear in that component.

In the example, the bar graph displays data for one product type at a time.When the Computersbutton is pushed, the selector copies the data in the Computers row and inserts it into thedestination row,which is highlighted in yellow. The bar chart reads the highlighted row,which


displays data for sales of Computers. By selecting just the computers sales data, the bar chartis simpler to read than if you had included sales data for computers, laptops, and table PCs.

Using each data insertion type in selectors

To set up a destination range functionality for most selectors, you can use the Data Insertionsection on the General property sheet.

There are several different ways to have a selector copy data from the source range to thedestination range. Not all of these methods are available with all selectors.

DescriptionInsertion Type

Each selection inserts its position into a destination range. For example,if you use a radio button, the first button label will have a position of 1

Position



assigned to it, the second button label will have a position of 2 assignedto it, and so on. This option is commonly used to toggle a lookup formulaor dynamic visibility.

Each selection inserts its label into a destination range. For example, ifyou use a label-based menu selector that contains country names, the

Label

country name is inserted into the destination range with each selection.This option is commonly used to toggle a lookup formula or dynamicvisibility.

Each label is associated with a single value, and each selection insertsthe associated value into a destination range. For example, if you are

Value

using a radio button to display countries and sales values, with eachselection the respective sales amountwill be inserted into the destinationrange.

This option is used with a wide range of formulas and components.

Each selector item represents one row of data. With each selection, theselector inserts the respective row into the destination cells. For example,

Row

if you use the list box to display annual sales by state, the selectorcontains the 50 state names. Each state has data that shows the amountsover a period of time. With each selection, the selector takes therespective row and copies the row into the destination range. You canthen link a chart to the same destination range.

This option is commonly used to toggle data within other outputcomponents, such as charts and gauges.

Each selector item represents one column of data. With each selection,the selector inserts the respective column into the destination range. For

Column

example, if you use the list box to display annual sales by state, theselector contains the 50 state names. Each state has data that shows theamounts over a period of time. With each selection, the selector takesthe respective column and copies it into the destination column. Youcan then bind a chart to the same destination column.

This option is used to toggle datawithin other output components, suchas charts and gauges.

The selector creates a button for each piece of unique data. When eachbutton is pressed, only data that matches the filter is returned.

Filtered Rows



This is one of the most powerful functions. Each selector item is boundto a contiguous range of cells in the spreadsheet. When an item is

Status List

selected, the application inserts the number 1 into the respective cell.All other cells contain the number 0 (zero).

Xcelsius recognizes that when the Dynamic Visibility of a componentis bound to a cell that contains the number 1, the component is displayedand that numbers other than 1 mean the component is not displayed.

Setting default values for selectors

A dynamic selected item provides dynamic control over a selector through multiple methodsother than direct user interaction with the component. It can be used to provide a method fordynamic default selection. In the example below, Label 3 is selected as the default item on theproperty sheet.

When the model is previewed, Label 3 is already selected by default.

To insert and configure a selector

1. Click and drag the appropriate selector from the Components Browser to the canvas.


TheProperty sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the selector. The availablefields depend on the type of selector.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Title, Labels, andDisplay Data fields, if available,do one of the following:

• To manually enter a single value, type the value in the appropriate field.• To manually enter multiple values for the Labels field, click the list icon to the right of

the field to open the Labels dialog box, enter the names in the Label Name column foreach numbered item. To add a label, enter the name in the Type a label field and clickAdd. To delete a label, click the X icon for the row. To re-order labels, click the up anddown arrows.


• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button tothe right of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

Note:

Not all of these fields are available for all selectors. Refer to the online help for assistancein determining how to configure each type of component.

For image components, refer to the additional steps for adding graphics, To embed images ina graphic selector and To link images from a URL in a graphic selector.

3. Under Data Insertion, do the following:a. If applicable to the selector, in the Insertion Type drop-down list, select the appropriate

type.

Tip: To view a help movie explaining how each insertion type works, click the info iconnext to the drop-down list.

b. For the Source Data andDestination fields, do one of the following:• To manually enter the values, type the values in the appropriate fields.• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button


Note:

For the accordionmenu selector, youmust also create categories to group the labels. Usethe same technique as when manually creating series for a chart.

Components for which you can specify display data, such as the List View andSpreadsheet components, can be used for output only by binding to the display datawithout specifying the source data and destination for input.


4. Select any additional options for the component, as required.

Note: The options available depend on the type of component.

Using alerts in selectors

Index-based selectors allow for the configuration of alert icons for each label. Using an alertwithin a selector allows you to show icons only for applicable labels.

To set up alerts for a selector

1. Select the selector on the canvas and activate the Alerts property sheet.


2. Select the Enable Alerts option.

3. For the Alert Values field, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theAlert Values field to activate the Select a range dialog

box.b. Select the cells.c. ClickOK.

4. Select one of the following alert types:

• As Percent of Target• By Value

5. If you selected the As Percent of Target option, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the target, type the value in the field.


• To bind the target to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the right of the fieldto activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

6. To define the threshold levels for the alert, do any of the following:

• To change the thresholds for an existing level, click the cursor in the From or To cell inthe table, type the newvalue, and click the cursor outside of the cell to commit the change.

• To add a new level, enter the upper threshold for the level in the field above the tableand click Add.

• To define the thresholds automatically based on values in the embedded workbook,select the Use a Range check box, click the button to the right of the field to activate theSelect a range dialog box, select the range of cells, and clickOK.

7. To define the colors for the threshold levels, do one of the following:

• To define the colors automatically, select the Enable Auto Colors check box. If desired,click the Color Selector for the auto colors and select a different predefined gradient orcreate a custom color scheme.

• To define the colors manually, select the level, click the Color Selector for the level, andselect the appropriate color for the level. Repeat for all levels.

8. Under Color Order, select one of the following options to define how the threshold levelsare ordered and how colors are assigned to them:

• Low values are good• Middle values are good (percent alerts only)• High values are good

Importing graphics as selectors

Most selectors use labels that you import directly from the Excel file. The fish-eye picturemenuand sliding picture menu selectors, however, use images instead. When using these selectors,be sure to consider:• File size – When importing graphics for these selectors, the images are embedded in the

XLF file. This means that the file size for the XLF may increase depending on the size of theimages.

• File format – You can only use images in these formats: JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP and SWF.• Image order – When you import the images, you will align them with the selection items

through numbering. If you have a large number of images, it may be difficult to keep trackof what image aligns with what selection. Make sure you name your images appropriatelyto assist you in mapping them correctly.

To embed images in a graphic selector

1. Add a Fisheye Picture Menu or Sliding Picture Menu to the Canvas.


2. To embed the images in the Xcelsius file so that connectivity is not required, select theEmbedded option.

3. Click Import.

The Import Thumbnail dialog box displays.

4. Click the folder icon for the first item.TheOpen dialog box displays.

5. Navigate to and select the image that corresponds to the label with the same number.

6. ClickOpen.


• To add another image, click Click to Add Images and repeat steps 4 and 5.• To delete an image, click the X icon for the row.• To re-order labels, click the up and down arrows.

Note: Ensure that the order of the labels and images are the same, as Xcelsius uses thenumbers of the labels and images to match them.

To link images from a URL in a graphic selector

1. To connect to images hosted on a website, select the By URL option.

2. Do one of the following:

• To bind the component to the URLs in specific cells, click the button to the right of thefield to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cells that contain the URLs, andclickOK.


• Tomanually enter the URLs, click the list icon to the right of the field to open the Labelsdialog box, enter the names in theURL column for each numbered item. To add a label,enter the name in the Type a label field and clickAdd. To delete a label, click the X iconfor the row. To re-order labels, click the up and down arrows.

Note: Ensure that the order of the labels andURLs are the same, as Xcelsius uses the numbersof the labels and images to match them.

Using a table as a selector

Tables can be used two different ways in a model:

Display

You can treat tables as output components like a chart. Although spreadsheet data may be toocomplex for some audiences, other individuals who use your models may prefer to work withtabular data. By using the table component, you can present that tabular data in an attractive,interactive format that matches the rest of your presentation.

Tip: Temporarily add a table to your model and preview the model to easily identify dataerrors in your components.

Selector

As with other selectors, you can click on a row in the table selector to populate related chartswith the data for that item. When you define data insertion for a table being used as a selector,use the labels insertion type.


Using drill down to use a chart as a selector

You can set up a chart to act as a selector by configuring its drill down capabilities. You canonly use this functionality for single series charts.

To set up a chart for drill down

1. Select the configured chart and activate the Drill Down property sheet.

2. Select the Enable Drill Down check box.


3. In the Series Name Destination field, ensure that the field is bound to the correct series.

4. In the Insertion Type drop-down list, select the appropriate type.


5. For each series, in the Source Data andDestination fields, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of each field to activate the Select a range dialog box.b. Select the cell.c. ClickOK.

6. Under Interaction Options, in the Insert On drop-down list, select the action that promptsthe drill down.

7. Under Default Selection, in the Series and Item drop-down lists, select the series and datapoint that is active by default for the drill down.


Using the list builder selector to select multiple items

When you use the list builder selector, it allows you to select multiple items for the relatedchart. Some additional work needs to be done with the chart to support choosing multipleitems:• Selecting multiple rows or columns

When you set up a list builder to insert rows or columns, you must specify multiple rowsor columns in your destination range for the selected data. You'll need enough to supportthe maximum number of items that can be selected.

• Selecting the appropriate type of chart

Because the chart can conceivably include multiple items, you must select a chart type thatcan support multiple series, so charts like the pie chart cannot be used.

• Binding the series names to the appropriate cell

When the data range is selected for the chart, generic names are automatically assigned tothe series that are created. To ensure that the series names accurately reflect the selecteditem that is inserted into that location, you must bind the series name to the appropriatecell.

• Using ignore end blanks

The chart displays all of the destination range, even though some of them may be emptybased on the user’s selection. Use the ignore end blanks option for a series to suppress theinformation when the rows or columns are empty.

Activity: Creating interactive models using selectors

Create amodelwith two tabs. On one tab, add a list box selector to represent cities to be selectedand a column chart to display details for a specific city. On the other tab, create a pie chart oftotal sales as a selector to drill down to a line chart that represents the details that make up thesummarized values.

Objectives

• Configure a selector• Set up drill down for a chart to act as a selector

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as SalesByBranch_ProductDetail.xlf.

2. Import the Selector_Drilldown.xls spreadsheet into the embedded workbook.

3. Add a large tab set container component to the canvas and create two tabs called Sales by

Branch and Product Detail.

4. On the Sales by Branch tab, add a list box selector to the canvas and bind it to the labels,source data, and destination on the Sales by Branch worksheet. Choose the appropriateinsertion type based on the data.


5. Add a column chart to the canvas and bind the title, subtitle, and data as appropriate. Bindthe category axis labels to the fiscal years.

Tip: The chart should be bound to the same cells as the destination for the selector. If youuse the series option, you can update the title of the series dynamically by binding it to thelabel that is copied to the destination cells.

6. Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model.


7. On the Product Details tab, add a pie chart to the canvas and bind it to the titles, data, andlabels on the Product Details worksheet. Use the summary data.

8. Configure the pie chart for drill down by binding it to the source data and destination. Usethe detailed data and choose the appropriate insertion type based on the data.

9. Add a line chart to the canvas and bind the title, subtitle, and data as appropriate. Bind thecategory axis labels to the months.

Tip: The line chart should be bound to the same cells as the destination for the pie chartselector.

10.Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model.



11.Save your changes.

A solution file called SOLUTION_SalesByBranch_ProductDetail.xlf is included in theActivity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.

Creating interactive maps

Xcelsius provides the ability for you to create interactive maps that can be used to display andselect data. Xcelsius comes with maps for many countries and continents. Many maps includemajor regions, provinces, and states within the country.

On a machine where Xcelsius has been installed, you can find an Excel workbook that detailsall of the maps at this location:

C:\Program Files\Business Objects\Xcelsius\assets\samples\User GuideSamples\MapRegions.xls

The key to using maps is that your data must include a row or column associated with the restof the data that references the appropriate names or abbreviations for the areas covered in themaps. Once the contents of that row or column are associated with labels for each area on themap, the map is populated with the data. The labels must be in alphabetic order, and they arerequired for the region names, the display data, and the source data, as well as for alert targets,if you set up alerts for your map.

To insert and configure a map component

1. Click and drag the map component from the Components Browser to the canvas.


The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the map.

2. On the General property sheet, for the Title field, do one of the following:

• To manually enter the value, type the value in the Title field.• To bind the value for the component to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the

right of the Title field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

3. For the Region Keys field, do one of the following:

• To manually edit the region keys that are predefined for the map, click the list icon tothe right of the Region Keys field to open the Region Keys dialog box, edit the namesin the Region Key column for each item, and clickOK.


• To bind the values for the region keys to the values in specific cells, click the button tothe right of the Region Keys field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select thecells, and clickOK.

Note: The values in the embedded Excel workbook must be in the same order as theregions listed in the Region Keys dialog box to match up.

4. For theDisplay Data field, do the following:a. Click the button to the right of theDisplayData field to activate the Select a rangedialog

box.b. Select the cells.c. ClickOK.

5. Under Data Insertion, do the following:a. In the Insertion Type drop-down list, select the appropriate type.


b. For the Source Data andDestination fields, do one of the following:• To manually enter the values, type the values in the appropriate fields.• To bind the values for the component to the values in specific cells, click the button


Note: The map component can be used for output only by adding the component withoutspecifying the destination cells for input.


Activity: Using maps

Build a map that displays the current year population for all U.S. states. Configure the map toact as a selector so that clicking a state displays the detailed data for that state in a columnchart.

Objective

• Configure a map for display and selection

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as USA_Population.xlf.

2. Import the Interactive_Map.xls spreadsheet into the embedded workbook.

3. Add a USA map to the canvas and bind it to the display data in the workbook.

4. Choose the appropriate insertion type based on the data to use the map as a selector andbind it to the source data and destination.

5. Enable alerts for the map based on percent of target. Bind the map to the target values foreach state in the workbook. Set the thresholds at minimum to 90%, 90% to 100%, and 100%to maximum and specify that high values are good.

6. Add a column chart to the canvas and bind the title, subtitle, and data as appropriate toshow the detailed data for each state. Bind the category axis labels to the years.

Tip: The chart should be bound to the same cells as the destination for the map selector.





A solution file called SOLUTION_USA_Population.xlf is included in the Activity_Resourcesfolder if you need to check your work.


Adding dynamic visibility

IntroductionIn this unit, you will explore methods to display the most information in the most efficientfootprint. Dynamic visibility allows you to create layers of charts and only display the relevantchart at the appropriate time.


• Understand dynamic visibility• Define dynamic visibility display status• Choose dynamic visibility options• Use formulas to create dynamic visibility• Create multi-layer reports

Understanding dynamic visibility

The dynamic visibility feature toggles the visibility of components based on criteria you define.Using dynamic visibility facilitates a rich user experience by simulating multiple levels of drilldown and empowering the user to decide what information they would like to view based ontheir interaction with the model.

By binding the status and key fields to different cells in your embedded Excel workbook youcan use this logic: if the value in the Key cell matches the value in the Status cell, then thecomponentwill be visible. The value can be a number, aword, or any combination of characters.Most frequently, the status is bound to the field that is the destination range of the selector.

The following is an example of the workflow:1. The selector populates the destination range.

2. The component (for example, a chart) looks in the destination range to determine the statusvalue.

3. When the status changes, the chart decides if the status valuematches a defined key (usuallya label for the data that displays in the chart).

4. If the status matches the key, then the component is displayed.

For example, the following is a model with a label based menu selector and two charts. Whena label is selected, the selector inserts either Monthly Trend or Quarterly Trend into thedestination cell.When the destination cell has a value of 'Monthly Trend', theMonthly RegionalSales line chart displays:


When the destination cell has a value of 'Quarterly Trend', the Quarterly Regional Sales barchart displays.


Defining dynamic visibility display status

The following steps are involved in setting up and using dynamic visibility:

Step 1: Define user interaction

First, define the action that will toggle dynamic visibility.

A selector is used to insert a value for each option into the target cell that will be used todetermine whether the chart is visible or not.

Step 2: Define display status and display status key

Next, define the display status and display status key for each chart. The display status is thecell that determines whether the component is visible. This is the same cell where the selectorcomponent inserts the data that corresponds with the user's choice.

The display status key is the value that needs to be in the cell to toggle dynamic visibility. Thisis the value that the selector inserts into the target cell for that item.

Step 3: Trigger dynamic visibility

When the user makes a selection, the selector copies a value into the target cell. The charts thencheck that cell, and the chart with the display status key thatmatches the value becomes visible.


To set up dynamic visibility

1. Select the component on the canvas and activate the Behavior property sheet.

2. Under Dynamic Visibility, for the Status and Key fields, do one of the following:

• To bind the fields to the values in specific cells, click the button to the right of each fieldto activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and clickOK.

• To manually enter the value for the key, type the value in the Key field.

Choosing dynamic visibility options

When you set up a component for dynamic visibility, there are also some entry effects availableto really polish your presentations. In addition, you can specify the duration of the effect forall entry effects.

DescriptionEffect

This effect gradually changes the display of the entire component fromtransparent to solid.Fade in

This effect reveals the component by first showing the entire left side of thecomponent and then gradually revealing more and more of the right side ofthe component.

WipeRight

This effect reveals the component by first showing a small portion of theupper-left part of the component and then gradually revealingmore andmore

WipeRight-Down


DescriptionEffect

of the right part of the component while more and more of the lower part ofthe component are displayed.

Using formulas

Whendynamic visibility is based solely on data insertion, the dynamic visibility for a componentshould always be tied to a specific selectable item. The status cell can only contain a singlevalue at any given time, and a unique value is used to represent each selectable item.

You can use formulas in your Excel source files to extend the functionality of dynamic visibilityso that you can define visibility for a component based onmultiple selectable items. To do this,follow these three steps:1. Define the insert in cells

You will still be using a selector to enable dynamic visibility. As with other models that usethis functionality, you will specify the target cells for the selector. To support the use of aformula, one of the cells must contain information that is unique to each selectable item,such as its name. Make note of the cell reference for this location.

2. Create a formula

In another cell in the Excel file, you will create a formula that looks up information in thecell where the unique value is located. The most common function to use in Excel is the IFformula, which you will construct as follows:

IF(OR(cell=value, cell=value), value_if_true,value_if_false)

Set up the parameters like this:• Cell

Enter the location of the unique identifier for the selectable item.

• Value

Enter the value inserted in the cell for the selectable item (such as the name of the item).You can either enter a specific value, or you can include a cell reference. The simplesttechnique is to enter 1.

• Value_if_false

Enter an alternate value, whichwill not trigger dynamic visibility. The simplest techniqueis to enter 0.

• Value_if_true

Enter a value that you will use to trigger dynamic visibility.

3. Set up dynamic visibility

For the component that will be dynamically visible, use the location of the formula, ratherthan the target cell for the selector, as the display status cell, and specify the Value_if_true


value as the display status key. When the user makes a selection, the item is inserted intothe target cell, which triggers the formula to determine whether the value meets the logicaltest or not. If it meets the logical test, the cell displays the Value_if_true value, therebytriggering dynamic visibility for the component.

Creating multi-layer reports

The process of creating multi-layer reports involves three steps:

Step 1: Link SWFs to image component

The designer starts with image components, and links those to Xcelsius models (SWFs).

Step 2: Set up dynamic visibility

Set up dynamic visibility for each image component, so visual models appear based on theuser interaction.


Step 3: Export the model

When you export the visualmodelwith linked image components, copies of the linked externalSWFs will be generated and placed in a folder with the exported model.

Activity: Creating interactive models using dynamic visibility

Create a model using the label-based menu and column charts to display data for five regions.The regional data is too complex to handle using only one chart.

Objective

• Set up a selector to trigger dynamic visibility

Instructions

1. Create a new Xcelsius document and save it as Regional_Sales.xlf.

2. Import the Dynamic_Visibility.xls spreadsheet into the embedded workbook.

3. Add a label-basedmenu to the canvas and bind it to the labels in the workbook. Choose theappropriate insertion type to use the labels to trigger dynamic visibility and bind it to thedestination in the workbook.

4. Add five column charts to the canvas and bind the titles and data for each to the data forAsia PAC, EEMEA, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Bind the category axislabels to the years.


5. Set up dynamic visibility for each chart using the selector destination as the status and thelabel as the key.




A solution file called SOLUTION_Regional_Sales.xlf is included in the Activity_Resourcesfolder if you need to check your work.


Troubleshooting interactivity

IntroductionIn this unit, you will learn to troubleshoot your model to resolve unintended behavior in yourvisualization.


• Troubleshoot with the Spreadsheet Table component• Alleviate common symptoms

Troubleshooting with the Spreadsheet Table component

The spreadsheet table component is a great tool to assist you in troubleshooting and validatingdatawithin Xcelsius.When building an interactive visualmodel, the table component can serveas a means to view what is happening behind the scenes in the Excel file.

Add a table to your model to check on destination ranges, then delete them before exporting.With a tabular view of your Excel data and logic, you can quickly deduce if you have bounda component to the wrong range or if a formula is not working the way you planned.

Alleviating common symptoms

The following table contains some common symptoms and unintended behaviors along withthe associated issues and remedies to help you troubleshoot.

RemedyIssueSymptom or behavior

Cell ranges in Excel formulasshould not be open-ended.

Design mode shows datadirectly from the Excel

Values in the model will goblank or "null out." Chartwill

For example =SUM(A:D)workbook, but duringshow indesignmode, but notshould include the rowpreview, Xcelsius recompilesin published/exported

visualization. reference as well, such as=SUM(A1:D4).

using its own Flash-basedalgorithms independently ofExcel. Open-ended rangesalso causes the "exceededmaximum row limit" error.Nulling out is also a result ofusing an unsupportedformula/syntax.

Connect to live data using adifferent connection type

ODBC connection to thespreadsheet is not supportedin Xcelsius.

Cannot create connection todata using ODBC.



(QaaWS, Live Office, CrystalReport, and so on).

RemoveAdd-ins andMacrosfrom Excel workbook.

Excel spreadsheet uses anExcel Add-in or Macro that

Errormessage "Excel is busy"when opening an XLF with

Uninstall or disable apps thatis not supported in Xcelsius.an embedded Excelspreadsheet. interactwithMicrosoftOffice

and Excel.This can also be caused by arogue process on thecomputer that conflicts withOffice automation betweenXcelsius and Excel.

Remove dynamic formattingin the Excel workbook.

Dynamic formatting is notsupported in Xcelsius.

Dynamic formatting in theExcel workbook does notappear in the Xcelsiusmodel.

Remove dynamic formattingin the Excel workbook.

Dynamic formatting is notsupported in Xcelsius.

In a workbook that usesdynamic formatting, valuesin themodel will go blank or"null out." Chartwill show indesign mode, but not inpublished or exportedvisualization.

Change row limit (Data >Maximum Rows) or avoid

Caused by a Component orExcel function using a large

Error: "Truncation occurred.Exceeded __ rows."

using formulas withrange that exceeds theopen-ended cell ranges. Usedefined row limit. The rowonly a spreadsheet withrequired values.

limit is found under Data >Maximum Rows. Also, theuser may be using a formulawith an open-end cell range.

Make sure that all erroneousitems such as charts, pictures,

Performance begins todegradewhen theworkbook

Slow performance whenbuilding the model,

and all values thatwill not beis over 1 MB. Many peopleimporting the model, andexporting the model. consumed in the Xcelsius

model be removed.attempt to work with aspreadsheet that containsmany values, formulas, andso on that are not pertinent



to the dashboard they arecreating in Xcelsius.

Make sure the spreadsheet isnot protected in any way.

Protecting the spreadsheetprevents Xcelsius fromaccessing the protected cells.

Cannot bind cells tocomponents.

Make sure the spreadsheetdoes not contain any links toexternal workbooks.

Links to external workbooksprevents Xcelsius fromaccessing the protected cells.

Error message "Links toexternal workbooks are notsupported."

Make sure spreadsheet wascreated usingMicrosoft Excel

Xcelsius does not supportXLS files created inOpenOffice.

Error message "Excel isbusy."

(Windows) and not an .xlsfile createdusingOpenOffice.

Make sure the embeddedspreadsheet is not configuredto open upmultiple sessions.

Xcelsius only works with asingle session of an XLS file.

Error message "Excel isbusy."

Activity: Creating a presentation-ready visualization

Your supervisor has given you an Excel workbook that was saved from a Web Intelligencedocument in BusinessObjects Enterprise. You have been asked to design a presentation-readyXcelsius visualization that includes the following:• Number of customers within each region• Number of customers within each country, to be updated by clicking the first component• Gross sales per region• List of customers with net sales that meet or exceed a preset goal

Youhave already completed a design for this visualization in the activityDesigning a visualization.Now you will create a visualization that uses that design and data from Design_RawData.xls.

Objective

• Complete the visualization based on the design, incorporating various concepts learned inthe course

Instructions

1. Open MyProject.XLF saved from the activity titled: Designing a visualization.


2. Review the charts you included on your canvas. Add additional components and modifyyour workbook to accommodate the additional interactivity requirements:a. Use a selector to display a single country at a time.b. Use a List component to display customers with net sales that meet or exceed a preset

goal.

3. Preview and test the model.

4. Save and export the model to Flash.

5. Present your Flash model to the class describing how you designed your workbook andXcelsius components.


Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization1. What are the correct steps for setting up dynamic visibility?

2. What are some examples of valid usage for the Spreadsheet Table component?

3. What data insertion option passes the location of the data in the data range to the selector?

4. Which component or function cannot be used to toggle dynamic visibility?

a. A cell contained within the destination range specified in a selector

b. A VLOOKUP formula within a cell

c. A range contained within a destination range specified in a selector

d. A single value component

e. An IF statement within a cell



• Use selectors• Add dynamic visibility• Troubleshoot unintended behavior


Lesson 4Creating a Connected Visualization

Lesson introductionIn your quest to use Xcelsius to create useful information from your data, you'll quickly findthat a connected model will have distinct advantages over disconnected snapshots of yourdata. Live data allows you to monitor events in real time, make better informed decisions, andensure that everyone in your business unit is using the same data.


• Use live data sources• Connect to XML data• Connect to data using an existing Web Service• Connect to Crystal Reports data• Connect to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service• Connect to Portal Data• Use Live Office data• Work with Business Requirements

151Creating a Connected Visualization—Learner’s Guide

Using Live Data Sources

Unit IntroductionWhile using live data in your Xcelsius visualization may require additional setup comparedto a visualization that pulls data from an embedded Excel workbook, the use of live data cangreatly expedite your decision making process by increasing the degree of trust placed in thedata by eliminating discrepancies associatedwith disconnected data. Using anXML-compliantdatabase or a web service, you can configure a visualization to connect to live data using oneof the many available methods within BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008.


• Understand the workflow required to use live data sources• Use the Data Manager to add and configure connections• Use the Connection Refresh button• Understand the External Interface connection type

Understanding the workflow required to use live data sources

Creating a connected model involves four steps:

Export your data source to an Excel workbook, and then replace theembeddedExcelworkbookwith the Excelworkbook that contains the exportof your data source.

Step 1.

Build your visualization by binding components (charts, gauges, tables, andmaps) to the embedded Excel workbook that contains the export of yourdata source. Define the behavior and appearance of those components.

Step 2.

Create a connection to the data source by creating a connection in the DataManager.Step 3.

Publish and distribute the model.Step 4.

When developing and deploying a connected model, you can push or pull data from theXML-compliant database directly to the SWF file. The SWF file still uses the self-containedbusiness logic from the Excel file, but refreshes with live XML data. Using one of the availableconnectivity methods eliminates the need to manually refresh data in Excel or Xcelsius unlessthere are changes required to the logic or visual appearance of the model.

Using the Data Manager to add and configure connections

TheDataManager is a central place to add, configure andmanage external connections in yourvisualization.

You can configure the following types of connections:


New Connections• Query as a Web Service (QaaWS)

Note: This connection type is only available in Xcelsius Engage 2008 and BusinessObjectsXcelsius Enterprise 2008.

• Web Service Connections• XML Data Connections• FlashVariable (flashvars)• Portal Data• Crystal Report Data Consumer• FS Command• LiveCycle Data Services (LCDS)

Existing Connections• Excel XML Maps• Live Office connections

While you cannot add a new Excel XML Maps connection type or a Live Office Connectiontype using the Data Manager, the Data Manager automatically detects when these connectiontypes are present in an Excel workbook that has been imported.

Each connection has aDefinition tab to organize the details of your connection. Some connectiontypes also have aUsage tab to customize howyour connectionwill load and refresh data.Whilemost connection types will allowmultiple connections, you may only have one connection forthe Portal Data, Flash Variable, or Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection types.

To add a connection

1. From the menu bar, clickData.

2. From the Data menu, select Connections.TheData Manager dialog box appears.

3. Click Add and select a connection type from the list.The new connection will appear in the left hand pane.

4. Configure Definition and Usage options as required.

To remove a connection

1. From the menu bar, clickData.

2. From the Data menu, select Connections.TheData Manager dialog box appears.

3. In the left hand pane, select the connection you would like to remove.The definition tab will appear in the right hand pane.

4. Click X to remove the connection.


Using the Connection Refresh button

You can use a Connection Refresh button to allow users to refresh data on demand rather thanrelying on the refresh options set on the Usage tab of your connection. The Connection Refreshbutton is added and removed from the canvas like any other component, but has uniquesettings.

You can also use the Connection Refresh button to update the data connection according tothe behavior of a trigger cell. Data can be refreshed when the trigger cell updates, when datain the trigger cell changes, or when the value of the trigger cell matches a fixed quantity or thevalue in another cell. Under any of these conditions, the visualization can trigger a webconnection or connection refresh. This feature allows another action within the visualization,such as a List Box selection, to trigger the component - as if the component itself was clicked.The component is triggered according to the trigger behavior selected.

To configure a Connection Refresh button

1. From the General Properties sheet, type a value into the Label field or bind the Label fieldto a cell in the embedded Excel workbook by clicking the cell selector button.

2. From theAvailableConnections section of theGeneral property sheet, check thebox adjacentto each connection you would like to update when users press this Connection Refreshbutton.

3. From the Behavior Properties sheet, select the Common tab.

4. Bind the Trigger Cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook.

5. Select one of the Trigger Cell options (for example,When Cell Updates,When ValueChanges, orWhen Value Equals).If you chooseWhen Value Equals, be sure to bind the field to a cell in the embedded Excelworkbook.

6. Configure options for animation and appearance as desired.

Understanding the External Interface connection type

External Interface connections allow Xcelsius visualization developers to expose selected dataranges of the workbook. This creates a generic framework for getting data into and out of theSWF file of the published visualization. The External Interface connection type tracks eventsin real-time to provide notification of changes in a specified data source. The External Interfacecan be used to detect when interactive components are manipulated by the user and thatcomponent affects data in the embedded Excel workbook.

Note: For an External Interface connection to work correctly, the SWF must be trusted by thehost and client machines.

Add or edit the following connection parameters for External Interface connections:


Definition tab

• Range Name

Enter a name for the range, or click the cell selector to select a cell in the spreadsheet.

• Range Type

Select one of the following from the dropdown menu:○ Cell – the data range consists of a single cell

○ Row/Column – the data range is in a single row or a single column

○ Table – the data range has more than one column or row

• Range

Click the cell selector button to select a range from the spreadsheet.

• Access

Select one of the following from the dropdown menu:○ Read – an external application will be able to be read data in the range

○ Write – an external application will be able to be write data into the range

○ Read/Write – an external application will be able to be read data in the range and writedata into the range

To prepare your provider and consumer visualizations for External Interfaceconnections

1. Launch Xcelsius 2008.

2. Create a new provider visualization.

3. In theData Manager, add an External Interface connection.

4. In Definition, click +.

5. In Range Name, enter a range name.

6. In Range Type, select Row/Column.

7. Use the cell selector button to bind Range to the the range of insert-in cells.

8. In Access, select Read.

9. Click Close.

10.Save the provider visualization.

11.Export to HTML and save.

12.Create a consumer visualization.

13.In theData Manager, add an External Interface Connection.

14.In Definition, click +.


15.In Range Name, enter a range name.

16.In Range Type, select Row/Column.

17.Use the cell selector button to bind Range to the insert-in.

18.In Access, selectWrite.

19.Click Close.

20.Save the consumer visualization.

21.Export the consumer visualization toHTML in the same location as the provider visualization.

22.Re-use HTML provided in the consumer HTML and provider HTML in your own customJavascript code to customize the interactivity of the two SWFs.

Activity: Using the External Interface connection type

Scenario

Your supervisor has asked you to create a visualization that will receive data from anotherexternal interface, controlled by another visualization.

Objective

• Create twoXcelsius visualizations. The first visualization should provide data to the secondvisualization. The second visualization should consume data from the first visualization.

Instructions


2. Open US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.xlf from this folder:\\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\ExternalInterface\Start\

3. In theData Manager, add an External Interface Connection.

4. In Definition, click the + button.

5. In Range Name, enter UsMapData.

6. In Range Type, select Row/Column.

7. Use the cell selector to bind Range to cellsD55 to L55.

8. In Access, Select Read.

9. Click Close.

10.Save US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.xlf to My Documents.

11.Export the visualiation asHTMLnamed US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html inMyDocuments.

12.Open US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.xlf from this folder:\\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\ExternalInterface\Start\

13.In theData Manager, add an External Interface Connection.


14.In Definition, click the + button.

15.In Range Name, type in UsMapData.

16.In Range Type, select Row/Column.

17.Use the cell selector to bind Range to cellsD55 to L55.

18.In Access, selectWrite.

19.Click Close.

20.Save US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.xlf in My Documents.

21.Export to HTML as US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.html.

Note: US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.htmlmust be in the same folder asUS_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html.

22.Open Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html in Internet Explorer.

23.In Internet Explorer, from the Viewmenu, select Source.Keep theNotepadwindow open so you can paste code intoNotepad in a following step.

24.Open US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html from My Documents in Internet Explorer.

25.In Internet Explorer, from the Viewmenu, select Source.

26.Copy all code between the <body> and </body> tags (the object tags and everything inbetween the object tags) and paste that code into Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html followingthe comment that reads Note to Learner: Paste Provider.html here

27.Edit the id option in the OBJECT tag so that id="myMovieName" is replaced withid="usMapProvider".

28.Save Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html as Activity_EIC_Code.html in My Documents andkeep open.

29.Open US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.html in Internet Explorer.

30.In Internet Explorer, from the Viewmenu, select Source.

31.Copy all code between <body> and </body> (the <object></object> tags and everythingin between the <object></object> tags) and paste that code into Activity_EIC_Code.html

in My Documents following the comment that reads

32.Edit the id option in the OBJECT tag so that id= "myMovieName" is replaced withid="usMapConsumer".

33.Save Activity_EIC_Code.html and closeNotepad.

34.Open Activity_EIC_Code.html from My Documents in Internet Explorer.

If no data is returned, first verify that you have correctly identified your ranges in theconnection (the RangeNames of the Consumer and Provider filesmustmatch). Next, verifythat the definition of the Consumer connection has the Access set to Write. Verify that theobject ID in your htmlmatches the RangeName in your EIC connection in theDataManager.

Finally, ensure that you have completed the optional procedure titled To set the Flash PlayerSecurity Settings to trust all local drives.


Connecting to XML data

Unit IntroductionAfter completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand XML Data connections• Choose XML Data as your data connection• Set up your XML data connection by creating an XML definition• Leverage Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XML definition

Understanding XML Data connections

The XMLData connection method enables Xcelsius to load data from an XML file directly intothe published visualization instead of using the data from the embedded Excel workbook. Thismethod requires a server-side process to query data from a database and format the XML fileor stream to a specific XML structure.

The XML code file is produced by the server-side script and can be accessed on a local machineor on a web server using an http connection. The XML code file must be formatted to a specificXML structure that can be recognized by Xcelsius:

<row> <col> </col></row>

A sample query result can be generated from Xcelsius that displays the XML structure basedon the data range to be replaced with XML.

During runtime, an XML Data connection requires some server-side scripting to facilitate thequerying of data and formatting of the XML to a specific structure required by Xcelsius. Torefresh the data in visualization, you can initiate this query and format process on every load,at periodic intervals, or when a trigger cell meets your criteria.

Choosing XML Data as your data connection

While the primary benefit of an XMLData connection is the minimal time required to load livedata into a model, XML data also provides the additional benefit of alleviating overhead on adatabase when the Xcelsius model pulls data from an XML file that is generated by thedatasource at an off peak time.

TheXMLData connection is best appliedwhen the business scenario does not require real-timequerying. Resources must also be available to generate the server-side script required to queryand format the data. The data can be refreshed and sent periodically and automatically or ondemand when combined with the Connection Refresh Button component.


Setting up an XML data connection by creating an XML definition

With the XML Data Connection, you can refresh visualization data from an external sourcethroughHTTP. The connection can be used to send live visualization data to an external source;for example, form submission and data collection.

In order to ensure that the XML file is formatted to a specific structure that Xcelsius can interpret,use the sample query result generated from Xcelsius when generating the server-side scriptthat formats the XML. For example, the table shown below would generate the code blockdisplayed below.

MarFebJan

135432124561149984.2

1045677856587736 .4

8904581234135432

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?> <col>- <data> - <variable name ="q1"> - <row> <column>Jan</column> <column>Feb</column> <column>Mar</column>


- </row> - <row> <column>149984.20000000001</column> <column>124561</column> <column>135432</column> - </row> - <row> <column>87736.399999999994</column> <column>78565</column> <column>81234</column> - </row> - <row> <column>97472.5</column> <column>104567</column> <column>89045</column> - </row> - <variable>- </data>

The XML Data connection lets you use send and load functionality simultaneously throughone URL. The send ranges are sent to the URL prior to retrieving the load data. This lets youcreate scripts which examine the sent data and return data that corresponds to the values sent-much like a web request. For example, if a date was sent to a server script, the script couldreturn the sales figures for that date. Excel ranges are mapped to XML using a row-columnstructure. For example, a one-row, three-column range named "ExampleRange" would berepresented in XML with:

<variable name="ExampleRange"> <row> <column> Row1 Column1 value </column> <column> Row1 Column2 value </column> <column> Row1 Column3 value </column> </row> </variable>

where "Row1 Column1 value" would be the actual value of the cell in the first row and firstcolumn of the range, and so on. The entire group of ranges is encapsulated within <data> tags.During a load, XML is translated into Excel ranges using the reverse process.

XML Connection Errors

Connection errors usually occur in two cases• Flash does not have proper access to your computer. Give it full access to your hard drives

in the following page:http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager04.html

• In cases of internet connectivitymodels that pass information between computers ondifferentdomains, you may need a crossdomain.xml file on the host computer.

See http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14213 andhttp://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=kb403185

If your SWF is hosted on a web server, any web server that your SWF file connects to for livedata needs to have a cross domain policy file in theweb server root (differs for eachweb server).Without a cross domain policy file, the SWF file may not be able to connect to the web serverto get data. For security reasons, the Adobe Flash Player is not allowed to access data thatresides outside the exact web domain fromwhich the SWF originated. Various error messages


may be displayed but the most common is Unable to Load URL:http://boe-server:8080/dswsbobje/services/session.

A cross domain policy file is a simple XML file that gives the Adobe Flash Player permissionto access data in a given domainwithout displaying a security dialog. The cross domain policyfile on your web server controls which SWF files, running on which domains, can access yourweb server. When placed in a root folder of a server, it tells the Flash Player to allow directaccess to data on that server, without prompting the user to grant access. Either download orcreate a crossdomain.xlm file and place it in the root folder of all necessary servers to allow theAdobe Flash Player used by Xcelsius 2008 access across domains. For example, for use betweendifferent BusinessObjects Enterprise servers, the crossdomain.xml should go in the associatedTomcat folders on each server. Location: C:\Program Files\BusinessObjects\Tomcat\webapps\ROOT.

Here is an example of a cross domain policy file that allows any SWF, runningon any domain,access to your web server. This file needs to be placed in the root folder of your web server:<?xml version="1.0"?><!DOCTYPE cross-domain-policy SYSTEM "http://www.macromedia.com/xml/dtds/cross-domain-policy.dtd"><cross-domain-policy><allow-http-request-headers-from domain="*" headers="*" secure="false" /><allow-access-from domain="*" secure="false" /></cross-domain-policy>

There is an example crossdomain.xml setup file includedwith your BusinessObjects Enterpriseinstallation. It is on the SDQA3 in the \\..\Tomcat55\webapps\ROOT\ folder and is a real worldexample you can view to see how the file is set up.

In the Activity_Resources folder, you will find another crossdomain.xml file, which shouldwork on any server for any purpose, setup with wildcards for any domain.

To set up an XML Data connection by creating a new XML definition

1. From the File menu, clickData.

2. From theData menu, selectData Manager.

3. Click Add.

4. Click XML Data.

5. On theDefinition Tab, enter a unique name for the connection in the Name field.

6. In the XML Data URL field, type the URL or file path where the data resides.Alternately, you may bind this field to a cell in the embedded spreadsheet. Any change tothe value of this cell will update the URL button with the link to the new value.

7. From the MIME type drop-down menu, Select aMIME type.Now that your connection has been established, configure your connection to load datafrom the data source.

8. Select the Enable Load check box.


Selecting Enable Loadwill load XML data at the URL into the Load Ranges when theconnection is triggered.

9. Click the Add (+) button to add a new range.

10.Bind the Range field to the range of empty cells from the spreadsheet that will contain yourdata.

11.Click the Usage tab.

12.Select Refresh on Load if desired.

13.Select Refresh every and indicate the desired automatic refresh rate if desired.

14.If desired, bind the Trigger cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook and indicatethe update method.Updatemethods includeWhenCellUpdates,WhenValueChanges, orWhenValueEquals.

15.If desired, specify the Loading Message and Idle Message.

16.If desired, bind the Loading Message and Idle Message to a cell in the embedded Excelworkbook.

17.If desired, select Enable Load Cursor and/orDisable Mouse Input on Load.

18.Click Close.

Optional Procedure: To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trust all localdrives

Note: This procedure is only required if you encounter a Flash Player Securitymessage (for example#2148 or #2170).

• 1. Go tohttp://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager04.html

• 2. In the Adobe Flash Player Settings Manager, select theGlobal Security Settings tab.

• 3. Select Always Allow.

• 4. Click Edit locations. In theAlways trust files in these locations: drop down, select “Addlocation…”

• 5. Click Add location.

• 6. Click Browse for folder.

• 7. Select theMy Documents folder and clickOK.

• 8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for all folders where files will be stored during the course.

Activity: Connecting to XML with a new definition

Objective

• Create a new XML definition file that will be the connected data source for an Xcelsius 2008visualization


Scenario

You will define the XML structure used in the sample model called Total_Sales.xlf foundin the Activity_Resources folder. This will ensure the model can connect to the XML data fileand updated information is correctly displayed.

Instructions

1. Open Total_Sales.xlf from the Activity_Resources folder.Look at data in the embedded Excel workbook and familiarize yourself with the structureof the data.

2. Bind the Data field for the SuperBounce Tennis Balls Gauge to cell F5.

3. Use theData Manager to add an XML Data connection.

4. Name the connection Total Sales.

5. Select Enable Load.

6. Add a range and name it by binding the Name field to cell C1.

7. Bind the Range field to the B2 to E5 range in the embedded Excel workbook.

8. Click Preview XML.Save the XML file as Total_Sales.xml.

9. In the XML Data URL field, type the full path to Total_Sales.xml file on your desktop.For example, C:\Documents and Settings\<UserName>\Desktop\Total_Sales.xml.

10.Change the MIME Type to Text.

11.On theUsage tab, set the connection to refresh every ten seconds and close theDataManager.

12.Format the gauge for SuperBounce Tennis Balls so that it displays currencywith zero decimalplaces.

13.Save Total_Sales.xlf.

14.Export the visualization as a SWF named Total_Sales.swf and save in the same locationas Total_Sales.xml.

15.Open Total_Sales.swf.If you receive an error (typically #2148 or #2170) when doing this activity, execute theoptional procedure titled: To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trust all local drives

16.Open Total_Sales.xml in an XML editor.

17.Test connectivity by changing the last value in the SuperBounce Tennis Balls group to1,000,000. Save the file and observe Total_Sales.swf.The gauge for SuperBounce Tennis Balls should change within ten seconds of savingTotal_Sales.xml.


Leveraging Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XMLdefinition

Xcelsius 2008 supports the XML functionality that was introduced in Excel 2003. Excel supportsthe ability to embed XML documents and schemas into a spreadsheet. These files can beimported in Xcelsius 2008; the Xcelsius 2008 SWF files will retain the link to the XML sourcegenerated.

Note: Data that has beenmapped using the Excelmapping functionality can bemanually refreshedby using a Connection Refresh button in your visualization. If a Dynamic URL is used with theXMLMap feature and an interval refresh, it must be bound to an Excel cell that contains a formula.

After the Excel file has been set up, the next step is to build your visualization and configurethe XMLMap Options. For information on setting up the Excel file with an XMLmap, refer tothe online help in Microsoft Excel.

Benefits

The Excel 2003 XML maps allows for the incorporation of XML data with any XML structureor schema into an Xcelsius model. This method provides a lot of flexibility and can be quicklyand easily deployed into existing processes that output XML.

Intermediate Process

To initiate thismethod, some server-side scripting is required to facilitate querying and creatingthe XML file or stream. There are no requirements on the outputted XML structure or schema.This process can be scheduled based on the frequency that the data needs to be refreshed orcan be set up as a dynamic query through HTTP. The XML file or streammust be successfullyloaded into Excel as an XML map before importing into Xcelsius.

XML Format/Structure

The XML can be formatted as a physical file or can be returned as streaming XML. The XMLmust be accepted by Excel to be successfully leveraged as a live data source in a visual model.

Best Scenario for Use

Use the Excel XMLmapmethodwhen processes exist that deliver XML as a stream or physicalfile. Use XMLMapswhen the format is established by others, so themetadata layer (XMLMapsin Excel) can reformat the data to be presented in row/column format.

Workflow

Import data into Excel and Map XML.

Excel generates a generic schema based on the XML structure.


To use Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XML definition

1. Import data into Excel andMap XML.Excel generates a generic schema based on the XML structure.

2. Add maps to the workbook.Excel generates a link between the elements in the XML file and the cells (range).

3. Refresh the Data.Excel extracts the data from the XML based on the cell mapping.

4. Import Excel workbook with XML maps into Xcelsius visualization.Xcelsius inherits all XML mappings that have been created in the Excel workbook alongwith a path to the XML data.

5. Set refresh method and path.Once exported to SWF, the visualization connects to the XML file and refreshes the latestdata based on a refresh interval.


Activity: Connecting to XMLwith an existing definition using ExcelXML maps

Objectives

• Set up XML maps in a Microsoft Excel file• Connect an Xcelsius visualization to XML data using an embedded Excel workbook that

uses Excel XML maps

Scenario

You are an Xcelsius developer building a connected visualization based on an XML file calledproduct_revenue.xml from the Activity_Resources folder. Build a model with a column chartto display the data from the XML file then test functionality after publishing the model bychanging the value of the Tennis cap product from 76296 to 100000. Notice how the columnchart in the model changes based on the new value.

Instructions

1. Edit the product_revenue.xml file using an XML editor to see the XML structure. Reviewthe data stored in the file then close the file.

2. Open a new workbook in Excel.

3. To import an XML file into Excel, clickData > XML > XML source.

4. Click XMLMaps in the XML source window.

5. Click Add and navigate to the location of product_revenue.xml in the Activity_Resourcesfolder.

6. Select the XML file and clickOpen.

7. ClickOK.

8. Click and drag the root folder to cell C5.

9. To see data from the XML file, right-click cell C5 and select XML > Refresh XML data.

10.Save the Excel file as Product_Revenue.xls and close Excel.

11.Open Xcelsius and import the file.

12.Add a column chart to the canvas.

13.Bind the Data field of the column chart to the range of cells defined by C6:D10.

14.SelectData > Connections.

15.Click Add then select Excel XMLMaps.

16.Select the XML map available in the Excel spreadsheet.

17.Notice the XML Data URL is already populated with the XML file location.

18.Select the Usage tab.


19.Under Refresh Options, select the Refresh Every check box and specify a 10-second refreshinterval.

20.Click Close.

21.Save the visualization as Excel XML Map.xlf.

22.Export the visualization as a SWF named Product_Revenue.swf.

23.Close Xcelsius.

24.Open Product_Revenue.swf.

25.Open product_revenue.xml in an XML editor.

26.Test connectivity by changing the value for “Tennis cap” to 1,000,000.

27.Save the file.Within ten seconds, the visualization should refresh and display the updated data in thechart.


Connecting to data using an existing Web Service

Unit IntroductionExisting web services that offer a WSDL file take minimal time to set up and provide a quickway to bring dynamic data into your visualizations.


• Understand Web Services• Choose an existing Web Service as your data connection• Set up your Web Services data connection

Understanding Web Services

For this functionality to work correctly, the feature requires a Web Service, which is aprogrammatic layer that can reside between any data source or application and the front-endenvironment. Assuming theWeb Service is in production, youwill only need theWeb ServicesDescription Language (WSDL) URL to connect your visualization to data.

A visualization using aWeb Service can be refreshedwhen the visualization is loaded, at regularintervals, with the click of a button, or based on a trigger cell.

Choosing an existing Web Service as your data connection

Choose aWeb Service when there is a need for on-demand data in the form of ad hoc queryingand a SOAPWeb Service is readily available. The creation of SOAP-basedWeb Services requiresserver-side scripting.

For more information on SOAP, visit http://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part1/ for additionalinformation.

Benefits

A visualization connection by a Web Service to data can perform real-time queries against adatabase using out-of-the-box point-and-click connectivity. Assuming that there are WebServices available, this is the easiest method for connecting an Xcelsius visualization to livedata using ad hoc queries.


Setting up your Web Services data connection

To connect your Xcelsius visualization to aWeb Service requires you to first identify theWSDLURL, create a connection in theData Manager, assign inputs and outputs to cells in yourembedded Excel worksheet and set some other options.

To set up a Web Services data connection

1. From the toolbar, clickManage Connections.

2. From the Add drop-down menu, clickWeb Service Connection.

3. On theDefinition tab, type a name into the Name field.

4. In theWSDL URL field, type the URL for the WSDL that you would like to bind theconnection to, or select a WSDL from the drop-down menu.

5. Click Import.

6. Choose a method offered by the Web Service using theMethod drop-down menu.

7. In theWeb Service URL field, enter the URL for the Web Service, or bind the field to acell in the embedded Excel workbook.

8. Select an input value.


9. Bind the Read From field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where the Web Serviceshould look for input data for the input type selected.Repeat steps 8 and 9 for all required input values.

10.Select an output value.

11.Bind the Insert In field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where the Web Serviceshould place the returned data for the output type selected.




15.If desired, bind theTrigger cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook and indicatethe update method.Updatemethods includeWhenCell Updates,WhenValue Changes, orWhenValue Equals.




19.Click Close.

Activity: Connecting to data using an existing Web Service

Objective

• Configure aWeb Service connection by using a predefinedWSDL (Web Service DescriptionLanguage)

Scenario

Youhave been asked to create a currency conversionmodel. TheWSDLURLhas been suppliedto you in the spreadsheet alongwith a list of country names and codes used by theWSDL. Thisvisualization requires an Internet connection.

Instructions

1. Create a new visualization.

2. Replace the embedded Excel workbook with currency converter.xls.

3. Add a List Box selector titled 'From' that displays country names.

4. Under Data Insertion, specify a Row insertion type.The source data comprises the Country Codes and Country Names columns (G7 throughH157) and the destination is the yellow range titled “From Country” (B7 and C7).

5. Add another List Box selector titled 'To' that displays country names.

6. Under Data Insertion, specify a Row insertion type.


The source data comprises the Country Codes and Country Names columns (G7 throughH157) and the destination is the yellow range titled “to Country” (B10 and C10).

7. Add aLabel and link it to cellD7 (the blueConversion cell) in the embeddedExcelworkbook.Increase the size of the font on the label if necessary.

8. Copy the WSDL url from cell H2 in the embedded Excel workbook to your clipboard.http://www.webservicex.net/CurrencyConvertor.asmx?wsdl

You may also want to use one of these alternate Web Services:• http://www.flash-db.com/services/ws/stockHistory.wsdl

• http://api.google.com/GoogleSearch.wsdl

• http://soap.search.msn.com/webservices.asmx?wsdl• http://www.webservicex.net/usaddressverification.asmx?wsdl• http://www.weather.gov/forecasts/xml/DWMLgen/wsdl/ndfdXML.wsdl

9. Add aWeb Service Connection using theData Manager.

10.Name the connection Currency Converter.

11.Paste the URL from your clipboard to the WSDL URL field and click Import.

12.In the Input Valueswindow, bind FromCurrency to cellB7 and bindToCountry to cellB10.

13.In the Output Values window, bind ConversionRateResult to cellD7 .

14.Select the Usage tab.

15.Under Refresh Options, select Refresh on Load and click Close.

16.Add a Connection Refresh Button to the Canvas.

17.On theGeneral Property sheet of the Connection Refresh Button, select the CurrencyConverter check box to force the query to refresh when the button is clicked.

18.On the Behavior Property sheet, bind the Trigger Cell to cellD7 and selectWhen ValueChanges.

19.Save the visualization as currency converter.xlf.

20.Preview the visualization to test the connection to the Web Service.

21.Export the model as a SWF named currency converter.swf.

22.Open currency converter.swf and verify that the model reflects the country selected.


Connecting to Crystal Reports data

Unit IntroductionAfter completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand the Crystal Report Data Consumer connection• Choose the Crystal Report Data Consumer as your data connection• Set up your Crystal Report Data Consumer data connection

Understanding the Crystal Report Data Consumer connection

Data can be sent from a report to an SWF, but not from an SWF to a report. The parameters inthe SWF are extracted to set the name of the parameter and the format of the data, such as cell,row, or table.

There are three ways to bind data to Flash variables within the SWF object:

Auser interface that is like the crosstab expert allowsyou to map rows, columns, and summarized fieldsto Xcelsius variables.

Bind to a crosstab in the SWF.

You can bind data to a crosstab within the report.Bind to an external crosstab.

You can bind data to one detail item in the report.Select fields from the tables to bind to existingvariables in the Flash Data Expert.

Note: If a recurring field is selected, only the firstinstance is sent.

Bind to a single value

Choosing the Crystal Reports Data Consumer as your dataconnection

Crystal Reports®, a proven, world standard solution-helps you design, manage, and deliverreports via the web and embedded in enterprise applications. It can provide you with a solidstarting point for your business intelligence (BI) strategy by helping you securely deliver themost requested pieces of information-as highly-formatted reports--to end users both insideand outside your organization.


Setting up your Crystal Reports Data Consumer data connection

The Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection pulls three types of data from the CrystalReport and populates the embedded Excel workbook with that data. Column headers fromCrystal Reports would typically be found in a single row near the top of the workbook. If thereis chronological data, it might be found in the column header. A RowHeader should be a pieceof data that uniquely identifies the row, like a primary key. The Data Range should be all ofthe remaining fields for all records. Once the connection is added, you only need to specifywhich cells in the workbook should contain each of these three types of data, then you canconnect any Xcelsius component to those cells.

To connect to Crystal Reports data using a Crystal Report Data Consumerconnection

1. Create a new blank Xcelsius visualization.

2. Starting in cell B1 of your embedded Excel workbook, create a column header for each fieldin your Crystal Report.

3. Starting in cell A2 of your embedded Excel workbook, create a row header for each recordin your Crystal Report.

4. Designate a range in the embedded Excel workbook where your Crystal Report data willreside by changing the fill color of the cells in that range to yellow.


5. From the toolbar, clickManage Connections.

6. From Add drop-down menu, click Crystal Report Data Consumer.

7. On theDefinition tab, bind the RowHeaders field to the RowHeader cells in the embeddedExcel workbook.See image in Step 3 for an explanation of Row Header cells.

8. Bind theColumnHeaders field to theColumnHeader cells in the embeddedExcelworkbook.See the image in Step 3 for an explanation of Column Header cells.

9. Use the Cell Selector button to bind the Data field to the cells that contain your data in theembedded Excel workbook.

10.If desired, type a description for the Data Connection in the Description field that will besaved with the file.

11.Click Close.

Activity: Connecting to Crystal Reports data

Objective

• Connect an Xcelsius visualization to a Crystal Report and then embed the Xcelsiusvisualization in a Crystal Report

Scenario

Based on the Crystal Report 2008 file provided called Electronic Sales.rpt, build an Xcelsius2008 visualization that displays a column chart to visualize the data in the Electronic Salesreport. Once the visualization is exported to a flash file, embed the SWF file in the ElectronicSales report.


Instructions

1. Launch Crystal Reports 2008 and open Quantity_Sold_CR.rpt from the Activity_Resourcefolder in Preview mode to see where to place the Xcelsius visualization and what data willappear.If you are prompted for credentials, use the CMS system name, user name, and passwordassigned to you by your instructor.


3. In the embedded Excel workbook, set up the columns that will represent the fields from theCrystal Report. Name one column header, cell B2, as Store Name and cell C2 as QuantitySold. Select cells B3 to C15 and highlight them yellow to indicate that these cells will be thedata in your connection.

4. Add a Column Chart to the canvas and bind the data field to the cells.

5. In theData Manager, add a Crystal Report Data Consumer connection.

6. In theDefinition tab, bind the Row Headers field to the range B3 to B15.

7. Bind the Data field to the range C3 to C15.

8. Click Close.

9. Save file as Quantity_Sold_CR.xlf and export as Quantity_Sold_CR.swf.

Note: When you preview the visualization, no data is visible.

10.Close Xcelsius 2008 and go to Crystal Reports 2008 and view Quantity_Sold_CR.rpt inPreview mode.

11.From the Insert menu, select Flash.

12.In the Insert FlashObject window, click Browse and select the Quantity_Sold_CR_swf fileand embed it in the RHb section of the Crystal Report.

13.Right-click on the Xcelsius chart and select Flash Data Expert.The Flash Data Binding Expert appears.

14.On the Xcelsius Data tab, expand Report Fields and drag efashion_query.Store Name tothe Insert Row Label box beneath it.

15.On the Xcelsius Data tab, expand Report Fields and drag efashion_query.Quantity Soldto the Insert Data Value box beneath it.

16.ClickOK.

17.From the View menu, click Print Preview.You will see the data from the Crystal report reflected in the Xcelsius Column chart.


Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Queryas a Web ServiceAfter completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand BusinessObjects Universes and Query as a Web Service• Choose QaaWS as your data connection• Configure QaaWS to consume a WSDL

Understanding BusinessObjects Universes and Query as a WebService

When publishing a query so it can be used as a web service, the QaaWS publishing wizardcreates a query based on a universe and publishes the resulting data set as a Web Service. Theresult set can be consumed by Xcelsius, Crystal Reports, or any tool that can consume aWSDLfile.

Choosing QaaWS as your data connection

Query as aWeb Service (QaaWS) delivers interactivitywith Business Intelligence datawhereverusers require it. QaaWS canmake Business Intelligence data available to newusers by PoweringXcelsius dashboards with trusted information.

Management will like the fact that using QaaWS is quick to deploy because the QaaWSPublishing Wizard is simple to use because it allows you to re-use existing web services orcreate new web services using a drag and drop interface. The data is secure because QaaWStakes advantage of existing Business Intelligence security to provide secure data and restrictBusiness Intelligence data to approved users.


Configuring a QaaWS connection to consume a WSDL

To configure BusinessObjects QaaWS, follow a step-by-step wizard to design queries based onuniverses and publish them as web services in just a few steps. No programming is required.

To configure a QaaWS connection to consume a WSDL

1. ClickManage Connections on the Toolbar.

2. Click Add.

3. From the Add menu, selectQuery as a Web Service.

4. On the Definition tab, type a name into theName field.

5. In the WSDL URL field, type the URL for the WSDL that you would like to bind theconnection to, or select a WSDL from the drop-down menu.

6. Click Import.

7. Choose a method offered by the Web Service using the Method drop-down menu.

8. In the Web Service URL field, enter the URL for the Web Service, or bind the field to a cellin the embedded Excel workbook.

9. Select an input value.


10.Bind the Read From field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where theWeb Serviceshould look for input data for the input type selected.Repeat steps 8 and 9 for all required input values.

11.Select an output value.

12.Bind the Insert In field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where the Web Serviceshould place the returned data for the output type selected.




16.If desired, bind the Trigger cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook and indicatethe update method.Updatemethods includeWhenCell Updates,WhenValue Changes, orWhenValue Equals.




20.Click Close

Activity: Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Queryas a Web Service

Objectives

• Create a query via Query as a Web Service• Build Xcelsius model with connection to Web Service

Scenario

You have sales data for each of your stores in BusinessObjects Enterprise. You have extractedthe data to an Excel workbook (Quantity_sold.xls ). Build an Xcelsius visualization that allowsusers to retrieve data for a particular store and year from the Enterprise using Query as a WebService.

Instructions

1. LaunchQuery as a Web Service.

2. ClickNew.

3. In Web Service Name field, typeQuantity_Sold_<unique-identifier>.Use the last three digits of your login ID (for exampleQuantity_Sold_S01, Quanity_Sold_S02,Quantity_Sold_S26, etc.) as your unique identifier.

4. ClickNext.


5. Select eFashion universe from Universe folder.

6. ClickNext.

7. Select Store name fromStore Class, Quantity Sold fromMeasures class, in query filters placeYear equals to Prompt <Enter value(s) for <Year>

8. ClickNext.

9. Select the value 2004.

10.Once data is returned in window panel, click Publish.

11.Click To Clipboard.

Your WSDL should like this:

http://<webserver>:8080/dswsbobje/qaawsservices/?def&cuid=<unique CUID>

Note: The unique CUID could look like this:http://twdf0281:8080/dswsbobje/qaawsservices/?def&cuid=ATqWz_tXHCFAkxrgd.NX8.4

12.CloseQuery as Web Service.

13.Launch Xcelsius.

14.Replace the embeddedExcelworkbookwithQuantity_sold.xls from theActivity_Resourcesfolder.

15.Add a Combo Box selector to the canvas and bind the Year field to the values in G5:G7.

16.Add a Column Chart to the canvas and bind theData By Range field to the Store NameandQuantity Sold columns (C6:D26).

17.SelectData in Rows.

18.ClickManage Connections.

19.Click Add, then selectQuery as a Web Service.

20.In the Definition Tab, name the connectionQuantity_Sold.

21.Paste http://<webserver>:8080/dswsbobje/qaawsservices/Quantity_Sold?WSDL fromthe clipboard into theWSDL URL field and click Import

22.In the Input Values window, select Enter_value_s_for_Year and bind it to the Select Yearyellow destination cell in the embedded Excel workbook (CellH4).

23.In the Output Values window, select Row Fields and bind the Insert In field to the rangedefined by C6 to D26.

24.In the Usage tab under Refresh Options, select Refresh on Load.This option ensures that the cell range (C6 to D26) contains data when the visualization isfirst opened.

25.Add a Connection Refresh Buttonto the canvas.

26.On the General Property Sheet of the Connection Refresh Button, select the check box forQuantity_sold.


27.On the Behavior Property Sheet, bind the Trigger Cell field to the destination cell of the ListBox in the embedded Excel workbook (H4).

28.SelectWhen Cell Changes.

29.Click Preview.

30.Verify that the visualization is working correctly and click Preview.

31.Save the visualization as Quantity_Sold_QAAWS.xlf in the \\..\My Documents\Favorites\folder.

32.Export to a SWF (Flash file) named Quantity_Sold_QAAWS.swf to the \\..\MyDocuments\Favorites\ folder.

33.Open Quantity_Sold_QAAWS.swf and observe the model refresh based on combo boxselection.


Connecting to Portal Data

IntroductionThe Portal Data Connection includes three connection types: No connection (Parameter),Consumer connection and Provider connection.


• Use the Portal Data connection type with no connection• Use the Portal Data connection type with a Provider connection• Use the Portal Data connection type with a Consumer connection

Using the Portal Data connection type with no connection

Portal without visualization allows visualization designers to define parameters that theywantthe user to customize fromwithin a portal. Different usersmaywant to see the data in differentways.

Name

Name is user-defined and will be displayed for the visualization in the property dialog box inSharepoint. Name is required or the parameter will not be listed as a parameter in Sharepoint.Type a name or use the cell selector button to link to a cell in the spreadsheet.

Name is user-defined and will be displayed for the visualization in the property dialog box inSharepoint. Name is required or the parameter will not be listed as a parameter in Sharepoint.Type a name or use the cell selector button to link to a cell in the spreadsheet.

Range

Range is the area in the spreadsheet where the parameters are set. Select the range by usingthe cell selector button to link to a range in the spreadsheet.

Type

Type sets the type of parameter. The parameter can be Text, Number, Check Box, Date, or ListBox.

• Text is used to set any text based data within the XLF. For example, chart titles.• Number is used to set any numeric based data. For example, alert levels.• Check Box is useful for toggling the value of a cell between zero and one. It can be used for

showing or hiding components using Dynamic Visibility.• Date is used to define a date in the XLF. It sets the format to Date and uses a true date value

within the XLF. For example, this type can be used to set date ranges for data access or foramount of data to display.

• List Box enables the designer to build user selection options into the parameters. When ListBox is selected, twomore options become available. The first option is Entries which is usedto set the entries available for users to select. The second is Default Selection which is usedfor selectingwhich entry's valuewill be used by default if the user does notmake a selection.


The List Box Type allows the designer to specify set values that can be selected by the user.Text, Number, Check Box, and Date allow the user to enter any value into the parameter.If the value they enter is not compatible with the visualization, the correct behavior will notoccur. The List Box type eliminates this issue because the user must select from values thedesigner provides.

Using the Portal Data connection type with a Provider connection

The Portal Consumer connection should be added to any visualization that will accept datafrom a web part within the portal. In addition to the Parameters, there are three importantselections to configure on the Properties panel of the Consumer connection: Range Name,Range Type, and Range.

Range Name

Range Name is user-defined and is displayed when connecting web parts together in Portals.Range Name is required or the web parts cannot be connected together.

Range Type

Range Type defines the amount of data that will be passed. Cell consumes a single cell fromanother web part. Row is a single row with multiple columns. Table is multiple rows andcolumns. If another visualization is passing in data, themost likely type to select is Cell or Row.Table is used to pass data from a Portal list.

Range

Range is the area on the internal spreadsheet of the visualization that the incoming data willbe written to.

Using the Portal Data connection typewith a Consumer connection

The Portal Provider Connection should be added to any visualization that will provide datato another web part. In this case only Xcelsius 2008 Portal web parts can be used to consumeinformation fromavisualization that is using the Portal Provider connection. The Portal Providercontains the same options as the Portal Consumer connection. See above for details about thesethree options. The Usage Tab for the Portal Data connection is only available with PortalProvider type connections.

Activity: Using Portal Data with Dashboard Builder

Scenario

An executive has asked you to build a dashboard using an existing Xcelsius visualization.


Objective

• To build two Xcelsius models that will be displayed in a Corporate Dashboard. The intentis to have one xcelsius model talk to the another model based on what is selected by theuser.

Instructions


2. Open US_Revenue_Provider.xlf found in this folder:\\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\Portal\Start\

3. In theData Manager, select Portal Data.

4. In Connection Type, select Provider.

5. In Range Name, type in USMap.

6. In Range Type, select Row.

7. In Range, bind the range of cells from D55 to L55.

8. In Usage Tab, select cell D55 as the Trigger cell.

9. Click Close.

10.Save your visualization.

11.Export the visualization to BusinessObjects Enterprise as a Flash file namedUS_Revenue_Provider.swf that resides at this location: All > My Favorites.

12.Open US_Revenue_Consumer.xlf.

13.In theData Manager, select Portal Data.

14.In Connection Type, select Consumer.

15.In Range Name, type in USMap.

16.In Range Type, select Row.

17.Use the cell selector button to bind Range to this range of cells: D55 through L55.

18.Save the visualization.

19.Export the visualization to BOE as a Flash file named US_Revenue_Consumer.swf that residesat this location: All > My Favorites.

20.Log into Infoview as Administrator.

21.Go to Dashboard, and selectMy Dashboard.

22.Select Add Dashboard.

23.Save the Dashboard as Portal Dashboard at this location: All > Public Folders > SAPBusiness Objects Training > BOX310.

24.Go to Edit Dashboard.


25.In the Analytic Toolbox, select Personal Analytics and navigate to this location: All > MyFavorites.

26.Drag US_Revenue_Provider.swf and US_Revenue_Consumer.swf to the Dashboard.

27.Select Content Linking.

28.In the Content Linking window, selectUS_Revenue_Provider as the Source Analytics andselect US_Revenue_Consumer as the Target Analytics using the checkbox.

29.ClickOK.

30.Save the current dashboard.

31.ClickOK.

32.Exit Edit Mode.

Review: Connecting to Portal Data

1. Name one element that must be configured on all three types of Portal Data connections.

2. Name an advantage of using Portal Data without a connection.


Using Live Office data

IntroductionThe Live Office connection in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 enables you to connectyour Xcelsius visualization to data that is managed in Crystal Reports Server XI Release 2, LiveOffice XI 3.x, BusinessObjects Enterprise XI Release 2 and BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.x.


• Understand the Live Office Connector• Use a Live Office-enabled Excel spreadsheet as a data source• Set up a Live Office connection using a Universe as the data source• Set up a Live Office connection using a Crystal Report as the data source• Set up a Live Office-enabled Excel spreadsheet that uses a Web Intelligence Document as

the data source• Consume the data in a Live Office-enabled Excel workbook with Xcelsius

Understanding the Live Office connection

You can create an Xcelsius visualization using data in a Live Office enabled workbook. Whena workbook is Live Office enabled, it uses a Business View created from either a managedCrystal Report or a managed Web Intelligence document. For best results, setup an Excelworkbook using Live Office before importing that workbook into Xcelsius.


To create an Xcelsius Visualization using a Live Office connection

1. Import an Excel workbook that contains Live Office data.

2. Open theData Manager and click Add.A list of connection types appears.

3. Select Live Office Connections.

4. Configure each of the Live Office views.

5. Select the refresh options on the Usage Tab in the Data Manager.

To refresh your visualization with Live Office data

1. Open the DataManager and select the LiveOffice connection youwant tomake refreshable.

2. On the Definition tab, type the URL into the Live Office Web Services URL field.

The default URL listed in the field is: http://<webserver>:8080/dswsbobje/services/session

Note: If your BusinessObjects Enterprise or Crystal Reports Server has a defaultWeb Servicesinstallation, replace <webserver> in the default URLwith the name of your CMC to correctlycomplete the URL. The URL is cached so that you do not have to type it in each time youconfigure the LiveOffice connection.


3. On the Definition tab, click the View that you want the LiveOffice connection to refreshagainst.

Note: If your Excel spreadsheet contains more than one View, you can choose one, some,or all of the Views listed in the Views area of the Definition tab. Only the data from theViews you choose will be refreshed when the Xcelsius visualization is refreshed.

You can increase the range of cells that your Xcelsius 2008 visualization is able toaccommodate so that if the data grows, your Xcelsius visualization will continue to analyzethe full data set properly. In the Ranges area of the Definition tab, youwill see the cell rangesthat have been imported for the selected view.

To increase the original range that you selected:• a. Click the range that you want to adjust.• b. Click the cell selector button under the Ranges area.• c. Select a new range from your spreadsheet and click OK.

The new cell range is reflected in the field next to the cell selector button.

4. On the Usage tab, set the refresh options you want.• Refresh on Load automatically refreshes the data whenever you open the file.• Refresh on Interval automatically refreshes on the time interval you specify. The time is

measured in seconds.• If you do not select either of these options, the refresh will be manual. You will need to

add and configure a Connection Refresh button to the visualization, which the end usercan click to refresh the connection.

5. Export your visualization to any format you choose.Depending on what option you chose in step 4, the Xcelsius 2008 Visualization will berefreshed when you open it, when you click the Connection Refresh Button, or at the settime interval.

Setting up a Live Office connection

The Range option of the LiveOffice connector does not control howmany columns are returnedin an XLF file. This option controls only how many rows of data are returned. This behavioris by design.

Use the LiveOfficeWeb Services URL field to enter the location of the LiveOfficeWeb Servicesthat the visualization will use to connect to Live Office data.

Views

The Views area lists the Live Office Views that are used as data sources in the XLF file.

Ranges

The Ranges area lists the Excel ranges that can be selected for refresh in the XLF file. The rangesare split into headings and data grid.


Click the Cell Selector button below the Ranges area to select a different range of cells to refresh.

Activity: Setting up the workbook for use with Live Office data

Objective

• Build an Excel workbook populated with data from a Live Office connection to a WebIntelligence report

Scenario

You need to prepare a workbook for use with Xcelsius that pulls data from aWeb Intelligencereport. Understand the process to build a spreadsheet of anOnDemandLiveOffice Connectionagainst a Web Intelligence document.

Instructions

1. Launch BusinessObjects Enterprise Java Infoview.This application can be found at Start>Programs> BusinessObjects XI 3.0> BusinessObjectsEnterprise > BusinessObjects Enterprise Java Infoview.

2. Log in using the user name and password provided by your instructor.

3. Select DocumentList, Select New > Web Intelligence Document.

4. From the universe list, select the eFashion Universe.

5. Select Store Name from Store Class,Quantity Sold from Measures class, in query filtersplace Year equals to Prompt Enter Year:

6. Click Run Query, select value 2004.

7. Save Web Intelligence document as Quantity_Sold in the All > My Favorites folder.

8. Log out of Infoview.

9. LaunchMicrosoft Excel.

10.From the LiveOffice menu, select Insert >Web Intelligence Content.The Log onto BusinessObjects Enterprise dialog box appears.

11.Log in asAdministratorwith a blank password once Validation succeeded and OK buttonis active.

12.Navigate to All >My Favorites, select the Quantity_Sold report and clickNext.

13.In the Choose Datawindow, click the block in the window which displays the WebIntelligence document and clickNext.

14.In the Summary window, in the Live Office Object Name(s) field, accept the name that isalready displayed, Quantity_sold document part. Click Finish.The block of data will now be in the spreadsheet. To set up the cell that will accept the yearvalues to answer the prompt inWeb Intelligence, youmust set up a refresh-on-demand cell.

15.From the LiveOffice menu, select Properties for All Objects.


This is where you will see the information of the Live Office objects.

16.Make sure the Refresh Setting hasOnDemand selected.

17.SelectQuantity_sold document part and click the Refresh tab.

18.From the LiveOffice menu, select Refresh All Objects.This refreshes the data in the embeddedExcelworkbook and connects to theWeb Intelligencedocument.

19.You should see a prompt window, enter 2005 and clickOK.

20.From the LiveOffice menu, select Properties for All Objects.The Prompt tab appears.

21.From the Prompts tab, select the Enter year row and click Prompt Values.

22.Select the Choose Excel data range option.

23.Use the cell selector button to bind the data range to $E$2 and clickOK.

24.ClickOK to close the Specify Prompt Values window.

25.ClickOk to close the Properties for All Objects window.Year values appear in a drop-down menu in the E2 cell.

26.Save the workbook asQuantity_Sold_My_LiveOffice.xls.

Activity: Populating your embedded Excel workbook with WebIntelligence data using Live Office

Objective

• To build a visualization based on an embedded Excel Workbook that uses a Live Officeconnection to an On Demand Web Intelligence report

Scenario

You need to prepare an Excel workbook for use with Xcelsius that pulls data from a WebIntelligence report. Understand the process to build a spreadsheet of anOnDemand LiveOfficeConnection against a Web Intellgence document.

Instructions

1. Launch Xcelsius.

2. Replace the embedded Excel workbook withQuantity_Sold_LO.xls, fromActivity_Resources.

Note: You may also use the Live Office-enabled workbook namedQuantity_Sold_My_LiveOffice.xls you created in the previous activity named Setting upthe workbook for use with Live Office data.

3. Add a Column Chart to the canvas.


4. Bind the Title field to cell B1.

5. Bind the Subtitle field to cell E2.

6. Bind the Data by Range field to cells B2 through B14.

7. On the Behavior tab, select the appropriate option to suppress the missing values.

8. Add a Combo Box to the canvas above the Column chart.

9. Edit the label values. Youwill only use three values: 2001, 2002, and 2003. Remove the extralabels from the list.

10.ClickOK.

11.To insert the label names into the spreadsheet, select Label from the Insert Option list.

12.Bind the Label Insert In field to E2.This cell contains a bound parameter, so any change to the parameter value triggers a datarefresh, returning only the records from the selected year.

13.Using theData Manager, add a Live Office connection.The visualization recognizes the Live Office part that is already in the Live Office-enabledworkbook.

14.In the Usage tab of your Live Office connection, check Refresh on Load and Refresh onTrigger, bind E2 to the Trigger Cell and select theWhen Cell Updates option.

15.Click Close.

16.Save file as Quantity_Sold_LO.xlf and export file as Quantity_Sold_LO.swf.

17.Close Xcelsius and open Quantity_Sold_LO.swf and verify the functionality of yourvisualuzation.

Connecting to SAP data

To consume SAP data in an Xcelsius visualization, you will need to use QaaWS to connect tothe OLAP universe.


• Set up QaaWS to connect to the OLAP cube to access SAP data

Setting up QaaWS to connect to the OLAP cube to access SAP data

To set upQaaWS to connect to theOLAP cube to access SAP data in a CrystalReport

These are high level steps that describe the procedure required for using data from SAP in anXcelsius visualization.1. Create a Crystal Report.


2. Publish to your BusinessObjects Enterprise.

3. Create Live Office-enabled workbook that consumes Crystal Report data.

4. Save your Live Office-enabled workbook to your Enterprise.

5. Create a new visualization using Xcelsius.

6. Import data from the Live Office-enabled workbook that you saved to your Enterprise.

7. Create a new visualization using Xcelsius.

8. Create a new connection using the Data Manager.

9. Add and binds components to the data you imported in step 7.

10.Export and save to your Enterprise.

Review: Connecting to SAP data

1. True or False. Xcelsius can connect directly to SAP data.

2. When you view an Xcelsius visualization that consumes secure SAP data, when will yoube prompted to present login credentials?


Working with Business RequirementsKnowing how to create dynamic visualizations that are connected to local and networked datais but the first part of successfully solving a business problem with visualized data.


• Apply Xcelsius skills to produce a visualization that meets business needs• Analyze an existing Xcelsius visualization to take advantage of previously invested time

and effort

Gathering business requirements

Whenever possible, place yourself within arms length of the source of business requirements.Thismay oftenmean that you need to talk to the end users of your visualization and the ownersof the data sources to be used in that visualization.Make sure you are familiarwith the structureof the data and the terms and jargon understood by your audience. Knowing this informationwill help guide your layout, graphics, and data decisions as you build your visualization.

Deeper Investigation

Xcelsius visualizations are highly adept at displaying information, but making sure thatinformation is helpful before you begin your Xcelsius visualization can help avoid re-workand wasted effort. Be prepared to ask additional open ended questions to help understandhow the visualization will be used. Ensure that you know precisely who the audience will be.Sometimes the real need behind a business requirement isn't expressed in the initial request.

Activity: Visualizing Targets

Objective

• To build a visualization from scratch based on business requirements.

Scenario

You and your teammates work for an oil company that wants to evaluate the impact of twovariables (changing market price of crude oil and the average US production cost) on thecompany's profit per day and production costs per day. In addition, the company needs toknow which states are meeting their target given the changing value of those two variables.

Instructions

1. Review the data in well production3.xls from the resource CD.

2. Sketch amockup of your visualization on paper. Yourmockup should include amap-basedalert for each state, and single value components that show the effects of changing crudeoil market prices and the average US production costs.

3. Create a visualization that meets the business scenario above.


4. Export your SWF and prepare to present your visualization to the other students in class.

Analyzing an existing visualization

Xcelsius visualization development is designed to be rapid. Always aim to consider re-usewhen you build a model from scratch, and especially give thought to re-using existingvisualizations to speed your development. Always consider the workbook design and thechoice and configuration of components on the canvas. In many cases, modifying an existingvisualizationmeans less time spent creating and configuring components that your visualizationwould have in common with an existing visualization.

Activity: Emulating existing visualizations

Objective

• To build a visualization from scratch based on business requirements.

Scenario

You and your teammates have been assigned to design a visualization thatmimics a competitorsscanner selector tool.

Instructions

1. Review the data in scanners.xls from the resource CD.

2. Create a visualization that mimics the functionality in scanner_selector.swf.

3. Export your SWF and prepare to discuss how you created your visualization to the otherstudents in class.


Quiz: Creating a connected visualization1. What are three different ways to either automatically or manually refresh the data in your

connection?

2. True or False. You may have multiple connections of each connection type.

3. When should you use Excel XML maps?

4. Where is the XML code file created?

5. How many methods can be handled in a single Web Service connection?

6. When asked for input and output in the definition tab of the connection, what is the sourceand destination for both the input and output?

7. In a Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection, to which cells should the Row Headersfield be bound?

8. Do both Xcelsius and Crystal Reports have to be installed on the same computer in orderto connect an Xcelsius visualization to Crystal Reports data?

9. True or False: In theWSDL file created by Query asWeb Service, there is no data displayedin the WSDL file.

10.When can the model refresh the data from the Existing Live Office Connection?

11.True or False. You can have more than one Live Office connection in your workbook.



• Use live data sources• Connect to XML data• Connect to data using an existing Web Service• Connect to Crystal Reports data• Connect to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service• Use Live Office data• Work with Business Requirements


Appendix AAppendix: Optional Connectivity Units

IntroductionAfter completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Understand Adobe LiveCycle Dataservices connections

Understanding Adobe LiveCycle DataServices connections

Adobe LiveCycle is a rapid application development tool that allows developers to quicklycouple services into targeted solutions. Adobe LiveCycle Data Services is a solution componentwithin the LiveCycle product suite that provides a complete data infrastructure for enterpriseFlex and AIR applications. For more about Adobe LCDS, refer to the Adobe website(http://www.adobe.com/products/livecycle/dataservices/).

To set up an LCDS

1. Install LCDS & Xcelsius LCDS Connector.

2. Use FlexBuilder/Eclipse to create a new LCDS project and some sample feeds.

3. Deploy the LCDS project to Tomcat.

4. Use the LCDS Connector to attach an Xcelsius visualization to the feed for Real-time datastream visualization.

197Appendix: Optional Connectivity Units—Learner’s Guide

Connecting to Sharepoint

IntroductionAfter completing this unit, you will be able to:

• Add Xcelsius visualizations as SharePoint web parts

Adding Xcelsius visualizations as SharePoint web parts

To set up SharePoint web parts for use in Xcelsius visualizationsThis demonstrationprovides the high level steps required to addXcelsius visualizations as SharePointweb parts1. Create a document library in SharePoint.

2. Add an Xcelsius Web Part to the SharePoint Web Part Gallery.

3. Create a Web Part Page.

4. Verify that the document library appears on your SharePoint home page.


Answer Key

This section contains the answers to the reviews and/or activities for the applicable lessons.

199Answer Key—Learner’s Guide

Quiz: Creating a visualizationPage 92

1. ButtonDescription

Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments. A.

Click and drag components from the Components Browser to the canvas. A.

Preview the model to test the interactive behavior. A.

Lock components together so they cannot be moved individually. A.

Increase the canvas to its full size. A.

Open an existing model. A.

Convert to SWF format and embed the file in a new PDF document. A.

2. What are valid methods for bringing data from Excel into an Xcelsius model?

Answer:○ Copy from Excel and paste into the embedded Excel workbook in Xcelsius○ Import external Excel workbook into embedded Excel workbook○ Enter data manually into the embedded Excel workbook in Xcelsius

3. What Property sheet would you use to indicate performance using color coding?

Answer: Alerts.

4. ChartFunction

A chart that represents the distribution or participation of each slice (item) over a certaintotal that is represented on overall value.

A.

A chart that allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout. A.

A chart that allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by addingone variable on top of another within a column.

A.

A chart that displays data that requires two dimensions to show each data point as aresult of the intersection of X values and Y values.

A.

A chart that lets you compare a group of items or series based on three differentparameters. It has an X axis and Y axis to represent the item location over the chart area,and a Z value to represent the item size.

A.

5. Several of the following items are Excel best practices when working with Xcelsius. Whichone is not an Excel best practice?


Answer:d. Use tabs for larger spreadsheets.

6. A chart is bound to the embeddedExcelworkbook byRange (Data in Rows) to theworkbookshown below. How can you specify the behavior of the bound chart so that it does notdisplay the July values until those cells contain data?

Answer: From the Behavior property sheet, select Ignore Blank Cells - In Series.

7. Which of the following methods will produce an Excel .XLS file that contains a copy of thedata in the embedded Excel workbook in an .XLF file?

Answers:a. From theDatamenu, select Export .

b. From the Filemenu, select Snapshot ➤ Current Excel data.

d. From the Filemenu, select Preview ➤ File ➤ Snapshot ➤ current Excel.

8. Which files created in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 can be sent to BusinessObjectsEnterprise?

Answers:b. XLS (Excel)

c. SWF (Xcelsius Flash)

e. XLF (Xcelsius design)


Quiz: Formatting a visualizationPage 112

1. True or false? You cannot specify a unique font for a single axis label, title label, or legend.

Answer: False. Even if a global font is specified, you can specify unique fonts for eachcomponent.

2. True or false? When defining a custom color scheme, it is possible to specify the colors ofindividual components.

Answer: False. You can specify the colors for groups of components in theAdvanced Settings,but not for individual components. However, you can change the colors for individualcomponents once they have been added to the canvas.

3. Which components have no layout options?

Answer: Art and Backgrounds.

4. Which of the following statements is true?

Answer:c. Text can be formatted on the Text tab of the Appearance property sheet.

5. Where do you change the appearance of all components in a model in one step, includingspacing, weights, and so on?

Answer: Changing the theme using the theme selector would change the entire look of themodel in one step.

6. Where are templates located?

Answer: In the Template folder, under Program Files, on your local computer.


Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualizationPage 148

1. What are the correct steps for setting up dynamic visibility?

Answer: On the Behavior property sheet, bind the status to a destination cell and the keyto a label.

2. What are some examples of valid usage for the Spreadsheet Table component?

Answer: Tables can be used during design to view the values in cells in preview mode.Tables can also be used as a selector and to assist in troubleshooting.

3. What data insertion option passes the location of the data in the data range to the selector?

Answer: The Position option passes the location of the data in the data range to the selector.For example, if the data selected is in row 4, the value 4 will be sent to the selector.

4. Which component or function cannot be used to toggle dynamic visibility?

Answer:c. A range contained within a destination range specified in a selector


Review: Connecting to Portal DataPage 185

1. Name one element that must be configured on all three types of Portal Data connections.

Answer: Range

2. Name an advantage of using Portal Data without a connection.

Answer: Portal Data without a connection allows designers to define parameters users cancustomize to display data in different ways.


Review: Connecting to SAP dataPage 192

1. True or False. Xcelsius can connect directly to SAP data.

Answer: False. QaaWS must connect Xcelsius to a Universe that contains SAP data.

2. When you view an Xcelsius visualization that consumes secure SAP data, when will yoube prompted to present login credentials?

Answer: If the visualization is viewed fromBusinessObjects Enterprise, youwill be promptedto provide credentials when you log into the Enterprise. If the visualization is viewed fromanother location, you will be prompted to provide credentials when the visualization firstaccesses the data.


Quiz: Creating a connected visualizationPage 195

1. What are three different ways to either automatically or manually refresh the data in yourconnection?

Answer: A. Automatically by schedule: Set the Refresh Options on the Usage tab of aconnection.

Answer: B. Automatically by trigger event: Specify a Trigger cell on the Common tab of theBehavior property sheet of the Connection Refresh button.

Answer: C. Manually: User clicks on the Connection Refresh button.

2. True or False. You may have multiple connections of each connection type.

Answer: False. You may only have one connection for the Portal Data, Flash Variable, orCrystal Reports Data Consumer connection types.

3. When should you use Excel XML maps?

Answer: Use Excel XML maps when you are connecting to XML data with an unknownXML definition.

4. Where is the XML code file created?

Answer: The XML code file is produced by the server-side script and can be accessed on alocal machine or on a web server using an http connection.

5. How many methods can be handled in a single Web Service connection?

Answer: Although some web services may offer multiple methods from a single WSDL,only one method may be consumed in each connection.

6. When asked for input and output in the definition tab of the connection, what is the sourceand destination for both the input and output?

Answer: For the input, the source is a bound cell in the embedded Excel workbook and thedestination is the Web Service. For the output, the source is the Web Service and thedestination is a bound cell or cells in the embedded Excel workbook.

7. In a Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection, to which cells should the Row Headersfield be bound?

Answer: The Row Headers field should be bound to a range of cells that uniquely identifyeach record in the Data range.

8. Do both Xcelsius and Crystal Reports have to be installed on the same computer in orderto connect an Xcelsius visualization to Crystal Reports data?

Answer:No. The work required to create the SWF and the work required to create the RPTcan be done on the same computer, or on several different computers.


9. True or False: In theWSDL file created by Query asWeb Service, there is no data displayedin the WSDL file.

Answer: True, the only details are stored in the WSDL file is information pertaining thedefinition of the query but no actual secured data is exposed in the file.

10.When can the model refresh the data from the Existing Live Office Connection?

Answer: You can refresh via interval set in the Exisitng LiveOffice Connection or by Triggercell via the Connection button.

11.True or False. You can have more than one Live Office connection in your workbook.

Answer: True. You can have more than one Live Office connection, and those connectionscan be for more than one type of data source (for example, a Crystal Report instance, a WebIntelligence On Demand document, or a Universe). You may also have connections tomultiple cell ranges with data bound to different ranges of cells.


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