16.4 Using FlexTables in Visuals¶
A FlexTable is used like any data in a workbook: drag it into a visual. Bound columns become dimensions, number columns become metrics – and because bound columns link to your data model, the FlexTable's figures sit next to your system's figures.
Adding a FlexTable to a Visual¶
In design mode, drag the table from the Object Tree – Global Objects → Flex Tables or Report Objects → Flex Tables:
| Drop it on | Result |
|---|---|
| An empty spot of the sheet | A new table with all columns |
| An empty table or chart | Bound columns become rows, number columns become metrics (sum); other columns become their own dimensions. Charts take one dimension and up to four metrics. |
| A table that already has data | The number columns are added as metrics |
You can also drag a single column, e.g. just the Budget column.
Example: Budget vs. Actual¶
- Create a FlexTable with Month (bound), Department (bound) and Budget (number) – e.g. with Quick configuration, see 16.2 Creating FlexTables.
- Build a table with Month in the rows and your Revenue metric.
- Drag the Budget column into the table.
- Add Combine with → A - B for the deviation – see 10.5 Combining Metrics.
Because Month is bound, the budget is shown per month next to revenue, and follows the workbook's filters.
Changing Who Can Use a Table¶
In the Element Structure panel, right-click a visual's Input table → Visibility:
- Entire workbook – moves it to Report Objects → Flex Tables;
- Everywhere – moves it to the main window's FlexTables folder for everyone.
Visibility can only be widened. To use a global table in one workbook only, copy it instead.
Deleting a Table¶
- A visual's Input table: right-click → Delete. If elements of the visual use it, Datashop lists them and asks whether to delete them too.
- Workbook and global tables: delete them in the Object Tree or the main window; Datashop shows which objects use them first.
Tips – Using FlexTables in Visuals¶
- Keep shared tables global and give them a clear description, so colleagues find and trust them.
Common Issues – Using FlexTables in Visuals¶
Problem: The FlexTable's figures are the same on every row. - Solution: The column in the rows isn't bound in the FlexTable. Bind the matching column to the same dimension unit – see 16.3 The FlexTable Editor.
Problem: Choosing Only here for a workbook table does nothing. - Solution: Visibility can only be widened.