Technical Support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XleratePlus?
XleratePlus takes the power of XLerate and allows users to do even more work in less time by adding additional features and the capability to share work with colleagues in just a click of a button.
XleratePlus extends the power of XLerate adding the following features:
- User created Custom Aggregates and Saved Selections
- Custom Measure creation within the base tool
- Publishing and Sharing of objects to fellow users
- Quick Refresh capabilities
How do users get access to use XLeratePlus 1.3?
The Client Service Rep will need to be contacted in order for users to obtain XLeratePlus 1.3 access.
How do setup XleratePlus as an add-in within Microsoft Excel?
Go to Tools>Add-ins and browse to the XLerate directory and select XLeratePlus.xla. Once it has been selected verify that it is now checked in the list of available add-ins.
Why do I not see my Analyzer Created Personal Custom Aggregates after doing a quick Refresh for the first time?
You will need to perform a local refresh after doing a quick refresh for the first time for that database.
The user must first setup the Analyzer Personal Database path in XLerate Plus 1.3>Tools>Standard>Set Options. Then you will need to browse to the location of the Analyzer personal databases on the PC (the default is C:/IRIWIN)/ You will need to perform a local refresh after doing a quick refresh for the first time for that database. In order to perform a local refresh go to XLerate Plus 1.3>Refresh from Personal, choose the database and select Refresh.
What is Quick Refresh?
Quick Refresh reduces database refresh time by approximately 90%. Users can simply and easily refresh one or more databases from a single Quick Refresh screen.
How do I know if a database has access to Quick Refresh?
Databases that have access to quick refresh have a Yes located in the “Quick Refresh?” column located in XLerate>XLerate Plus>Refresh Databases.
What is Online Sharing?
Online Sharing is to access shared objects, (custom aggregates, customer measures, saved selections and shared reports) that reside on a UNIX database and were created by other XLerate users that share the same Host Database. In order to access a shared object, objects must be defined as shared by the object owner.
How do I share objects with other users?
When the object is created within its respected Utility, the user trying to share the object must check “Shared”. Once that is completed, when other users who point to the same host database access Online Sharing, they will then see those objects listed under the users name.
How do I access other users shared objects?
In XLerate Plus 1.3 go to Tools>Standard>Online Sharing. The user must select the database that the shared objects were created for. Once the user connects to Online Sharing there will be folders for every user that has shared objects and is pointing to the same host database as the user.
Is online sharing the only way to share objects in XLeratePlus?
No, users can also export objects by going to XLerate>XLerate Plus and selecting the menu that contains the object(s) that the user would like to share. Once the database is selected, select Next, choose Sharing>File>Export and select the objects to share. After all of the objects are selected choose Browse, give the file a name and browse to a location to save the file.
What is Maintain Databases?
A tool that allows a user to quickly add and refresh databases without having to going through the range wizard. If the database is available for Quick Refresh, a Quick Refresh will be done using the Utility.
Do all users have permission to publish?
No, a user must be granted permission to publish.
Can a range created in XLeratePlus 1.3 be used in previous versions of XLerate or XLerate Plus?
No. You can use XLerate and XLerate Plus ranges in XLerate Plus 1.3 but you cannot use XLerate Plus 1.3 ranges in previous versions of XLerate Plus.
Why don’t I see my Analyzer Custom Measures in the Custom Measure Utility?
XLeratePlus 1.3 does not have the functionality to see Custom Measures created in Analyzer in the Custom Measure Utility.
Why do I get different values when I create a Custom Aggregate with the Attribute Tool in XLeratePlus 1.3 that I do in Analyzer?
When using Attribute Tool in XLerate/XLerate Plus if you select ALL, custom aggregates are included in the selection. When using Analyzer, the custom aggregates are filtered out.
Can I use Custom Aggregates to Create Custom Aggregates?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3, custom aggregates can now be used to create other custom aggregates.
Can I create Aliases for my objects in Xlerate Plus?
Yes, Aliases can be created by selecting Edit within the Selector Menu. These aliases can be used in both XLeratePlus and PowerPlus.
How do I use Aliases in my range in Xlerate Plus?
In Step 3 of 4 in the Range Utility, the Apply Aliases box must be checked. For each range that you would like to use aliases, the Apply Aliases box will need to be checked.
Can I undo my previous selector selections instead of starting my selection from scratch if I make a mistake?
Yes, within the Selector if you choose Edit>Remove Last Query if will remove the last selection. This can be done even after you have closed out of the range.
Can I create a Custom Aggregate on the fly to be used in a range?
Yes, within the selector choose the aggregates to include in the Custom Aggregate, and choose Aggregate within the selector window. These aggregates can only be used in the current range.
Can I view a description of how my selection was selected?
Yes, within the selector, choose View Script. You should then see the script used to create the selection for the selected dimension.
Can I have a favorite list of items to select from when using the list tool in the selector instead of have search through the list of all of the items within a dimension?
Yes, in 1.3 you can now create a Saved Selection and within the Saved Selection Utility save the selection as a Favorite.
Can I create a Saved Selection from two Saved Selections?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 a Saved Selection can be created using 2 Saved Selections. These Saved Selections must be added one at a time to the Saved Selection.
Can I create a Custom Aggregate from two Custom Aggregates?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 a Custom Aggregate can be created using 2 Custom Aggregates.
Can I pull more than one saved selection in a particular dimension in a range?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 more than one Saved Selection can be used in a range. These Saved Selections must be added one at a time within the selector.
Is there a way to print out my Saved Selections and Custom Aggregates for a Particular Database?
Yes, you can print out your Saved Selections and Custom Aggregates for a particular database within each utility. To do this, go to the utility and select the correct database. Once you open the the utility, go to Edit>View Scripts. Select a location to save the file and give the file a name. This file is a text file and will give you all of the Custom Aggregates/Saved Selections for that database and how they were created.
If I create a Data Source in XLerate Plus, can it be used in PowerPlus?
Yes, XLerate Plus created data sources can be used in Power Plus and Power Plus created data sources can be used in XLerate Plus.
Is there a way to create a time Custom Aggregate and have it automatically update the date in the name of the aggregate when the database is updated?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 there is a DATE TOKEN option. To use this feature go to XLerate Plus 1.3>Tools>Standard>Custom Aggregates. Select the database you would like the custom time aggregate created in and click Next. Make sure that Time is the dimension and select Create. In the create window next to Long Name click the box. This will add the following tag <Latest Time Period>. This will dynamically update the name to include the latest time period.
Can I create slices in Xlerate Plus 1.3?
Yes, in Xlerate Plus 1.3 you can create a slice. To create a slice, go to XLerate Plus 1.3>Range Utilities>Create/Modify a range. Select Slice as the Range type and select the location for the slice and give it a name. Go through the Range Utility to select the dimensions.
Can I output to a CSV file in XLerate Plus 1.3?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 you can create a .csv file. To do this:
1. Go to XLerate Plus 1.3>Range Utilities> Create/Modify a range.
2. Select CSV File as the Range type and select the location for the .csv file and give it a name.
3. Go through the Range Utility to create the range to be used for creating the .csv file.
Is there a way to have a particular range layout be my default layout?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 you can have a default layout. They layout screen will still appear when creating a range but a default layout will be selected. In Step 3 of 4 in the Range Format Utility, Choose your default layout and click on the ‘Set As Default’ button.
Is there a way to have the row dimensions ranked in my report?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 you can rank your rows. In Step 3 of 4 in the Range Format Utility, Check the box “Display Rank Numbers”. This will create a ranking in the first column of the range.
Can I update multiple workbooks in XLerate Plus 1.3 without opening each workbook?
Yes, in XLerate Plus 1.3 you can update multiple workbooks at one time. To do this, go to XLerate Plus 1.3>
Can I link my range to more than 1 range?
Yes, each dimension can liked to a separate range.
Why does my range go to a new worksheet when I update my range?
If you are updating a range and the range is going to overlap over another range in the workbook, the range will move to a new worksheet.
Can I copy a range and have it access a different database?
Yes. To do this:
1. Go to XLerate Plus 1.3>Range Utilities>Copy a Range.
2. Select the range to Copy, give it a new name, specify the new range location.
3. To change the database check the Change Database box and select the new database from the drop down.
4. To keep the range in the same location, click “Keep in Place”
5. Once the screen is completed click OK.
What happens to my links if I copy a range to a different database?
The links within the range is removed.
How do I add additional databases/remove databases in my range?
To add/remove databases:
1. Go to selector by Xlerate Plus 1.3>Range Utilities>Edit Dimension Values.
2. Select the range and click OK.
3. Once the Selector appears, click Select Databases.
4. Add/Remove the databases making sure that the databases to use for the range are listed on the right.
What is the Missing Data Hander?
When copying a custom object, a report or other items, the Missing Data Handler (MDH) may be invoked. The MDH will automatically appear on the screen if the script being copied is invalid. The MDH allows you to view the issue, determine which database the issue resides in and correct the issue. The user will have access to the full IRI selector allowing them to select a new dimension member. In addition, if the object that caused the issue is created using multiple steps or a script, each step can be edited independently.
Can I copy custom objects across databases?
Yes. To do this:
1. Within XLerate Plus, go to the Tools menu and select either the Custom Aggregate/Custom Measure Utility.
2. Select the database where the Aggregate/Measure to copy is located.
3. Select the aggregate to copy
4. Go to Edit>Make Copy to Different Database.
5. Check the database(s) you would like to copy the Custom Aggregate/Measure to and click OK.
6. A message should appear stating that the Aggregate/Measure copied successfully.
What are warnings within the Missing Data Handler and do I need to fix them?
Indicates a warning that some of the selected values are not valid; you may continue without editing or you may choose to edit the selection so that all values are valid.
Is there a way to save my current list within the Selector as a Saved Selection instead of using the Saved Selection Utility?
Yes. To create a Saved Selection do the following:
1. Make your selection using the Tools
2. Click Save (this is located below the selection)
3. Give the Saved Selection a name and click OK.
What is Dynamic Top/Bottom and Dynamic Exception?
Users can create a ranking report or exception based report that will re-run the criteria for each dimension in a given range allowing a true top/bottom or exception for each dimension
NOTE: There are certain criteria’s that need to be met in order for Dynamic Top/Bottom or Dynamic Exception to work.
Why is Dynamic Exception and Dynamic Top/Bottom not available as options for my dimension?
Dynamic Top/Bottom or Dynamic Exception will not be available unless the range layout meets certain criteria. The criteria are:
· The dimension to be ranked cannot be Measure.
· The dimension to be ranked must be placed in the Row or Column portion of the report layout and a Page dimension other than Measure must be specified.
-
The dimension to be ranked must be an "interior" dimension of the report’s layout (page, row, or column), and one exterior dimension (page, row, or column) other than Measure must be specified.
· At least one of the independent dimensions MUST be iterative. (See criteria for iterative ranking of dimensions below.)
· To determine whether a ranking can be iterative (all currently selected values) rather than static (a specific value), the following criteria must be met:
- The dimension must be in a higher group (page, row, or column) that the ranked dimension.
OR
- The dimension must be in a higher position within the same group (page, row, or column) as the ranked dimension.
When creating a multiple database range, is there a way to make my selections once for all databases in the range?
Yes. To do this:
1. Make the selections one of the databases for all dimensions.
2. Go to Edit>Copy all Dimensions.
3. The dimensions for all of the databases will now be populated.
NOTE: If the selections cannot be found in all of the databases, the Missing Data Handler will envoke.
How do I access Quick Refresh via a CompuServe connection?
In order to access Quick Refresh an Internet Connection must be established. In order to do this, CompuServe users will need to make an Internet connection.
- Log into an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- Go to XLerate>XLerate Plus>Quick Refresh
- Select the database(s) for Quick Refresh and choose Refresh
- Once the refresh is done, log into CompuServe and the database will be available to access.