Introducing What-If Formulae

What-If Formulae

The What-If Formulae help you explore different scenarios using one or more formulas on measures, expressions, and fixed values. They use the goal-seeking method to provide suggestions. In other words, if you don’t know the input value for an expression but know the desired result, the What-If Formulae suggest inputs to help you achieve it. You can also apply filters to the What-If Formulae based on dimensions available in the Datasource.

Creating What-If Formulae

Note

The What-If Formulae you create here are readily available in the What-If Analysis section for detailed analysis and exploration.

Steps to create and set up What-If Formulae

1. To create and set up a What-If Formulae based on the measures and dimensions in the Datasource, click on Analysis What-If Formulae .

   All What-If Formulae created by you or shared with you appear under the tabs My What-If Formulae and Shared What-If Formulae respectively.
   

2. Click on New Formula to create a new one.

3. Enter the formula Name.

4. Select the Datasource or Query from the respective dropdown list.

   • Datasource Use an existing Datasource to create the formula, allowing access to all predefined measures and dimensions.
   • Queries Use existing related queries that contain measures and dimensions.
     

5. When you select Queries to configure the What-If Formulae, define the required measures and dimensions.
   

6. Click on Save to add the What-If Formulae to Infoveave.

Note

To configure What-If Formulae, make sure the corresponding Datasource or query is already set up. To learn more about writing queries in Infoveave, visit Queries.

Caution

Once the What-If Formulae is saved, you cannot change the Datasource or query. You also cannot rename the What-If Formulae after saving.

Identifying and Defining Scenario Elements

Identify and define the key variables involved in your What-If scenario. These variables include the measures and values you want to analyze or adjust as part of your goal-seeking process.

To configure the What-If Formulae in Infoveave, follow these steps

1. Click the Edit icon on the newly created Formulae.
   
2. A dialog opens where you define Measures, Values, and Expressions for the formula.

Measures

Assign selected measures with unique keys for easy reference. This helps you clearly formulate the scenario.

To configure the Measure formula element in Infoveave, follow these steps

1. Click the measure icon to add a Measure.
   • Key Use alphabets as keys to define each measure. Assign a unique key to each measure.
   • Name Enter a descriptive name for the measure. This is mandatory.
   • Measure Select the relevant measure you want to use in the formula.
   • Dimension Choose the relevant dimension(s) for the measure.
   • Value type Specify if the value is a numeric Value or a Percentage.
     
2. Click Save to save the Measure.

Note

You must define at least one measure and dimension to save the formula.

Value

A value is a numerical amount or percentage used as a basis to evaluate scenarios and assess impact.

To configure the Value element in the What-If Formulae, follow these steps

1. Click the value icon to add a Value.
   • Key Use alphabets as keys to define each value element.
   • Name Provide a descriptive name. This is mandatory.
   • Initial value Enter the starting value for calculations.
   • Value type Choose whether the input is a Value or Percentage.
     
2. Click Save to add the Value.

Defining Expressions

You can configure your scenario formula using Expressions, based on your predefined measures and values. The Copy of value option helps you create a new variable using the same value as an existing one, saving time and effort.

Expressions

Expressions let you define goal-seeking formulas using the assigned key variables.

To configure the Expression in Infoveave, follow these steps

1. Click the expression icon to add an Expression.
   • Key Assign a unique key using alphabets.
   • Name Enter a name for the expression element.
   • Expression type Choose from the following:
     Standard Uses Excel-like functions and mathematical formulas. Always returns a numeric value.
     JavaScript Use JavaScript functions or expressions for advanced calculations.
     Standard string Uses Excel-like functions but returns a string. Best for text-based outputs.
   • Expression Enter the logic or formula based on the type selected.
     
2. Click Save to add the expression.

Tip

An expression uses keys from the defined measures. For example, if you define measures with keys a, e, g, and h, you can use the formula (a + g) * (e + h) in the expression.

Examples with Different Expression Types

Standard expression type

Expression

a * b

Explanation

This multiplies two values.

Use Ctrl + Shift for auto-suggestions while typing.

Components

a = Quantity Sold (Measure)
b = Unit Price (Measure)
* = Multiplication operator

The asterisk (*) is the multiplication operator

Purpose

Calculates total sales before discounts using quantity × unit price.

JavaScript expression type

Expression

@a * @b

Explanation

This multiplies two values using JavaScript syntax.

Use Ctrl + Shift for auto-suggestions while typing.

Components

@a = Quantity Sold (Measure)
@b = Unit Price (Measure)

Purpose

Calculates total sales: Quantity Sold × Unit Price

Standard String expression type

Expression

a & " " & b

Explanation

Concatenates two values with a space in between.

Components

a = Quantity Valid (Measure)
b = Web Price (Measure)

Purpose

Combines both values into a single string like "100 25"

Example output:

If a = 100 and b = 25, the result is “100 25”

Copy of value

The Copy of value feature creates a new variable with the same value as an existing one. It saves time by eliminating the need to re-enter values.

To configure the Copy of value formula element, follow these steps

1. Click the Copy of value icon.
   • Key Assign a unique key using alphabets.
   • Name Provide a name describing the purpose.
   • Value Select the key from which to copy the value.
     
2. Click Save to add it to the formula.