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What is visual measure and visual column:
With Inforiver, you can insert a new calculated column and measure at the visual level in a table or matrix without having to write DAX code.
Visual measure:
A visual measure behaves similarly to a regular measure that we create using DAX. We create a visual measure by using calculations and functions based on the existing columns and measures in the data model. It is important to note that the visual measure appears beneath all hierarchies in the table/matrix.
Visual column:
A visual column is similar to a visual measure but appears at the end, outside any displayed category or category hierarchies.
Insert a visual measure:
Let us understand the visual measure with a simple example. In the above report, we have two existing DAX measures: Sales 2021 and Sales 2022. We want to calculate the sales variance for each quarter between these two years. Our formula for the visual measure would be Sales Variance = Sales 2022 - Sales 2021.
To insert a new visual measure, go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Insert Formula." This will open a new panel on the right side. Here, we have two options to create a formula: visual measure and visual column. Choose the visual measure option there.
Next, I will write the formula for the measure "Sales Variance" in the formula editor, as shown below. Notice that the visual measure appears under each quarter.
References and Functions:
Note that when creating a visual measure, the references section only lists the measures available in your report. The autocomplete feature suggests the names of the available measures in the data model. Refer to the screenshot below.
Writing functions in Inforiver Matrix is as straightforward as using MS Excel. It has vast library of functions, along with clear explanations for each function.
Edit Measure:
There are two ways to edit the measure formula: either right-click on the measure column header and select "Edit Measure" from there, or go to the "Insert" tab and click on "Manage Columns."
Hide, Delete and Sort Measure:
Hiding, deleting, and sorting measures is a straightforward process. By right-clicking on the measure column, you can easily access these options.
Insert a visual Column:
Let's take an example to understand the concept of a visual column. I want to calculate the quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) variance for the year 2022 between Q3 2022 and Q4 2022. Therefore, my formula would be Q4 Sales 2022 - Q3 Sales 2022.
To insert a new visual column, navigate to the "Insert" tab and click on "Insert Formula." It will open a new panel on the right side. This time, select the visual column option as we want to insert a column.
Next, I will write the formula for the column as shown below. Note that the visual column appears outside the Quarter hierarchy, whereas the visual measure was appearing inside the Quarter hierarchy.
In Previous example, when creating a new measure, the references section listed only available measures like Sales 2021 and Sales 2022. However, it now includes every instance of individual measures, such as Q4 - Sales 2022, Q3 - Sales 2022, and more.
