Box310 en Col91 FV Part LTR

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity
Learners Guide BOX310
Copyright
2009 SAP BusinessObjects. All rights reserved. SAP BusinessObjects owns the following United States patents, which may cover products that are offered and licensed by SAP BusinessObjects 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. SAP BusinessObjects and its logos, BusinessObjects, Crystal Reports, Rapid Mart, Data Insight, Desktop Intelligence, Rapid Marts, Watchlist Security, Web Intelligence, and Xcelsius are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects, an SAP company and/or affiliated companies in the United States and/or other countries. SAP is a registered trademark of SAP AG in Germany and/or other countries. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
C O N T E N T S
Course introduction.....................................................................................................11 Course description.......................................................................................................12 Course audience...........................................................................................................13 Prerequisites.................................................................................................................14 Additional education...................................................................................................15 Level, delivery, and duration.....................................................................................16 Course success factors.................................................................................................17 Course setup.................................................................................................................18 Course materials..........................................................................................................19 Learning process .........................................................................................................20
Lesson 1
Creating a Visualization
Lesson introduction.......................................................................................................1 Producing interactive visualizations...........................................................................2 Presenting data visually........................................................................................2 Using visual data....................................................................................................3 Choosing the right Xcelsius product...................................................................4 Setting up a visualization with embedded data................................................4 Setting up a visualization with connected data ................................................5 Getting around in Xcelsius...........................................................................................7 Using the Xcelsius interface..................................................................................7 Using toolbars.......................................................................................................10 Using the Components Browser........................................................................14 Using the Object Browser....................................................................................17 Using the Property sheets...................................................................................18 Using the canvas...................................................................................................18 Changing the layout of the interface.................................................................19 Using document properties................................................................................20 Using global settings............................................................................................21 Finding help..........................................................................................................22 Working with your Excel workbook.........................................................................24 Designing your Xcelsius visualization..............................................................24 Designing your Excel workbook........................................................................24 Working with your Excel workbook ................................................................26 Applying best practices to your Excel workbook design...............................28 Replacing the embedded Excel workbook.......................................................29 Copying cells to the embedded Excel workbook............................................30 Using recommended Excel functions................................................................30
Table of ContentsLearners Guide
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Recognizing unsupported Excel functions.......................................................31 Visualizing data with charts.......................................................................................32 Using charts for visualization.............................................................................32 Choosing a chart type..........................................................................................32 Adding a dual axis to your chart ......................................................................39 Taking advantage of dynamic labels and titles...............................................40 Using data in ranges............................................................................................40 Activity: Setting up a chart with a data range ................................................43 Using data in a series...........................................................................................44 Defining category axis labels..............................................................................45 Activity: Setting up a chart with a data series ................................................46 Deciding when to use a range and when to use a series................................47 Anticipating future data by ignoring end blanks............................................47 Activity: Setting up a chart to ignore end blanks ...........................................48 Using Xcelsius components........................................................................................50 Understanding input and output components................................................50 Understanding single value components.........................................................50 Using single value component types.................................................................51 Working with percentages..................................................................................53 Using play options...............................................................................................55 Using the Image component...............................................................................56 Using a container component.............................................................................58 Understanding alerts...........................................................................................58 Setting up alerts....................................................................................................60 Understanding text components........................................................................62 Understanding other component types............................................................64 Understanding the Calendar component.........................................................67 Using the Trend Analyzer...................................................................................69 Adding Print and Reset buttons.........................................................................72 Understanding the History component............................................................73 Understanding web connectivity component types.......................................74 Activity: Performing "what-if" analysis ...........................................................76 Applying best practice for designing models..........................................................78 Optimizing design................................................................................................78 Removing yourself from the data......................................................................78 Starting with pencil and paper...........................................................................79 Designing a layout based on how users need to view data...........................79 Creating a mockup of the dashboard................................................................81 Following Excel best practices............................................................................82 Avoiding getting lost in the visualization........................................................83 Utilizing summarized data.................................................................................84 Choosing a component based on your data.....................................................84 Activity: Designing a visualization...................................................................85 Distributing your visualization.................................................................................87 Previewing your model and creating Snapshots.............................................87 Choosing the right output for your audience..................................................88 Making your model available to others for re-use..........................................90
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BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide
Quiz: Creating a visualization...................................................................................92 Lesson summary..........................................................................................................95
Lesson 2
Formatting a Visualization
Lesson introduction.....................................................................................................97 Applying formatting options.....................................................................................98 Using color schemes.............................................................................................98 Creating custom color schemes........................................................................100 Formatting text in your visualization..............................................................103 Changing the layout of components...............................................................103 Using themes and template to apply formatting..................................................105 Using themes.......................................................................................................105 Using predefined templates..............................................................................107 Using user-defined templates ..........................................................................108 Activity: Formatting a model...........................................................................110 Quiz: Formatting a visualization.............................................................................112 Lesson summary........................................................................................................113
Lesson 3
Adding Interactivity to a Visualization

Lesson introduction...................................................................................................115 Using selectors............................................................................................................116 Adding a selector................................................................................................116 Understanding data insertion...........................................................................116 Using each data insertion type in selectors....................................................117 Setting default values for selectors..................................................................119 Using alerts in selectors.....................................................................................122 Importing graphics as selectors........................................................................124 Using a table as a selector.................................................................................126 Using drill down to use a chart as a selector..................................................127 Using the list builder selector to select multiple items.................................129 Activity: Creating interactive models using selectors..................................129 Creating interactive maps.................................................................................131 Activity: Using maps.........................................................................................134 Adding dynamic visibility........................................................................................136 Understanding dynamic visibility...................................................................136 Defining dynamic visibility display status.....................................................138 Choosing dynamic visibility options...............................................................139 Using formulas...................................................................................................140 Creating multi-layer reports.............................................................................141 Activity: Creating interactive models using dynamic visibility..................142 Troubleshooting interactivity...................................................................................144 Troubleshooting with the Spreadsheet Table component...........................144
Alleviating common symptoms.......................................................................144 Activity: Creating a presentation-ready visualization..................................146 Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization........................................................148 Lesson summary........................................................................................................149
Lesson 4
Creating a Connected Visualization

Lesson introduction...................................................................................................151 Using Live Data Sources...........................................................................................152 Understanding the workflow required to use live data sources ................152 Using the Data Manager to add and configure connections.......................152 Using the Connection Refresh button.............................................................154 Understanding the External Interface connection type................................154 Activity: Using the External Interface connection type................................156 Connecting to XML data...........................................................................................159 Understanding XML Data connections ..........................................................159 Choosing XML Data as your data connection ..............................................159 Setting up an XML data connection by creating an XML definition .........160 Optional Procedure: To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trust all local drives .............................................................................................163 Activity: Connecting to XML with a new definition.....................................163 Leveraging Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XML definition.............................................................................................................165 Activity: Connecting to XML with an existing definition using Excel XML maps...........................................................................................................167 Connecting to data using an existing Web Service...............................................169 Understanding Web Services...........................................................................169 Choosing an existing Web Service as your data connection........................169 Setting up your Web Services data connection..............................................170 Activity: Connecting to data using an existing Web Service.......................171 Connecting to Crystal Reports data........................................................................173 Understanding the Crystal Report Data Consumer connection.................173 Choosing the Crystal Reports Data Consumer as your data connection...........................................................................................................173 Setting up your Crystal Reports Data Consumer data connection.............174 Activity: Connecting to Crystal Reports data................................................175 Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service........177 Understanding BusinessObjects Universes and Query as a Web Service..................................................................................................................177 Choosing QaaWS as your data connection....................................................177 Configuring a QaaWS connection to consume a WSDL...............................178 Activity: Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service ........................................................................................................179 Connecting to Portal Data........................................................................................182 Using the Portal Data connection type with no connection ........................182
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Using the Portal Data connection type with a Provider connection ..........183 Using the Portal Data connection type with a Consumer connection ...............................................................................................................................183 Activity: Using Portal Data with Dashboard Builder...................................183 Review: Connecting to Portal Data..................................................................185 Using Live Office data...............................................................................................186 Understanding the Live Office connection ....................................................186 Setting up a Live Office connection ................................................................188 Activity: Setting up the workbook for use with Live Office data...............189 Activity: Populating your embedded Excel workbook with Web Intelligence data using Live Office..................................................................190 Connecting to SAP data.....................................................................................191 Working with Business Requirements...................................................................193 Gathering business requirements....................................................................193 Deeper Investigation .........................................................................................193 Activity: Visualizing Targets............................................................................193 Analyzing an existing visualization ...............................................................194 Activity: Emulating existing visualizations....................................................194 Quiz: Creating a connected visualization .............................................................195 Lesson summary........................................................................................................196
Appendix A
Appendix: Optional Connectivity Units

Connecting to LCDS..................................................................................................197 Understanding Adobe LiveCycle DataServices connections .............................197 To set up an LCDS ....................................................................................................197 Connecting to Sharepoint.........................................................................................198 Adding Xcelsius visualizations as SharePoint web parts....................................198 To set up SharePoint web parts for use in Xcelsius visualizations.....................198
Answer Key
Quiz: Creating a visualization.................................................................................201 Quiz: Formatting a visualization.............................................................................203 Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization........................................................204 Review: Connecting to Portal Data.........................................................................205 Review: Connecting to SAP data.............................................................................206 Quiz: Creating a connected visualization .............................................................207
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BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity

Introductions, Course Overview...........................................30 minutes
Lesson 1
Creating 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 2
Formatting a Visualization...............................................................1 hour

Applying formatting options Using themes and template to apply formatting Lesson 3
Adding Interactivity to a Visualization.................................4.75 hours

Using selectors Adding dynamic visibility Troubleshooting interactivity Lesson 4
Creating 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
AgendaLearners Guide
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Connecting to SAP data
Course introduction
This section explains the conventions used in the course and in this training guide.
Learners Guide
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Course description
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 enables you to transform Excel workbooks into captivating visualizations with the ability to provide interactive what-if analysis. Use Xcelsius to build engaging dashboards for executives and business users. An Xcelsius visualization provides insight into complex data and delivers confidence to those who will use it to make decisions. As a business benefit, you will be able to connect your dashboards to any data source and provide everyone in your organization with up-to-the-minute personalized data. You'll manage multiple data sources by controlling all live data connections from one central interface. You will improve your productivity by manipulating and linking your data to visually compelling analytics in a single design.
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Course audience
This course is intended fo rinexperienced BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 users who need to acquire proficiency with building interactive visualizations based on Microsoft Excel workbooks. Users of Xcelsius Present 2008, Xcelsius Engage 2008, and Xcelsius Engage - Server 2008 will find this course useful, but should be aware that some features and functionality presented in this course do not mirror the exact functionality in their version of Xcelsius.
Learners Guide
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Prerequisites
While not required for this course, experience with these products and technologies will be helpful: Microsoft Excel
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Additional education
Not applicable for this offering.
Learners Guide
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Level, delivery, and duration

This core level instructor-led course requires three-days to complete.
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Course success factors

Your 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
Learners Guide
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Course setup
Refer to the setup guide for details on hardware, software, and course-specific requirements.
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Course materials
The materials included with the course materials are: Name card Learners Guide The Learners Guide contains an agenda, learner materials, and practice activities. The Learners Guide is designed to assist students who attend the classroom-based course and 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 our evaluation process. Provide feedback on the course content, instructor, and facility. Your comments 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 supplemental content to the training guide. Online Help Retrieve information and find answers to questions using the online Help and/or users guide that are included with the product.
Learners Guide
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Learning process
Learning is an interactive process between the learners and the instructor. By facilitating a cooperative environment, the instructor guides the learners through the learning framework.
Introduction
Why am I here? Whats 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 the activities.
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.
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Lesson 1
Creating a Visualization
Lesson introduction
In this lesson, you will get to know the interface and tools available in Xcelsius. What you learn in this lesson will be the foundation for all of the workshops you complete throughout the course. 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
Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide
Producing interactive visualizations

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius visualizations and the benefits of using Xcelsius visualizations in your presentations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: Describe the features and benefits of presenting data visually with BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 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 meaningful way. 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 Excel workbook spreadsheets and allows you to interact with 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 the visualization file. You can select items from the drop-down menu in the Xcelsius visualization to 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 from Excel workbooks to create dashboards and scorecards with 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 a previous 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:
Product Capabilities
Xcelsius Present 2008
Creates interactive data presentations from Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. Creates live dashboards from personal and corporate data sources. Consumes new or re-uses existing Web services and live data connection feeds. Xcelsius Engage 2008 is limited to using a single web service. Creates live dashboards from personal and corporate data sources without having to manually write Web services and live data connection feeds. Xcelsius Engage-Server 2008 is bundled with Flynet Web Services Generator. Creates secure and personalized business intelligence (BI) dashboards connected to BusinessObjects Enterprise or BusinessObjects Edge Series from Business Objects, an SAP company. Easily connects to live enterprise data in SAP or BusinessObjects software.
Xcelsius Engage 2008
Xcelsius Engage-Server 2008
BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008
Setting up a visualization with embedded data

When designing and deploying an Xcelsius visualization that uses embedded data, follow these steps. 1. Design Data You can import any Excel workbook into Xcelsius. Data, formulas, and formatting found in the workbook will be included. All of the components in your visualization are bound to the values and formulas in the Excel workbook or external data sources to display up-to-the-minute data in your visualizations. Macros, external spreadsheet and VBScript not supported. You can also copy and paste cells from another Excel workbook to the embedded Excel workbook in your visualization.
To connect to other data sources, use the Data Manager to create live data connections that will populate your visualizations. Build and format the visualization Add a combination of useful components (for example charts, gauges, tables, and maps) to your visualization and then bind those components to cells, rows, or ranges of data in your Excel workbook. Use the property sheets to set alerts, define behavior and customize the appearance of those components. 2. Publish the visualization By clicking a single toolbar button in Xcelsius, your visualization can be produced as an interactive Flash file (SWF). Other toolbar buttons will produce the Flash file and automatically embed that Flash file in a PowerPoint presentation slide, Microsoft Word document, Outlook email message, or an Adobe PDF document. Another toolbar button creates the Flash file as well as an HTML document and folder structure that will display your Flash file in a web browser. 3. Deploy the published visualization Host your Flash file in any environment including BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.1. Use HTML to call your SWF file on a web server. The only requirement for the end user is current version of the Adobe Flash Player. Excel is only required at design-time, viewers are not required 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 design workflow 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 importing workbooks that include unsupported Excel functions, macros, and externally linked cells. Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008 will not have the option to interact with 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 visualization and bind each component to cells, rows, or ranges in your Excel workbook. Use the property sheets 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 Data Consumer, FS Command, LCDS Connections, Excel XML Maps, or Live Office Connections).
Once the connection is defined you will indicate the refresh rate and direct loading and idle messages to your visualization. 4. Publish the visualization Connected visualizations allow users with the appropriate permissions to view visualizations based on live data.
Getting around in Xcelsius

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about the Xcelsius interface and how to customize it to help speed your development of Xcelsius visualizations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 File menu, click New and select one of the following options: To create a new Xcelsius file with an empty embedded Excel workbook, click New. To create a new Xcelsius file and import an Excel file into the embedded Excel workbook, click New with Spreadsheet, navigate to and select the Excel file in the Open dialog box, and click Open. A new file is created in Xcelsius.
To save an Xcelsius file

1. From the File menu, 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 File menu, click Open.
The Open dialog box displays.
2. Navigate to and select the Xcelsius file. 3. Click Open. Note: If there is another Xcelsius file already open, you will be prompted to save that file before opening the new file. Click Yes or No 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 building visualizations in Xcelsius.
Standard toolbar
Button Name Description
New Open Save Print
Create a new visualization. Open an existing visualization. Save changes to the current visualization. Print the current visualization.
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Button
Name
Description
Cut Copy Paste Undo Redo Selection tool
Cut the selected components from the canvas. Copy the selected components to the clipboard. Paste any components on the clipboard to the canvas. Undo the last action. Repeat the last action that was undone. Toggle between one of two different cursor tools. The white arrow pointer allows you to click and drag components from the Components Browser to the canvas. The black crosshairs allow you to click in the canvas to add the component selected in the Components Browser. Click to add a pre-selected component to the canvas. Note: Only one of the Selection Tool and the Component Tool buttons can be active at a time.
Component tool
Import spreadsheet
Specify an external Excel workbook to replace the default or current embedded Excel workbook to act as the data source for the visualization. Use this button to launch the Data Manager, where you can create new and edit existing connections to other external data sources. Increase the size of the canvas by small increments. Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments. Reduce the canvas to align with the edges of the components on it.
Manage connections
Increase canvas Decrease canvas Fit canvas to components
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Button
Name
Description
Fit canvas to window Change windows layout
Increase the window to its full size.
Quickly re-arrange the screen using one of four preset configurations: My Workspace Canvas Excel Canvas and Excel
Preview
Preview the visualization to test the interactive behavior.
Export toolbar
Export to Powerpoint Export to Word
Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a new PowerPoint slide presentation. Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a new Word document. Publish to SWF format and add the file as an attachment to a new Outlook email message. Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a new PDF document. Publish a visualization and add it to the BusinessObjects Enterprise. Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008 will not have this option.
Export to Outlook
Export to PDF
Export to Business Objects platform
Themes toolbar
Change Theme
Choose a theme from the Themes palette to apply to your visualization.
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Button
Name
Description
Colors
Choose from an existing color scheme, or create a custom color scheme.
Format toolbar
Group components
Locks components together so they cannot be moved individually. Unlocks grouped components so they can be moved individually. Align the left edge of selected components. Align selected components horizontally through the middles of the components. Align the right edge of selected components. Align the top edge of selected components. Align selected components vertically through the centers of the components. Align the bottom edge of selected components. Horizontally distribute selected objects equal distances from each other. Vertically distribute selected objects equal distances from each other. Make the selected components the same width relative to the first component in the selection.
Ungroup components Align left Center horizontally
Align right Align top Center vertically
Align bottom Space evenly across
Space evenly down
Make same width
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Button
Name
Description
Make same height
Make the selected components the same height relative to the first component in the selection. Make the selected components the same size relative to the first component in the selection. Bring component to the top layer. Send component to the bottom layer. Bring a component forward one layer. Send a component backward one layer.
Make same size
Bring to front Send to back Bring forward Send backward
Using the Components Browser

Components are graphic objects, such as charts, gauges, or radio buttons, that can be added to the canvas, then bound to data ranges and/or formulas from the Excel file. They are the building blocks of your visualizations. The Components Browser contains all of the components available for building visualizations. Available components are grouped by category and can be viewed in an accordion style menu or a tree menu. Alternately, all components can be viewed in an alphabetical list. To add a component to the canvas from the Components Browser, just click to select and click the canvas, or click and drag. You can view components by category:
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Or in a tree menu:
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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 the following methods: To browse using an accordion menu, click the Category tab and click the appropriate heading to expand it or scroll through the list. To browse using a folder structure, click the Tree tab and click the appropriate folder to expand 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 on the canvas, and release the mouse. Click the component in the Components Browser, and then click the appropriate location on the canvas. The component is added to the canvas, and the property sheets update to display context-sensitive options for configuration. 3. To resize a component, click and drag the handles for the component to the appropriate proportions.
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Using the Object Browser

Once you have added components to the canvas from the Components Browser, those components are listed in the Object Browser. You can use the Object Browser to select components 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 check mark under the eye to hide the component so you can more easily work with 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 appear in the Object Browser.
Objects at the top of the Object Browser list are closest to the canvas. New components are added to the bottom of the Object Browser list. Therefore, they reside on the top-most layer of the visualization.
To use the Object Browser

In the Object Browser, do any of the following: To hide or unhide all objects on the canvas, click Hide in the toolbar. To hide or unhide individual objects, click the dot under the Hide 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.
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To change the order of an object relative to other objects, select the object and click the up or down arrow. To delete an object, select the object and click Delete in the toolbar.
Using the Property sheets

Once a component has been added to the canvas, it must be configured using options on a Property sheet. You can access Property sheets by double-clicking on the component or right-clicking the component and selecting Properties from the context menu. There are five Property sheets which allow you to specify options that change the functionality of the components on your canvas.
Property sheet Purpose
General
Use the General Property sheet to bind the component to the data in the embedded Excel workbook. Use the Drill Down Property sheet to enable the ability to drill into a component to get more data. This functionality is available for charts only. Th Use the Behavior Property sheet to set limits on numeric values and enable dynamic visibility. Use the Appearance Property sheet to apply formatting to individual components. Use the Alerts Property sheet to color-code performance indicators. This functionality is not available for all components.
Drill Down
Behavior
Appearance
Alerts
Using the canvas

Only components on the canvas are active and part of your visualization. After you have added all of your components, it is a best practice to resize the canvas relative to the components on it. You have several options for resizing the canvas. You can also change the actual size of the canvas 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.
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Note: The canvas is increased in increments of five pixels in all directions each time you click the button. To decrease the canvas size, click Decrease canvas. Note: The canvas is decreased in increments of five pixels in all directions each time you click the button. To resize the canvas to the dimensions of the components on the canvas, click Fit Canvas to Components. To resize the canvas to the dimensions of the canvas pane in the Xcelsius interface, click Fit 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, and Properties 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 appears when you hover over the minimized button at the edge of the screen. Use the Quick View feature to jump to one of several preconfigured layouts. Any customizations you make to the layout 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 change it to a floating palette. To dock a window, click and drag the title bar of the floating palette to the location and release 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 View menu, click Quick Views and select the appropriate layout.
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Using document properties

The Document Properties dialog box modifies the properties of the active visualization. You can adjust the canvas to a preset or custom size, change default font size, or enter an optional description of the visualization. Device fonts are non-embedded fonts that depend on the local machine to render the font. Xcelsius visualizations use non-embedded fonts by default and each component can use a different font. Xcelsius visualizations that use embedded fonts are not dependent on the fonts installed on the local machine but are considerably larger than visualizations that use device fonts (non-embedded).
While you can use Embedded Fonts for Xcelsius 2008, for best results use Global Fonts. If working with a visualization migrated from Crystal Xcelsius 4.5, it is recommend that you avoid using embedded fonts.
To change document properties

1. From the File menu, click Document Properties. The Document 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 appropriate size from the associated drop-down list. To define a custom size for the canvas, select the Custom Size option and enter the width and height in pixels in the associated fields.
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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 the Description pane. 5. Click OK.
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 Excel Options tab, you can enable Live Office Compatibility, hide the Switch To/Retry dialog box, and limit the number of rows in a formula or component binding.
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To change global preferences

1. From the File menu, click Preferences. The Preferences dialog box displays. 2. Click the appropriate tab. 3. Change the settings as desired. 4. Click OK.
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 which contains Quick Start tutorials. Xcelsius Help From the Help menu, select Xcelsius Help to display a searchable HTML version of the Xcelsius 2008 User Guide. Context-based help movies Clicking in a property sheet will play a context based help movie that walks you through concepts related to the property.
To use the Quick Start wizard

1. From the Help menu, click Quick Start. The Quick 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 5 minutes. To view a tutorial on how to create a model, click the Quickstart Tutorial link. To download samples and demos from the Business Objects website, click the Templates 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 the Help menu, click Xcelsius Help. The Xcelsius 2008 User Guide dialog box opens in a browsable format.
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2. Do any of the following: To browse help topics in tree format, click the Content tabs, expand the branches of the tree, 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 click Display. To search for a help topic directly, click the Search tab, enter the keywords in the Type in the word(s) to search for field, click List Topics, select the help topic you want to view, and click Display. Note: Keep in mind that, if you enter more than one word to search for, the list includes topics that meet any of the search terms. The help topic displays in the pane on the right.
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Working with your Excel workbook

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn how to design your Excel workbook to efficiently design and build Xcelsius visualizations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 answers have 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 of your Xcelsius visualization to help speed development and illustrate flaws in your design as early as possible.
Designing your Excel workbook

Xcelsius uses an Excel spreadsheet to serve as the mechanism for mapping data and formulas to 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 Xcelsius 2008: 1. Data Model
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You can enter highly aggregated data directly into the spreadsheet and visualize it, so there is 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 also provides a calculation engine. 3. Eventing Model When a cell changes, we get a data change event. This event is primarily used to instruct Excel to recalcuate cell values, but this data change event can be used to kick off other processes too. A visualization with embedded data uses only the data and formulas from the original Excel file. The visualization is completely self-contained, and does not rely on either Excel or on external data sources once it is exported to a SWF file format.
A connected visualization also uses the formulas and metadata from Excel. In addition, it allows you to configure connectivity to data from BusinessObjects Enterprise or any other external 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 file format, 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.
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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 one Excel workbook can be embedded into your Xcelsius model at a time. The workbook may contain multiple spreadsheets. Color-coding cells and ranges in your embedded Excel workbook 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.
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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 data range needs to be moved down a row to fit in the title, simply select the range and move it to 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. If only part of the range is moved and you want the new location referenced, you must open the 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, this action is not read as an event by Excel, and as such does not prompt Xcelsius to update in design mode. The new sort is reflected in Preview mode or the exported visualization. An update 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 you need to use Excel and Xcelsius 2008 files simultaneously, first open Xcelsius 2008, and then open your Excel files using the Windows Explorer. If you need to keep Excel and Xcelsius 2008 files synchronized, make your updates in the Xcelsius 2008 embedded spreadsheet and then export the data to an Excel spreadsheet.
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Xcelsius 2008 imports Excel files by copying the spreadsheet data and inserting the data into the Xcelsius 2008 embedded spreadsheet. Once data is imported, it is no longer linked to the original Excel spreadsheet. Any changes you make to the original Excel file do not appear in the embedded Excel workbook, nor do any changes to the embedded spreadsheet appear in the original Excel file. If you are using Excel 2003, you can see your default toolbars. Toolbar buttons not related to working with the data are disabled (Save, Open, Print, and so on.). These disabled buttons are functions that are handled by Xcelsius. The embedded Excel workbook is saved when the 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. In addition 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 any Excel 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. Start with an empty workbook. 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 the empty spreadsheet that is embedded within Xcelsius 2008.Using the empty spreadsheet will also reduce the risk that you use Microsoft Excel functions or plug-ins that Xcelsius 2008 does not support. Divide data by type and store each type in its own worksheet. Start with three worksheets and name them logically (for example raw data, aggregated data, spreadsheet information). Logical content should flow in a rightward direction. For example, when multiplying columns the factored columns should be to the left of the product column. Do not manually enter content that could otherwise be automatically retrieved from a data source 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 in advance and include those summaries on their own worksheet in your embedded Excel workbook. 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'll spend less time scrolling and hunting if you place frequently used ranges and calculations at the upper-left part of your workbook tab. Use colors, labels, titles, and borders to identify data types. For example, yellow = destination ranges and light green = formulas. Include a legend of colors used, where the dashboard is, who defined the key performance indicators and any other info that would reduce the learning curve for others who will use this data in the future.
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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 in the model. You can add data and formulas directly to the embedded Excel workbook, or you can replace the blank embedded Excel workbook with a copy of another external Excel workbook. Keep in mind that, once you replace the embedded Excel workbook with a copy of an external Excel workbook, the data is a copy and is no longer connected to your original Excel workbook. The imported Excel file becomes a snapshot of all data, formulas, and formatting from your original Excel workbook, and the workbook is embedded in the XLF file. Later, you can replace the embedded workbook again. However, you may lose any bindings that you currently have to 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 Excel workbook will be overwritten. To avoid this prompt in the future, select the Don't ask me again check box and click Yes to proceed. The Open 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. Click Open.
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The contents of the source spreadsheet are imported into the embedded Excel workbook for the Xcelsius file. Note: You can make changes to the contents of the embedded workbook because the Xcelsius file 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 external Excel workbook and replacing the embedded Excel workbook. Alternately, you can copy cells from an external Excel workbook and paste them directly into the embedded Excel workbook in the Xcelsius interface. You can also copy cells from the embedded Excel workbook in one instance 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, you can move data - and the component bindings will automatically update to reflect the new location of 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 functions may slow the performance of your Xcelsius model. Using a combination of the index and match functions can accomplish the same result more efficiently. Using a selector component with the Insert Filtered Rows option is more effcieint than using Excel's lookups functions.
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To see the list of Excel functions that are supported by Xcelsius 2008, search for Supported Excel 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 Xcelsius model. To view a full list of Excel functions that Xcelsius supports, consult the Xcelsius 2008 User Guide.
Recognizing unsupported Excel functions

While Xcelsius does support most Excel functions, some functions are not supported. These functions 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 the Microsoft Excel functions (logic) are compiled into Adobe Flash at preview or export time. Certain Microsoft Excel functions perform better on smaller data sets (tens of rows) when compiled as Adobe Flash, so wherever possible avoid using the following functions on larger data sets. If you must access larger data sets, have the server or database perform the aggregation on the server side. Here is a list of the Microsoft Excel functions that you should try to avoid using unless your data is set small (tens of rows): SUMIF COUNTIF HLOOKUP VLOOKUP
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Visualizing data with charts

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius and the benefits of producing presentations with Xcelsius. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 meaningful way. There are multiple charts in Xcelsius. Part of maximizing the tool is effectively utilizing the charts available to you. Charts can also use a secondary axis for visualizations.
Category Example
Linear Multi-dimensional trends Comparative analysis Distributions OHLC
Line chart, Area chart XY chart, Bubble chart Bar chart, Stacked bar chart Pie chart, Radar chart OHLC chart, Candlestick chart
Choosing a chart type

Charts can be used to display ranges of data. The following types are available:
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Line chart
A single- or multi-line chart is ideal for showing tendency over a period of time. Use this chart in models that emphasize a trend line or a continuing sequence of data. The Dual Axis feature allows 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 total that is represented on the overall value.
OHLC chart
An OHLC chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to the four stock price values, which are represented as lines attached to the marker.
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Candlestick chart
A candlestick chart is used primarily to display stock data. Each marker corresponds to four stock 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 a period of time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.
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Stacked column chart

A stacked column chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by adding one dimension on top of another. These types of charts are ideal when comparing several dimensions over a period of time. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.
Bar chart
A single- or multi-bar chart is ideal for showing and comparing one or more items over a period of time or in a specific range of values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either 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 bars allow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. These types of charts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.
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Combination chart
A combination column and line chart is ideal for displaying a range of values and a trend line for those values. The Dual Axis feature allows you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.
Bubble chart
A bubble chart is a powerful analytic tool that lets you compare a group of items or series based on three different parameters. It has an X axis and a Y axis to represent the item location over the chart area, and a Z value to represent the item size.
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XY chart
An XY chart displays data that requires two dimensions to complete the analysis. The XY chart shows 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 give greater impact to the visualization. The usual area charts are enhanced in Xcelsius with transparency 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 with this chart.
Stacked area chart

A stacked area chart allows you to compare several variables over a period of time. Stacked areas allow you to compare one or more variables by adding one variable to another. These type of charts are ideal when comparing several variables over a period of time. The Dual Axis features allow you to plot a series on either the Primary or Secondary axis with this chart.
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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 area filled in for greater visual impact.
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Adding a dual axis to your chart

Charts with a dual axis are used to visualize two trend-correlations between two unique measures.
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
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Taking advantage of dynamic labels and titles

When you define the properties of a component, you can manually enter values like the labels and titles for a component, or you can bind these elements to specific cells, rows, and columns in 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 components are updated if you re-import the source file, provided the cell reference hasn't changed. If you enter the value manually, changing the information in the source file and re-importing it does not have any effect on those properties.
Note: Some fields are never updated, even if the source file is re-imported. These are known as static data sources, and they are available only in rare situations, such as the display status key for dynamic visibility.
Using data in ranges

A chart component displays data by series. You can manually create the series, or Xcelsius creates the series automatically by row or by column from a range of contiguous cells that you specify. For example, a crosstab of data looks differently based on the orientation. This data can be read either by row or by column.
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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.
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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 click OK. 3. Select the By Range option.
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The restriction on using a data range is that all of the data that you want to represent in your chart must be located in a contiguous block in the Excel file. It can be a single column or 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 for the 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 the Select a range dialog box. 5. In the embedded workbook, select the range of cells that contains the appropriate values. 6. Click OK. 7. Select the Data in Rows or Data 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.xls workbook from the Activity_Resources folder into GrossSales2007.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 automatically created. You should have five series based on the data range. 5. Resize the chart and the canvas as required and preview the model.
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Your model should look similar to this:
6. Save your changes. Compare your visualization to SOLUTION_GrossSales2007.xlf in the Activity_Resources folder to 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 can create the series by adding one row or column at a time. This is essentially the same process as 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 series one at a time. It's a good way to streamline the process of developing your models.
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Defining category axis labels

Category axis labels are the values represented along the X axis of a chart. These labels are used to provide context for the data displayed in the chart. For example, if you were showing a line chart displaying sales over time, the category axis labels would be the time increments reflected in the data on the horizontal (X) axis.
You cannot define the category axis labels until you have specified at least one data series for the chart. Once the option is enabled, you can define the labels by using the cell selector button to the right of the Category Labels(X): field to select a range of cells from your Excel file that will label your horizontal axis. In the example above, the abbreviations for each month used as 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 click OK. 3. Select the By Series option. 4. Click + to add a series. 5. For the new series, click the button to the right of the Name field to activate the Select a range dialog box. 6. In the embedded workbook, select the cell that contains the name of the series. 7. Click OK. 8. Click the button to the right of the Values (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.
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10.Click OK. 11.Select the Primary Axis or Secondary Axis option to determine which axis to plot the series on. 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 range dialog box. 14.In the embedded workbook, select the range of cells that contains the appropriate values. 15.Click OK. 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 the data 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 January data for all regions. 5. Bind the category axis labels to the regions. 6. Resize the chart and the canvas as required and preview the model.
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Your model should look something like this:
7. Save your changes. Compare your visualization to SOLUTION_JanuaryGrossSales2006-2008.xlf in the Activity_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 automatically create each series by using the cell selector beside By Range to identify where the series data resides. Xcelsius will automatically names the series and label the categories using column headers and row headers. Method 2 Hybrid: If you have a contiguous block of data , you can use this method to automatically create each series by using the cell selector beside By Range to identify where the series data resides. Once the series are created, you'll switch to By Series and manually name each series and manually labeling your category labels. Method 3 By Series: Use By Series to add each series manually. You'll also need to manually name each 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 a range that includes the cells in your workbook where that data will reside. Then, you can use
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an option called "Ignore Blank Cells" to have the chart ignore those blank cells until they are populated with data. This eliminates the need to update the chart's binding each time you capture new data. For example, if you have a spreadsheet that captures data on a monthly basis but the values for November and December are not yet available, select Ignore Blank Cells "In Values" for the missing 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 the following 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 up the 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 the new visualization, or copy and paste the data on Number of Orders for 2008 into the embedded Excel workbook. 3. Add a stacked column chart to the canvas and enter or bind the titles to the data as appropriate. 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 automatically created.
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5. On the Behavior property sheet, configure the chart to ignore blank values. 6. Resize the chart and the canvas as required and preview the model. Your model should look something like this:
7. Save your changes. A solution file called SOLUTION_NumberOfOrders2008.xlf is included in the Activity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.
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Using Xcelsius components

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about Xcelsius features and components. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 receiving input. Some components can be used for one purpose only, while others can both receive input and display output. Output components like charts and gauges are intended to display data only. They can be used to show values or the results of formulas in a dynamic way (that is, you can hover your mouse over an output component to see the related values), but you cannot change the values in such a 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 to cells that contain the values that affect formulas. You can use these components to add interactivity to your models, which allows you to perform "what-if" analysis. When a user changes the value in one of the single value components, it can affect the output values of other components 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
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in a chart or other component in your model, you can manipulate the single value component to determine what happens to the displayed output. Some single value components can also be used for output, such as the gauge and the progress bar, 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 a cell 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 interactivity to your models. The maximum and minimum values for these single value components can be manually adjusted on the General property sheet. Here are some examples of single value components:
Slider
This represents a variable that can be modified to affect other components in the form of a bar with 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 a mechanical dial.
Gauge
This represents a single value output and illustrates where the value lies within a range. The gauge should only be used to show output values, though it can be set up for input if you activate the play options; however, most users only recognize it as an output component, as on a car dashboard.
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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 interact with the spinner by clicking the up and down arrows to increase or decrease the value, or by entering a value into the text box.
Play control
This increases the value of a cell in your model systematically. The buttons next to the play button speed up the process of scrolling forward or back through the values, while the buttons on 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 or double-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 to the canvas.
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The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the single value component.
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 click OK. Note: Most single value components include a Title field and a Data field. However, this is not the case for all components. Refer to the online help for assistance in determining how to 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 of the percentage. For example, 75% would be entered as 0.75. To avoid the incorrect behavior in your 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%).
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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 the General property sheet for the component, set the required minimum and maximum limits using a value between 0 and 1. For example, to set a minimum limit of 25%, enter the decimal value .25. To set a maximum limit of 100%, enter the decimal value 1.
2. On the Behavior property sheet, set the required increment size. To increment the slider by 1% 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 the Number Format drop-down list, select Percent. c. In the Decimal Places field, enter 0.
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Using play options

For some of the single value components, you can activate play options. Play options allow you 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 value has been reached. You can also extend the amount of time it takes to play through the entire range 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 into input 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.
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2. In the Play Time (seconds) field, enter the amount of time during which the single value component 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 it reaches 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 JPG backgrounds and SWF animations to 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, the image is loaded from that location. The file size of your model will be smaller with linked files, which reduces the loading time. The biggest advantage is that the model doesn't need to be re-published if the graphic or animation changes. Update the graphic in its external location 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 can publish and distribute your model as a standalone file which provides faster performance if you couple the graphic with dynamic visibility. Note: If you link to an image file, Xcelsius will generate a sub-folder with the same name as the SWF during export and put the image in that folder. You cannot change the location of the image once it is published or else the SWF will not be able to find the image and it will not be able to load that image. Block Mouse Events
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When layering components in your model, users can still click and activate controls even though they are hidden beneath other components. This means you can create a custom button 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 Block Mouse 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. The Open dialog box displays. 3. Navigate to and select the image or animation. 4. Click Open. 5. Do any of the following: To resize the image based on the size of the component, select the Resize Image to Component 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 the Embed File check box. Note: You cannot embed another Xcelsius SWF file. To change the transparency level of the background, click and drag the Transparency selector to the appropriate level, or manually enter the percentage in the associated field. To prevent actions related to the background, select the Block Mouse Events check box. To hide the background color of the SWF so that the components behind it are visible, select the Hide SWF Background Color check box.
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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 container is very useful when trying to display a single component (for example, a table) that is larger than the space available on the screen. The panel container also allows editable groups without using the properties window.
Tab Set
The tab set container allows you to layer components directly on top of one another, and then selectively 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 not need 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 click OK. 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 click OK. Leave the label blank, click OK, 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 target value. When the value falls within the threshold range for that alert, it is given the color assigned to that range. You can set your own threshold values, specify a percentage of a value, or bind the threshold values to cells in your embedded Excel workbook. You can also define how the thresholds are calculated and specify the formatting that is applied when those thresholds are achieved.
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Alerts are not available for all components, depending on what type of data the component is intended to display. Components that display portions out of the whole, like the pie chart and the area chart, do not support alerts. You also cannot set alerts for multi-series charts (try using a selector and a chart that references a single series instead). You can use alerts with a few selectors 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 bars indicate the total sales are above the target values for that line. Yellow means sales were equal to target, and red indicates that sales were below target.
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Setting up alerts
The following steps are involved in setting up alerts:
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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 on the 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.
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As Percent of Target By Value The other options for the Alerts property sheet are activated or deactivated based on the type 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 click OK. 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 in the table, type the new value, 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 table and 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 the Select a range dialog box, select the range of cells, and click OK. 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 or create a custom color scheme. To define the colors manually, select the level, click the Color Selector for the level, and select 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 levels are 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 color displays: Background Marker Value
Understanding text components

There are several options available for adding text to your models beyond the titles and labels you can specify for individual components:
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Input Text
The Input Text component is a single entry field that allows users to enter text. Users can enter long 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 strings of 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 to create 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.
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The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the component.
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 the button to the right of the field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and click OK. If appropriate, click Apply Cell Formatting to retain the formatting from the embedded Excel workbook. To manually enter the label, select the Enter Type option and type the label in the text box. 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 the Destination field to activate the Select a range dialog box. c. Select the cell. d. Click OK.
Understanding other component types

A variety of special use components are available in the Other category.
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Calendar
The calendar selector allows you to select a date or display a date from the embedded Excel workbook.
Local Scenario Button

The Local Scenario Button saves specific combinations of values during "what-if" analysis and returns those scenarios at a later time. Note that the scenarios are unique to the local computer on 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 is similar to an alert. The Trend Icon changes its pointing direction, depending on the value of the 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 time it changes. It can also be configured to record the value at a set time interval.
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Panel Set
The Panel Set component combines the functionality of the Image component and the Panel container. 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 not have a visual display; it works within the visualization in combination with other components and allows you to push data into other cells simply by changing the value of the component's Selected Index.
Trend Analyzer
The Trend Analyzer combines data analysis and visualization. The component analyzes spreadsheet data and inserts data points for a trend line into the spreadsheet, which can then be added to a component in your visualization.
Print Button
The Print Button launches the Print dialog box when clicked during runtime. The print button is part of the canvas and will be visible in the printout. Only components visible at the time the Print button is clicked will be visible in print. If you have dynamically visible components then only those currently visible on the screen will print.
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Reset Button
The Reset Button returns the visualization to its original state. Users can interact with the components, then click the button to clear their changes.
Grid
The Grid 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 can impact other components. The Grid component differs from the Spreadsheet and List View components in that rather than being a static representation of the data table, the user can click the cells of the Grid and type new values or drag the values higher/lower.
Understanding the Calendar component

The Calendar component allows you to input a day or date into your embedded Excel workbook. The day, month and year values can be added to a single cell, or day, month and year can each be 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:
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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.
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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 click OK. 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, click the info icon next to the drop-down list. b. For the Destination, Month Destination, and Year Destination 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 click OK. Note: The interactive calendar component can be used for output only by adding the component 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 appears on the canvas.
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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.
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3. On the General property sheet, for the Data field, do the following: a. Click the button to the right of the Data field to activate the Select a range dialog box. b. Select the cells to be analyzed. c. Click OK. 4. Under Trend/Regression Type, do one of the following:
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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 the Analyzed Data Destination field to activate the Select a range dialog box. b. Select the cells set up in step 1 to store the data. c. Click OK. 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 current state. You can scale the print to a percentage of the original size, or automatically scale to fit the page. Using the Print Button produces a higher quality print than using your browser's print screen function. The Reset Button provides a method for end users to reset the model or dashboard to its original state. 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 values for 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.
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To bind the value for the component to the value in a specific cell, click the button to the right of the Label field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and click OK. 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 Excel workbook and inserts that value into another contiguous row/column. The History component can 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 recorded in 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. The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the component. 2. On the General property sheet, for the Data field, do the following: a. Click the button to the right of the Data field to activate the Select a range dialog box.
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b. Select the cells to be checked for changes. c. Click OK. 3. Under Data Insertion, do the following: a. Click the button to the right of the Data Destination field to activate the Select a range dialog box. b. Select the cells to be checked for changes. c. Click OK. 4. Choose one of the following options: To display changes whenever values in the cells specifed in the Data field change, select the When Value Changes option. To display changes at regular intervals, select the On Interval option and specify the duration of the interval in the associated field.
Understanding web connectivity component types

Web connectivity components link your model to external sources for dynamic content and up-to-the-minute data.
Slide Show
The Slide Show component is useful for displaying a large number of images. Unlike the normal Image Component, which requires that you first import the file, the External Slide Show component loads the image at the URL specified in the URL data source. By adding the URLs in the Excel file, you can select images and define the behavior to indicate the rate at which the slide show should progress.
URL Button
The URL Button component allows you to link to a URL within your model. When the button is clicked, the website specified opens in either the same window or a new window. You can use a single URL, or link to a dynamic cell and have the visual model dynamically drive what URL the end user can open. Note that a user's ability to link to this information requires Internet connectivity.
Reporting Services Button

The Reporting Services Button component enables you to connect to the Xcelsius Reporting Services (XRS) server and select the report that will be used to populate the visualization. The XRS server is a web service that allows Xcelsius to communicate with your SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) server. Use of XRS requires an installation on your web server.
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Connection Refresh Button

The Connection Refresh button is linked to one or more data connections that retrieve data from an external source. Adding the Connection Refresh Button to your visualization allows users 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. The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the component.
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 click OK. 3. Under Window Options, in the Open 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.
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2. On the General property sheet, for the URL (JPEG or SWF File) 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 click OK. 3. On the Behavior property sheet, under Transition Behavior, select the appropriate options for the transitions in your slide show.
Activity: Performing "what-if" analysis

Create a revenue forecast model that has gauges to represent revenue, bookings, and deferred totals. Set up alerts based on the target provided in the spreadsheet. Create dials that represent targeted 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 the Activity_Resources folder into the new Xcelsius visualization.
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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 Deferred gauge, 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 for the 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. Your model should look something like this:
10.Save your changes. A solution file called Solution_RevenueForecast.xlf is included in the Activity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.
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Applying best practice for designing models

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn some best practices for designing and building your Xcelsius model. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 combine with over 100 supported Excel functions. Because of the free-form design capabilities of Xcelsius, you have the flexibility to design a wide array of visualizations. With this flexibility there is a line between what you can do with the product versus what you should do for business users - keep the visualization simple and easy to use so they can quickly analyze their key performance indicators and drive action from analysis. 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:
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"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 diagrams or brainstorm simple lists. These activities assist you in identifying the metrics or key performance indicators that should be included in your visualization. First concentrate on the business problem you are solving with your dashboard. The data source and query response are key components of the dashboard, but you don't want those considerations 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 your visualization and note how users will travel between components to answer business questions. 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 how users need to digest information in 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.
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Build a dashboard that allows a business user to see the total sales for all regions for any given product 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 user to 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 them together so the users can have a holistic view to draw their analysis.
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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-functioning Xcelsius model to quickly assess the arrangement of key performance indicators and analytics together in a visual format.
Do...
Allow stakeholders and end users to share the dashboard so they can gain perspective and insight into how the dashboard truly applies to the business scenario. Simulate how an end user will interact with the dashboard to view metrics and supporting analytics.
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Build a static view of sample data using methods that streamline the production time. Notice that only the Regional Sales, All Products, and Monthly selectors work in this mockup of the dashboard. Set yourself up to quickly make changes and adjustments without having to rework the dashboard.
Don't...
Try to make the first draft of the dashboard a production-ready final product. Even if your planning process is efficient, you will find that changes to your dashboard will be necessary based on feedback from the stakeholders. Once the stakeholders feel they can effectively use the dashboard, you can then work toward connecting and scaling your dashboard for production.
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
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IF OR IF AND CONCATENATE Note: The CONCATENATE function may slightly slow down a model. It is recommended that you use the ampersand "&" to join cells (for example, =A1&B1). Note: Using an Xcelsius selector component with the Insert Filtered rows option yields a 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.
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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?
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Activity: Designing a visualization

Your supervisor has given you an Excel workbook that was saved from a Web Intelligence document in BusinessObjects Enterprise. You have been asked to design an Xcelsius model that 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 the required charts. 4. Organize the data in your workbook so that it can accommodate the needed charts, and can be easily updated when new data becomes available. Try to incorporate the best practice of using the existing functions and cells in the workbook so that dynamic functions are more easily referenced and managed rather than manually manipulating and rebuilding the spreadsheet whenever new data is available.
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Note: A pivot table may be best suited in this scenario because it allows you to link to summarized data based on the raw data. Remember that although pivot table functions are not 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 Excel workbook in a later activity.
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Distributing your visualization

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about the many different ways to share your completed Xcelsius model. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 another format. From preview mode, you can publish to all available formats, or export the data to an external Excel workbook.
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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 File menu, 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 the embedded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet is compiled as Adobe Flash to produce a Shockwave Flash (SWF) file. When you distribute your Xcelsius visualization as a SWF, only Adobe Flash player (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 format you choose (for example, email, HTML, PowerPoint, and so on), a SWF file is embedded inside the output. To view the visualization, your audience needs both a Flash player and the program associated with that output. The format you choose depends on the data you are using and your intended audience. PDF and PPT desktop formats maintain the security of your Business Objects 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 Flash Player, or call from an HTML file. If you double-click the file from Windows Explorer and have a 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 easily deliver a single application installer that works across operating systems. A web browser enables a user to interact with content and applications typically located on a website on a server. Adobe AIR builds upon capabilities and technologies used in the browser to enable deployment of applications on the desktop. Adobe AIR complements the browser
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by providing users and developers with a choice about how to deliver and use applications built with web technologies.
HTML
This option creates a SWF file and an HTML file that calls that SWF file using the following HTML 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 Flash Variable connection in Xcelsius 2008 to define the Flash Variable names and where to store them in the spreadsheet when they are passed in at runtime. When you export your SWF as HTML, the current values for the Flash Variables from the spreadsheet are also generated in the OBJECT and EMBED tag. For more information on passing Flash Variables into a SWF, see http://www.permadi.com/tutorial/flashVars/. Note: Flash Variables are passed into Xcelsius as the SWF loads, so Flash Variable values do not trigger a data change in the spreadsheet. If you want an XML or Web service data connection, 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 stored in the spreadsheet). 2. Pass values from Xcelsius 2008 out to JavaScript: FSCommand is a standard Flash call that Xcelsius 2008 makes available via the FSCommand connection. Note: For more information on using FSCommand with JavaScript, see http://www.moock.org/webdesign/flash/fscommand/index.html. There are certain restrictions to Adobe Flash when you want to call out to JavaScript; see the section Flash Player Security for more information.
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Business Objects Platform

This option generates a SWF file that can be stored in a BusinessObjects Enterprise or Crystal Reports 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 to the Enterprise repository. You can then navigate to the SWF file in InfoView. Note: Users of BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage Server 2008, BusinessObjects Xcelsius Engage 2008 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 is particularly useful for creating interactive reports.
PowerPoint
This option creates a new Microsoft PowerPoint presentation PPT file with your visualization embedded as an object on a slide inside the PPT file. You may copy the object to other slides or 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 a SWF file.
Word
This option creates a new Microsoft Word document and embeds a SWF of your visualization in 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 another model. Share components The configured components in your XLF model file can be shared by others in your organization as a starting point for their visualizations. Any Xcelsius user should be able to open a copy of your XLF file and copy components from the canvas of your XLF to the canvas of their XLF. Export data Selecting Export from the Data menu allows you to save your embedded Excel workbook as an XLS file that can be re-used in other Xcelsius XLF files.
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To export a model
1. From the File menu, select Export and choose the appropriate menu command for the desired format: Flash AIR HTML Business Objects Platform PDF PowerPoint Slide Outlook Word
The Export 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.
To export the data for a model

1. From the Data menu, click Export. 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. Note: The file type is an Excel file. 4. Click Save.
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Quiz: Creating a visualization

1. Match the description on the left to the appropriate button.
Description Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments. Button
A. B. C. D. E.
Click and drag components from the Components Browser to the canvas. Preview the model to test the interactive behavior.
Lock components together so they cannot be moved individually.
Increase the canvas to its full size.
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.
Function A chart that represents the distribution or participation of each slice (item) over a certain total that is represented on overall value. A chart that allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout. A chart that allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by adding one variable on top of another within a column. A chart that displays data that requires two dimensions to show each data point as a result of the intersection of X values and Y values. Chart
A. Stacked column chart B. Bubble chart C. XY chart D. Radar chart
A chart that lets you compare a group of items or series based on three E. Pie chart different parameters. 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.
5. Several of the following items are Excel best practices when working with Xcelsius. Which one is not an Excel best practice?
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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 embedded Excel workbook by Range (Data in Rows) to the workbook shown below. How can you specify the behavior of the bound chart so that it does not display 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 the data in the embedded Excel workbook in an .XLF file? a. From the Data menu, select Export . b. From the File menu, select Snapshot Current Excel data. c. From the File menu, select Export Word. d. From the File menu, select Preview File Snapshot current Excel. 8. Which files created in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 can be sent to BusinessObjects Enterprise? a. .HTML (Hypertext Markup) b. XLS (Excel) c. SWF (Xcelsius Flash)
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d. .XML (Extensible Markup) e. XLF (Xcelsius design)
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Lesson summary
After 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
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Lesson 2
Formatting a Visualization
Lesson introduction
In this lesson, you will learn to unleash the power of customization. Xcelsius gives you a huge degree of freedom to customize your visualization. Change colors, text, and layout to reflect the nature of your project and the spirit of your company. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Apply formatting options Use themes and templates to apply formatting
Formatting a VisualizationLearners Guide
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Applying formatting options

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn how to customize the colors, text, and layout of your visualizations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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-use those 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 by cloning the existing color schemes. Change the color scheme using the Colors button on the toolbar. Note that the components change depending on the color scheme selected.
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To apply a color scheme

1. From the Format menu, click Color Scheme.
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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. Click OK. 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 component on the Color tab of the appearance property sheet. If a built-in color scheme does not meet your needs, you can create a new custom Color Scheme either from scratch or by copying a built-in Color 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 or Hue/Saturation/Luminosity.
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To create a custom color scheme

1. From the Format menu, click Color Scheme. The Color Schemes dialog box displays. 2. Click Create New.
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The Custom Color Scheme dialog box displays.
3. In the Name field, enter a unique name for the color scheme. 4. Do any of the following: To change a color in the palette, select the color swatch and edit the values for it or click the cursor on the desired color in the spectrum. To automatically create a color scheme based on a specific color, select the color swatch and select the Auto Match Colors check box. If desired, change the degree to which the automatically matched colors resemble each other by clicking and dragging the associated slider to the appropriate position. To define the color scheme at a more detailed level, click the Advanced Settings link to display the additional options. Click the appropriate tab, click the Color Selector for the element to be edited, and select the new color. Repeat as required for all elements.
To reset all colors, click Reset.
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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 fonts in 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 the drop-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 allow you 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 the Appearance property sheet.
Component Layout Option
Charts
Chart Area, Plot Area, Title Area, Enable Legend
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Component
Layout Option
Containers Selectors/Single Value
No layout options Image sizing, Thumbnails, Number of Labels Displayed, Transparency, Filter Gap, Markers, Enable Background, Show Ticker Background, Button Separation, Auto Replay, Show Gridlines, Gridlines, Custom Column Widths Transparency Wrap text, Transparency Show button background, Transparency No layout options Show button background, Transparency
Maps Text Other Art and Backgrounds Web Connectivity
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Using themes and template to apply formatting

Introduction
In this unit, you will learn about built-in tools to help speed up the process of building and formatting Xcelsius visualizations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 components used 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 happens because some themes have fewer components available than other themes. For example, the Aqua theme has six gauges and the Graphite theme only has two gauges available. If you choose a gauge that is available in the Aqua theme, then change the theme to Graphite - the gauge 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 the components in your model.
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To apply a theme
1. From the Format menu, click Theme.
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The Themes dialog box displays.
2. Select the appropriate theme. The theme displays in the Preview pane. 3. Click OK. The theme is applied to all components.
Using predefined templates

Xcelsius provides a long list of components and functionality that you can use to build exceptionally creative and individual models. However, there may be times when you want to create models more quickly, when you think that displaying data in a simple, familiar format may meet your needs better, or when you want to ensure consistency of formatting across multiple models. For these situations, Xcelsius includes a set of templates predefined sets of components that you can use to jumpstart the development of your own model.
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To open a template
1. From the File menu, click Templates. The New 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. Click OK. Note: If there is another Xcelsius file already open, you will be prompted to save that file before creating a new file based on the selected template. Click Yes or No 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 own business needs may be quite different. To accommodate this, Xcelsius allows you to create your own templates based on completed models. Once you have created a template you can use to it to create multiple models that use the same components but are bound to unique data. You can also make changes to the completed models that are not reflected in the original template. Using templates is an effective way to set consistent parameters for all Xcelsius developers in your organization. To create your own template, all you need to do is save your model in the Xcelsius program files on your local computer. This automatically adds the model to the list of available templates the next time you use the New from Template command.
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Note: This is especially important if you are creating multi-layer presentations or reports by importing other models. Using a template ensures that all of the disparate models have a consistent format.
To save a template
1. Open the visualization you intend to use as a template. 2. From the File menu, click Save As. The Save As dialog box displays. 3. Navigate to the location of the Xcelsius templates: C:\Program Files\Business Objects\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 the New from Template dialog box. If you desire a preview picture for your template, continue with the remaining steps.
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Follow the remaining steps to setup a thumbnail SWF image to visually identify your template in the New 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 the same folder as the XLT used for the template. 8. From the File menu, click Templates. The New 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 has identified 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:
Color Color 1 Color 2 Color 3 Color 4 Color 5 Color 6 Color 7 Color 8-10 R 0 204 224 255 110 72 90 255 G 0 34 146 241 179 119 48 255 B 0 41 47 45 88 186 141 255
3. Under Advanced Settings, change all background elements to black and all text elements to white. 4. Save the custom color scheme. 5. Set the global font for the template to Arial.
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To set the global font, consult the procedure named To change document properties located in the 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. Your model should look something like this:
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 the New 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 your RU4REAL custom color scheme to it. 11.Reset the color scheme to Current Theme Colors and the theme to Nova. A solution file called SOLUTION_RU4REAL.xlf is included in the Activity_Resource folder if you need to check your work.
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Quiz: Formatting a visualization

1. 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 of individual 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 the General 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, including spacing, weights, and so on? 6. Where are templates located?
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Lesson summary
After completing this lesson, you are now able to: Apply formatting options Use themes and templates to apply formatting
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Lesson 3
Adding Interactivity to a Visualization

Lesson introduction
In this lesson, you will add interactivity to make your data more engaging. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Use selectors Add dynamic visibility Troubleshoot unintended behavior
Adding Interactivity to a VisualizationLearners Guide
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Using selectors
Introduction
In this unit, you will use selectors to change the data presented in your models. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 by toggling data or the visibility of charts. Selectors facilitate an intuitive end user interface that enables 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 visuals within the dashboard to appear or disappear (coupled with 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 destination range. If a component is bound to the destination range, the data in the destination range will appear in that component. In the example, the bar graph displays data for one product type at a time. When the Computers button is pushed, the selector copies the data in the Computers row and inserts it into the destination row, which is highlighted in yellow. The bar chart reads the highlighted row, which
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displays data for sales of Computers. By selecting just the computers sales data, the bar chart is 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 Insertion section on the General property sheet.
There are several different ways to have a selector copy data from the source range to the destination range. Not all of these methods are available with all selectors.
Insertion Type Description
Position
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
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Insertion Type
Description
assigned to it, the second button label will have a position of 2 assigned to it, and so on. This option is commonly used to toggle a lookup formula or dynamic visibility. Label Each selection inserts its label into a destination range. For example, if you use a label-based menu selector that contains country names, the country name is inserted into the destination range with each selection. This option is commonly used to toggle a lookup formula or dynamic visibility. Each label is associated with a single value, and each selection inserts the associated value into a destination range. For example, if you are using a radio button to display countries and sales values, with each selection the respective sales amount will be inserted into the destination range. This option is used with a wide range of formulas and components. Row Each selector item represents one row of data. With each selection, the selector inserts the respective row into the destination cells. For example, if you use the list box to display annual sales by state, the selector contains the 50 state names. Each state has data that shows the amounts over a period of time. With each selection, the selector takes the respective row and copies the row into the destination range. You can then link a chart to the same destination range. This option is commonly used to toggle data within other output components, such as charts and gauges. Column Each selector item represents one column of data. With each selection, the selector inserts the respective column into the destination range. For example, if you use the list box to display annual sales by state, the selector contains the 50 state names. Each state has data that shows the amounts over a period of time. With each selection, the selector takes the respective column and copies it into the destination column. You can then bind a chart to the same destination column. This option is used to toggle data within other output components, such as charts and gauges. Filtered Rows The selector creates a button for each piece of unique data. When each button is pressed, only data that matches the filter is returned.
Value
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Insertion Type
Description
Status List
This is one of the most powerful functions. Each selector item is bound to a contiguous range of cells in the spreadsheet. When an item is 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 component is bound to a cell that contains the number 1, the component is displayed and 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 methods other than direct user interaction with the component. It can be used to provide a method for dynamic default selection. In the example below, Label 3 is selected as the default item on the property 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.
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The Property sheets change to reflect the configurable properties for the selector. The available fields depend on the type of selector.
2. On the General property sheet, for the Title, Labels, and Display 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 for each numbered item. To add a label, enter the name in the Type a label field and click Add. To delete a label, click the X icon for the row. To re-order labels, click the up and down arrows.
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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 click OK. Note: Not all of these fields are available for all selectors. Refer to the online help for assistance in determining how to configure each type of component. For image components, refer to the additional steps for adding graphics, To embed images in a 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 icon next to the drop-down list. b. For the Source Data and Destination 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 click OK. Note: For the accordion menu selector, you must also create categories to group the labels. Use the same technique as when manually creating series for a chart. Components for which you can specify display data, such as the List View and Spreadsheet components, can be used for output only by binding to the display data without specifying the source data and destination for input.
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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 alert within 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.
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2. Select the Enable Alerts option. 3. For the Alert Values field, do the following: a. Click the button to the right of the Alert Values field to activate the Select a range dialog box. b. Select the cells. c. Click OK. 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.
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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 click OK. 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 in the table, type the new value, 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 table and 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 the Select a range dialog box, select the range of cells, and click OK. 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 or create a custom color scheme. To define the colors manually, select the level, click the Color Selector for the level, and select 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 levels are 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 picture menu and 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 the images. 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 track of what image aligns with what selection. Make sure you name your images appropriately to 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.
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2. To embed the images in the Xcelsius file so that connectivity is not required, select the Embedded option. 3. Click Import. The Import Thumbnail dialog box displays.
4. Click the folder icon for the first item. The Open dialog box displays. 5. Navigate to and select the image that corresponds to the label with the same number. 6. Click Open. 7. Do any of the following: 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 the numbers 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 the field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cells that contain the URLs, and click OK.
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To manually enter the URLs, click the list icon to the right of the field to open the Labels dialog box, enter the names in the URL column for each numbered item. To add a label, enter the name in the Type a label field and click Add. To delete a label, 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 URLs are the same, as Xcelsius uses the numbers of 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 too complex for some audiences, other individuals who use your models may prefer to work with tabular 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 data errors in your components.
Selector
As with other selectors, you can click on a row in the table selector to populate related charts with the data for that item. When you define data insertion for a table being used as a selector, use the labels insertion type.
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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 can only 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.
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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. Tip: To view a help movie explaining how each insertion type works, click the info icon next to the drop-down list. 5. For each series, in the Source Data and Destination 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. Click OK. 6. Under Interaction Options, in the Insert On drop-down list, select the action that prompts the drill down. 7. Under Default Selection, in the Series and Item drop-down lists, select the series and data point that is active by default for the drill down.
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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 related chart. Some additional work needs to be done with the chart to support choosing multiple items: Selecting multiple rows or columns When you set up a list builder to insert rows or columns, you must specify multiple rows or columns in your destination range for the selected data. You'll need enough to support the 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 that can 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 to the series that are created. To ensure that the series names accurately reflect the selected item that is inserted into that location, you must bind the series name to the appropriate cell. Using ignore end blanks The chart displays all of the destination range, even though some of them may be empty based on the users selection. Use the ignore end blanks option for a series to suppress the information when the rows or columns are empty.
Activity: Creating interactive models using selectors

Create a model with two tabs. On one tab, add a list box selector to represent cities to be selected and a column chart to display details for a specific city. On the other tab, create a pie chart of total sales as a selector to drill down to a line chart that represents the details that make up the summarized 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 appropriate insertion type based on the data.
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5. Add a column chart to the canvas and bind the title, subtitle, and data as appropriate. Bind the category axis labels to the fiscal years. Tip: The chart should be bound to the same cells as the destination for the selector. If you use the series option, you can update the title of the series dynamically by binding it to the label that is copied to the destination cells. 6. Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model. Your model should look something like this:
7. On the Product Details tab, add a pie chart to the canvas and bind it to the titles, data, and labels 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. Use the 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 the category axis labels to the months. Tip: The line chart should be bound to the same cells as the destination for the pie chart selector. 10.Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model.
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11.Save your changes. A solution file called SOLUTION_SalesByBranch_ProductDetail.xlf is included in the Activity_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 and select data. Xcelsius comes with maps for many countries and continents. Many maps include major regions, provinces, and states within the country. On a machine where Xcelsius has been installed, you can find an Excel workbook that details all of the maps at this location: C:\Program Files\Business Objects\Xcelsius\assets\samples\User Guide Samples\MapRegions.xls The key to using maps is that your data must include a row or column associated with the rest of the data that references the appropriate names or abbreviations for the areas covered in the maps. Once the contents of that row or column are associated with labels for each area on the map, the map is populated with the data. The labels must be in alphabetic order, and they are required 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.
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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 click OK. 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 to the right of the Region Keys field to open the Region Keys dialog box, edit the names in the Region Key column for each item, and click OK.
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To bind the values for the region keys to the values in specific cells, click the button to the right of the Region Keys field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cells, and click OK. Note: The values in the embedded Excel workbook must be in the same order as the regions listed in the Region Keys dialog box to match up. 4. For the Display Data field, do the following: a. Click the button to the right of the Display Data field to activate the Select a range dialog box. b. Select the cells. c. Click OK. 5. 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 each insertion type works, click the info icon next to the drop-down list. b. For the Source Data and Destination 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 click OK. Note: The map component can be used for output only by adding the component without specifying the destination cells for input.
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Activity: Using maps

Build a map that displays the current year population for all U.S. states. Configure the map to act as a selector so that clicking a state displays the detailed data for that state in a column chart.
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 and bind 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 for each 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 to show 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. 7. Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model.
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8. Save your changes. A solution file called SOLUTION_USA_Population.xlf is included in the Activity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.
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Adding dynamic visibility

Introduction
In this unit, you will explore methods to display the most information in the most efficient footprint. Dynamic visibility allows you to create layers of charts and only display the relevant chart at the appropriate time. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 drill down and empowering the user to decide what information they would like to view based on their interaction with the model. By binding the status and key fields to different cells in your embedded Excel workbook you can use this logic: if the value in the Key cell matches the value in the Status cell, then the component will be visible. The value can be a number, a word, 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 status value. 3. When the status changes, the chart decides if the status value matches a defined key (usually a 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. When a label is selected, the selector inserts either Monthly Trend or Quarterly Trend into the destination cell. When the destination cell has a value of 'Monthly Trend', the Monthly Regional Sales line chart displays:
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When the destination cell has a value of 'Quarterly Trend', the Quarterly Regional Sales bar chart displays.
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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 to determine 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 the cell that determines whether the component is visible. This is the same cell where the selector component 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. This is 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 then check that cell, and the chart with the display status key that matches the value becomes visible.
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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 field to activate the Select a range dialog box, select the cell, and click OK. 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 available to really polish your presentations. In addition, you can specify the duration of the effect for all entry effects.
Effect Description
Fade in
This effect gradually changes the display of the entire component from transparent to solid. This effect reveals the component by first showing the entire left side of the component and then gradually revealing more and more of the right side of the component.
Wipe Right
Wipe Right-Down
This effect reveals the component by first showing a small portion of the upper-left part of the component and then gradually revealing more and more
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Effect
Description
of the right part of the component while more and more of the lower part of the component are displayed.
Using formulas
When dynamic visibility is based solely on data insertion, the dynamic visibility for a component should always be tied to a specific selectable item. The status cell can only contain a single value 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 visibility so that you can define visibility for a component based on multiple 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 use this functionality, you will specify the target cells for the selector. To support the use of a formula, 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 the cell where the unique value is located. The most common function to use in Excel is the IF formula, 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 simplest technique is to enter 1. Value_if_false Enter an alternate value, which will not trigger dynamic visibility. The simplest technique is 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, rather than the target cell for the selector, as the display status cell, and specify the Value_if_true
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value as the display status key. When the user makes a selection, the item is inserted into the target cell, which triggers the formula to determine whether the value meets the logical test or not. If it meets the logical test, the cell displays the Value_if_true value, thereby triggering 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 the user interaction.
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Step 3: Export the model

When you export the visual model with linked image components, copies of the linked external SWFs 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-based menu to the canvas and bind it to the labels in the workbook. Choose the appropriate insertion type to use the labels to trigger dynamic visibility and bind it to the destination in the workbook. 4. Add five column charts to the canvas and bind the titles and data for each to the data for Asia PAC, EEMEA, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Bind the category axis labels to the years.
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5. Set up dynamic visibility for each chart using the selector destination as the status and the label as the key. 6. Resize the components and the canvas as required and preview the model. Your model should look something like this:
7. Save your changes. A solution file called SOLUTION_Regional_Sales.xlf is included in the Activity_Resources folder if you need to check your work.
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Troubleshooting interactivity
Introduction
In this unit, you will learn to troubleshoot your model to resolve unintended behavior in your visualization. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 validating data within Xcelsius. When building an interactive visual model, the table component can serve as 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 bound a 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 with the associated issues and remedies to help you troubleshoot.
Symptom or behavior Issue Remedy
Values in the model will go blank or "null out." Chart will show in design mode, but not in published/exported visualization.
Design mode shows data directly from the Excel workbook, but during preview, Xcelsius recompiles using its own Flash-based algorithms independently of Excel. Open-ended ranges also causes the "exceeded maximum row limit" error. Nulling out is also a result of using an unsupported formula/syntax. ODBC connection to the spreadsheet is not supported in Xcelsius.
Cell ranges in Excel formulas should not be open-ended. For example =SUM(A:D) should include the row reference as well, such as =SUM(A1:D4).
Cannot create connection to data using ODBC.
Connect to live data using a different connection type
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Symptom or behavior
Issue
Remedy
(QaaWS, Live Office, Crystal Report, and so on). Error message "Excel is busy" when opening an XLF with an embedded Excel spreadsheet. Excel spreadsheet uses an Excel Add-in or Macro that is not supported in Xcelsius. This can also be caused by a rogue process on the computer that conflicts with Office automation between Xcelsius and Excel. Dynamic formatting is not supported in Xcelsius. Remove Add-ins and Macros from Excel workbook. Uninstall or disable apps that interact with Microsoft Office and Excel.
Dynamic formatting in the Excel workbook does not appear in the Xcelsius model. In a workbook that uses dynamic formatting, values in the model will go blank or "null out." Chart will show in design mode, but not in published or exported visualization. Error: "Truncation occurred. Exceeded __ rows."
Remove dynamic formatting in the Excel workbook.
Dynamic formatting is not supported in Xcelsius.
Remove dynamic formatting in the Excel workbook.
Caused by a Component or Excel function using a large range that exceeds the defined row limit. The row limit is found under Data > Maximum Rows. Also, the user may be using a formula with an open-end cell range. Performance begins to degrade when the workbook is over 1 MB. Many people attempt to work with a spreadsheet that contains many values, formulas, and so on that are not pertinent
Change row limit (Data > Maximum Rows) or avoid using formulas with open-ended cell ranges. Use only a spreadsheet with required values.
Slow performance when building the model, importing the model, and exporting the model.
Make sure that all erroneous items such as charts, pictures, and all values that will not be consumed in the Xcelsius model be removed.
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Symptom or behavior
Issue
Remedy
to the dashboard they are creating in Xcelsius. Cannot bind cells to components. Protecting the spreadsheet prevents Xcelsius from accessing the protected cells. Links to external workbooks prevents Xcelsius from accessing the protected cells. Xcelsius does not support XLS files created in OpenOffice. Make sure the spreadsheet is not protected in any way.
Error message "Links to external workbooks are not supported." Error message "Excel is busy."
Make sure the spreadsheet does not contain any links to external workbooks. Make sure spreadsheet was created using Microsoft Excel (Windows) and not an .xls file created using OpenOffice. Make sure the embedded spreadsheet is not configured to open up multiple sessions.
Error message "Excel is busy."
Xcelsius only works with a single session of an XLS file.
Activity: Creating a presentation-ready visualization

Your supervisor has given you an Excel workbook that was saved from a Web Intelligence document in BusinessObjects Enterprise. You have been asked to design a presentation-ready Xcelsius 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
You have already completed a design for this visualization in the activity Designing 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 in the course
Instructions
1. Open MyProject.XLF saved from the activity titled: Designing a visualization.
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2. Review the charts you included on your canvas. Add additional components and modify your 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 and Xcelsius components.
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Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization

1. 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
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Lesson summary
After completing this lesson, you are now able to: Use selectors Add dynamic visibility Troubleshoot unintended behavior
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Lesson 4
Creating a Connected Visualization

Lesson introduction
In your quest to use Xcelsius to create useful information from your data, you'll quickly find that a connected model will have distinct advantages over disconnected snapshots of your data. Live data allows you to monitor events in real time, make better informed decisions, and ensure that everyone in your business unit is using the same data. After completing this lesson, you will be able to: 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
Creating a Connected VisualizationLearners Guide
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Using Live Data Sources

Unit Introduction
While using live data in your Xcelsius visualization may require additional setup compared to a visualization that pulls data from an embedded Excel workbook, the use of live data can greatly expedite your decision making process by increasing the degree of trust placed in the data by eliminating discrepancies associated with disconnected data. Using an XML-compliant database or a web service, you can configure a visualization to connect to live data using one of the many available methods within BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 the embedded Excel workbook with the Excel workbook that contains the export of your data source. Build your visualization by binding components (charts, gauges, tables, and maps) to the embedded Excel workbook that contains the export of your data source. Define the behavior and appearance of those components. Create a connection to the data source by creating a connection in the Data Manager. Publish and distribute the model.
Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3. Step 4.
When developing and deploying a connected model, you can push or pull data from the XML-compliant database directly to the SWF file. The SWF file still uses the self-contained business logic from the Excel file, but refreshes with live XML data. Using one of the available connectivity methods eliminates the need to manually refresh data in Excel or Xcelsius unless there are changes required to the logic or visual appearance of the model.
Using the Data Manager to add and configure connections

The Data Manager is a central place to add, configure and manage external connections in your visualization. You can configure the following types of connections:
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New Connections Query as a Web Service (QaaWS) Note: This connection type is only available in Xcelsius Engage 2008 and BusinessObjects Xcelsius 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 Connection type using the Data Manager, the Data Manager automatically detects when these connection types are present in an Excel workbook that has been imported. Each connection has a Definition tab to organize the details of your connection. Some connection types also have a Usage tab to customize how your connection will load and refresh data. While most connection types will allow multiple connections, you may only have one connection for the Portal Data, Flash Variable, or Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection types.
To add a connection
1. From the menu bar, click Data. 2. From the Data menu, select Connections. The Data 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, click Data. 2. From the Data menu, select Connections. The Data 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.
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Using the Connection Refresh button

You can use a Connection Refresh button to allow users to refresh data on demand rather than relying on the refresh options set on the Usage tab of your connection. The Connection Refresh button is added and removed from the canvas like any other component, but has unique settings. You can also use the Connection Refresh button to update the data connection according to the behavior of a trigger cell. Data can be refreshed when the trigger cell updates, when data in the trigger cell changes, or when the value of the trigger cell matches a fixed quantity or the value in another cell. Under any of these conditions, the visualization can trigger a web connection 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 field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook by clicking the cell selector button. 2. From the Available Connections section of the General property sheet, check the box adjacent to each connection you would like to update when users press this Connection Refresh button. 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 Value Changes, or When Value Equals). If you choose When Value Equals, be sure to bind the field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook. 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 data ranges of the workbook. This creates a generic framework for getting data into and out of the SWF file of the published visualization. The External Interface connection type tracks events in real-time to provide notification of changes in a specified data source. The External Interface can be used to detect when interactive components are manipulated by the user and that component affects data in the embedded Excel workbook. Note: For an External Interface connection to work correctly, the SWF must be trusted by the host and client machines. Add or edit the following connection parameters for External Interface connections:
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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 write data into the range
To prepare your provider and consumer visualizations for External Interface connections
1. Launch Xcelsius 2008. 2. Create a new provider visualization. 3. In the Data 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 the Data Manager, add an External Interface Connection. 14.In Definition, click +.
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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, select Write. 19.Click Close. 20.Save the consumer visualization. 21.Export the consumer visualization to HTML in the same location as the provider visualization. 22.Re-use HTML provided in the consumer HTML and provider HTML in your own custom Javascript 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 another external interface, controlled by another visualization.
Objective
Create two Xcelsius visualizations. The first visualization should provide data to the second visualization. The second visualization should consume data from the first visualization.
Instructions
1. Launch Xcelsius 2008. 2. Open US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.xlf from this folder: \\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\ExternalInterface\Start\ 3. In the Data 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 cells D55 to L55. 8. In Access, Select Read. 9. Click Close. 10.Save US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.xlf to My Documents. 11.Export the visualiation as HTML named US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html in My Documents. 12.Open US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.xlf from this folder: \\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\ExternalInterface\Start\ 13.In the Data Manager, add an External Interface Connection.
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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 cells D55 to L55. 18.In Access, select Write. 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.html must be in the same folder as US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html. 22.Open Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html in Internet Explorer. 23.In Internet Explorer, from the View menu, select Source. Keep the Notepad window open so you can paste code into Notepad in a following step. 24.Open US_Revenue_Provider_EIC.html from My Documents in Internet Explorer. 25.In Internet Explorer, from the View menu, select Source. 26.Copy all code between the <body> and </body> tags (the object tags and everything in between the object tags) and paste that code into Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html following the 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 with id="usMapProvider". 28.Save Activity_EIC_Code_Start.html as Activity_EIC_Code.html in My Documents and keep open. 29.Open US_Revenue_Consumer_EIC.html in Internet Explorer. 30.In Internet Explorer, from the View menu, select Source. 31.Copy all code between <body> and </body> (the <object></object> tags and everything in 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 with id="usMapConsumer". 33.Save Activity_EIC_Code.html and close Notepad. 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 the connection (the Range Names of the Consumer and Provider files must match). Next, verify that the definition of the Consumer connection has the Access set to Write. Verify that the object ID in your html matches the Range Name in your EIC connection in the Data Manager.
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Finally, ensure that you have completed the optional procedure titled To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trust all local drives.
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Connecting to XML data

Unit Introduction
After 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 XML Data connection method enables Xcelsius to load data from an XML file directly into the published visualization instead of using the data from the embedded Excel workbook. This method requires a server-side process to query data from a database and format the XML file or stream to a specific XML structure. The XML code file is produced by the server-side script and can be accessed on a local machine or on a web server using an http connection. The XML code file must be formatted to a specific XML 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 based on the data range to be replaced with XML. During runtime, an XML Data connection requires some server-side scripting to facilitate the querying of data and formatting of the XML to a specific structure required by Xcelsius. To refresh 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 XML Data connection is the minimal time required to load live data into a model, XML data also provides the additional benefit of alleviating overhead on a database when the Xcelsius model pulls data from an XML file that is generated by the datasource at an off peak time. The XML Data connection is best applied when the business scenario does not require real-time querying. Resources must also be available to generate the server-side script required to query and format the data. The data can be refreshed and sent periodically and automatically or on demand when combined with the Connection Refresh Button component.
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Setting up an XML data connection by creating an XML definition

With the XML Data Connection, you can refresh visualization data from an external source through HTTP. 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 script that formats the XML. For example, the table shown below would generate the code block displayed below.
Jan 149984.2 87736 .4 135432 Feb 124561 78565 81234 Mar 135432 104567 89045
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?> <col> - <data> - <variable name ="q1"> - <row> <column>Jan</column> <column>Feb</column> <column>Mar</column>
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- </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 through one URL. The send ranges are sent to the URL prior to retrieving the load data. This lets you create 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 could return the sales figures for that date. Excel ranges are mapped to XML using a row-column structure. For example, a one-row, three-column range named "ExampleRange" would be represented 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 first column 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 connectivity models that pass information between computers on different domains, you may need a crossdomain.xml file on the host computer. See http://kb.adobe.com/selfservice/viewContent.do?externalId=tn_14213 and http://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 live data needs to have a cross domain policy file in the web server root (differs for each web server). Without a cross domain policy file, the SWF file may not be able to connect to the web server to get data. For security reasons, the Adobe Flash Player is not allowed to access data that resides outside the exact web domain from which the SWF originated. Various error messages
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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 permission to access data in a given domain without displaying a security dialog. The cross domain policy file on your web server controls which SWF files, running on which domains, can access your web server. When placed in a root folder of a server, it tells the Flash Player to allow direct access to data on that server, without prompting the user to grant access. Either download or create a crossdomain.xlm file and place it in the root folder of all necessary servers to allow the Adobe Flash Player used by Xcelsius 2008 access across domains. For example, for use between different BusinessObjects Enterprise servers, the crossdomain.xml should go in the associated Tomcat folders on each server. Location: C:\Program Files\Business Objects\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 included with your BusinessObjects Enterprise installation. It is on the SDQA3 in the \\..\Tomcat55\webapps\ROOT\ folder and is a real world example you can view to see how the file is set up. In the Activity_Resources folder, you will find another crossdomain.xml file, which should work 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, click Data. 2. From the Data menu, select Data Manager. 3. Click Add. 4. Click XML Data. 5. On the Definition 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 to the 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 a MIME type. Now that your connection has been established, configure your connection to load data from the data source. 8. Select the Enable Load check box.
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Selecting Enable Load will load XML data at the URL into the Load Ranges when the connection 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 your data. 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 indicate the update method. Update methods include When Cell Updates, When Value Changes, or When Value Equals. 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 Excel workbook. 17.If desired, select Enable Load Cursor and/or Disable Mouse Input on Load. 18.Click Close.
Optional Procedure: To set the Flash Player Security Settings to trust all local drives
Note: This procedure is only required if you encounter a Flash Player Security message (for example #2148 or #2170).
1. Go to http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager04.html 2. In the Adobe Flash Player Settings Manager, select the Global Security Settings tab. 3. Select Always Allow. 4. Click Edit locations. In the Always trust files in these locations: drop down, select Add location 5. Click Add location. 6. Click Browse for folder. 7. Select the My Documents folder and click OK. 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 2008 visualization
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Scenario
You will define the XML structure used in the sample model called Total_Sales.xlf found in the Activity_Resources folder. This will ensure the model can connect to the XML data file and 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 structure of the data. 2. Bind the Data field for the SuperBounce Tennis Balls Gauge to cell F5. 3. Use the Data 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 the Usage tab, set the connection to refresh every ten seconds and close the Data Manager. 12.Format the gauge for SuperBounce Tennis Balls so that it displays currency with zero decimal places. 13.Save Total_Sales.xlf. 14.Export the visualization as a SWF named Total_Sales.swf and save in the same location as Total_Sales.xml. 15.Open Total_Sales.swf. If you receive an error (typically #2148 or #2170) when doing this activity, execute the optional 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 to 1,000,000. Save the file and observe Total_Sales.swf. The gauge for SuperBounce Tennis Balls should change within ten seconds of saving Total_Sales.xml.
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Leveraging Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XML definition

Xcelsius 2008 supports the XML functionality that was introduced in Excel 2003. Excel supports the ability to embed XML documents and schemas into a spreadsheet. These files can be imported in Xcelsius 2008; the Xcelsius 2008 SWF files will retain the link to the XML source generated.
Note: Data that has been mapped using the Excel mapping functionality can be manually refreshed by using a Connection Refresh button in your visualization. If a Dynamic URL is used with the XML Map 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 configure the XML Map Options. For information on setting up the Excel file with an XML map, refer to the online help in Microsoft Excel.
Benefits
The Excel 2003 XML maps allows for the incorporation of XML data with any XML structure or schema into an Xcelsius model. This method provides a lot of flexibility and can be quickly and easily deployed into existing processes that output XML.
Intermediate Process
To initiate this method, some server-side scripting is required to facilitate querying and creating the 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 or can be set up as a dynamic query through HTTP. The XML file or stream must be successfully loaded 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 XML must be accepted by Excel to be successfully leveraged as a live data source in a visual model.
Best Scenario for Use

Use the Excel XML map method when processes exist that deliver XML as a stream or physical file. Use XML Maps when the format is established by others, so the metadata layer (XML Maps in 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.
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To use Excel XML maps to connect to an existing XML definition

1. Import data into Excel and Map 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 along with 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 latest data based on a refresh interval.
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Activity: Connecting to XML with an existing definition using Excel XML 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 called product_revenue.xml from the Activity_Resources folder. Build a model with a column chart to display the data from the XML file then test functionality after publishing the model by changing the value of the Tennis cap product from 76296 to 100000. Notice how the column chart 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. Review the data stored in the file then close the file. 2. Open a new workbook in Excel. 3. To import an XML file into Excel, click Data > XML > XML source. 4. Click XML Maps in the XML source window. 5. Click Add and navigate to the location of product_revenue.xml in the Activity_Resources folder. 6. Select the XML file and click Open. 7. Click OK. 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.Select Data > Connections. 15.Click Add then select Excel XML Maps. 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.
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19.Under Refresh Options, select the Refresh Every check box and specify a 10-second refresh interval. 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 the chart.
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Connecting to data using an existing Web Service

Unit Introduction
Existing web services that offer a WSDL file take minimal time to set up and provide a quick way to bring dynamic data into your visualizations. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 a programmatic layer that can reside between any data source or application and the front-end environment. Assuming the Web Service is in production, you will only need the Web Services Description Language (WSDL) URL to connect your visualization to data. A visualization using a Web Service can be refreshed when the visualization is loaded, at regular intervals, with the click of a button, or based on a trigger cell.
Choosing an existing Web Service as your data connection

Choose a Web Service when there is a need for on-demand data in the form of ad hoc querying and a SOAP Web Service is readily available. The creation of SOAP-based Web Services requires server-side scripting. For more information on SOAP, visit http://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part1/ for additional information.
Benefits
A visualization connection by a Web Service to data can perform real-time queries against a database using out-of-the-box point-and-click connectivity. Assuming that there are Web Services available, this is the easiest method for connecting an Xcelsius visualization to live data using ad hoc queries.
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Setting up your Web Services data connection

To connect your Xcelsius visualization to a Web Service requires you to first identify the WSDL URL, create a connection in the Data Manager, assign inputs and outputs to cells in your embedded Excel worksheet and set some other options.
To set up a Web Services data connection

1. From the toolbar, click Manage Connections. 2. From the Add drop-down menu, click Web Service Connection. 3. On the Definition tab, type a name into the Name field. 4. In the WSDL URL field, type the URL for the WSDL that you would like to bind the connection to, or select a WSDL from the drop-down menu. 5. Click Import. 6. Choose a method offered by the Web Service using the Method drop-down menu. 7. In the Web Service URL field, enter the URL for the Web Service, or bind the field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook. 8. Select an input value.
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9. Bind the Read From field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where the Web Service should 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 Service should place the returned data for the output type selected. 12.Click the Usage tab. 13.Select Refresh on Load if desired. 14.Select Refresh every and indicate the desired automatic refresh rate if desired. 15.If desired, bind the Trigger cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook and indicate the update method. Update methods include When Cell Updates, When Value Changes, or When Value Equals. 16.If desired, specify the Loading Message and Idle Message. 17.If desired, bind the Loading Message and Idle Message to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook. 18.If desired, select Enable Load Cursor and/or Disable Mouse Input on Load. 19.Click Close.
Activity: Connecting to data using an existing Web Service

Objective
Configure a Web Service connection by using a predefined WSDL (Web Service Description Language)
Scenario
You have been asked to create a currency conversion model. The WSDL URL has been supplied to you in the spreadsheet along with a list of country names and codes used by the WSDL. This visualization 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 through H157) 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.
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The source data comprises the Country Codes and Country Names columns (G7 through H157) and the destination is the yellow range titled to Country (B10 and C10). 7. Add a Label and link it to cell D7 (the blue Conversion cell) in the embedded Excel workbook. 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 a Web Service Connection using the Data 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 Values window, bind FromCurrency to cell B7 and bind ToCountry to cell B10. 13.In the Output Values window, bind ConversionRateResult to cell D7 . 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 the General Property sheet of the Connection Refresh Button, select the Currency Converter check box to force the query to refresh when the button is clicked. 18.On the Behavior Property sheet, bind the Trigger Cell to cell D7 and select When Value Changes. 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.
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Connecting to Crystal Reports data

Unit Introduction
After 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 in the 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:
A user interface that is like the crosstab expert allows you to map rows, columns, and summarized fields to Xcelsius variables. You can bind data to a crosstab within the report. You can bind data to one detail item in the report. Select fields from the tables to bind to existing variables in the Flash Data Expert. Note: If a recurring field is selected, only the first instance is sent.
Bind to a crosstab in the SWF.
Bind to an external crosstab.
Bind to a single value
Choosing the Crystal Reports Data Consumer as your data connection

Crystal Reports, a proven, world standard solution-helps you design, manage, and deliver reports via the web and embedded in enterprise applications. It can provide you with a solid starting point for your business intelligence (BI) strategy by helping you securely deliver the most requested pieces of information-as highly-formatted reports--to end users both inside and outside your organization.
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Setting up your Crystal Reports Data Consumer data connection

The Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection pulls three types of data from the Crystal Report and populates the embedded Excel workbook with that data. Column headers from Crystal Reports would typically be found in a single row near the top of the workbook. If there is chronological data, it might be found in the column header. A Row Header should be a piece of data that uniquely identifies the row, like a primary key. The Data Range should be all of the remaining fields for all records. Once the connection is added, you only need to specify which cells in the workbook should contain each of these three types of data, then you can connect any Xcelsius component to those cells.
To connect to Crystal Reports data using a Crystal Report Data Consumer connection
1. Create a new blank Xcelsius visualization. 2. Starting in cell B1 of your embedded Excel workbook, create a column header for each field in your Crystal Report. 3. Starting in cell A2 of your embedded Excel workbook, create a row header for each record in your Crystal Report. 4. Designate a range in the embedded Excel workbook where your Crystal Report data will reside by changing the fill color of the cells in that range to yellow.
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5. From the toolbar, click Manage Connections. 6. From Add drop-down menu, click Crystal Report Data Consumer. 7. On the Definition tab, bind the Row Headers field to the Row Header cells in the embedded Excel workbook. See image in Step 3 for an explanation of Row Header cells. 8. Bind the Column Headers field to the Column Header cells in the embedded Excel workbook. 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 the embedded Excel workbook. 10.If desired, type a description for the Data Connection in the Description field that will be saved 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 Xcelsius visualization in a Crystal Report
Scenario
Based on the Crystal Report 2008 file provided called Electronic Sales.rpt, build an Xcelsius 2008 visualization that displays a column chart to visualize the data in the Electronic Sales report. Once the visualization is exported to a flash file, embed the SWF file in the Electronic Sales report.
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Instructions
1. Launch Crystal Reports 2008 and open Quantity_Sold_CR.rpt from the Activity_Resource folder in Preview mode to see where to place the Xcelsius visualization and what data will appear. If you are prompted for credentials, use the CMS system name, user name, and password assigned to you by your instructor. 2. Launch Xcelsius 2008. 3. In the embedded Excel workbook, set up the columns that will represent the fields from the Crystal Report. Name one column header, cell B2, as Store Name and cell C2 as Quantity Sold. Select cells B3 to C15 and highlight them yellow to indicate that these cells will be the data in your connection. 4. Add a Column Chart to the canvas and bind the data field to the cells. 5. In the Data Manager, add a Crystal Report Data Consumer connection. 6. In the Definition 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 in Preview mode. 11.From the Insert menu, select Flash. 12.In the Insert Flash Object window, click Browse and select the Quantity_Sold_CR_swf file and 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 to the Insert Row Label box beneath it. 15.On the Xcelsius Data tab, expand Report Fields and drag efashion_query.Quantity Sold to the Insert Data Value box beneath it. 16.Click OK. 17.From the View menu, click Print Preview. You will see the data from the Crystal report reflected in the Xcelsius Column chart.
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Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as a Web Service

After 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 Web Service

When publishing a query so it can be used as a web service, the QaaWS publishing wizard creates a query based on a universe and publishes the resulting data set as a Web Service. The result set can be consumed by Xcelsius, Crystal Reports, or any tool that can consume a WSDL file.
Choosing QaaWS as your data connection

Query as a Web Service (QaaWS) delivers interactivity with Business Intelligence data wherever users require it. QaaWS can make Business Intelligence data available to new users by Powering Xcelsius dashboards with trusted information. Management will like the fact that using QaaWS is quick to deploy because the QaaWS Publishing Wizard is simple to use because it allows you to re-use existing web services or create new web services using a drag and drop interface. The data is secure because QaaWS takes advantage of existing Business Intelligence security to provide secure data and restrict Business Intelligence data to approved users.
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Configuring a QaaWS connection to consume a WSDL

To configure BusinessObjects QaaWS, follow a step-by-step wizard to design queries based on universes 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. Click Manage Connections on the Toolbar. 2. Click Add. 3. From the Add menu, select Query as a Web Service. 4. On the Definition tab, type a name into the Name field. 5. In the WSDL URL field, type the URL for the WSDL that you would like to bind the connection 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 cell in the embedded Excel workbook. 9. Select an input value.
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10.Bind the Read From field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook where the Web Service should 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 Service should place the returned data for the output type selected. 13.Click the Usage tab. 14.Select Refresh on Load if desired. 15.Select Refresh every and indicate the desired automatic refresh rate if desired. 16.If desired, bind the Trigger cell field to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook and indicate the update method. Update methods include When Cell Updates, When Value Changes, or When Value Equals. 17.If desired, specify the Loading Message and Idle Message. 18.If desired, bind the Loading Message and Idle Message to a cell in the embedded Excel workbook. 19.If desired, select Enable Load Cursor and/or Disable Mouse Input on Load. 20.Click Close
Activity: Connecting to BusinessObjects Universes using Query as 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 extracted the data to an Excel workbook (Quantity_sold.xls ). Build an Xcelsius visualization that allows users to retrieve data for a particular store and year from the Enterprise using Query as a Web Service.
Instructions
1. Launch Query as a Web Service. 2. Click New. 3. In Web Service Name field, type Quantity_Sold_<unique-identifier>. Use the last three digits of your login ID (for example Quantity_Sold_S01, Quanity_Sold_S02, Quantity_Sold_S26, etc.) as your unique identifier. 4. Click Next.
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5. Select eFashion universe from Universe folder. 6. Click Next. 7. Select Store name from Store Class, Quantity Sold from Measures class, in query filters place Year equals to Prompt <Enter value(s) for <Year> 8. Click Next. 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.Close Query as Web Service. 13.Launch Xcelsius. 14.Replace the embedded Excel workbook with Quantity_sold.xls from the Activity_Resources folder. 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 the Data By Range field to the Store Name and Quantity Sold columns (C6:D26). 17.Select Data in Rows. 18.Click Manage Connections. 19.Click Add, then select Query as a Web Service. 20.In the Definition Tab, name the connection Quantity_Sold. 21.Paste http://<webserver>:8080/dswsbobje/qaawsservices/Quantity_Sold?WSDL from the clipboard into the WSDL URL field and click Import 22.In the Input Values window, select Enter_value_s_for_Year and bind it to the Select Year yellow destination cell in the embedded Excel workbook (Cell H4). 23.In the Output Values window, select Row Fields and bind the Insert In field to the range defined 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 is first opened. 25.Add a Connection Refresh Buttonto the canvas. 26.On the General Property Sheet of the Connection Refresh Button, select the check box for Quantity_sold.
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27.On the Behavior Property Sheet, bind the Trigger Cell field to the destination cell of the List Box in the embedded Excel workbook (H4). 28.Select When 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 \\..\My Documents\Favorites\ folder. 33.Open Quantity_Sold_QAAWS.swf and observe the model refresh based on combo box selection.
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Connecting to Portal Data

Introduction
The Portal Data Connection includes three connection types: No connection (Parameter), Consumer connection and Provider connection. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 they want the user to customize from within a portal. Different users may want to see the data in different ways. Name Name is user-defined and will be displayed for the visualization in the property dialog box in Sharepoint. 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 in Sharepoint. 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 using the 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 List Box. 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 for amount of data to display. List Box enables the designer to build user selection options into the parameters. When List Box is selected, two more options become available. The first option is Entries which is used to set the entries available for users to select. The second is Default Selection which is used for selecting which entry's value will be used by default if the user does not make a selection.
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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 not occur. The List Box type eliminates this issue because the user must select from values the designer provides.
Using the Portal Data connection type with a Provider connection

The Portal Consumer connection should be added to any visualization that will accept data from a web part within the portal. In addition to the Parameters, there are three important selections 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 from another web part. Row is a single row with multiple columns. Table is multiple rows and columns. If another visualization is passing in data, the most 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 will be written to.
Using the Portal Data connection type with a Consumer connection

The Portal Provider Connection should be added to any visualization that will provide data to another web part. In this case only Xcelsius 2008 Portal web parts can be used to consume information from a visualization that is using the Portal Provider connection. The Portal Provider contains the same options as the Portal Consumer connection. See above for details about these three options. The Usage Tab for the Portal Data connection is only available with Portal Provider type connections.
Activity: Using Portal Data with Dashboard Builder

Scenario
An executive has asked you to build a dashboard using an existing Xcelsius visualization.
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Objective
To build two Xcelsius models that will be displayed in a Corporate Dashboard. The intent is to have one xcelsius model talk to the another model based on what is selected by the user.
Instructions
1. Launch Xcelsius 2008. 2. Open US_Revenue_Provider.xlf found in this folder:
\\..\Activity_Resources\Lesson 4\Portal\Start\
3. In the Data 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 named US_Revenue_Provider.swf that resides at this location: All > My Favorites. 12.Open US_Revenue_Consumer.xlf. 13.In the Data 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 resides at this location: All > My Favorites. 20.Log into Infoview as Administrator. 21.Go to Dashboard, and select My Dashboard. 22.Select Add Dashboard. 23.Save the Dashboard as Portal Dashboard at this location: All > Public Folders > SAP Business Objects Training > BOX310. 24.Go to Edit Dashboard.
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25.In the Analytic Toolbox, select Personal Analytics and navigate to this location: All > My Favorites. 26.Drag US_Revenue_Provider.swf and US_Revenue_Consumer.swf to the Dashboard. 27.Select Content Linking. 28.In the Content Linking window, select US_Revenue_Provider as the Source Analytics and select US_Revenue_Consumer as the Target Analytics using the checkbox. 29.Click OK. 30.Save the current dashboard. 31.Click OK. 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.
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Using Live Office data

Introduction
The Live Office connection in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 enables you to connect your Xcelsius visualization to data that is managed in Crystal Reports Server XI Release 2, Live Office XI 3.x, BusinessObjects Enterprise XI Release 2 and BusinessObjects Enterprise XI 3.x. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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. When a workbook is Live Office enabled, it uses a Business View created from either a managed Crystal Report or a managed Web Intelligence document. For best results, setup an Excel workbook using Live Office before importing that workbook into Xcelsius.
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To create an Xcelsius Visualization using a Live Office connection

1. Import an Excel workbook that contains Live Office data. 2. Open the Data 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 Data Manager and select the LiveOffice connection you want to make 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 default Web Services installation, replace <webserver> in the default URL with the name of your CMC to correctly complete the URL. The URL is cached so that you do not have to type it in each time you configure the LiveOffice connection.
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3. On the Definition tab, click the View that you want the LiveOffice connection to refresh against. 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 the Views 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 to accommodate so that if the data grows, your Xcelsius visualization will continue to analyze the full data set properly. In the Ranges area of the Definition tab, you will see the cell ranges that 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 user can 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 be refreshed when you open it, when you click the Connection Refresh Button, or at the set time interval.
Setting up a Live Office connection

The Range option of the Live Office connector does not control how many columns are returned in an XLF file. This option controls only how many rows of data are returned. This behavior is by design. Use the Live Office Web Services URL field to enter the location of the Live Office Web Services that 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 ranges are split into headings and data grid.
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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 Web Intelligence report
Scenario
You need to prepare a workbook for use with Xcelsius that pulls data from a Web Intelligence report. Understand the process to build a spreadsheet of an OnDemand Live Office Connection against a Web Intelligence document.
Instructions
1. Launch BusinessObjects Enterprise Java Infoview. This application can be found at Start>Programs> BusinessObjects XI 3.0> BusinessObjects Enterprise > 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 filters place 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. Launch Microsoft Excel. 10.From the LiveOffice menu, select Insert > Web Intelligence Content. The Log onto BusinessObjects Enterprise dialog box appears. 11.Log in as Administrator with a blank password once Validation succeeded and OK button is active. 12.Navigate to All > My Favorites, select the Quantity_Sold report and click Next. 13.In the Choose Data window, click the block in the window which displays the Web Intelligence document and click Next. 14.In the Summary window, in the Live Office Object Name(s) field, accept the name that is already 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 year values to answer the prompt in Web Intelligence, you must set up a refresh-on-demand cell. 15.From the LiveOffice menu, select Properties for All Objects.
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This is where you will see the information of the Live Office objects. 16.Make sure the Refresh Setting has OnDemand selected. 17.Select Quantity_sold document part and click the Refresh tab. 18.From the LiveOffice menu, select Refresh All Objects. This refreshes the data in the embedded Excel workbook and connects to the Web Intelligence document. 19.You should see a prompt window, enter 2005 and click OK. 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 click OK. 24.Click OK to close the Specify Prompt Values window. 25.Click Ok to close the Properties for All Objects window. Year values appear in a drop-down menu in the E2 cell. 26.Save the workbook as Quantity_Sold_My_LiveOffice.xls.
Activity: Populating your embedded Excel workbook with Web Intelligence data using Live Office
Objective
To build a visualization based on an embedded Excel Workbook that uses a Live Office connection to an On Demand Web Intelligence report
Scenario
You need to prepare an Excel workbook for use with Xcelsius that pulls data from a Web Intelligence report. Understand the process to build a spreadsheet of an OnDemand Live Office Connection against a Web Intellgence document.
Instructions
1. Launch Xcelsius. 2. Replace the embedded Excel workbook with Quantity_Sold_LO.xls, from Activity_Resources. Note: You may also use the Live Office-enabled workbook named Quantity_Sold_My_LiveOffice.xls you created in the previous activity named Setting up the workbook for use with Live Office data. 3. Add a Column Chart to the canvas.
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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. You will only use three values: 2001, 2002, and 2003. Remove the extra labels from the list. 10.Click OK. 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 data refresh, returning only the records from the selected year. 13.Using the Data Manager, add a Live Office connection. The visualization recognizes the Live Office part that is already in the Live Office-enabled workbook. 14.In the Usage tab of your Live Office connection, check Refresh on Load and Refresh on Trigger, bind E2 to the Trigger Cell and select the When 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 your visualuzation.
Connecting to SAP data

To consume SAP data in an Xcelsius visualization, you will need to use QaaWS to connect to the OLAP universe. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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 up QaaWS to connect to the OLAP cube to access SAP data in a Crystal Report
These are high level steps that describe the procedure required for using data from SAP in an Xcelsius visualization.
1. Create a Crystal Report.
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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 you be prompted to present login credentials?
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Working with Business Requirements

Knowing how to create dynamic visualizations that are connected to local and networked data is but the first part of successfully solving a business problem with visualized data. After completing this unit, you will be able to: 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. This may often mean that you need to talk to the end users of your visualization and the owners of the data sources to be used in that visualization. Make sure you are familiar with the structure of the data and the terms and jargon understood by your audience. Knowing this information will 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 that information is helpful before you begin your Xcelsius visualization can help avoid re-work and wasted effort. Be prepared to ask additional open ended questions to help understand how 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 two variables (changing market price of crude oil and the average US production cost) on the company's profit per day and production costs per day. In addition, the company needs to know 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 a mockup of your visualization on paper. Your mockup should include a map-based alert for each state, and single value components that show the effects of changing crude oil market prices and the average US production costs. 3. Create a visualization that meets the business scenario above.
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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-use when you build a model from scratch, and especially give thought to re-using existing visualizations to speed your development. Always consider the workbook design and the choice and configuration of components on the canvas. In many cases, modifying an existing visualization means less time spent creating and configuring components that your visualization would 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 that mimics a competitors scanner 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 other students in class.
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Quiz: Creating a connected visualization

1. 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 source and destination for both the input and output? 7. In a Crystal Reports Data Consumer connection, to which cells should the Row Headers field be bound? 8. Do both Xcelsius and Crystal Reports have to be installed on the same computer in order to connect an Xcelsius visualization to Crystal Reports data? 9. True or False: In the WSDL file created by Query as Web Service, there is no data displayed in 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.
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Lesson summary
After completing this lesson, you are now able to: 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
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Appendix A
Appendix: Optional Connectivity Units

Introduction
After 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 quickly couple services into targeted solutions. Adobe LiveCycle Data Services is a solution component within the LiveCycle product suite that provides a complete data infrastructure for enterprise Flex 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 data stream visualization.
Appendix: Optional Connectivity UnitsLearners Guide
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Connecting to Sharepoint
Introduction
After 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 visualizations
This demonstration provides the high level steps required to add Xcelsius visualizations as SharePoint web parts
1. 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.
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Answer Key
This section contains the answers to the reviews and/or activities for the applicable lessons.
Answer KeyLearners Guide
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Quiz: Creating a visualization

Page 92
1. Description
Decrease the size of the canvas by small increments. Click and drag components from the Components Browser to the canvas. Preview the model to test the interactive behavior. Lock components together so they cannot be moved individually. Increase the canvas to its full size. Open an existing model. Convert to SWF format and embed the file in a new PDF document. Button
A. A. A. A. A. A. 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. Function
Chart
A chart that represents the distribution or participation of each slice (item) over a certain A. total that is represented on overall value. A chart that allows easy comparison of values in a radial layout. A chart that allows you to compare several variables over a period of time by adding one variable on top of another within a column. A chart that displays data that requires two dimensions to show each data point as a result of the intersection of X values and Y values.
A. A. A.
A chart that lets you compare a group of items or series based on three different A. parameters. 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.
5. Several of the following items are Excel best practices when working with Xcelsius. Which one is not an Excel best practice?
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Answer: d. Use tabs for larger spreadsheets. 6. A chart is bound to the embedded Excel workbook by Range (Data in Rows) to the workbook shown below. How can you specify the behavior of the bound chart so that it does not display 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 the data in the embedded Excel workbook in an .XLF file? Answers: a. From the Data menu, select Export . b. From the File menu, select Snapshot Current Excel data. d. From the File menu, select Preview File Snapshot current Excel. 8. Which files created in BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008 can be sent to BusinessObjects Enterprise? Answers: b. XLS (Excel) c. SWF (Xcelsius Flash) e. XLF (Xcelsius design)
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Quiz: Formatting a visualization

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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 each component. 2. True or false? When defining a custom color scheme, it is possible to specify the colors of individual components. Answer: False. You can specify the colors for groups of components in the Advanced Settings, but not for individual components. However, you can change the colors for individual components 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, including spacing, weights, and so on? Answer: Changing the theme using the theme selector would change the entire look of the model in one step. 6. Where are templates located? Answer: In the Template folder, under Program Files, on your local computer.
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Quiz: Adding interactivity to a visualization

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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 key to 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
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Review: Connecting to Portal Data

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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 can customize to display data in different ways.
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Review: Connecting to SAP data

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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 you be prompted to present login credentials? Answer: If the visualization is viewed from BusinessObjects Enterprise, you will be prompted to provide credentials when you log into the Enterprise. If the visualization is viewed from another location, you will be prompted to provide credentials when the visualization first accesses the data.
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Quiz: Creating a connected visualization

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1. What are three different ways to either automatically or manually refresh the data in your connection? Answer: A. Automatically by schedule: Set the Refresh Options on the Usage tab of a connection. Answer: B. Automatically by trigger event: Specify a Trigger cell on the Common tab of the Behavior 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, or Crystal 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 unknown XML 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 a local 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 source and destination for both the input and output? Answer: For the input, the source is a bound cell in the embedded Excel workbook and the destination is the Web Service. For the output, the source is the Web Service and the destination 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 Headers field be bound? Answer: The Row Headers field should be bound to a range of cells that uniquely identify each record in the Data range. 8. Do both Xcelsius and Crystal Reports have to be installed on the same computer in order to connect an Xcelsius visualization to Crystal Reports data? Answer: No. The work required to create the SWF and the work required to create the RPT can be done on the same computer, or on several different computers.
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9. True or False: In the WSDL file created by Query as Web Service, there is no data displayed in the WSDL file. Answer: True, the only details are stored in the WSDL file is information pertaining the definition 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 Live Office Connection or by Trigger cell 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 connections can be for more than one type of data source (for example, a Crystal Report instance, a Web Intelligence On Demand document, or a Universe). You may also have connections to multiple cell ranges with data bound to different ranges of cells.
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BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity

Learners Guide BOX310

Table of ContentsLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

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

Adding Interactivity to a Visualization

Table of ContentsLearners Guide

Creating a Connected Visualization

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Appendix: Optional Connectivity Units

Table of ContentsLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & Connectivity

Creating a Visualization............................................................7.75 hours

Formatting a Visualization...............................................................1 hour

Adding Interactivity to a Visualization.................................4.75 hours

Creating a Connected Visualization.......................................4.5 hours

Connecting to SAP data

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Level, delivery, and duration

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Course success factors

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

Producing interactive visualizations

Presenting data visually

Or dynamic, interactive visualizations created with Xcelsius?

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Using visual data

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

Choosing the right Xcelsius product

Xcelsius Present 2008

Xcelsius Engage 2008

Xcelsius Engage-Server 2008

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008

Setting up a visualization with embedded data

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Setting up a visualization with connected data

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Getting around in Xcelsius

Using the Xcelsius interface

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

To create a new Xcelsius file

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

To save an Xcelsius file

To open an existing Xcelsius file

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

The Open dialog box displays.

New Open Save Print

BusinessObjects Xcelsius Enterprise 2008: Core & ConnectivityLearners Guide

Cut Copy Paste Undo Redo Selection tool

Increase canvas Decrease canvas Fit canvas to components

Creating a VisualizationLearners Guide

Fit canvas to window Change windows layout

Increase the window to its full size.

Preview the visualization to test the interactive behavior.

Export to Powerpoint Export to Word

Export to Business Objects platform