Build An Executive Dashboard Course 10.0.700

Epicor ERP
Build an Executive Dashboard

Course
10.0.700
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Build an Executive Dashboard Course
Contents
Contents
Build an Executive Dashboard Course..................................................................................6
Before You Begin....................................................................................................................7
Audience.........................................................................................................................................................7
Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................7
Environment Setup..........................................................................................................................................8
Overview.................................................................................................................................9
ShopVision Overview.....................................................................................................................................10
Executive Dashboard Layout...............................................................................................11

Sales Order Backlog Analysis..........................................................................................................................11
View the Tracker.....................................................................................................................................11
Schedule the Process Set................................................................................................................................12
Workshop - Schedule a Process Set.........................................................................................................12
Workshop - Review the Executive Dashboard Layout...............................................................................12
BAQ and Executive Query Setup.........................................................................................14

Create Schedules...........................................................................................................................................15
System Agent Maintenance > Detail.......................................................................................................15
System Agent Maintenance > Schedules.................................................................................................15
Workshop - Create Schedules.................................................................................................................15
Create a New Schedule...................................................................................................................15
Choose a Schedule Type..................................................................................................................15
Define the Run Dates and Run Times...............................................................................................16
Establish a Process Set....................................................................................................................................16
Workshop - Establish a Process Set.........................................................................................................16
Schedule the Process Set................................................................................................................................17
Workshop - Schedule the Process Set......................................................................................................17
Define the Source Business Activity Query......................................................................................................18
General..................................................................................................................................................18
Query Builder..........................................................................................................................................18
Update...................................................................................................................................................18
Analyze..................................................................................................................................................19
Where Used............................................................................................................................................19
BAQ Search............................................................................................................................................20
Workshop - Define the Source BAQ........................................................................................................20
Copy an Existing BAQ......................................................................................................................20
Analyze and Test the BAQ...............................................................................................................20
Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ.................................................................................22
Field Mapping Sheet...............................................................................................................................23
Save to Process Set.................................................................................................................................24
Limitations..............................................................................................................................................24
Workshop - Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ.......................................................24
Epicor ERP | 10.0.700
Contents
Create the Base Cube Query............................................................................................................24

Schedule and Name the Query........................................................................................................25
Map the Query Fields Using Microsoft Excel ...............................................................................25
Map the Query Fields Manually........................................................................................................26
Submit and Save the Executive Query..............................................................................................27
Verify the Process Set......................................................................................................................28
Build the BAQ and Executive Query Against Data Dimensions.........................................................................29
Workshop - Build the BAQ Against Data Dimensions..............................................................................29
Copy an Existing BAQ......................................................................................................................29
Modify Cube Reference...................................................................................................................29
Verify the Query Phrase...................................................................................................................30
Verify the BAQ Fields.......................................................................................................................30
Workshop - Add the Executive Query Against Data Dimensions..............................................................31
Create the Base Cube Query............................................................................................................31
Schedule and Name the Query........................................................................................................31
Map the Query Fields.......................................................................................................................31
Save the Executive Query to a Process Set........................................................................................32
Verify the Process Set......................................................................................................................32
Executive Dashboard Display Setup....................................................................................33

Produce the Dimension BAQ..........................................................................................................................33
Workshop - Produce the Dimension BAQ ...............................................................................................33
Copy an Existing Query....................................................................................................................33
Create the Dimension Details BAQ.................................................................................................................34
Workshop - Create the Dimension Details BAQ.......................................................................................35
Design the Data BAQ.....................................................................................................................................36
Workshop - Design the Data BAQ...........................................................................................................36
Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard........................................................................................38
Workshop - Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard..............................................................38
Add the Dimension BAQ to the Dashboard......................................................................................39
Add the Dimension Details BAQ to the Dashboard...........................................................................39
Add the Data BAQ to the Dashboard...............................................................................................39
Add a Second Grid View for the Data BAQ......................................................................................39
Refresh the Dashboard Definition....................................................................................................40
Adjust the Dimension Grid...............................................................................................................40
Contents
Define the Publish and Filter Parameters for the Dimension Query....................................................41
Adjust the Dimension Detail Grid.....................................................................................................41
Adjust the First Data Grid................................................................................................................42
Adjust the Second Data Grid...........................................................................................................43
Define the Publish Parameters for the Dimension Details Query........................................................43
Define the Subscribe and Filter Parameters for the Data Query.........................................................44
Insert a Graph Chart View...............................................................................................................44
Insert a 3D Chart View....................................................................................................................45
Create a Multi-Pane Executive Dashboard View...............................................................................46
Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard.....................................................................................................47
Workshop - Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard...........................................................................47
Workshop - Disable the Recurring Schedule............................................................................................48
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................49

This course explores the Business Activity Queries (BAQ), Executive Queries, and process sets building processes
necessary for Executive Dashboard data organization and data visualization. Workshops throughout the course
demonstrate the Executive Dashboard creation processes.
The Executive Dashboard gives you a visual representation of any aspect of your company's performance based
on current application data. Create complex data views using the Executive Dashboard functionality, which display
through multiple dimensions in both grid and graph formats.
This course uses the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis system dashboard to demonstrate the Executive
Dashboard construction process.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
Understand the purpose of the Executive Dashboard.
Learn the specific building terms of Executive Dashboards and Executive Queries.
Understand how to create a process flow and data displaying process within an Executive Dashboard.
Build a source Business Activity Query (BAQ) to query application data.
Establish an initial Executive Query to schedule cube builds.
Define the dimensions of the cube information buckets.
Construct a Business Activity Query (BAQ) to query the cubes.
Run the Executive Query to populate the cubes.
Design and produce Data, Dimension, and Dimension Details Business Activity Queries (BAQs).
Create and view the data on the Executive Dashboard.
Build and deploy the Executive Dashboard to the Main menu for general use.
Before You Begin
Before You Begin

Read this topic for information you should know in order to successfully complete this course.
Audience
Specific audiences will benefit from this course.
Business Analysts
System Administrator
IT/Technical Staff
Prerequisites
To complete the workshops in this course, the necessary modules must be licensed and operating in your training
environment. For more information on the modules available, contact your Epicor Customer Account Manager
at EpicorCAM@epicor.com. It is also important you understand the prerequisite knowledge contained in other
valuable courses.
Navigation Course - This course introduces navigational aspects of the Epicor application's user interface.
Designed for a hands-on environment, general navigation principles and techniques available in two user
interface modes - Classic Menu and Modern Shell Menu. Workshops focus on each of these modes and
guide you through each navigational principle introduced.
Introduction to the Dashboard Course - This course provides an introduction to the dashboard - a
personalized information and a command center.
Advanced Dashboard Course - This course shows you how to display information through a variety of
Dashboard views using advanced techniques.
Business Activity Queries Course - This course introduces the Business Activity Query (BAQ) Designer data
extraction tool. It discusses data location concepts and provides an overview of query building techniques
using the Query Builder, the Criteria Wizard, and the Calculated Field Wizard.
Database Concepts Course - This course reviews the table and field name identification process using Field
Help, Customization Tools, and the Data Dictionary Viewer functionality. It also describes table linking
procedures and requirements as well as join type definitions and specifications.
Non-course Prerequisites:
Exposure to other database query programs.
Fundamental knowledge of relational database concepts such as table relationships, records, and field
types.
Understanding of the functionality of the current release of the Epicor application.
Before You Begin
Environment Setup
The environment setup steps and potential workshop constraints must be reviewed in order to successfully
complete the workshops in this course.
Your Epicor training environment, in which the Epicor demonstration database is found, enables you to experience
Epicor functionality in action but does not affect data in your live, production environment.
The following steps must be taken to successfully complete the workshops in this course.
1.
Verify the following or ask your system administrator to verify for you:
Your Epicor training icon (or web address if you are using Epicor Web Access) points to your
Epicor training environment with the Epicor demonstration database installed. Do not complete
the course workshops in your live, production environment.
Note It is recommended that multiple Epicor demonstration databases are installed. Contact
Support or Systems Consulting for billable assistance.
The Epicor demonstration database is at the same service pack and patch as the Epicor
application. Epicor's education team updates the Epicor demonstration database for each service pack
and patch. If your system administrator upgrades your Epicor application to a new service pack or patch,
he or she must also download the corresponding Epicor demonstration database from EPICweb > Support
> Epicor > Downloads and install it. If this is not performed, unexpected results can occur when completing
the course workshops.
Your system administrator restored (refreshed) the Epicor demonstration database prior to
starting this course. The Epicor demonstration database comes standard with parts, customers, sales
orders, and so on, already defined. If the Epicor demonstration database is shared with multiple users
(that is, the database is located on a server and users access the same data, much like your live, production
environment) and is not periodically refreshed, unexpected results can occur. For example, if a course
workshop requires you to ship a sales order that came standard in the Epicor demonstration database,
but a different user already completed this workshop and the Epicor demonstration database was not
restored (refreshed), then you will not be able to ship the sales order. Epicor's education team has written
the course workshops to minimize situations like this from occurring, but Epicor cannot prevent users
from manipulating the data in your installation of the Epicor demonstration database.
2.
Log in to the training environment using the credentials manager/manager. If you are logged into your
training environment as a different user, from the Options menu, select Change User.
3.
From the Main menu, select the company Epicor Education (EPIC06).
4.
From the Main menu, select the Main site.
Overview
Overview
The functionality behind the Executive Dashboard employs an Executive Query to analyze a linked Business Activity
Query (BAQ) and dimensionally summarize its data. Executive Queries are tied to process sets, which return the
data as defined by the underlying BAQ when executed. This returned dataset creates an informational bucket
called a cube. This cube is the foundation for creating data groups that are summarized and published using the
Executive Dashboard.
Executive Dashboard Flow
The following diagram outlines this process and shows the three dimensions, or tables, that result in the database,
and eventually generate the data displayed on the Executive Dashboard. These are the cube (SysCub), the definition
(SysDef), and the dimension (SysDim) tables.
A - A Business Activity Query (BAQ) pulls specific data from the database based on the table and field criteria
on the BAQ.
B - The BAQ passes the table and field criteria to the Executive Query.
C - The Executive Query aggregates the dimension data defined through field mapping and saves the results
to the database into the cube (SysCub), the definition (SysDef), and the dimension (SysDim) tables.
SysCub - This table contains the primary data record created by the Executive Query. It stores the dimension
pair and all the fields, as defined through the field mapping, that the Executive Query aggregates.
SysDef - This table stores all the SysCubeID values. It also contains identifier creation dates.
SysDim - This table contains the unique list of the BAQ data dimension fields mapped within the Executive
Query. Both the Dimension 1 and Dimension 2 data field values are stored within this table, so you must
use a filter to select the appropriate dimension list. These are the values that display in the Dimension ID
panel within the Executive Dashboard. This is the unique list of the mapped fields such as Country, Product
Group, Customer and so on. Specific data such as Mexico, Fabricated, and Dalton is not contained in this
table.
D - The dimension results are then queried using another BAQ.
E - The BAQs are added to a dashboard and the Executive Queries populate the data that displays on the
Overview
Executive Dashboard Terms

Below is the terminology necessary to understand the Executive Dashboards and Executive Queries creation
process.
Executive Query - The Executive Query is a query that uses several Business Activity Queries (BAQs) to pull
its contents. The BAQs work together to create a unique datasource for display on the Executive Dashboard.
Process Set - A Process Set is a collection of tasks and queries that can be combined into the foundation of
an Executive Dashboard, or other BAQs. The process set is executed immediately or through an established
schedule. Once executed, the process set populates the underlying queries for the Executive Dashboard.
Cube - A Cube is the virtual information bank for the Executive Query results. Very similar to the concept of
data mining, the Cube populates as a result of the scheduled Process Set, and provides layers of details used
to display dimensions on the Executive Dashboard.
Dimension - A dimension is a group definition. You can use many dimensions and they are always analyzed
in pairs.
Dimension Pair - Two dimensions are analyzed and assigned a set number. Dimension 1 is the first group
definition that displays data inside an Executive Query and Dashboard. Multiple dimensions are allowed. You
cannot use the Date field for a Dimension 1 value, you can only use it as a Dimension 2 value.
Field Mapping - This is the data groupings term. Dimension 1 and 2 are paired up to match one set of field
mapping. You can use four controls for the field mapping selection: dimension, decimal, integer, and character.
You can create nearly an unlimited number of field mapping dimension sets for each BAQ.
ShopVision Overview
Use the ShopVision module to display strategic data required for critical short-term and long-term decision
making. The data displays in a dynamic graphic tool that allows you to sort, group, and view data in a variety of
graphic formats such as a pie chart, bar chart, or line chart.
The following is the list of available ShopVision dashboards along with suggested refresh intervals:
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Dashboard
Description
Suggested
Refresh
Cash Flow
Displays the weekly cash flow of a selected book. You can this
Once a day
tracker to analyze where cash is moving; it divides the cash data
into different buckets like Open AR, Available Cash, Open Orders,
and so on.
Customer Shipping
Performance
Displays aggregated shipping data through a series of dashboard Once a day

views. Data is represented using color-coded graphs, charts, and
tables, and can be filtered by parameters such as customer, part,
site, and shipping method.
Site Performance
Displays high-level summaries of data to enable executives to

monitor sites by different parameters, analyze performance, and
identify trends over various periods
Once a day
Sales Order Backlog

Analysis
Monitors open orders by different parameters, such as customer

and site, analyze performance, and identify trends over various
periods.
Every four hours
Supplier Performance
Displays high-level summaries of data to enable executives to

Once a day
monitor supplier performance by different parameters such as
customer and site, analyze performance, and identify trends over
various periods.
Executive Dashboard Layout

If your company uses the ShopVision module, you already have several Executive Dashboards available for
review. These dashboards display current information on shipping performance, site performance, and so on.
Use the ShopVision dashboards as examples for building your own Executive Dashboards.
Review the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Executive Dashboard before you create queries and the
dashboard itself.
Sales Order Backlog Analysis

The Sales Order Backlog Analysis tracker displays aggregated order backlog data through a series of dashboard
views. Data is represented using color-coded graphs, charts, and tables, and can be filtered by parameters such
as customer, order, part, site, ship-to, and sales territory.
Unlike the Sales Backlog Tracker (accessible from the Sales Management > Order Management > Reports folder),
which displays details such as sales order number, the Sales Order Backlog Analysis dashboard displays high-level
data summaries. These summaries enables executives to monitor open orders by different parameters, such as
customer and site, analyze performance, and identify trends over various periods.
Tip
Before you use any tracker, review the Tracker Overview topics within the Application Help to learn about
its general program functionality. These topics explain the tracker interface as well as how to best search
for specific records.
For more information on dashboard capabilities, review the Dashboard topics. These topics explain how
to personalize and customize dashboards.
View the Tracker

When you first open the Sales Order Backlog Analysis dashboard, it is blank. To populate the dashboard, click
the Refresh button on the toolbar. This enables the dashboard to retrieve data from existing executive queries.
Tip The dashboard cannot display data if ShopVision Executive Queries have not been scheduled to run
as process sets. An Executive Query is a special query that uses another query, called the Business Activity
Query, to extract data from the database and return aggregated data to a special table in the Epicor
application. Once created, an Executive Query needs to be scheduled to run as a process set. Process sets
for ShopVision Executive Queries are delivered in the standard product, but they must be scheduled to run.
The system administrator usually is responsible for scheduling process sets. Inform your system administrator
of the type of information you wish to view on the dashboard. Scheduling a process set to run a ShopVision
Executive Query takes a few minutes.
Tip If you are set up with Dashboard Designer rights in your user account, you can access all dashboard
capabilities for the tracker by selecting Developer from the Tools menu. In Developer Mode, you can
add dashboard elements such as queries, URLs, and grids to the tracker, and modify the properties of
existing elements. You can also change the sheet layout of the tracker and save your layouts for the next
time you launch the tracker. A tree view for the tracker is also available in Developer Mode.
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Schedule the Process Set

Use Schedule Process Set to schedule when a process set runs on the System Monitor. A process set is a record
that contains tasks, such as queries and other processes, that have been assigned to it through other programs.
When you run a process set, you also run all the tasks associated with that process set.
For example, if an Executive Query is assigned to a process set, it pulls data from the database and displays it
within a dashboard.
Workshop - Schedule a Process Set

In this workshop, schedule the process set to view and to use the Executive Dashboard.
Navigate to Schedule Process Set.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Schedule Process Set
1. In the Process Set field, select SV-Sales Order Backlog / EPIC06.
2. In the Schedule field, verify Now displays.
3. In the User Description field, enter Refresh Sales Backlog Executive Dashboard.
4. On the Standard toolbar, click Submit.
5. Exit Schedule Process Set.
Workshop - Review the Executive Dashboard Layout

In this workshop, review the Executive Dashboard. You will re-build a similar dashboard throughout the following
workshops.
Navigate to ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > ShopVision > Sales Backlog Analysis
1. Navigate to the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis sheet.
2. On the Standard toolbar, click the Refresh icon.
The Dashboard populates with data.
3. View the Dimension ID panel.
The Dimension ID panel displays the original BAQ field name that is summarized, or aggregated, by the
Executive Query as one of the dimension pairs. Use this panel to select the dimension detail list you wish to
view. Many dimension fields are available to create your complex data view.
Note
Any database field, such as Country, State, Product Group, and so on, may be a Dimension ID. Any
BAQ calculated field can also be a Dimension ID.
4. View the Dimension Detail panel.
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The Dimension Detail panel displays the data contained in the aggregated field that is currently selected
within the Dimension ID panel. This list displays the unique records contained within the selected Dimension
ID.
5. View summary grids.
The Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail and Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail grids display the
data pulled in through the Executive Query. The fields you select for display through the Executive Querys
field mapping sheet are shown on this grid.
6. View the chart and the graph.
The Dimension Detail Backlog - Chart View and the 3D Chart-Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout
are graphical visualizations of data generated by the dimension pair.
7. Exit ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis.
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BAQ and Executive Query Setup

Prior to creating your custom Executive Dashboard, you must set up both a schedule and a process set. You must
also build multiple Business Activity Queries (BAQs) and Executive Queries. The Epicor application requires a
minimum of five related BAQs and related Executive Queries to correctly display data on an Executive Dashboard.
The multiple BAQs and Executive Queries you create define how data is aggregated on your Executive Dashboard,
so careful consideration of what tables and fields to display is crucial. This section describes and guides you
through how to create these components. The BAQs and Executive Queries you build are based on the system
queries that make up the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis dashboard.
Required Queries
The queries required by the Epicor application are as follows:
1.
BAQ Against Data Details - This is the base BAQ used to pull the data from the database. The related
Executive Query aggregates the data details.
2.
BAQ Against Data Dimensions - Run this BAQ to define the dimensions that are used against the data,
like Country, Salesperson, and so on. The related Executive Query aggregates the data dimensions.
3.
Dimension BAQ - This BAQ is used to pull the dimension data from the first Executive Query.
4.
Dimension Details BAQ - This BAQ defines the dimension options you can select from the Executive
Dashboard.
5.
Data BAQ - This BAQ is used to pull the data from the first Executive Query. It locates the SysCube data
that displays on the Executive Dashboard.
You can use the Business Activity Query to both update existing BAQs and to create custom BAQs. These queries
are the building blocks for your custom Executive Dashboard.
14
Create Schedules
Use System Agent Maintenance to establish recurring schedules and control all automatic transactions that
occur throughout the Epicor application. Create schedules that occur during specific intervals, such as seconds,
minutes, days, weeks, and months, as well as define the first run date and time for the schedule.
Once you define schedules, you can link tasks such as processes, reports, and Executive Queries to these schedules.
When the system clock activates a schedule, all the tasks assigned within this schedule run.
System Agent Maintenance > Detail

Use the Detail sheet to define how the system agent interacts with the application server (AppSever). You can
also use this sheet to check on the status of the system agent.
System Agent Maintenance > Schedules

Use the Schedules sheets to add schedules to a specific system agent and to review tasks assigned to the selected
schedule. The schedule identifies how often the tasks linked to the schedule will run.
Use the Detail sheet to add schedules to a system agent.
Use the Tasks sheet to review the tasks assigned to the selected schedule. Tasks are reports or processes
assigned to the schedule from their respective program windows.
Workshop - Create Schedules

Before you start building an Executive Query, set up a recurring schedule in the Epicor application.
Create a New Schedule

Navigate to System Agent Maintenance.
Menu Path: System Setup > System Maintenance > System Agent
Important This program is not available in the Epicor Web Access.
1. In the Agent ID field, verify SystemTaskAgent is selected.

2. Navigate to the Schedules > Detail sheet.
3. From the New menu, select New Schedule.
4. In the Description field, enter XXX-Five Minute Interval Schedule (where XXX are your initials).
5. Verify the Enabled check box is selected.
If not, select it to activate this schedule.
Choose a Schedule Type

1. In the Schedule Type field, select Interval.
This activates the Interval sheet.
15
2. In the Minutes field, enter 5.

Note This way you define how many minutes will pass before this interval schedule runs again.
Define the Run Dates and Run Times

1. In the Next Run Date field, enter today's date.
This is the first day the schedule should run. The system automatically stamps the current time that will be
used to calculate the next first run of the schedule.
2. Click Save.
Important After completion of the course, make sure you disable the newly created schedule.
3. Exit System Agent Maintenance.
Establish a Process Set

You must assign Executive Queries to process sets. Use Process Set Maintenance to define the records that
the Epicor application should use to run various automated tasks. These process sets, or series of tasks, run
through a schedule you define in System Agent Maintenance and execute when you launch the schedule. The
Executive Dashboard then updates its data to display the current information.
After you create the process set, other programs can add their records as tasks to run within this process set.
You also subsequently launch this program to view all tasks, such as Executive Queries, reports, and processes,
which are automatically run through this process set.
Example You can add reports (such as the Job Traveler) and specific processes (such as the Auto Job
Completion Process) to a process set.
Workshop - Establish a Process Set

In this workshop, define a process set, or series of tasks, and then attach it to your previously defined schedule.
Navigate to Process Set Maintenance.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Process Set
1. Click New.
2. In the Process Set ID field, enter XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials).
3. In the Description field, enter XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).
4. Click Save.
16
Notice that the Process Set Tasks grid is currently blank, as no tasks have been added to it. You will add
tasks in later workshops, as well as attach this process set to a schedule.
5. Exit Process Set Maintenance.
Schedule the Process Set

Use Schedule Process Set to schedule when a process set is run. A process set is a record that contains tasks,
such as queries and other processes, that are assigned to it through other programs. All related tasks run at the
same time the process set runs.
Workshop - Schedule the Process Set

In this workshop, schedule the process set you created in the previous workshop. You will attach two Executive
Queries to this process set in the following workshops. When the schedule activates the process set, the Executive
Queries run and refresh the Executive Dashboard with current data from the database.
Navigate to Schedule Process Set.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Schedule Process Set
1. In the Process Set field, select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials).
2. In the Schedule field, select XXX-Five Minute Interval Schedule (where XXX are your initials).
3. Select the Recurring check box.
This check box indicates the report should be run on a recurring basis.
4. In the User Description field, enter Sales Order Backlog Status.
6. Exit Schedule Process Set.
17
Define the Source Business Activity Query

The source Business Activity Query (BAQ) is the query that populates the selected data from the database. The
Business Activity Query Designer is the primary query creation and modification tool in the Epicor application.
This BAQ is the source for all the dimensions within an Executive Query, so the multiple BAQs that you create or
modify are the building blocks for your entire Executive Dashboard display.
Many BAQ combinations are available due to the ability to link multiple BAQs through outer joins between tables.
Use this functionality to create a set of common queries to both pull and calculate the data that displays on the
Note This course does not cover the creation of a customized source BAQ. For more information on how
to create a customized BAQ, refer to Business Activity Queries course and the Application Help.
Following are the key sheets found within Business Activity Query Designer.
General
Use the General sheet to create your query. You define the querys identifier and description here. You also
indicate whether or not this query should be made available to the entire company.
Query Builder
Use the Query Builder sheets to design a Business Activity Query.
The Phrase Build sheet is where you select the tables and fields you wish to include in the query. Use this sheet
to set up everything from basic queries with a single table to complex joins between multiple tables.
Five sheets are available at the bottom of the Phrase Build sheet. Use these sheets to indicate how tables are
linked together, define the relation between the tables, and specify the selection criteria for the query.
The Display Fields sheets define which columns display and in what order they display in the query. It You can
also create and display a special calculated field you need within the current business activity query and indicate
if you want to sort BAQ results through any combination of columns.
The SubQuery Options sheet is where define subquery properties. When you construct a BAQ, use this sheet
control what data displays in the SQL output by selecting an appropriate subquery type. You also have the ability
to control the SQL results set. For example, you can construct an SQL text to only display top 50% of rows from
the retrieved results set.
The SubQuery List sheet displays the read-only information of all subqueries created within the BAQ. All
subqueries are ordered by the sequence number. Using this sheet, you can change the order of subqueries to
define how partial query texts are concatenated in the final SQL statement.
Update
Besides using BAQs to display custom views of data, you can also create updatable business activity queries.
These updatable queries have business object methods connected to them, so users can create and edit records
- updating the database through the query itself.
Important Before you can create updatable BAQs, you must have both BAQ Advanced User and BPM
Advanced User rights. Because updatable BAQs require business process management (BPM) methods
to run, you need access to these rights as well. You activate both advanced BAQ and BPM rights within
User Account Maintenance.
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Furthermore, in order to use BPM Update Processing via UpdateExt and Advanced BPM Processing (design,
import/export and copy), the BusinessProcessManagement module must be licensed in your Epicor ERP
installation. The BPM license is not required for database updates through Epicor Service Connect workflows.
You create updatable BAQs in a similar way to display only BAQs by adding tables, filter criteria, display columns,
and so on. You have some extra steps, however, as you need to define which table contains the updatable fields
and also make sure the business object methods are correctly linked to the updatable fields.
Just like a read-only BAQ, you can link as many tables in relationships as you need. Multiple tables accessed by
each BAQ can be updatable, however, so you can construct updatable BAQs that contain as many updatable
fields as you need. The one limitation is that only one business object involved in each process can contain an
updatable BAQ, but because multiple updatable table combinations are possible , you should be able to create
an updatable BAQ that matches your needs.
You can place updatable BAQs on smart client dashboards. After you add these dashboards to the Main Menu,
they become custom data entry programs users can launch to both review current data and make any updates
they need. Optionally, you can also use updatable BAQs on mobile device dashboards. Once you create a mobile
dashboard that contains an updatable BAQ, users run this custom entry program on an iPhone, Blackberry, or
other supported mobile device. Users enter data through the mobile device, directly updating the database
wherever they may be. In order to build mobile device dashboards, you must purchase a mobile device dashboard
license from Epicor.
To complete this functionality, you can monitor the data users enter by creating Business Process Management
(BPM) directives. As users enter data through an updatable BAQ, you can set up Updatable BAQ methods that
validate whether the data being entered is correct, send email alerts, or cause other processes to run.
Analyze
Use the Analyze sheet to both analyze and test your query for any possible problems before you use it in the
live application.
Run the data controls on this sheet to verify that the data results you need populate on this grid. If you are not
seeing the results you want, you can return to the Query Builder sheets to modify the query and then test the
results again.
Additionally, the Analyze sheet contains the functionality you use to verify and updatable BAQ can pull in (get)
data, update records, and add new records. You can also use this sheet to test a custom Business Process
Management (BPM) method against the updatable BAQ. After you verify the updatable BAQ can perform all of
the functions successfully, you are ready to place it on smart client and mobile device dashboards. Users can then
enter and update the data they need through this query.
Important BAQ Designer allows testing update operation on records belonging to current company only.
Where Used
Use the Where Used sheets to review all the items that use the current query. The information on these sheets
helps you decide if you should re-design the current query, delete the query, or create a new query.
The information on these sheets helps you decide if you should modify the current query or create a new query.
Be careful if you decide to modify the query, for any changes impact other applications that use this query
If you attempt to delete a query that is in use, a warning message displays verifying whether you want to continue
deleting the query. Typically you should not delete any query in use unless the BAQ is obsolete or no longer
needed. After you delete the query, you should then remove or update the dashboard, BAQ report, or other
items that previously used it.
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Tip If several user dashboards use the current query, you should not change it, but rather create a new
shared query that contains the changes you need. Other users can then decide if they want to use your
new query in their dashboards, reports, and other items.
BAQ Search
Use the BAQ Search sheet to select data in your query that you want to make available to users searching for
related data.
Workshop - Define the Source BAQ

The source BAQ pulls the selected data from the database and is the source for your Executive Queries.
Copy an Existing BAQ

A standard BAQ is used in this example.
Navigate to the Business Activity Query Designer.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > Setup > Business Activity Query
1. Click Query ID and click Search.

2. Select zSVSalesOrderBacklog and click OK.
This BAQ displays order backlog data. It displays details of open orders, for example, customer name, territory,
region, due dates and product group information.
Note System Queries (queries that begin with a z) are read-only, so you cannot modify them. You
can, however, make a copy of the system query by selecting Copy Query from the Actions menu.
Once copied, you can modify the query to fit your needs.
3. From the Actions menu, select Copy Query.

The Copy Query window displays.
4. In the Query ID field, enter XXX-SalesOrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
5. Select the Shared check box.
This check box indicates that this query is available to all users. After you save this query, all users within
your company can add this query to their personal Dashboard.
6. Click Save.
Analyze and Test the BAQ

1. Navigate to the Analyze sheet.
2. Click the Analyze button.
3. In the Query Execution Messages section, the Syntax is OK displays.
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4. Click the Test button.

5. In the Query Results grid, review the data retrieved by the query.
6. Click Save.
7. Exit the Business Activity Query Designer.
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Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ

Use Executive Query to formulate an Executive Query against data details. This creates a cube of data, or an
informational bucket, that the Executive Dashboard gathers for display. This cube of data is contained within the
SysCube tables. This process includes finding and selecting your source BAQ, which is used as a base for these
queries, and defining the data that populates the SysCube tables.
Each Executive Query has one or more field maps. You must define the Delete Action method for each query.
Executive Queries are not separate files within your application, but are a set of records processed using the BAQs
as a source and the SysCube tables as a target. Due to this configuration, you cannot save an Executive Query
through the Save button. Instead, you must first Submit the Executive Query for processing and then add it to
a process set using the Save Process Set icon.
Note If you click the Submit icon, the SysCube tables only update once. If you close the Executive Query
window without saving it to a process set, you lose the information created in the Executive Query.
The important fields and sections found within the Selection sheet are as follows:
Base Cube Query
The Cube ID identifies the purpose of the Executive Query and is the first thing you should identify. This value
is used to identify the Task of a query within a process set. You also use the BAQ ID to find and select the source
BAQ to which you attach this Executive Query.
Delete Action
You must define the Delete Action method for each Executive Query. The query uses this method to refresh its
data each time it is activated by the process set:
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Options include the following:

Delete Entire Cube - This is the default option. When you delete or refresh the data within the Executive
Query, it clears out all values in the querys field map sets. This option displays completely new data when
you refresh the information.
Delete Dimension Pair - This option removes and restores only the two values used to define the dimensions
for the first field map set. The rest of the data remains, leaving the dimension pairs and data in any other field
map sets linked to the BAQ intact. Use this option when you need two BAQs to populate a dashboard display.
The dashboard populates all data from both queries by refreshing only the dimension pair within the first field
map set.
Delete Nothing - This option does not remove any data. Instead, it adds new data to the existing data.
Delete Pair by Summarization - This option removes and restores any dimension pair data that is generated
through the Executive Query. This is useful if you select either the Summarize by BAQ or the Summarize
by Date check boxes.
Summarize Check Boxes
Select the Summarize by BAQ check box to indicate that this Executive Query combines the populated data
using the specified BAQ. Select this check box when you want the data to summarize within the BAQ before it
displays on the Executive Dashboard.
Select the Summarize by Date check box to indicate that this Executive Query aggregates the pulled data using
a specific date. Select this check box when you want to calculate the summarized data by dates. Selecting this
check box also activates the Run Date field, where you can define a specific date or calendar date on which this
data is summarized. If you select the Dynamic check box, the options for the Run Date field change to Tomorrow,
Next Tuesday, First of Month, and so on.
Note You can select the Summarize by BAQ and Summarize by Date check boxes in combination with
any of the previous Delete Actions. These options give you flexibility for the results in the SysCube table.
If you do not select the Summarize by BAQ or the Summarize by Date check boxes, the Delete Pair By
Summarization option works in the same way as the Delete Dimension Pair action.
Query Schedule
Use the Schedule field to define when you want this query to refresh its data. The default value is Now, but if
you select a schedule other than Now, the Recurring check box becomes available. Select this check box to
indicate that this Executive Query should run repeatedly. You do not need to select a schedule within this program.
Instead, you can add this Executive Query to a process set and then schedule the process set.
Field Mapping Sheet

Use the Field Mapping sheet to define the dimension pair that is used to measure the data of the Executive
Query. The data is summarized against the two dimension values you select here and the results display on an
Executive Dashboard through grid and graph displays.
Each Executive Query has one or more field maps, which are the selected dimensions linked to the type of data
required. Each field map contains two dimensions used to evaluate the data. These dimensions can be any column
within the selected BAQ, including calculated fields, such as the Product Group field or the Order Date field, with
the exception of using a date field for the dimension of one field map.
You can use this sheet to indicate which additional fields display through this Executive Query. All the fields from
the selected BAQ display on this sheet automatically, and you can use this sheet to hide or select the indicated
fields on the view.
The controls on this sheet are divided into four types: Dimension, Decimal, Integer, and Character. Note that
only 15 data values, 10 decimal and 5 integer, can display within each Executive Query.
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Note Executive Queries can summarize, or aggregate logical data combinations, but they cannot create
averages. Because of this, the query results represent a sum of the values between the dimension pair. For
example, you can aggregate a character column against a date or numerical column. Selecting two similar
character values can cause blank query results.
Save to Process Set

To finish the Executive Query, you must save it to an existing process set.
The Save To Process Set window allows you to select the process set that is used to run the report, form,
process, or Executive Query. When you select a process set on this window and click OK, this item becomes a
task on the process set.
Note If you do not save your Executive Query to a process set and you exit Executive Query, you will lose
your query.
Limitations
Important limitations on Executive Queries include the following:
You can only analyze and store two dimensions with each Executive Query. You define these dimensions on
the Field Mapping sheet. You can use any field from the selected BAQ as a dimension.
Formulas do not evaluate through Executive Queries. However, any formulas you define for the selected BAQ
or report query are always evaluated.
The Executive Query only aggregates data to calculate summaries by totaling numeric values and counting
character BAQ columns. It cannot calculate averages.
You can map only one BAQ column to a specific data value field. You cannot merge field columns through
an Executive Query.
You can display only the data of the current company through the Executive Query. If you need to consolidate
data between multiple companies, you must run the specific BAQ report.
You cannot synchronize Executive Query processes between multiple companies. You must schedule these
processes within the company.
Workshop - Formulate the Executive Query Against the Source BAQ

In this workshop, create the Executive Query against the source BAQ. Map dimension pairs and add the query
to a process set for scheduling purposes in later workshops.
Create the Base Cube Query

Navigate to Cube Maintenance.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Executive Query
1. In the Cube ID field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials).
2. Click BAQ ID, search for and select XXX-SalesOrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) query you
created.
3. In the Delete Action field, select Delete Entire Cube.
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Tip Recall this option displays completely new data when you refresh the information.
Schedule and Name the Query

Note This way, you indicate that this Executive Query should run repeatedly - every five minutes.
3. In the User Description field, enter XXX Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).
4. Remain in Cube Maintenance.
Map the Query Fields Using Microsoft Excel
If you are taking this courseas an embedded course launched from your Epicor ERP application, you can map
the fields using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
If you are using the pdf version of the course, skip to the next task Map the Query Fields Manually.
Important The following lists the key features and rules of Field Mapping:
Field Mapping is the data groupings term.
The Dimension 1 and 2 are paired up to match one set of field mapping.
You can use four controls for the field mapping selection:
Control
Description
Dimension
The Dimension 1 value is the first required definition used to measure the BAQ
data.
The Dimension 2 is an optional value. This dimension can be a Date field.
Decimal
All the fields from the selected BAQ appear on this list, so typically you select fields
that display decimal values. You can display up to 10 decimal values.
Integer
Use integers to display numeric fields that do not use decimals in the executive
query. All the fields from the selected BAQ appear on this list, so typically you select
fields that display integer values, or the results may not be what you want. You
can display up to five integer values.
Character
Use characters to display alphanumeric values you want to display within the
executive query. You can display up to 10 character values. Character fields do not
aggregate, but if you use a field that contains the same information on all records
for the dimension pair, it can be useful for the executive query to pull in these
results, too.
1. In Cube Maintenance, navigate to the Mapping > Mapping List sheet.

2. Click the Data Entry link at the bottom of the page.
Either Save the file locally or open it directly.
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3. Within the spreadsheet, highlight rows 1 - 23, right-click, and select Copy.
4. On the Mapping List sheet, right-click anywhere in the blank grid and select Paste Insert.
Notice that the data loads into the grid. Field mapping of your first Executive Query is complete.
5. Close the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
6. Review the Mapping List grid.
Example
7. Skip the next task Map the Query Fields Manually and continue with the following task Submit and
Save the Executive Query.
Map the Query Fields Manually

If you are using the pdf version of the course, map the fields manually.
1. Navigate to the Mapping > Mapping Detail sheet.
2. Click New.
3. In the Dimension 1 field, select Customer_CustID.
4. In the Dim 1 Text field, enter Customer_CustID.
5. In the Dimension 2 field, select OrderRel_NeedByDate.
6. In the Dim 2 Text field, enter OrderRel_NeedByDate.
This is the dimension pair of the first mapping set.
7. In the Decimal 1 field, select Calculated_OpenQty.
8. In the Decimal 2 field, enter Calculated_OpenValue.
9. In the Integer 1 field, enter Calculated_RelCount.
You first Mapping Set is ready.
10. Click Save.
11. On the Standard toolbar, click New to add the new Mapping Set.
12. Map the remaining Mapping Sets using the same process. Enter the following information:
Important In addition to the information in the table, due to a lack of space, make sure you select
the below 3 fields for all Mapping Sets:
In the Decimal 1 field, select Calculated_OpenQty.
In the Decimal 2 field, select Calculated_OpenValue.
In the Integer 1 field, select Calculated_RelCount.
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Important Remember to click Save after you define each mapping set.
Mapping Dimension 1
Set
Dimension 1 Text
Dimension 2
Dimension 2 Text
Customer_Name
Customer_Name
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
CustGrup_GroupDesc
CustGrup_GroupDesc
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
Plant_Name
Plant_Name
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
Project_Description
Project_Description
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
ProdGrup_Description
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_WarehouseCode OrderRel_WarehouseCode OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
SalesTer_RegionCode
SalesTer_RegionCode
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
SalesTer_TerritoryDesc
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
10
ShipTo_Country
ShipTo_Country
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
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ShipTo_State
ShipTo_State
OrderRel_NeedByDate
OrderRel_NeedByDate
12
Customer_CustID
Customer_CustID
Calculated_NeedByDateWeek Calculated_NeedByDateWe
13
Customer_Name
Customer_Name
14
CustGrup_GroupDesc
CustGrup_GroupDesc
15
Plant_Name
Plant_Name
16
Project_Description
Project_Description
17
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OrderRel_WarehouseCode OrderRel_WarehouseCode Calculated_NeedByDateWeek Calculated_NeedByDateWe
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SalesTer_RegionCode
SalesTer_RegionCode
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ShipTo_Country
ShipTo_Country
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ShipTo_State
ShipTo_State
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Project.Description
Project.Description
OrderDtl_ProdCode
OrderDtl_ProdCode
13. Navigate to the Mapping > Mapping List sheet and review your mappings.
Submit and Save the Executive Query

2. On the Standard toolbar, click Save Process Set.
The Save to Process Set window displays.
3. In the Process Set field, select XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).
Recall this is the process set you previously created.
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4. Click OK.
5. Exit Executive Query.
Verify the Process Set

Verify the indicated Process Set contains your query.
1. Click Process Set ID and click Search.

2. Select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
The first Executive Query displays as a task on the Process Set Tasks grid.
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Build the BAQ and Executive Query Against Data Dimensions

The purpose of building the BAQ and the related Executive Query against data dimensions is to provide a unique
list of the Dimension Details. The SysDim table that is created when the SysCube table is populated by the first
Executive Query has only a list of the dimension fields such as Country, Product Group, and Salesperson.
To get the unique list of dimension details such as France, USA, Machined Parts, John Doe, and so on, you must
aggregate the dimension fields against the dimension data. It is required that you aggregate the BAQ against
data dimensions to complete this process.
Workshop - Build the BAQ Against Data Dimensions

After you created your BAQ against data details and the related Executive Query, you are ready to build your
second BAQ. This second BAQ pulls dimension data from the initial Executive Query for display on the Executive
Dashboard.
Another standard BAQ is used in this example.
Copy an Existing BAQ

1. In the Query ID field, search for and select zMfgCubeBLogDimCube and click OK.
3. In the Query ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogDim1 (where XXX are your initials).
4. In the Description field, enter XXX Order Backlog Dimension One (where XXX are your initials) and click
OK.
6. Click Save.
Modify Cube Reference

1. Navigate to the Query Builder > Phrase Build > Table Criteria sheet.
Notice the current criteria:
Cube ID = SVSalesBacklog
2. In the FilterValue column, click SVSalesBacklog.
The Specify a Value window displays.
3. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
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Important Recall this is the Cube ID of the first Executive Query you created.
Verify the Query Phrase

1. Navigate to the General sheet and view the Query Phrase section.
Verify the SQL statements is finished with the below expression:
from Ice.SysCube as MfgCube
where (MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXXCubeBackLogOrders')
2. Click Save.
Verify the BAQ Fields

1. Navigate to the Query Builder > Display Fields > Column Select sheet.
2. Verify these fields display in the Display Column(s) section:
Full Name
Label
MfgCube_Company
Company
MfgCube_CubeID
Cube ID
MfgCube_Dimension1
Dimension 1
MfgCube_Dimension1ID
Dimension 1 ID
Calculated_GroupDetail
Group
MfgCube_ShortChar01
ShortChar01
MfgCube_ShortChar02
ShortChar02
Calculated_PerfEntity
PerfEntity
Calculated_GroupDtl1
GroupDtl1
Calculated_Dim1Descr
Dim1Descr
Calculated_DimDtl
DimDtl
Calculated_DimDescription
DimDescription

3. To the Syntax is OK message, click OK.
The Query Results grid populates with data.
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5. Review the data retrieved by the query.

6. Click Save.
Workshop - Add the Executive Query Against Data Dimensions

In this workshop, create the Executive Query against the Data Dimensions BAQ you created in the previous
workshop, create a mapping set, and add it to a process set for scheduling purposes in later workshops.
Create the Base Cube Query

Navigate to Cube Maintenance.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Executive Query
1. Click New.
2. In the Cube ID field, enter XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1 (where XXX are your initials).
3. Click BAQ ID and click Search.
4. Select XXX-OrdBLogDim1 (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
This is the BAQ created in the previous workshop.
5. In the Delete Action field, select Delete Entire Cube.
Schedule and Name the Query

3. In the User Description field, enter XXX Order Backlog Dimension One (where XXX are your initials).
Map the Query Fields

1. Navigate to the Mapping > Mapping Detail sheet.
2. Click New.
3. Map the fields according to the table below.
You need only one field Mapping Set for this executive query.
This Executive Query has only one field map set.
Field
Data
Dimension 1
Calculated_DimDtl
Dimension 1 Text
Calculated_DimDtl
Dimension 2
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Field
Data
Dimension 2 Text
Character 1
MfgCube_Company
Character 2
MfgCube_CubeID
Character 3
MfgCube_ShortChar01
Character 4
MfgCube_ShortChar02
Character 9
MfgCube_Dimension1
Character 10
Calculated_Dim1Descr
4. Click Save.
Save the Executive Query to a Process Set

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Save Process Set.
The Save to Process Set window displays.
2. In the Process Set field, select XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).
This is the process set you previously created.
3. Click OK.
4. Exit Executive Query.
Verify the Process Set

1. Click Process Set ID and click Search.

2. Select XXX-OrderBackLog (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
The second Executive Query displays as a task on the Process Set Tasks grid.
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Executive Dashboard Display Setup

The Business Activity Queries (BAQs) and related Executive Queries you created both select and define the data
you want to display on your Executive Dashboard. You must also create the BAQs that directly display the data
on the Executive Dashboard.
Dimension BAQ This BAQ defines the dimension options users can select from the executive dashboard.
Dimension Details BAQ This BAQ pulls in the various detail records available with each selected dimension.
Users also select a detail option to display the data they need.
Data BAQ This BAQ is used to pull the data from the first executive query.
Once you create these queries, you are ready to construct and view the Executive Dashboard, and optionally
deploy it to the Main menu for general use.
Produce the Dimension BAQ

The Dimension BAQ defines the dimension options available for selection on the Executive Dashboard display.
This BAQ pulls data from the first executive query.
This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the dimensions indicated on the
Field Mapping sheet of the first Executive Query.
Workshop - Produce the Dimension BAQ

In this workshop, create an additional dimension BAQ to provide dimension options for selection on the Executive
Dashboard.
Copy an Existing Query

1. Click the Query ID button.

2. In the Starting At field, enter zMfg and click Search.
3. Select zMfgCubeDimOne and click OK.
5. In the Query ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogDimension (where XXX are your initials).
6. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Dimension Cube Query (where XXX are your initials) and
click OK.
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7. Select the Shared check box and click Save.

2. Verify these fields display in the Display Column(s) section:
Full Name
Label
MfgCubeDim_DimensionID
Dimension ID
MfgCubeDim_CreatedBy
Created By
MfgCubeDim_CreatedDate
CreatedOn
MfgCubeDim_CubeID
Cube ID
MfgCubeDim_DimNum
Dimension Number
MfgCubeDim_Company
Company
Calculated_Dimension1
Load Group
Calculated_DimID_Format15
DimID

3. In the Query Execution Messages section, the Syntax is OK message displays.
6. Click Save.
7. Remain in the Business Activity Query Designer.
Create the Dimension Details BAQ

The Dimension Details BAQ pulls in the various detail records that are available with each selected dimension.
You can also select a detail option to display the data you need.
This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the selected dimension details
on the Dimension ID grid.
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Workshop - Create the Dimension Details BAQ

In this workshop, create an additional dimension details BAQ to provide dimension detail options for selection
on the Executive Dashboard.

1. In the Business Activity Query Designer, navigate to the General sheet.
2. On the Standard toolbar, click Clear.
3. Click Query ID.
5. Select zMfgCubeBacklogDimDtls and click OK.
7. In the Query ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls (where XXX are your initials).
8. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Dimension Details Cube Query (where XXX are your initials)
and click OK.
9. Select the Shared check box and click Save.

1. Navigate to the Query Builder > Phrase Build > SubQuery Criteria sheet.
MfgCube Cube ID = SVSBLOGGRPDTLS constant
2. In the Filter Value column, click SVSBLOGGRPDTLS.
3. In the Value field, enter XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1 (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
This is the Cube ID for the second Executive Query you created.
Verify the SQL statement ends with the below expression:
where MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXX-CubeBLogOrdDim1'

2. Verify the following fields display in the Display Column(s) section:
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Full Name
Label
MfgCube_Company
Company
MfgCube_CubeID
Cube ID
MfgCube_Dimension1
Dimension 1
Dimension 1 ID
Calculated_GroupDetail
Group
MfgCube_ShortChar01
ShortChar01
MfgCube_ShortChar02
ShortChar02
MfgCube_ShortChar09
Dimension Description
MfgCube_ShortChar10
Dimension Detail

3. The Syntax is OK message displays.
6. Click Save.
7. Remain in the Business Activity Query Designer.
Design the Data BAQ

The Data BAQ pulls the data from the first Executive Query. It locates the SysCube data and displays it on the
This is one of the queries you will add to the Executive Dashboard that displays the main bulk of the data included
on the dashboard.
Workshop - Design the Data BAQ

Create the Data BAQ that pulls the data from the first Executive Query.

1. In the Business Activity Query Designer, navigate to the General sheet.
2. On the Standard toolbar, click Clear.
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3. If the Clear this form? message displays, click Yes.

4. Click Query ID.
6. Select zMfgCubeBacklogData and click OK.
8. In the Query ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogData (where XXX are your initials).
9. In the Description field, enter XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
11. Click Save.

1. Navigate to the Query Builder > Phrase Build > SubQuery Criteria sheet.
Notice the current criteria:
MfgCube Cube ID = SVSalesBacklog constant
MfgCube Dimension2Date > 01/01/1901 constant
2. In the Filter Value column, click SVSalesBacklog.
3. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
This is the Cube ID for the first Executive Query you created.
4. Highlight the row displaying the date filtering. This criterion is not necessary for the purposes of this workshop.
MfgCube Dimension2Date > 01/01/1901 constant
5. Click the Remove Row icon (red x).
Your SQL statement phrase should end with the below expression:
where MfgCube.CubeID = 'XXXCubeBackLogOrders'
7. Click Save.

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2. Verify the following fields display in the Display Column(s) section:

Full Name
Label
MfgCube_Company
Company
MfgCube_CubeID
Cube ID
MfgCube_Dimension1
Dimension 1
Dimension 1 ID
MfgCube_Dimension2
Dimension 2
MfgCube_Dimension2Date
Dimension 2 Date
Dimension 2 ID
MfgCube_ValueInt01
Release Count
Calculated_DateBucket
Date Bucket
Calculated_OpenValue
Open Qty
Calculated_OpenQty
Open Value

3. To the Syntax is OK message, click OK.
6. Click Save.
Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard

You have created the minimum of five BAQs and you can now add them to a dashboard. These queries are linked
to Executive Queries, so adding them to the dashboard allows you to create an Executive Dashboard.
Workshop - Construct and View the New Executive Dashboard

In this workshop, add the Dimension, Dimension Details, and Data BAQs you created to the Executive Dashboard
and finalize its layout.
Navigate to the Dashboard.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > Business Activity Management > General Operations > Dashboard
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Add the Dimension BAQ to the Dashboard

If necessary, from the Tools menu, select Developer. You must be in the Developer Mode to create a new
Dashboard.
1. From the New menu, select New Dashboard.
2. In the Definition ID field, enter XXX-OrdBLogStatus.
3. In the Description field, enter XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials).
4. Select the Enable Refresh All check box.
This button now displays on the Dashboard toolbar.
5. From the New menu, select New Query.
The Dashboard Query Properties window displays.
6. Click Query ID.
7. Search for and select XXX-OrdBLogDimension (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
8. In the Dashboard Query Properties window, click OK.
Add the Dimension Details BAQ to the Dashboard

2. Click Query ID.
3. Search for and select XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
Add the Data BAQ to the Dashboard

2. Click Query ID.
3. Search for and select XXX-OrdBLogData (where XXX are your initials) and click OK.
Add a Second Grid View for the Data BAQ

The two data grids track sales order backlog status by week and by day.
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1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogData: XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX are your
initials) and select New Grid View.
The Dashboard Grid Properties window displays.
2. In the Dashboard Grid Properties window, click OK.
At the bottom of the dashboard, notice the two identical grids display.
Refresh the Dashboard Definition

1. On the Standard toolbar, click Save.
2. On the Standard toolbar, click Refresh All.
The Executive Dashboard populates with data.
3. View the Executive Dashboard. At this stage, the dashboard should look similar to the following example.
Adjust the Dimension Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogDimension: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid and
select Properties.
This is the dashboard's top grid.
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2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension ID.
3. Click the Clear All button.
4. In the Display Columns list, select MfgCubeDim_DimensionID.
This grid displays a single column.
5. Click OK.
At the top of the Executive Dashboard, view the Dimension ID grid.
Define the Publish and Filter Parameters for the Dimension Query
To make this Executive Dashboard act like the model ShopVision Sales Backlog Analysis Executive Dashboard,
you must define what is being published and subscribed to on the dashboard through each query, and filter the
grid data.
1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogDimension: XXX Backlog Dimension Cube Query (where
XXX are your initials) query and select Properties.
2. In the Caption field, delete the existing content and enter Dimension.
3. Navigate to the Publish sheet.
4. In the Publish Columns section, select MfgCubeDim.DimensionID and Calculated_DimID_Format15.
DimID_Format15 is a calculated field that gets the first fifteen characters from the SysCubeDim.DimensionID
field.
5. Select the Publish to Title check box.
This check box indicates that the title of the query displays specific information from a selected column.
6. In the field under the Publish to Title check box, select MfgCubeDim_DimensionID.
7. In the Title caption field, enter DimID.
8. Navigate to the Filter sheet.
9. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCubeDim_CubeID.
10. In the Condition field, select =.
11. In the Value field, enter XXXCubeBackLogOrders (where XXX are your initials).
This is the first Cube ID you created.
12. Click OK to exit the Dashboard Query Properties window.
Adjust the Dimension Detail Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid and
select Properties.
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2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail.
4. In the Display Columns list, select MfgCube_Dimension1.
6. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube_ShortChar09.
8. In the Value field, select XXX-OrdBLogDimension- Dimension: DimID_Format15.
This is the field published from the first query.
9. Click OK to exit the Dashboard Grid Properties window.
10. View the Executive Dashboard.
11. In the Dimension ID grid, select CustID and view the customer list that displays in the Dimension 1 grid.
Adjust the First Data Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the first XXX-OrdBLogData: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid and
select Properties.
2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail.
3. Click Clear All.
4. In the Display Columns list, select the following columns:
MfgCube_Dimension1
MfgCube_ValueInt01
Calculated_OpenQty
6. In the ColumnName field, select Calculated_DateBucket.
8. In the Value field, enter Weekly.
This is the condition that displays the weekly detail on the grid.
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10. Right-click inside the Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and select Show Group By.
11. Drag the Dimension1 column header up to the gray bar above the column headings.
12. Release the column when the red arrows display.
The grid is now grouped by Dimension 1.
Adjust the Second Data Grid

1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogData: Summary (where XXX are your initials) grid and select
Properties.
2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail.
4. In the Display Columns list, select the following columns:
MfgCube_Dimension1
MfgCube_ValueInt01
Calculated_OpenQty
8. In the Value field, enter Daily.
This is the condition that displays the daily detail on the grid.
10. Right-click inside the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and select Show Group By.
11. Drag the Dimension1 column header up to the gray bar above the column headings.
12. Release the column when the red arrows display.
The grid is now grouped by Dimension 1.
Define the Publish Parameters for the Dimension Details Query

1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls: XXX Backlog Dimension Details Cube Query
(where XXX are your initials) and select Properties.
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2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Sales Backlog Dimension Details.
3. Navigate to the Publish sheet.
4. In the Publish Columns list, select MfgCube_ShortChar10.
5. Select the Publish to Title check box.
6. In the field under the Publish to Title check box, select MfgCube_ShortChar10.
Recall within the XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls BAQ, MfgCube_ShortChar10 column is used to display Dimension
Details.
7. In the Title caption field, enter Dimension Detail:.
9. Click the Refresh All icon.
View the Dashboard title. It now displays Dimension Detail: and the information you selected in the
Dimension Detail grid.
Define the Subscribe and Filter Parameters for the Data Query
1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogData: XXX Backlog Data Cube Query (where XXX are your
initials) and select Properties.
2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Sales Backlog Cube Data.
4. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube_Dimension1ID.
6. In the Value field, select XXX-OrdBLogDimension- Dimension: MfgCubeDim_DimensionID (where
XXX are your initials).
This field is published from the Dimension query.
Insert a Graph Chart View

The first graph you add to the executive dashboard displays the value of open orders for a Dimension Detail you
select.
Tip For more information on creation of dashboard graphs you could use on a dashboard, review the
Dashboard topics within the Application Help.
44
1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogData: Sales Backlog Cube Data (where XXX are your initials)
query and select New Chart View.
The Dashboard Chart View Properties window displays.
2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail Backlog.
3. In the Chart By: (X-axis) field, select MfgCube_Dimension2Date.
4. In the Chart On: (Y-axis) section, select Calculated_OpenQty and Calculated_OpenValue.
5. In the Group By: (Z-axis) section, select MfgCube_Dimension1.
9. In the Value field, enter Daily and press Tab.
You can now add a second condition.
10. In the ColumnName field, select MfgCube_Dimension1.
12. In the Value field, select XXX-OrdBLogDimDtls- Sales Backlog Dimension Details:
MfgCube_ShortChar10 (where XXX are your initials).
This field is published from the Dimension Details query. This Chart View displays daily information based
on data selected in the Dimension Details query.
13. Click OK.
At the bottom of the Dashboard, the Dimension Detail Backlog Chart View displays.
14. On the left side of the Chart View, click Settings.
If necessary, scroll down to see the entire Settings pane, or move the Dimension Detail Backlog Chart View
upward in the Dashboard. You can also adjust the size of other grids to see the Chart View properly.
15. In the Chart Type field, select LineChart.
16. In the Settings pane, click the Refresh icon.
Insert a 3D Chart View

This chart displays the value of open orders for the selected Dimension ID and the percentage breakout for all
Dimension Details within the selected Dimension ID. This area thus subscribes to the Dimension ID you select.
You can view actual numbers by mousing-over any section of the chart.
1. In the tree view, right-click the XXX-OrdBLogData: Sales Backlog Cube Data (where XXX are your initials)
query and select New Chart View.
The Dashboard Chart View Properties window displays.
45
2. In the Caption field, delete the content and enter Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout.
3. In the Chart By: (X-axis) field, select MfgCube_Dimension1.
4. In the Chart On: (Y-axis) section, select Calculated_OpenValue.
8. In the Value field, enter Daily.
9. Click OK.
10. On the left side of the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View, click Settings.
11. In the Chart Type field, select PieChart3D.
12. In the Settings pane, click the Refresh icon.
Create a Multi-Pane Executive Dashboard View

The model ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Dashboard has a default view with multiple panes for
ease of use and better data assessment.
Move the sheets around and save the layout as your default view.
1. Click the push pin icon to hide the tree view.
2. Click the Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel and move it to the left side of the screen.
The Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel now displays as the half portion of the Dashboard.
3. Adjust the width of the Sale Backlog Dimension Details panel to display as approximately one fifth of
the Dashboard screen.
4. Click the Dimension panel and move it to the upper left corner of the Sale Backlog Dimension Details
panel.
5. Position the Dimension panel so that it displays on top of the left portion of the Dashboard, with the Sales
Backlog Dimension Details panel below it.
6. Click the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel and move it upwards towards the Sales Backlog
Cube Data panel.
7. Once in position, release the Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail panel.
The Sales Backlog Cube Data panel now displays two sub-panels, Weekly Backlog by Dimension Detail
and Daily Backlog by Dimension Detail.
8. Click the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View and move it upward towards the Dimension
Detail Backlog Chart View.
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9. Position the Dimension Detail Backlog Breakout Chart View to display on the same panel as the
Dimension Detail Backlog Chart View.
These two Chart Views now display next to each other on the same panel.
10. From the Tools menu, select Layouts > Save Layouts As Default.
12. On the Standard toolbar, click Refresh All.
13. Verify the dashboard functionality. Select items in Dimension grids and view the data on the other grids and
charts.
You can compare the layout to the ShopVision Sales Order Backlog Analysis Dashboard.
Menu Path: Executive Analysis > ShopVision > Sales Backlog Analysis
14. Remain in the Dashboard.
Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard

After you finish you dashboard design, you can build and deploy it to other users. Use the Application Builder
process to compile the dashboard definition into an User Interface (UI) finished assembly and deploy it to the
server.
Workshop - Build and Deploy the Executive Dashboard

In this workshop, build and deploy the Executive Dashboard as the UI Application.
Important The following workshop demonstrates how you can quickly enable the new dashboard to all
users when you launch the application using the Classic Style.
If you run the application using the Modern Shell Style, exit the application and log in using the Classic
Style to successfully complete the workshop.
Tip To learn how to make your custom dashboard available to users using the Menu Maintenance program,
review the Introduction to the Dashboards course.
1. From the Tools menu, select Deploy Dashboard.
2. Click the Test Application button.
The dashboard displays in a new window that users can see once it is deployed.
3. Click Refresh All to refresh the data.
4. Verify the testing dashboard and close the window.
5. In the Deploy Dashboard window, select the Deploy Smart Client Application, Add Menu Tab and
Add Favorite Item check boxes.
6. Click the Deploy button.
Building the AppBuilder Assembly may take few moments.
47
7. Once the process displays Finished, click OK.

9. Exit the XXX-OrderBLogStatus (where XXX are your initials) dashboard and ShopVision Sales Order
Backlog Analysis (if opened).
10. On the Main menu, click the Favorites bar.
11. Click the Dashboard Assemblies Favorites Group and view the XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where
XXX are your initials) dashboard.
12. Notice that the Dashboard is also embedded on the Main menu as a new sheet.
13. From the Options menu, select Developer Mode.
14. Click the Menu Groups sheet and navigate to Sales Management > Order Management > General
Operations .
15. Verify the content of the General Operations folder displays in the right pane.
16. Navigate to the Favorites sheet and verify Dashboard Assemblies group is open.
17. Right-click the XXX-Sales Order Backlog Status (where XXX are your initials) dashboard, and drag and
drop it into the Menu Items sheet.
Notice the cursor changes to a drag-drop-copy.
18. In the Copy Menu Item window, click OK.
The Executive Dashboard is now available to all users.
19. From the Options menu, select Developer Mode to disable it.
Workshop - Disable the Recurring Schedule

In this workshop, disable the recurring schedule you created for the purposes of this course.
Navigate to System Agent Maintenance.
Menu Path: System Setup > System Maintenance > System Agent
1. In the Agent ID field, select SystemTaskAgent.

2. In the Tree view, expand Manufacturing System Task Agent > Schedules.
3. In the Tree view, select XXX-Five Minute Interval Schedule (where XXX are your initials).
4. Navigate to the Schedules > Detail sheet.
5. Clear the Enabled check box.
6. Exit System Agent Maintenance.
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Conclusion
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Build an Executive Dashboard course.
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Additional information is available at the Education and

Documentation areas of the EPICweb Customer Portal. To access
this site, you need a Site ID and an EPICweb account. To create an
account, go to http://support.epicor.com.

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Epicor ERP

Build an Executive Dashboard

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Executive Dashboard Layout...............................................................................................11

BAQ and Executive Query Setup.........................................................................................14

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Create the Base Cube Query............................................................................................................24

Executive Dashboard Display Setup....................................................................................33

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Before You Begin

Before You Begin

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Before You Begin

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

From the Main menu, select the Main site.

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Executive Dashboard Terms

Displays aggregated shipping data through a series of dashboard Once a day

Displays high-level summaries of data to enable executives to

Sales Order Backlog

Monitors open orders by different parameters, such as customer

Every four hours

Displays high-level summaries of data to enable executives to

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Executive Dashboard Layout

Executive Dashboard Layout

Sales Order Backlog Analysis

View the Tracker

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Executive Dashboard Layout

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Schedule the Process Set

Workshop - Schedule a Process Set

Workshop - Review the Executive Dashboard Layout

4. View the Dimension Detail panel.

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

Executive Dashboard Layout

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

BAQ and Executive Query Setup

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

BAQ and Executive Query Setup

Epicor ERP | 10.0.700

Build an Executive Dashboard Course

BAQ and Executive Query Setup

System Agent Maintenance > Detail

System Agent Maintenance > Schedules

Workshop - Create Schedules

Create a New Schedule

1. In the Agent ID field, verify SystemTaskAgent is selected.

Choose a Schedule Type