Chapter 10. Creating Advanced Calculated Fields with the SAP Query Tool

In this chapter

Creating a Basic SAP Query for This Chapter 134

Using Multiple Conditions to Create an Advanced Calculated Field 135

Using Multiple Fields to Perform a Calculation in an Advanced Calculated Field 138

Using a Calculated Field to Update a Variant in a Scheduled SAP Query 141

Chapter 9, "Creating Basic Calculated Fields with the SAP Query Tool," discusses how you can create local fields to perform basic calculations without having any special technical training or security access. In this chapter, you will take those skills one step further and learn how to perform more advanced calculations.

Chapter 9 describes sample calculations, including basic mathematical operations and conditional operations. This chapter takes that information a step further by explaining how you can use the SAP Query tool to create more complex calculations. Not many SAP users are aware that basic calculations can be performed using the SAP Query tool reporting solution, and even fewer are aware of the advanced functions that are possible. In Chapter 9 you performed an if...then scenario. By using advanced calculations, you can perform an if...then scenario that has multiple conditions. Being able to perform these more complex types of calculations is a bonus that gives end users even greater access and flexibility in working with data within SAP.

The following are examples of advanced calculations you might want to perform by using the SAP Query tool:

• HR/payroll You could create suggested specific salary increases for associates who are currently paid under the minimum for their pay grade.

• Finance You could subtract the invoice date from the current date to determine the number of days that payment is past due and then determine late fees based on days-late increments (30 days, 45 days, and so on).

• Logistics You could project future inventory levels based on projected sales figures and marketplace conditions.