Epicor EPM Canvas Planning Course
Epicor EPM Canvas Planning Course
ED506905
90521-10-7320-583101001
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Revision: March 23, 2020 8:54 p.m.
Total pages: 73
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Epicor Planner Course Contents
Contents
Epicor Planner Course.............................................................................................................5
Before You Begin....................................................................................................................6
Audience.........................................................................................................................................................6
Prerequisites....................................................................................................................................................6
Environment Setup..........................................................................................................................................6
Workshop Constraints..............................................................................................................................7
Application Setup...................................................................................................................8
Workshop - Make the Sample Database Available..........................................................................................10
Grant Full Write Access to Users.............................................................................................................11
Workshop - Lower Excel 2007 and 2010 Security...........................................................................................11
Workshop - Lower Excel XP Security...............................................................................................................12
Epicor Planner Overview......................................................................................................14
Planning Strategy...........................................................................................................................................15
Epicor Planner Interface.................................................................................................................................16
Workshop - Start Epicor Planner.............................................................................................................16
Workshop - View the Epicor Planner Web Interface.................................................................................18
Workshop - Edit the zenith.properties File........................................................................................18
Workshop - Add the Planning Data Source......................................................................................19
Workshop - View the Epicor Planner in the Performance Canvas......................................................20
Epicor Planner Terms and Definitions.............................................................................................................20
Client Technology..........................................................................................................................................23
Epicor Planner Modeler........................................................................................................24
Workshop - Start the Epicor Planner Modeler.................................................................................................24
Workshop - View the Modeler Window.........................................................................................................25
Dimensions....................................................................................................................................................26
Workshop – Modify a Dimension............................................................................................................28
Security Setup in the Epicor Planner Business Modeler....................................................................................29
Workshop - Control User Access to Excel................................................................................................30
Create a Epicor Planner Cube.........................................................................................................................31
Workshop - Create an Application..........................................................................................................31
Workshop - Create the Account Dimension............................................................................................32
Workshop - Create the Time Dimension..................................................................................................33
Workshop - Create the TimeDataView Dimension...................................................................................34
Workshop - Create the Scenario Dimension............................................................................................35
Workshop - Create a Model....................................................................................................................36
Workshop - Create Business Rules...................................................................................................36
Workshop - Set up Security.....................................................................................................................37
Workflows.....................................................................................................................................................38
Workshop - Manipulate a Workflow.......................................................................................................38
Database Locks..............................................................................................................................................40
This course is designed to review the Epicor Planner concepts as well as budgeting, planning, and reporting
functionality the product provides. Topics of discussion include program installation options, basic setup,
administration, and security. This course also describes standard budget and forecasting processes.
Epicor Planner is a flexible, scalable Microsoft Excel add-in that can handle large implementations across multiple
installations, as well as manage mixed content from multiple sources.
Note
Before 10.0.700 version, Epicor Planner was referred to as Epicor Enterprise Performance Management
Canvas Planning (EPM Canvas Planning).
Hands-on workshops guide you through the Epicor Planner Modeler setup steps to introduce the Epicor Planner
processes.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
• Create a unified financial and operational model for budgets, plans, and reports (set up the account plan,
customers, business scenarios, and so on) using the Epicor Planner Modeler.
• Manage dimensions in the Epicor Planner Control Panel.
• Create and adjust dynamic reports using the Excel Planner.
• Create input forms your business needs in the Excel Planner.
• Load and export data using the Data Manager.
• Receive real time visualizations of business data and perform specific analyses.
• Analyze and update forecasts and budgets in a web interface.
• Build Canvases using Planning Gems to enter forecasts and visualize them.
Read this topic for information you should know in order to successfully complete this course.
Audience
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.
It is also important you understand the prerequisite knowledge contained in other valuable courses.
• Epicor EPM Performance Canvas Course - The Epicor EPM Performance Canvas course provides an
introduction to Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) cubes, an overview of Business Intelligence (BI) and
introduces the Epicor Enterprise Performance Management Performance Canvas (Performance Canvas) analysis
platform for use with the Epicor Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) suite or as a standalone product.
The following industry knowledge is recommended:
• General knowledge of Microsoft Excel
Environment Setup
Review environment setup steps and workshop constraints in order to successfully complete the workshops in
this session.
The workshops for the standalone product in this session were written using a sample datasource included in
the Performance Canvas installation.
Important
Consult your system administrator for the appropriate user name and password to log into the local
installation of the Epicor EPM Performance Canvas application.
1. Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services.
The Windows Services console displays.
2. Locate SQL Server entries and verify they all display the Started status.
Note To refresh your Epicor training data, enter a support ticket in EpicCare and include your site ID.
Workshop Constraints
The workshops in this course can be performed only once in each instance of a restored (refreshed) shared
database. If a user has already completed these workshops in the database, the database must be restored
(refreshed) before another user can complete this course.
Below is a list of workshops in this course that can be performed only once in each instance of a restored (refreshed)
database. Where applicable, a detailed explanation of the workshop constraints is documented in the workshop
itself.
• Workshop - Deploy the Sample Datasource - This workshop can only be performed one time on a
non-refreshed environment.
Consult your system administrator for the appropriate user name and password to log into the local installation
of the Epicor EPM Performance Canvas application.
• Workshop - Activate the Sample Datasource - This workshop can only be performed one time if the
sample datasource has not been deployed.
Application Setup
Epicor Planner is a Microsoft Excel add-in that is installed as a standalone application and can interact with Epicor
EPM Performance Canvas.
To complete this course, you must install and configure the following applications:
• Microsoft Excel
• Epicor EPM Performance Canvas
• Epicor Planner (Callisto) Server, Server Components, and Client
If you use the Ready Tech training image, skip the installation steps. All the required software is already installed
on this image.
Note The file may have a different name such as Server Setup_XXXX.msi where XXXX refers to a
four digit number that identifies the specific build number of the installation.
When the completion message displays, your Epicor Planner (Callisto) server is installed.
To install Epicor Planner (Callisto) server components:
1. Double-click Server Setup_xxxx.msi for 32 bit servers or Server Setup64_xxxx.msi for 64 bit servers.
The Callisto Setup Wizard screen displays.
3. On the Select Installation Folder screen, accept or adjust the folder to which the server software will be
installed.
4. Click Next.
5. On the Select Software to Install screen, select the components to install on this server. For this course,
accept the selection of all four software components.
6. Click Next.
7. On the Databases to Install screen, select Sample SQL database to install the sample database.
8. Click Next.
9. On the Server Names screen, enter the names of the servers your Epicor Planner (Callisto) Server installation
will use. For this course, accept localhost for all servers for the best performance.
11. If you selected to install the Web Service software component on the Select Software to Install screen,
the IIS Site Names screen displays.
b. Click OK.
c. Enter the Username and Password the web service will be configured to use for privileged access to
files, SQL databases, and analysis services databases. The user id must be a member of the IIS_WPG
user group on the server.
d. Click OK.
12. If you selected to install the NT Service software component on the Select Software to Install screen, the
Net Service Logon screen displays.
a. Enter the Username and Password the NT Service will use to access files, SQL databases, and analysis
services databases.
c. Click OK.
13. If a warning message displays saying NT Service installation failed and prompting you either to complete
the installation anyway or cancel, click the Cancel button and start the installation again.
If you click OK, the installation will complete with problems. All of the files for the installation will be left
in place, and typically these files can be used to manually correct the problem.
After you successfully install the Epicor Planner Server, deploy the Sample database to make it available for
reporting.
To make the Sample database available for reporting:
1. From the Start menu, select Programs > Epicor Planner > Modeler to open the Business Modeler.
The Modeler will launch Excel and bring up the Logon screen.
If the Logon screen does not display, you need to lower your Excel security settings to allow an unsigned
add-in to run. Refer to the Lower Excel Security workshops for detailed instructions on how to do this.
2. On the Logon screen, enter your username and password, for example for the purpose of Ready Tech
image, use Administrator username and epicor password.
Contact your System Administrator for your username and password.
3. Click OK.
5. Click OK.
6. On the toolbar, click the Deploy button to build the Analysis Services database and make the application
available for Epicor Planner Excel reporting. At this point, only Administrators on the server will have access.
9. Click Close.
You can grant full write access to Epicor Planner users. These users will be able to access the Sample database
from the Epicor Planner Excel add-in and write data from input schedules.
To grant full write access to users:
4. On the toolbar, click the Check Out button to be able to make changes.
The users you selected can access the Sample database from the Epicor Planner Excel add-in and write data from
input schedules.
Epicor Planner is an Excel add-in that provides reporting and data input for Analysis Services. You may need to
adjust Excel 2007 or Excel 2010 trust center settings to use Epicor Planner.
On the Ready Tech image, Excel security policy is already setup and you do not need to perform the steps below.
Follow these steps if you use Excel 2007 or 2010.
1. Start Excel.
2. If you use Excel 2007, click the Office Button located in the top left corner.
If you use Excel 2010, click File.
8. Click Ok.
9. Close Excel.
12. When the Microsoft Office Excel Security Notice window displays, click the Enable this add-in for this
session only button.
Your Excel 2007 or 2010 security policy now allows an unsigned add-in to run.
Epicor Planner is an Excel add-in that provides reporting and data input for Analysis Services. You may need to
adjust Excel XP macro security settings to use Epicor Planner.
On the Ready Tech image, Excel security policy is already setup and you do not need to perform the steps below.
Follow these steps if you use Excel XP.
1. Start Excel.
3. Click Tools.
7. Click OK.
8. Close Excel.
Epicor Planner is a Microsoft Excel add-in that provides high-end budgeting, planning, and reporting functionality.
Once you define the model for planning, budgeting, and analyzing, you can use it throughout Epicor Planner.
Epicor Planner is also integrated with Epicor EPM Performance Canvas.
With Epicor Planner, all the Excel reporting and analysis tools are linked directly to your Analysis Server.
Another benefit of Epicor Planner is you use the same analytical scenario for different purposes. You can make
financial forecasts and sales forecasts for multiple users in one unified system.
Planning Strategy
With Epicor Planner, there are three major steps to planning: business modeling, workflow definition, and data
manipulation.
Excel Interface
Epicor Planner works with Excel 2003 or later. The Epicor Planner Modeler is an Excel xls file. You must adjust
Excel security settings and make the sample database available to work with the Modeler.
Epicor Planner is an Excel add-in that provides reporting and data input for Analysis Services.
If you use the Ready Tech image, perform the following steps:
2. Double-click EXCEL.EXE.
4. Click Logon.
6. Click OK.
8. Click OK.
9. Excel opens. On the toolbar, select the Control Panel check box.
10. The Control Panel with a list of Dimensions that are going to be used for planning displays.
From the Control Panel, you can navigate through your application model and access features of the Excel
add-in.
12. The Member Selector window displays the dimension hierarchy and members.
Note The following steps do not apply if you use the Ready Tech training image.
If you work with a local client installation, the Callisto.xll file was likely downloaded to your Desktop or My
Documents folder.
To run Epicor Planner on a local client installation:
2. In the Microsoft Office Excel Security Notice window, click Enable this add-in for this session only.
Field Data
Enter the URL you use to connect to your internet URL to connect to the internet server in the format:
server
<servername>:<portnumber>
4. Click OK.
The Open Application window displays. All model cubes to which you have access display in the tree view.
5. Select the model cube you want to open. For example, select the Demo - Finance cube.
6. Click OK.
Excel opens. The Control Panel with a list of Dimensions that are going to be used for planning displays.
From the Control Panel, you can navigate through your application model and access features of the Excel
add-in.
8. Click OK.
You can access Epicor Planner through the Epicor EPM Performance Canvas (Performance Canvas) web based
home page.
The Performance Canvas is available as a standalone, web-based dashboard tool that uses datasources such as
Microsoft® SQL Server® Analysis Server cubes and similar OLAP compliant datasources. The Performance Canvas
client is a web-based application many web browsers can access.
To view Epicor Planner through web interface, configure Performance Canvas for Planning. To do it, edit the
zenith.properties file. Refer to the Edit the zenith.properties File workshop for details.
You create Planning Gems in the Epicor Planner tool in Excel. Then these gems can be changed in Performance
Canvas.
To edit a Planning Gem in Performance Canvas, add a data source using the OLAP pump for the planning cube(s)
and add a planning server. Refer to the Add the Planning Data Source workshop for details.
Complete the following to set up Epicor Planner integration with Performance Canvas.
Note
On the Ready Tech image, the zenith.properties file is already configured and the steps described below
are not required.
To view Epicor Planner through web interface, configure Performance Canvas for Planning.
To adjust the zenith.properties file:
b. In the list of available services, right-click the Performance Canvas service and select Stop.
dsp.planning.class=com.dsp.planning.server.PlanningServiceImpl
dsp.planning.defaultscenario=Forecast
dsp.planning.name=PlanningService
dsp.planning.path=/PlanningService
dsp.planning.scenariodimension=Scenario
Return to the View Epicor Planner Web Interface workshop for further instructions.
Complete the following to add the Planning data source to Performance Canvas.
You should take two preliminary steps to create a Planning Gem:
• Add a data source using the OLAP pump for the planning cube or cubes.
• Add a planning server.
This is how you do it:
3. On the Performance Canvas home page, click the Admin Console link.
6. Add your planning cubes as regular data sources. For example, in the Datasource URL Address field, enter:
http://olap64.performancecanvas.com/olap2008an/msmdpump.dll.
Note
On the Ready Tech image, this datasources is already added.
Notice a new entry displays in the datasource listing with several data cubes.
7. Right-click the All datasources folder and select Add planning server.
9. Click OK.
You can now view Epicor Planner through the Performance Canvas web interface. Return to the View Epicor
Planner Web Interface workshop for details.
1. On the Performance Canvas home page, in the right pane, expand the My Canvases > Unclassified
folder.
3. The details of the Report canvas display in the left panel of the screen.
The planning gem on the canvas may take some time to load.
Planning gem created in Epicor Planner displays in the Performance Canvas workspace. You can use the planning
gem on the planning canvas to enter data into the system.
This course references several terms that are important to understand as you begin to explore and use the Epicor
Planner functionality.
workflow also supports both data entry and data loads, as well as Workflow hierarchy of approvers and
submitters with full status of the workflow process.
• Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) - This technology uses multi-dimensional structures to provide rapid
access to data for analysis. The source data for OLAP is commonly stored in a relational database within Data
Warehouses.
• Key Performance Indicator (KPI) - A KPI is a measurement to gauge business success. KPIs measure a goal
value versus a current actual value for a set of dimensions. The data result provides a status to achieve that
goal.
• Fact Table - This is a central table in a data warehouse schema that contains numeric measures and keys that
relate facts to dimension tables. Fact tables contain data that describes specific events within a business, such
as bank transactions or product sales.
• Dimension Table - This is a table in a data warehouse whose entries describe how data in a fact table can
be grouped, filtered, and sorted. Dimension tables contain the data from which dimensions are created.
• Star Schema - This refers to how tables are joined to build a centralized fact table that pulls information from
measures. Star schema is a specialized type of database schema design separated into Fact tables and Dimension
tables. It provides simple, high performance database storage for OLAP systems.
• Data Mart - This is a relational database representation of a single cube, also known as a single star schema.
A star schema data mart contains the data necessary to analyze of a particular business process at a particular
granularity.
• Granularity - This is the level of detail of numeric data in a fact table. For example, a fact table that stores
sales measures data can be calculated at various granularities. For Sales Line Item, metrics are calculated
separately for each sales line item. This enables you to sort and filter by a line item property such as product.
For Sale, metrics are calculated separately for each sale. You can sort and filter by customer but not by product.
For Day, sales totals are calculated separately for each calendar day. You can see aggregate sales statistics by
time but cannot filter by customer or product.
• ETL - The Extract, Transform, Load process (and the logic behind it) pulls data from the operational database,
transforms it to fit analysis needs, and puts it into the Data Warehouse.
• Glossary - A data warehouse uses a relational schema definition to store data. The EPM application refers
to this schema as the Glossary. It is a set of .xml files that contains all business expertise on a specific enterprise
resource planning (ERP) application and can be referred to as a data dictionary.
An EPM Glossary defines how data can be retrieved from a source ERP system and how that data can be used
in EPM user cubes. The Glossary contains enough information for EPM to create a customizable set of cubes
and all the ETL logic required to move data into those cubes from the source system.
• Cube - This is a set of data that is organized and summarized into a multi-dimensional structure defined by
a set of dimensions and measures. Additionally, cubes often include defined data hierarchies such as Fiscal
Year > Fiscal Quarter > Fiscal Period which enable analysis to roll up to any hierarchy level.
In Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services, a "cube" refers to a single SSAS solution which enables analysis of
a particular set of data using OLAP techniques.
The cube is the data foundation for content packs as well as graphs and reports.
• User Cube - A user cube defines specific analytical processing. This is not an OLAP cube. The difference
between a user cube and an OLAP cube is a user cube is the universal specification of an OLAP cube in terms
of field names (or specified dimensions and levels in terms of OLAP).
The Epicor EPM Cube Connect - Cube Editor application can create a user cube and then send it to the server
for deployment.
• Measure - In a cube, this is a set of values based on a column in the cube's fact table. Measures are usually
numeric and are the central values that are aggregated and analyzed.
For example, a Sales Total measure may be split across a time dimension to show sales totals summarized by
month. Each measure is a numeric value and an aggregation operation the cube can use to summarize this
value. All measures are aggregated, typically summed. Available aggregates in EPM are Sum, Min, Max, Count,
and Average (Mean).
• Level - This is the name of a set of members in a dimension hierarchy such that all members in the set are
the same distance from the root of the hierarchy. For example, a time hierarchy can contain the levels Year,
Month, and Day.
• Hierarchy - This is a logical tree structure that organizes the members of a dimension such that each member
has one parent member and zero or more child members. A hierarchy can also be referred to as a grouping
of dimensions.
• Canvas - A canvas, also referred to as a dashboard, is an interactive web-based dashboard that provides a
visual display of information. Canvas features include the following:
• A canvas presents data details in a combination of text and graphics. Use graphics, such as charts or tables,
to visually emphasize objectives and their statuses.
• A canvas displays data that helps you answer key questions about your business such as "Are my sales
currently on track?"
• All canvas details display on a single screen, Microsoft SharePoint site, or mobile device.
Canvases are available for others via a web URL or Microsoft SharePoint site. Depending on your license, you
can save and deploy a canvas workspace as a web canvas or save it as a ViewPoint.
Client Technology
Epicor Planner uses state of the art client technology. It leverages the most up-to-date technologies to provide
you powerful reporting, analysis, and data input capabilities.
Epicor Planner client utilizes the following technologies:
• Planning in context through an easy-to-use mashup web interface to obtain the relevant internal and external
data
• Microsoft Excel 2003, 2007, XP and 2010 client for finance users
• Microsoft SharePoint integration
• Native Mobile connection (iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia, and so on)
You can create new applications in the Epicor Planner Business Modeler (Modeler). The Modeler is also used to
set up the Epicor Planner.
The Epicor Planner Modeler (Modeler) is the tool to use to create applications.
To access Modeler, you must first log in to an Admin Web Server.
1. From the Start menu, navigate to Programs > Epicor Planner > Modeler.
Field Data
Enter the URL you use to connect to your server URL to connect to the internet server in the format:
<servername>:<portnumber>
Note If you do not enter the user id, domain, and password, the Modeler attempts to use the same
credentials you use to log in to Windows on your client computer.
3. Click OK.
The Select Application window displays.
5. Click OK.
The Modeler window displays. The application loads into the Modeler.
Epicor Planner is an Excel add-in that provides reporting and data input for Analysis Services. Use the Modeler
to set up Epicor Planner.
1. On the Modeler screen, in the Dimensions column in the middle of the screen, a list of all the available
dimensions displays.
5. On the Summary tab, view the list of the dimensions the model uses.
6. On the Business Rules tab, view the list of the business rules the model uses.
The rules fall into two groups:
• The Dynamic business rules contain MDX rules for the calculation script defined with the Analysis Services
cube.
• The Automatic business rules, or Library rules, calculate values at the input level. The calculation results
are stored in the database and aggregated up the various dimensions and hierarchies for reporting within
a Model.
When you view an Automatic Business Rule in the Modeler page, the rule displays a tree of the selected
rules from the Business Rules Library and each step defined in the rule in the lower pane. The Label
entered for each rule and each step also displays.
To define an Automatic rule, in the Actions pane, click New Rule and select Automatic. To add Business
Rules from the Business Rule Library to the new rule, click the Insert button on the toolbar.
Most Business Rules contain multiple steps. Use the Business Rule Editor to define various parameters
for each step.
7. Click one of the rules to view its structure in the bottom pane.
Dimensions
In the Epicor Planner Business Modeler (Modeler), you can view a dimension's properties, edit an existing dimension,
and create new dimensions.
Dimension Types
In the left pane, from the Pages listing, select Dimensions. The list of dimensions displays in the right pane.
To view the dimension properties, click its name in the list in the right pane. The dimension properties display.
The Modeler supports the following dimension types:
• Generic - This is the default dimension type that can be used for any data. No specific behavior is defined
for this type.
• Account - Use this dimension type to control the behavior of numbers.
The following properties are automatically attached to this dimension type:
• Entity – This dimension type interacts with the Intercompany and Account type dimensions for IC Matching
and IC Eliminations. Often, this dimension type is also used to indicate what currency data is entered for
currency translation purposes.
• Time – This dimension type interacts with the TimeDataView and Account type dimensions to produce correct
time series numbers in reports.
• Scenario – This dimension type controls database locking.
• TimeDataView – This dimension type interacts with the TimeDataView and Account type dimensions to
produce correct time series numbers in reports.
• Intercompany – This dimension type interacts with the Entity and Account type dimensions for IC Matching
and IC Eliminations.
• BusinessProcess – Use this dimension type to provide multiple kinds of input and various adjustments to
numbers. The dynamic, interactive IC Matching uses the ICMATCH member, and IC Eliminations uses the
ELIMINATION member.
Dimension Security
You can control user access to a dimension. The Modeler provides the following options:
• Users can access all members on this dimension - The dimension is not included in Security Role Model
Access definitions. This is the default setting.
• Users must be granted access to members in Security Roles - The dimension is included in Security Role
Model Access definitions. Users will only see members to which they are granted access.
Dimension Properties
You can set the following dimension properties in the Modeler:
• Label – This is the property display name.
• Property Type – This is the property data type. The following data types are available:
Integer Integer numbers Default Value – optional default value for the property
when none is provided.
Double Floating point numbers Default Value – optional default value for the property
when none is provided
2. View the following information for each dimension that displays in the grid:
• Description – This is the dimension description that will display in the Epicor Planner.
• Dimension Type – Notice that some of the dimensions have the Generic type. Generic dimensions have
no special behavior attached to them.
• Checked Out By – The Checked Out By column displays the users who are currently modifying the
dimensions. To modify a dimension, check it out, update it, save it, check it in, and deploy it.
4. In the Modeler, in the left pane, on the Actions tab, click the Check Out link to modify the dimension.
6. In the Hierarchies list, view the hierarchies associated with the dimension.
Each dimension has one or more hierarchies.
8. Click the Hierarchies tab to view all the hierarchies defined in the system.
9. On the Hierarchies tab, expand the BalanceSheet – Balance Sheet Balancing Account hierarchy to see
the information.
This is data stored in this field that makes up the contents of the dimension.
10. Notice the drop-down list at the top of the tab displays the name of the hierarchy you selected on the
Summary tab.
13. Under Properties Definitions, the properties associated with the dimension display.
15. In the Actions pane, click Update Property to modify the property.
The Property Dialog displays.
20. In the Modeler, in the left pane, on the Actions tab, click the Check In link to save your changes to the
dimension.
In the Epicor Planner Business Modeler (Modeler), you use Security Roles to set up various security levels. Security
roles are then associated with Windows users.
You can control user activities for the following entities:
• Models a user can access
• Options available to users in the Excel add-in
To modify a role, complete the steps below:
Complete the following to grant users access to different models and dimension members.
1. In the Modeler, in the left pane, under Pages, click Security Roles.
2. The list of roles with descriptions displays in the right pane on the Security Roles tab.
3. The Checked Out By column displays the users who are currently modifying the roles.
5. In the table under the basic role properties, view the list of users already added to this role.
Users of different types can be added to a security role.
6. In the Actions pane, click the Check Out link to modify the security role.
You can alternatively click the Check Out button on the toolbar.
7. Click the Role Members tab to modify the list of Windows users associated with this role.
You can add and edit users associated with the security role here.
If you use the Ready Tech training image, make sure epicorsi\Administrator is added.
Select check boxes that correspond to various actions in the Excel Control Panel and the Excel Data Manager
to grant users permission to perform certain actions.
16. For extra assurance, select Pages > Application and click the Save button on the toolbar.
In this chapter, you will create a basic PL statement within Epicor Planner.
You will also learn how to design your basic dimensions, set accounts, create calculated business rules and define
scenarios.
You will create a new Application, four Dimensions for it, create a Model and set up security.
If you are using the Ready Tech training image, you will find several .xml files in the Ready Tech > Inbox. These
files are required to complete the workshops that follow.
Field Data
Enter the URL you use to connect to your internet server http://localhost:84
Enter your internet server userid Administrator
Enter your domain name
Note If you do not enter the user id, domain, and password, the Modeler attempts to use the same
credentials you use to log in to Windows on your client computer.
3. Click OK.
The Select Application window displays.
5. In the New Application Form window, in the Application Label field, enter Canvas_Training.
You must match all the values in the workshop exactly for it to work.
6. Click OK.
9. Click OK.
5. Click OK.
8. Click OK.
11. Open the Members tab and verify the Account dimension contains no members.
12. In the left pane, under Actions, click Import from Excel.
13. In the Open dialog, navigate to and select an .xml spreadsheet file.
For example, select CanvasTraining_Dim_Account.xml.
15. To the message that informs about successful import click OK.
5. Click OK.
8. Click OK.
11. Open the Members tab and verify the Time dimension contains no members.
12. In the left pane, under Actions, click Import from Excel.
13. In the Open dialog, navigate to and select an .xml spreadsheet file.
For example, select CanvasTraining_Dim_Time.xml.
18. Select the Hierarchies tab, and then select Calendar in the Hierarchy window.
19. Click the Manage level names for this hierarchy button.
20. In the Manage Level window, click in the upper row and enter Year and hit ENTER.
You created Time dimension and filled it with data. You built a hierarchy with three levels for this dimension.
5. Click OK.
6. Open the Members tab and verify the TimeDataView dimension contains no members.
9. Click Open.
16. When Finished Application Deploy message displays in the Deploy Application window, click Close.
5. Click OK.
6. Open the Members tab and verify the Scenario dimension contains no members.
9. Click Open.
11. On the Members tab, click the empty cell under Budget in the Label column.
13. Click the empty cell to the right in the Description column.
20. When Finished Application Deploy message displays in the Deploy Application window, click Close.
4. Use the left arrow button to add all the four dimensions listed in the Available Dimensions pane to the
Model Dimensions pane.
5. Click OK.
5. Copy the file content and paste it to the lower pane on the Business Rules tab.
7. Click Deploy.
9. When Finished Application Deploy message displays in the Deploy Application window, click Close.
3. In the New Security Role window, in the Label field, enter Full_Write_Access.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Save.
13. In the Secured field, select Users must be granted access to members in Security Roles.
17. In the left pane, under Pages - Security Roles, select Full_Write_Access.
21. Click the Set Write access for all dimension members button (with the flag icon).
23. To the Save changes to Security Role "Full_Write_Access" warning click Yes.
Workflows
In the Modeler, you can define and maintain Submission Cycles and Assignments to achieve a fine level of control
over user data submissions and approval of those submissions.
This allows you to define the flow of data into your system. You can impose the following dataflow restrictions:
• Users can only submit data to a specified subset of the database.
• After a user has formally submitted data, the data is automatically locked to prevent any further changes.
• After data is submitted, only an authorized user can make it available for changes.
• After data passes all required approvals, only an administrator can unlock it.
Cycles and Assignments are made available to users by creating an Instance of a cycle. This facilitates a normal
way of working where often, data is gathered repetitively in cycles. For instance, the process of gathering and
building a new budget often consists of the following steps:
1. Gather a budget
These steps repeat several times until there is a final budget everyone has approved.
Viewing Workflows
The Workflow Admin screen is organized into View selection buttons with a Tree View of the workflow below
on the left. To the right, are Action buttons at the top with a Property pane below. The Tree View shows all the
parts of the workflow for the view selected. The Property pane on the right shows the properties for the currently
selected item in the Tree View.
On the Workflows page, define and maintain Submission Cycles and Assignments for a fine level of control over
user data submissions and approval of those submissions.
Complete the following steps to view and adjust workflow properties.
4. Click the Definition sheet and click the Add button to create a new Cycle Definition.
6. Select the Dimensions and Members that define the subset of the database the Cycle will control.
7. Select dimensions and members to define a further subset of the database for each Assignment.
8. Within the Assignment, select users and roles to define what access each user has for that Assignment.
Forms are commonly used for Cycles and Assignments to aid users in entering the data they need to submit.
Cycles and Assignments restrict write access at a security level, so users are free to use their own Input
Schedules or use the Data Manager to supply the data for which they are responsible.
9. Set the Active property to True to make the Cycle Definition available.
Once you define a Workflow Cycle, you must create Instances of the Cycle.
11. Select the Cycle and click the Add button to create a new Cycle Instance.
13. Select the dimensions and members to define the subset of the database this Cycle Instance will control.
Typically, this contains the Time dimension and one or more Time members at a minimum. However, it can
contain any dimensions the Cycle Definitions use.
14. When you select an Assignment in a Cycle Instance, you can change the Status by selecting the desired
Status for the Assignment.
15. Change the Open property of the Instance to True to open the Cycle for data input by users.
16. On the Definitions tab, define Cycle Dimensions and Assignments and optionally select Forms.
Database Locks
In the Modeler, you can use Database locks to control write access to various parts of the database.
By default, database members are locked unless you unlock them on the Database Locks page. This page provides
an easy way to immediately lock an entire scenario with a single Lock All for this Lock Control Member setting.
When you save lock definitions, they take place immediately. So, as soon as you receive the "successfully saved"
message on this page, the new lock definitions are enforced by the Excel add-in on the next attempt to send
data.
1. In the Modeler, in the left pane, under Pages, click Database Locks.
Notice the list of Scenarios displays in the first column in the right pane.
This list is also referred to as a Members list.
Typically, this is the list of Scenario members in your Application.
2. In the Actions pane, click the Refresh link to retrieve the latest database lock information from the server.
3. In the right pane, in the first column, select a member from the list, for example Actual.
When you select a Scenario, the list of dimensions it holds displays in the second column.
5. In the right pane, in the second column, select a member in the Dimension list to set the correct Lock
settings for the dimension in this Lock Control member.
When you select a member in the dimension list, its members, properties, and Lock settings for the selected
Dimension in the selected Lock Control member display in the third pane.
6. In the Actions pane, click the Checkout link to modify database locks.
Only one user can have a database lock checked out at a time.
7. Select the Lock All for this Lock Control Member check box to lock the selected member and all members
across all other dimensions from writing.
This provides an easy way to quickly lock an entire scenario.
8. Select the Include all base level members check box to allow writing to all base level members of the
selected dimension,.
9. In the upper table in the rightmost column, select the members to which data can be written.
• The MbrList column contains the list of members you can unlock for writing. This list can contain parent
level, as well as base level, members.
Important For parent level input, you must also designate a base level member to send the data
with either the SendTo column or a Property Based Send To.
• Use the SendTo column to send data to an alternative member id. This is an optional attribute. Use this
parameter to designate a base level member to which the data designated for a parent level member
should be redirected. You can maintain this same definition as part of the dimension definition with
property values (Property Based Send To)
Note When you use the SendTo parameter, it is easy to create a condition where numbers are
sent to the database but they also show up in the parent from which they were sent. Avoid this
condition when you design your system as it will cause user confusion.
10. In the Property Based table, in the rightmost column, use a property value to designate which members
to unlock.
• In the PropName column, specify the name of the property used to designate members to unlock.
• In the PropValueList column, specify the list of values for the property in the PropName column that
indicates which member to unlock.
11. Use the Property Based Send To group of check boxes to define how to redirect data by property values.
Select the check box next to the property name that will contain members to which data should be redirected.
Note Only Member type properties display in this list.
Database Setup
In the Canvas Planning Business Modeler (Modeler), use Database Setup to set up Shared Library Storage and
Dimension Locking Settings.
The following Library storage types are available in the Modeler:
• Default (SQL based) - No additional setting is required. Shared Library folders and files for reports, input
schedules, and book definitions are stored in SQL and handled as part of the Web Services. No special setup
is required and all workbooks are handled with no special firewall settings or server settings. When you use
the Copy Application function, all Shared Library folders, files, and Wizards are copied automatically.
• Shared Folders (File based) - The following two shared folder types are supported:
• Library Folder – This is a path to the shared folder that contains the library of shared reports, input
schedules, and books.
• Wizard Folder – This is a path to the shared folder that contains the folders for wizard templates.
Note This folder must contain two folders - Column Template and Row Template.
• Document Libraries (SharePoint based) - The following two SharePoint based types are supported:
• SharePoint Site - You define a SharePoint Site by a Site Path. A Site Path is a URL path to the SharePoint
site that contains the shared document libraries. For your databases, you must create a SharePoint site
with Microsoft SharePoint. The Modeler does not create the SharePoint site for you, so the site URL entered
here must point to an existing site.
• SharePoint Document Libraries - You define a SharePoint Document Library by the following two
properties:
• Library – This is the name of the document library that contains shared reports and input schedules.
The Modeler prompts you to create a new library if the library entered does not already exist.
Note The library the Modeler creates is initially empty. You should use the normal SharePoint
functionality to populate the library with Excel workbooks that contain the reports you want to
share with other users.
• Wizard Library – This is the name of the document library that contains wizard column and row
templates. The Modeler prompts you to create a new library if the library entered does not already
exist.
Note The library the Modeler creates is initially empty. You should use the normal SharePoint
functionality to populate the library with Excel workbooks that contain the reports you want to
share with other users.
1. In the Modeler, in the left pane, under Pages, select Database Setup.
2. In the Actions pane, click the Refresh link to retrieve the latest database setup information from the server.
3. In the Actions pane, click the Check Out link to modify the database setup.
Now the database setup is locked for editing.
Note Only one user can have a database setup checked out at a time.
4. In the right pane, on the Storage tab, select the Library storage type.
The following Library storage types are available:
• Default (SQL based)
• Shared Folders (File based)
5. If you selected SQL based library storage, in the Actions pane, click the Shared Library Files link to import
or export files for Shared Library Files and Wizard Files.
The Shared Library Files window displays.
In this window, you can perform bulk maintenance of files and folders in the Shared Library with the ability
to Import / Export to the local file system, as well as delete items from the Shared Library.
In the left pane, items currently located in the Shared Library display. Double-click an item in the list to
change folders.
In the right pane, items currently located on your machine display.
6. Use the arrow buttons to copy files and folders between the two systems.
7. Use the X button to delete files and folders from the Shared Library.
The Database Setup is updated. Remain on the Database Setup page in the Modeler window.
2. In the Actions pane, click the Refresh link to retrieve the latest dimension information from the server.
3. Select a dimension.
All the settings for the dimension display in the right pane.
4. In the Actions pane, click the Checkout link to modify a dimension's properties.
Only one user can have dimensions checked out at a time.
For each member of the Lock Control Dimension, you can change the lock settings on all other dimensions.
1. In the Modeler, in the left pane, under Pages, click Database Setup.
2. Click the Check Out button to be able to edit the Database element.
9. Click Deploy.
11. When Finished Application Deploy message displays in the Deploy Application window, click Close.
3. Clear Lock All for this Lock Control Member check box.
By default, all members are locked.
5. Clear Lock All for this Lock Control Member check box.
7. Clear Lock All for this Lock Control Member check box.
13. When Finished Application Deploy message displays in the Deploy Application window, click Close.
After you created and set up your application in the Canvas Planning Business Modeler (Modeler), you can work
in the Excel Planner.
You can use Excel functionality the usual way. For instance, you can perform the following actions:
• Add formulas any place you want; they will always be preserved.
• Format data using native Excel formatting.
• Insert columns or rows any place; they will be preserved when dynamic reports are refreshed.
Important Dynamic column and row expansion by Callisto inserts and deletes columns and rows, so if
you insert columns or rows in the middle of an Expand type range, they may move around unexpectedly
under some expansion conditions. You will probably find the behavior easier to understand if you choose
to insert columns or rows before or after an Expand type range.
Use the Excel add-in to create dynamic reports, manipulate data in the Data Manager and publish you reports.
From the Canvas Planning Control Panel you can navigate through your application model and access Excel add-in
features.
• Send Data — click this button to send data from an Input Schedule to your PerformancePoint Server©.
• Check Submission Status — click this button to check the status of any data you have sent to the server.
There is a delay between the time you send data from an Input Schedule and the time the data is available
in the model cube on the server. Callisto automatically checks to determine when submitted data is available
in the database. This button turns yellow when you send data until the submission is completed on the server
and available in the database.
• Open Your Assignments - click this button to check for any assigned data submissions or approvals you
have due. The Assignments dialog displays for you to open data submissions, submit data for approval, and
to approve or reject submissions.
• Open Report - click this button to open a shared workbook from the server.
• Create Report - click this button to open the Report Wizard. In the report wizard, select the column template
and the row template you want to create a report from. It is not necessary to select both a column and row
template. Often, a single template contains the report layout you want to start your report with. In this case,
you can select just a column or just a row template. The report wizard creates the requested report and adds
a worksheet to your current workbook with the new report.
• Edit Report - click this button to open the Report Editor to make changes to the report.
• Book Publisher - click this button to open the Book Publisher dialog. This allows you to create a book, edit
an existing book, or publish a book.
• Data Manager - click this button to open the Data Manager dialog. This allows you to load data from your
Excel sheet into the database, extract data from the database, or clear out data from the database.
• Select Model - click this button to change the application or model cube you are currently working with.
The Open model cube dialog displays for you to select a model cube again.
• About - click this button to view information about the current version of your Excel add-in and to access
online help.
Use Canvas Planning Control Panel to navigate through your application model and access Excel add-in features.
Complete the following to start the Canvas Planning Control Panel:
2. In the Microsoft Office Excel Security Notice window, click Enable this add-in for this session only.
Field Data
Enter the URL you use to connect to your internet URL to connect to the internet server in the format:
server
<servername>:<portnumber>
4. Click OK.
The Open Model Cube window displays. All model cubes to which you have access display in the tree view.
5. Select the model cube you want to open. For example, select the Demo - Finance cube.
6. Click OK.
Excel opens. The Control Panel with a list of Dimensions that are going to be used for planning displays.
Dynamic Reporting
You can create new personal reports in the Report Wizard. To edit an existing report, use the Report Editor.
The Report Wizard creates the requested report and adds a worksheet to your current workbook with the new
report.
You can use the Report Editor to create dynamic report headings that display data such as the Entity and Time
Period for which the report is being run.
You can also dynamically expand report members based on a dimension hierarchy.
Use the Report Wizard to create a new report and add a worksheet to your current workbook with the new
report.
Complete the following to create a new report.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Open Workbook button.
2. In the Open Workbook window navigate to an Excel workbook from which to create a report.
3. Click OK.
4. In the Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Create Report button.
The Report Wizard displays.
8. In the Select report to copy list, select a report among the open workbook worksheet tabs that contain
reports.
9. Click OK.
The workbook is updated with the selected report data. The new report displays in the main Excel window.
10. In the Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Refresh button to refresh the data.
11. In the Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Send Data button to send changes to the server.
12. In the Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Check Submission Status button to check the submitted
data is available in the database.
Remain in Excel.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Report Editor button.
The Edit Report window displays.
3. In the Report Name field, enter the name for the report.
This is an optional field. This name is only required if you want to designate this report as a report to drill
down to.
7. In the Current View Overrides list, view all the current selections.
8. If you want to override the settings that display in the Control Panel, click on an individual dimension. The
Selector Member window displays. Select a member to lock this dimension. Click OK.
Any dimension member set in the Current View Overrides list will override the setting that displays in the
Control Panel.
9. Click the Update Web Library button to save this report definition to Web Report Library.
A special browser object will present this report or input schedule in the browser and on mobile devices.
Note The Update Web Library button is only available to users who are members of the
Administrators Security Role.
10. In the Update Web Report Library window, organize reports into a Folder structure.
4. Click Save.
11. To delete an existing report or reports from the Web Report Library, click the Update Web Library button,
select the reports, select the Delete from Library check box, click the Delete button, and click Yes in the
confirmation message.
12. Select the Blast Output check box to improve large reports refresh time.
This option has the following limitation: Excel formulas will NOT be preserved in the defined rows and
columns of the report. Excel formulas are preserved in rows or columns manually inserted outside the Report
Editor.
13. Select the Color of cells open for input check box to define the background color assigned to cells within
an Input Schedule that are currently open for input. In the Color window, select a color and click OK.
Note To be open for input, all the members that define the data for that particular cell must be
unlocked and the user must have write access.
When you select a color with this option, any background assigned to data cells within a report will be
automatically cleared or assigned this color when an Input Schedule is refreshed. Background colors are
only assigned to cells when the Input Schedule option is selected.
2. On the Body tab, click the label or column heading in the grid to select a Column or Row and change their
definition.
4. To add a new row or column, click the Insert Row or Insert Column button.
New Columns are always added to the right edge of the grid. New Rows are always added to the grid
bottom. From this initial location, move the Row or Column to the location you desire with the Move buttons.
filter.
• AndOr - valid entries are blank, And, Or. This entry
should be blank for first row.
• Property - valid property name for the node dimension
• Like - valid entries are Like, NotLike
• Value - filter value for the property
Property The property that will be placed in the • Display for all - Select this check box to display
cells Property values in every row or column, including
blanks.
• Display as heading Row/Col offset - Select this
check box to display Property on the Heading row or
column only, instead of the heading. This is very useful
with nested expansions to include a special heading
at each break point.
6. In the Time offset field, specify the time period offset to use for this report member.
For example, you can use this setting to define a column that is one year or one month prior to the column
next to it.
7. In the Range override for report options field, enter the range.
Report node options can be controlled by a range within the workbook.
This range must contain two columns. The first column should contain the option name; the second column
should contain the value for the option. The following option names are supported:
• Dimension - name of the dimension
• ExpandLevels - number of levels to expand
• SuppressIfZero - 0 = no suppress, 1 = suppress if zero
• ExcludeCurrentMember - 0 = include current member, 1 = exclude current member
• OnlyBaseMembers - 0 = include all members, 1 = only include base level members
• ParentsAfterChildren - 0 = parents before children, 1 = parents after children
• AutoIndent - 0 = no auto indent, 1 = auto indent on heading or property nodes
• IndentPerLevel - a number of indent characters for each member level
• FixedIndent - a fixed number of character
• PropertyDisplayForAll - 0 = no Property Display For All, 1 = Property Display For All
• PropertyDisplayAsHeading - 0 = no Property Display As Heading, 1 = Property Display As Heading
• PropertyRowColOffset - a number for the Property Row or Column Offset
• TimeOffset - a number for the Time Offset
• TimeOffsetLevel - valid entries are blank, Period, Year, Quarter, Month
• DrillReport - name of the Drill Report
8. In the Drill Report field, enter the name of a report in the current workbook to enable drill down reporting
when the user double-clicks on a cell in the column or row defined by this report member.
You can enter the name of the same report for a drill down in place. When a user double-clicks on a report
member with a drill report defined, the report is selected and refreshed based on the current value of the
cell clicked. The current value for the drill report remains locked until the user drills to it again.
9. Click OK.
Use the Data Manager to load data from an Excel table into the database.
Complete the following to load data from an Excel table into the database.
2. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Data Manager button.
4. Specify whether you want to load data from the entire sheet or from a block of cells.
Select one of the following options:
• Current Worksheet - Select this option to load data from the entire currently selected worksheet.
The first row of the worksheet must contain all dimension names that display in the Control Panel. Any
columns with other names are skipped. This option is useful when member names and values are being
derived from intermediate results with formulas to perform data transformations.
• Name Range - Select this option and provide the range name to load data from the block of cells
contained in the named range.
5. Select the Clear a data region based on the data to be loaded check-box to clear a slice of the database
as part of data loading. From the list of dimensions, select the dimensions from which to clear all the data.
Use this option for scenarios where you receive data from another system such as a Ledger, and perform
multiple loads of the same data during a reporting cycle. In this case, the data table you load may contain
data for one account in one entity in the first load, but in the second load there is no data for the same
account. In this case, after the second load by default, the account missing data in the second load will still
contain the data from the first load. With the Clear a data region based on the data to be loaded option
enabled, the data from the first load is completely cleared out automatically by the second load. In this
example, you only need to select the Account dimension to have all accounts cleared of data for any
combination of other dimension members found in the data table being loaded.
6. Select the Sum Values check-box to add together the values for all of the records and to submit the total
to the database as a single value, if a load table contains multiple records with the same set of members.
This option is enabled by default.
7. Select the Skip Empty Values check-box to skip empty cells for numeric values, so existing data remains
unchanged.
If you do not select this option, empty cells are loaded as a numeric value of zero.
Note Only empty cells are skipped. Cells that contain empty strings are always loaded as value of
zero.
8. Click OK.
The data from the Excel table is loaded into the database.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Data Manager button.
The Data Manager window displays.
5. Expand the members tree structure and select the members to define a slice of data to clear from the
application.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Yes to the message with the number of members that are going to be cleared and skipped.
Use the Data Manager to extract data from the application into data tables.
Complete the following to extract data.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Data Manager button.
The Data Manager window displays.
3. Select the Suppress if zero check box to exclude columns or rows when the entire column or row contains
zeros.
4. Select the Resolve Send To members check box to resolve in reverse the data for a base level member
that has a send to defined for it in the Database locks in the Modeler. The extracted data will show up in
Excel for the parent level member from which it was sent.
In this way you can easily experience a full round trip of data. However, if you need to extract the data
without that indirection for the interfaces you have with other systems, you have the choice to disable this
option before the extract.
This check box is selected by default.
7. Expand the members tree structure and select the members to define a slice of data to clear from the
application.
8. Click OK.
Use the Data Manager to run rules against a slice of your application.
Specify dimensions and members to define the slice of the application against which the rule you defined in the
Modeler will be run.
Complete the following to run a rule.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Data Manager button.
The Data Manager window displays.
6. Expand the members tree structure and select the members to define a slice of data to run rules against.
7. Click OK.
You can print reports in bulk or create report files in bulk in the Book Publisher.
In the Book Publisher you have the following options to control the report content:
• Fixed member
Use fixed member properties to fix the member selection on various dimensions to control the portion of the
data for which a section of the book should be published.
• Vary member
Use the vary member properties to select multiple members on dimensions for which reports should be
published.
• Workbook
Use the workbook properties to select the workbooks that contain reports to be published.
1. In the Canvas Planning Control Panel, in the toolbar, click the Book Publisher button.
The Book Publisher displays.
2. In the Book Publisher window, in the left pane, at the top of the tree structure, select the Book node.
In the right pane, Book Properties display.
3. In the Book Properties pane, select the Print check box to print reports when the book is published.
4. Select the Create Files check box to create report files when the book is published.
5. Select the Display book outline report check box to create a visual outline of the book definition in the
workbook when the book definition is saved.
The Book Publisher creates the outline on the Callisto_Book workbook tab.
6. Select the Create index when publish check box to create an index to published reports when the book
is published.
The Book Publisher creates the index on the Callisto_BookFileIndex workbook tab when the Create Files
option is selected, or on a Callisto_BookPrintIndex workbook tab when the Print option is selected.
7. Click the Add Section button to add another section to the book definition.
A new section is added to the book tree structure in the left pane.
8. In the book tree structure in the left pane, under the new section, select the Fixed node.
Fixed Member Definition displays in the right pane.
The fixed member properties are used to fix the member selection on various dimensions to control the
portion of the database for which a section of the book should be published.
9. In the right pane, click Add to add a new dimension to the Fixed selection.
In the book tree in the left pane, under the Fixed node, a new <<empty>> node displays.
11. In the Dimension field, select the dimension for which to select a member.
12. Next to the Fixed Member Definition field, click the ellipsis button.
The Selector Member window displays.
15. In the book tree structure in the left pane, under the new section, select the Vary node.
Vary Member Definition displays in the right pane.
The vary member properties are used to select multiple members on dimensions for which reports should
be published in this section of the book.
16. In the right pane, click Add to add a new dimension to the Vary selection.
17. In the book tree in the left pane, under the Vary node, select the <<empty>> node.
18. In the Dimension field, select the dimension from which to select a member.
20. In the book tree structure in the left pane, under the new section, select the Workbook node.
Workbook Definition displays in the right pane.
The workbook properties are used to select the workbooks that contain reports that should be published.
22. In the book tree in the left pane, under the Workbook node, select the <<empty>> node.
23. In the right pane, under Source, select one of the following options:
• Shared Library - Select this option if the workbook is located in the Shared Library.
• Personal File - Select this option if the workbook is located on a local machine.
24. Next to the Workbook name field, click the ellipsis button.
25. In the Open Workbook window, select name of the workbook file containing reports to be published.
27. Continue adjusting the book content using Fixed member, Vary member and Workbook options.
28. When you finish, click the Save button to save the current book definition into the currently selected
workbook.
Note This does not automatically save the book definition to physical storage on disk. To save to
disk, you must save the Excel workbook after you close the Book Publisher dialog box. The book
definition is saved inside the workbook.
29. Click the Publish button to publish the book to print reports or create files.
Remain in Excel.
2. Open the Canvas Planning tab and click New Report Wizard.
4. From the Dimensions list on the left, drag and drop the Account dimension onto the first empty row
heading in the grid.
5. From the Dimensions list on the left, drag and drop the Time dimension onto the first empty column
heading in the grid.
9. In Row/Col Type, verify Expand is selected, and in the Select dimension list, Account is selected. .
11. Back on the top of the Edit Report screen, in the grid, click the column labeled Heading.
12. In the Expand Options group, verify the Auto Indent check box is selected.
13. In the grid at the top of the Edit Report screen, select the Time column.
14. In Row/Col Type, verify Expand is selected, and in the Select dimension list, Time is selected.
In the report that is displayed, you should see the different quarters of 2013. Move to year 2011.
First, in each dimension, go to its lowest level, that is select its leaf level member.
1. On the Current View pane or ribbon, click the first dimension - Account.
2. In the Selector Member, select Stats - Stat Accounts, and click OK.
3. Repeat the previous step and select the following dimension members:
Dimension Member
BusinessProcess Expand Consolidated > Prelim > Postalloc > Prealloc, select Input
Client None
Currency None
Entity London
Intercompany No Member
Measures Finance Value
Product No product
Scenario Budget
TimeDataView Periodic
6. Click OK.
You selected year 2011. Now enable data input.
11. Select the Color of cells open for input check box, select the green color and click OK.
13. Click the cell highlighted green at the intersection of the Product Sales row and the Jan-11 column.
15. On the on the Excel Ribbon, click Send data (double green arrow) to update the database.
16. When the Send status button is clear and the Refresh button has turned red, click Refresh.
3. Click OK.
6. Click OK.
8. Click the cell highlighted green at the intersection of the Product Sales and Apr-12.
10. On the Excel Ribbon, click Send data (double green arrow).
11. When the Send status button is clear and the Refresh button has turned red, click Refresh.
1. Click the cell highlighted green at the intersection of the Product Sales and May-12.
3. On the Excel Ribbon, click Send data (double green arrow) to update the database.
When in doubt about the status of a submission, use the Send status feature to check the status of your
latest submission.
6. When the Send status button is clear and the Refresh button has turned red, click Refresh.
Take the following steps to see these figures on a YTD (Year to Date) basis.
9. Click OK.
2. Select Budget.
3. Click OK.
5. Select Periodic.
6. Click OK.
7. Click Refresh.
You can now perform the export procedure.
11. On a new sheet, view all the data you’ve entered so far.
15. To the message with the number of records to load, click OK.
Notice you’re in a different sheet now.
16. Open the Excel sheet where your data are located.
You should see the input schedule you created earlier with the cells highlighted green.
Import Data
Go to http://www.dspanel.com/services/training/recorded-university-courses/, and download the Course 201
Learning Toolkit.zip. Unpack the archive and open the CanvasTraining_Model_Sample_Data.xls.
3. Click OK.
2. Select 2011-2011.
3. Click OK.
4. Click Refresh.
View Months
4. Click OK.
Format Reports
2. Click Options.
4. In the Reporting Heading field, enter Account Report & Input by Time.
5. Click OK.
7. In the Reporting Heading field, enter Scenario: {{Scenario:Description}} (to display the current scenario).
8. Click OK.
10. In the Reporting Heading field, enter Showing: {{TimeDataView:Description}} (to display the current
TimeDataView: Periodic, YTD).
5. Click Account.
6. Click Name.
7. Click OK.
pro:Account column is created.
11. Select the first blank column highlighted, and under Data Member Definition click Property.
15. Back in the Report, select E column and click Insert column.
16. In E5 cell, add the formula =IF(C5=-1;D5;””), click on the corner and drag this formula down to and including
cell E24.
7. Click Format.
13. Click the Format Painter and drag down to row 25.
17. On the Excel ribbon, click the Insert bottom border button.
Hide Data
8. Click Yes.
9. Click Deploy.
5. Click Save.
Planning Gem
In Performance Canvas, you can build canvases using Planning Gems to enter forecasts and visualize them.
You can use Excel to define a planning gem. Then, in the Performance Canvas web interface, you can create a
Planning Canvas with the planning gem on it. You can use the planning gem to enter data into the system
database. The data is updated in real time.
The typical planning gem scenario includes the following steps:
2. In the Open Workbook window, expand the Finance > Input Schedules folder.
4. Click OK.
The data from the Excel table is loaded into the database.
2. In the Edit Report window, on the Options tab, verify the Input Schedule check box is selected.
5. Select a color.
6. Click OK.
8. In the Update Web Reports Library window, select the Save to Library check box.
9. In the name field at the bottom of the screen, enter XX Product Rev Plan.
This is the name you will see in the Performance Canvas.
Minimize Excel.
3. On the EPM Performance Canvas home page, in the Navigation pane, click the Designer link.
5. Click OK.
8. Locate the XX Product Rev Plan gem and drag it onto the Canvas design area.
9. Click Save.
You can now see the data you entered on the planning gem in Performance Canvas displays in Excel.
Complete the following to view the changed data.
2. Open XXProdRevenuePlan.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed the Epicor EPM Canvas Planning course.