Manage columns in Flexible Variance mode

Enhance the analysis capabilities of Flexible Variance mode by customizing the columns in the grid. For example, you can add custom columns, change the number format, or hide columns. These actions are accessible via the menu button in the column’s header and when you right-click the column’s header.

The following screen recording quickly demonstrates how to add a calculation column and take several actions with it.

Change the number format

You can change the format of the numbers displayed in any of the numeric (measure) columns in the grid.

Right-click the column header and select Number format, then select the required format from the list.

Add a calculation column

You can add custom calculation columns to perform calculations based on data within the grid. Take advantage of the inbuilt functions to quickly create formulas for your calculation columns.

1. Identify where you want the new column to sit.

   • A new column is always inserted to the right of the column from which you add it.

   • If you add a calculation column from any of the breakdown period columns, a new column will be added for each one of those breakdown columns and the same formula will be applied to each one.

2. Right-click the column to the left of where you want to add the new column and click Add calculation column.

3. Right-click the new column's header and select Edit formula. This action puts the fx bar into edit mode.

4. Click in the fx bar and enter a formula or function for the calculation, then press Enter. The calculation results are displayed in the new column. You enter formulas in a similar way to how you do it in other spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. To use a function, either click the blue down arrow next to the formula box and select a function from the list, or start typing the name of the function you want to use. As you type, a list of function names displays based on what you've entered so far.
5. Proceed to manage the column, such as giving it a more meaningful name or changing its number format.

6. (Optional) Save your view as a favorite.

Example: Use a function in a formula

This example shows how to add a column to calculate the working day equivalent values for the Period 1 column in the grid.

1. Right-click the first comparison column (Period 1) and click Add calculation column.

2. Right-click the new column’s header and select Rename column, click in the white box and type P1 Working Day Value, then press Enter.

3. Right-click the new column's header and select Edit formula.

4. When the fx bar is in edit mode, click the first comparison column (Period 1).

5. Enter the division symbol.

6. Type W and select WORKING DAYS from the function list that displays.

7. Press the Open parentheses ( key and select the working day calendar from the list that displays, followed by a comma, then click the first comparison column (Period 1) again and press the Close parentheses ).

8. Press Enter or Return to complete the formula entry.

The following image show how the formula is built step by step. You can see that when you reference column in a formula, a chip displays with the column name. The chip has the same color as the column border so you can clearly see the link. This formula uses the Working Days function in which there are two calendars to choose from. When the second calendar called Working Days is selected, it displays as calendar number 2 in the formula.

See the Functions page for more information.

Hide a column

Hiding a column is useful if you create a more complex calculation that requires the creation of multiple calculation columns, and you only want to see the results. For example, if you create a variance column but do not want to display the two underlying columns.

Right-click the column and select Hide column. To unhide the column, click the blue line where it’s hidden between the other two columns.

Edit the name of a column

You can change the name of any columns you add to the grid to give them a more meaningful description. This is important if you save and share your view as a favorite, as it lets others know what data is in the column.

Right-click the column header and select Rename column, click in the white box and type the new name, then press Enter.

Delete a column

You can delete any columns you add to the grid.

Right-click the column and select Delete column. The column is deleted instantly. You can click the Undo button if you accidently delete a column.