How to Define Substitution Variables in SpotlightXL

Using Substitution Variables in a Calculation

User can use the substitution variable as value in a Calculation. For example, in the Calculation below the variable is used for Time dimension.

In the example below, substitution variables are created for the Time dimensions of the Insurance Revenue model. 

In Practice

1. Select the Model task and the Model Administration > Substitution Variables subtask.

2. Select the Model for which user want to define variables.

3. Select the Dimension where you want to apply the substitution variable, which applies only if there are already existing substitution variables defined for that dimension.

4. In the Substitution Variable cell, enter a name for the substitution variable.

5. In the Value cell, select the list box and select a dimension member or enter a value directly in the cell.

6. Once all substitution variables are defined, click Save.
   
   

   Note:

   The model and dimension fields will be automatically filled based on the selected properties when you save.

7. Select the desired report where the substitution variables are intended to be used.

8. In the image below, no substitution variables are currently applied. Select the specific cell where the substitution variable needs to be applied.

   
   

9. Click Design Manager.

   Note:

   Make sure to select both the header and all data cells to ensure that all relevant intersections are updated to use the substitution variable.

10. The Time dimension is already displayed in the Dimension list box, but user can select any dimension. Click the Select Member icon.

11. Substitution variables as well as dimension members are displayed in a hierarchy as shown below.

    
    

12. Select the required values and click Update.

    
    

13. Once all substitution variables are applied, click Save or Save as.
    
    

14. Now, click Report > Run.

    
    

15. The substitution variables are defined in the report.