Writing back text into database via globalvariable

We are trying to writeback a note/text value into the database note field via a globalvariable and/or action. The method I would normally use the WBC formula but I think this only works on numeric values and not text. I'm wanting to record when data was last updated and by who, the method i was considering using is attaching an action to an input cell that would pass back the details of the user and date/time into the database. What is the best solution to write back text using this or similar method?

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Comments

Peter Mayall

WBC works find for text values. I recommend to test a RWC formula first, then convert it to a WBC formula.

John Robson

Graeme

Can you clarify where you are trying to write the text too as there at least 3 potential use cases?:
- a cell note (the twin sister to any OLAP value). You are limited to one string per cell. You can write cell notes to parent values.
- a string or text element. Not that well known but you can create elements designed to store string values. The dimension with such elements must be the last one defined for your cube.
- to a relational data base. In a cloud environment this would typically be to tables in the EPM Staging database. This option requires SQL knowledge of course.

Each one has pros and cons and each has difference behaviour for both directly writing text and writing via an action.

Thanks

Filip Kosnac

Hi Graeme,

not sure if it is practicable to implement on every data entry report possible, an transaction log out of box would be more suitable for that.

However, i have typical requirement to record who was the user changing status and when (date and time), which is possible only when certain checks are passed.

for this I tend to have a sort of a measure dimension in cube with Elements e.g.
- Value
- XML (you could split this to multiple columns, but if you store it as xml, then there is no need to have own column for user/date/comment, etc...)

then from reporting side, when user changes the status, the value of status goes to the value element, and a second action writes the current user + now() to XML cell with setproperty action.

only drawback of writing XML as a value to OLAP database is, that from self service/excel integration - the xml value is not easy to read, however is easy to show on reporting.

So in the end, consider also what tool would you use to present the user/date,etcc as well.

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