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infoAdvantage: User Created Prompts That Use ‘*’ for All

Predefined Filters have been the only way to allow users to input an asterisk ‘*’ into a prompt field to retrieve all available records.  When using the Operator InList with prompts, users still have to select all the values to return data in the report.  However, there is another way for users to create a prompt that will allow the use of ‘*’ for All Records.

For example, if you create a report that allows users to pick the Funds to be seen on their report, you may create a prompt that will allow them to input ‘*’ to retrieve all Funds they have access to view instead of having to select the ones to be viewed.

In order to create a prompt that would allow a user to input ‘*’, you first must create a prompt for Fund and then a prompt for Asterisk.  To create a prompt for Fund, drag the Dimension Object Fund into the Query Filters Panel.  You need to choose InList for the Operator and Prompt for the Operand Type, as shown in the screenshot to the right.  Whatever Prompt Text you decide to use for this prompt must be used for the Asterisk prompt as well.

Next, a prompt must be created for Asterisk.  The Asterisk Dimension Object may be found in the Class Created from User Objects.  Drag Asterisk into the Query Filters Panel.  You need to choose InList for the Operator and Prompt for the Operand Type, as shown in the screenshot to the right.  Remember to use the same Prompt Text as used for the Fund prompt.

When you click on OK after creating the Asterisk prompt, the following error will appear.

Click on Close.  This message is just a notification that you will only see one Prompt when you run your report.

Be sure to use Or for your condition. 

When you run your query, you will notice there is only one prompt. You may now input ‘*’ to retrieve all Funds that you have security to view on your report.

In this instance, using the Predefined Optional Fund Prompt would also allow you to use ‘*’ to retrieve all Funds. This would save time because you do not have to create two prompts.  However, there could be an instance where there is no Predefined Filter available that uses ‘*’.

Please note:  Some of the Kentucky specific universes do not have the Asterisk Dimension Object so this would not be an option in some universes.

 

Last Updated 2/5/2008
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