Preliminary Application Help CUSTOMER

Enterprise Controlling Consolidation (EC-CS), Business

Consolidation (SEM-BCS)
Document Version: 1.2 – 2014-01-28

SAP Interactive Excel 3.0

Enhancement Package 5 for SAP ERP 6.0 and later
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Document History

Version Date Change

1.0 2013-04-17 Initial version

1.1 2013-07-09 • New chapter: Chapter 2 Quick Guide to Using SAP Interactive Excel
Describes the steps that are necessary for first-time use of
SAP Interactive Excel
• New chapter numbering

1.2 2014-01-28 The following chapters are new:

• 5 Matrix Examples
• 6 Working with Structures
• 7 Pivot Tables
• 8 Security
• 9 SAP Interactive Excel Converter

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Table of Contents

1 About SAP Interactive Excel ......................................................................................................................... 6

2 Quick Guide to Using SAP Interactive Excel ............................................................................................... 8

2.1 Logging On to a System .......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Defining Global Parameters (Optional) ................................................................................................................ 11
2.3 Reporting ................................................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4 Posting Data ........................................................................................................................................................... 17

3 Online Data Entry with SAP Interactive Excel ......................................................................................... 20

3.1 Opening a New Workbook with SAP Interactive Excel ....................................................................................... 22
3.2 Interactive Database Connection.........................................................................................................................23
3.3 Connecting SAP Interactive Excel to a Database ...............................................................................................24
3.4 SAP Interactive Excel Settings .............................................................................................................................25
3.5 Data Matrix ............................................................................................................................................................. 27
3.5.1 Creation of a Data Matrix .....................................................................................................................29
3.5.2 Making Global Settings for a New Data Matrix ...................................................................................34
3.5.3 Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix Layout............................................................................36
3.5.4 Specifying Single Values ..................................................................................................................... 40
3.5.5 Specifying Sets ..................................................................................................................................... 41
3.5.6 Specifying Hierarchies .........................................................................................................................43
3.5.7 Specifying Attributes ............................................................................................................................45
3.5.8 Changing Characteristic Values ..........................................................................................................46
3.5.9 Determination of Values for Characteristics ...................................................................................... 47
3.5.10 Creation of Further Matrices................................................................................................................ 51
3.5.11 Preparation for Data Entry ...................................................................................................................52
3.5.12 Entry of Data in a Matrix .......................................................................................................................54
3.5.13 Deleting a Matrix ................................................................................................................................... 55
3.6 Saving of Financial Data to the Database ............................................................................................................56
3.7 Information about the Origin of Data ................................................................................................................... 57
3.8 Creating a Snapshot of a Worksheet or Workbook ............................................................................................59

4 Reporting with SAP Interactive Excel....................................................................................................... 60

4.1 Creation of Reports on the Basis of Interactive Data Matrices .........................................................................62
4.2 Reporting for Specific Data Categories ...............................................................................................................63
4.3 Refreshing of Report Data ....................................................................................................................................64

5 Matrix Examples ...........................................................................................................................................65

5.1 Data Reporting/Data Entry Matrix .......................................................................................................................65
5.2 Building Up a Matrix .............................................................................................................................................. 74
5.3 Changing a Matrix ..................................................................................................................................................79

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6 Working with Structures ............................................................................................................................ 85

7 Pivot Tables ................................................................................................................................................... 87

7.1 Definition of a Pivot Table .................................................................................................................................... 89
7.2 Defining a Pivot Table ............................................................................................................................................ 91

8 Security......................................................................................................................................................... 93

9 SAP Interactive Excel Converter ............................................................................................................... 94

10 Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................ 96

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1 About SAP Interactive Excel

Purpose

Interactive Excel enables you to enter reported financial data of consolidation units in user-defined matrices and
save this data to the backend consolidation component directly from a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The backend
consolidation component can be the database tables for EC-CS totals records in an SAP ERP 6.0 system or, if
SAP Enhancement Package 5 for SAP ERP 6.0 or later is installed on your system, an InfoCube for Business
Consolidation (SEM-BCS) totals records in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse. You can use Interactive Excel
for online data entry as an alternative to online data entry in an SAP system.
Another option for a backend database is to use a Microsoft Access file created by using the Enterprise
Controlling Consolidation (EC-CS) tool for offline data entry. For more information, see the documentation on
SAP Help Portal and search for Consolidation: Offline Data Entry with MS Access.

Implementation Considerations

You can use Interactive Excel to access and maintain reported financial data in the Enterprise Controlling
Consolidation (EC-CS) component if you have installed SAP Interactive Excel, version 3.0.
Interactive Excel allows you greater flexibility in the definition of data entry forms than the online data entry in an
SAP system. For example, in the backend system, data entry form layouts are fixed, and you cannot change the
column definition whereas using Interactive Excel, you can change the layout.

Integration

• You can use the master data and the control parameters of the backend system to help you define data entry
matrices.
• You can use Interactive Excel for various scenarios regarding the relationship between components and the
organization of the data entry procedure.
For more information, see Online Data Entry with SAP Interactive Excel.

Features

Flexible Definition of Data Entry Matrices

In a data matrix, you enter reported financial data for various characteristics and combinations of characteristics.
To simplify the definition of a data matrix, you can use lists of proposals for the characteristics predefined in
Interactive Excel. The system generates these proposals from the master data and the control parameters in the
database.
However, you can also define your own matrix or part of a matrix without using the values from the backend
system, and you can apply any formatting that you require.
For more information, see Data Matrix and Creation of a Data Matrix.

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Excel Formatting
Interactive Excel is an add-in program for the standard Microsoft Excel application in the form of a template.
Therefore, it has the advantage that it is based on a well-known spreadsheet program that offers a wide range of
formatting functions.

Preparation for Data Entry

Before you enter data in a matrix, you can run a preparation for data entry. During this procedure, matrix cells in
which data cannot be entered are blocked, and data from the totals (InfoCube or database table) is imported into
the matrix as reference data.
For more information, see Preparation for Data Entry.

Checks/Validations
Interactive Excel checks the consistency of data before exporting it to the totals InfoCube.

Reporting
You can use Interactive Excel to evaluate the current data in an SAP system by creating user-defined reports.
For more information, see Reporting with SAP Interactive Excel.

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2 Quick Guide to Using SAP Interactive Excel

This chapter describes the steps that are necessary for first-time use of SAP Interactive Excel.

Prerequisites

You have installed SAP Interactive Excel and have set up a connection to an SAP ERP backend system on which
Enterprise Controlling Consolidation (EC-CS) or Business Consolidation (SEM-BCS) is installed.
For EC-CS only: You can also connect SAP Interactive Excel to an offline data entry database in Microsoft Access.

Activities

• Logging On to a System
• Defining Global Parameters (Optional)
• Reporting
• Posting Data

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2.1 Logging On to a System

1. Open the SAPExcelWorkbook.xltm file from the Windows Start menu by selecting All Programs → SAP
Front End → SAP Interactive Excel 3.0.
Microsoft Excel opens.
2. Enable the SAP Interactive Excel add-in.
3. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Logon.
The SAP Logon dialog box opens.
4. Create a new logon entry by doing one of the following:
o To connect to an SAP ERP backend system, click the New SAP System toolbar button.
o To connect to a Microsoft Access database with offline data entry for EC-CS, click MS Access Logon.
5. Configure the logon customizing manually to enable access to the backend systems on the User and Settings
tabs.
You can apply the settings from the standard SAP Logon entry if it is available.

Creating a new logon entry

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 Configuring the logon settings

6. If Secure Network Communications (SNC) is active in your landscape, select Activate Secure Network
Communication and enter identification string instead of your user credentials.

Using Secure Network Communications (SNC)

7. Log on to a backend system.

If the connection to an SAP system or a Microsoft Access database is correctly defined and you have logged
on successfully, the connection parameters are stored and appear on the logon overview screen the next time
you log on.
You can change previously defined connection parameters, for example, your user name, by clicking Change.
You can delete existing connections by clicking Delete.

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2.2 Defining Global Parameters (Optional)

1. Log on to a backend system with active component from the Logging on to a System test case.
2. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Settings.
The global parameters are always assigned to a specific aspect. If no aspect has been selected, the Aspect
Selection dialog box opens by default. If you do not select any aspect, the Global parameters tab page is not
available in the Options dialog box.

Aspect Selection dialog box

3. In the Options dialog box on the Global parameters tab, define the global parameters.
The global parameters you define are available on the Global parameters tab the next time you log on. By
default, the parameters are inserted into a new matrix definition. If the global parameters are not defined, no
predefined settings are available in the matrix definition.

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 Defining global parameters

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2.3 Reporting

1. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Data matrix.

If you have defined global parameters, the Selected characteristics dialog box opens and the parameters are
available as the predefined settings of the new matrix. You can use these settings or you can ignore specific
parameters by clearing the corresponding checkboxes.

Selecting global parameters

The Reference values/Insert values options are relevant when you create a new matrix and another matrix
already exists. You can reference the parameters of the previous matrix by selecting Reference values. If you
select Insert values, the new parameters are inserted into the new matrix.
2. To confirm the global parameters you want to use, click Continue.
A dialog box opens and displays the data matrix definition.
3. Add your selection criteria.

Example
Cons. group CG1

Cons. unit C1000

Key figure CV GC CD

4. Open the data matrix definition and confirm the matrix header by clicking OK.

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 Data matrix definition

5. Add the values of the required FS items to a worksheet, for example, to cells A20 - A27, as follows:
1. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Change.
2. Assign the range $A$20:$A$27 to the FS Item characteristic and then click OK.
3. Import data by clicking Import Data.

Importing the values of required characteristics

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 Note
You can also insert FS item values on the Data matrix tab by clicking Single values, Sets or Hierarchies and
selecting the required FS items from the list of characteristic values.

Inserting characteristic values

Caution
Before you insert the characteristic values, position the cursor in the required target cell, for example,
A20.

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 Selecting FS item values

6. Click OK.
The selected values of FS items are inserted into the sheet vertically, into and below the cell A20.

Note
If you inserted FS item values on the Data matrix tab, import the data by using the Import data command
on the Data matrix tab.

Importing data on the Data matrix tab

Data is inserted into the range that is assigned for the values. If no value range is defined, a dialog box opens
where you can specify the cell identification or you can position the cursor in the cell, which shall be top left
corner of the value range.

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2.4 Posting Data

1. Follow the steps described under Data reporting.

2. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, open the matrix definition by clicking Change and change the key figure
parameter value to LV LC CD.

Changing a parameter value (1)

Note
You can also access the key figure from the worksheet directly and change its value in the Values of Key
figure dialog box.

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 Changing a parameter value (2)

3. Change the matrix mode to Data Entry and click Import data.

Importing data for posting

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4. Change the value as required and click Write Data.

Writing data to the backend system

Caution
When writing data, do not select Test run; otherwise, the system only checks data but does not post it to
the backend system.

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3 Online Data Entry with
SAP Interactive Excel

Purpose

You can use SAP Interactive Excel for data entry within a subgroup in different scenarios. Each scenario is
determined by decisions taken within a subgroup concerning the technical organization and procedures for data
entry.

Prerequisites

You have installed Microsoft Excel 2010 or later and SAP Interactive Excel, version 3.0.

Scenario Example

1. You must assign the Interactive Excel data collection procedure to the data collection method that you assign
to one data collection task for the consolidation units, for example, companies, which will enter their reported
financial data by using SAP Interactive Excel.
2. A subsidiary creates its own data entry matrices in SAP Interactive Excel based on the master data and the
control parameters in the consolidation backend system. It may also run a preparation for data entry for the
matrices.
3. The subsidiary enters its financial data in the matrices and saves the data to the totals InfoCube of SEM-BCS
or to the totals database table of EC-CS.

Note
The parent company does one of the following:
o Allows its subsidiaries to define their own matrices
o Creates templates for matrices centrally and distributes them

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Result

After the completion of data entry in SAP Interactive Excel, you can continue processing the data in the SAP
system. In particular, you can execute consolidation tasks that use the reported financial data maintained in
SAP Interactive Excel as input data.

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3.1 Opening a New Workbook with SAP Interactive Excel

Prerequisites

You have installed Microsoft Excel 2010 or later and SAP Interactive Excel, version 3.0.

Note
If you have enabled the SAP Interactive Excel add-in, the SAP Interactive Excel tab is automatically added
to the ribbon. You can use this tab to log on to a database connected to the SAP system.

Procedure

1. Open Microsoft Excel.

2. Enable macros.
3. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Log On.
4. Log on to the backend consolidation system.

Result

The SAP Interactive Excel tab is added to the standard Excel ribbon. You use this tab to log on to SAP systems and
access transactional and master data from the consolidation system. The SAP Interactive Excel tab is displayed in
the language that you select when you log on to a backend system. The language is independent of the Microsoft
Office default language.

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3.2 Interactive Database Connection

Use

This central function of SAP Interactive Excel enables you to do the following:
• Save reported financial data from a data entry form to the totals InfoCube
• Import up-to-the-minute data from the totals InfoCube into reports defined in SAP Interactive Excel
• Use master data and control parameters stored in the database as value proposals when defining data entry
forms and reports

Prerequisites

You have access to the appropriate database tables.

Features

Communication Between SAP Interactive Excel and the Database

Data can be transferred between SAP Interactive Excel and a database as follows:
• You can save data entered in an SAP Interactive Excel form to a totals InfoCube for SEM-BCS in SAP
NetWeaver Business Warehouse or to a totals database table in an EC-CS system.
• You can import data from a totals InfoCube for SEM-BCS in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse or from
a totals database table for EC-CS into an SAP Interactive Excel report.

Loading of Interface Texts for SAP Interactive Excel

The language that you specify when logging on to the SAP system determines the language that appears on the
user interface of SAP Interactive Excel.

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3.3 Connecting SAP Interactive Excel to a Database

You connect SAP Interactive Excel to a database by logging on to an SAP system from the SAP Interactive Excel
tab in Microsoft Excel.

Procedure

1. Open an empty file or predefined a file that you created using the SAP Interactive Excel add-in.
2. Open the delivered template (SAPExcelWorkbook.xltm) or another file that was created by using
SAP Interactive Excel earlier.
3. Click SAP Interactive Excel → Log On.
4. In the SAP Logon dialog box, log on to the SEM-BCS or EC-CS system.
The language that you specify when logging on determines the interface language of the SAP Interactive Excel
component.

Result

SAP Interactive Excel is connected to the database and the Data Matrix tab is added to standard Excel ribbon.
Additional functions are available on the SAP Interactive Excel tab.

Note
You can connect a workbook to only one database in the backend system at a time.

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3.4 SAP Interactive Excel Settings

Use

You can make different formatting settings and general definitions for your work with SAP Interactive Excel.

Features

Formats for Hierarchies

You can change the color of the individual levels and their indent level. Your settings are saved locally on your
computer.

Formats for Matrix Cells

You can define different formats for the following cells:
• Locked Cells (cannot be used for data entry, for example, totals items or invalid characteristics)
• Cells that can be used for data entry
• Output Cells in Reports (into which data is imported)
These settings are valid for the entire workbook.
If you choose Change for the relevant cells, a standard Excel dialog box appears. In this dialog box, you define the
formats that you want to use.
The default format template for SAP Interactive Excel is applied and should be sufficient for your needs. However,
you can choose a different template if required.

Settings
• Shortcut Key for Possible Entries Function
When you insert a single value or set aggregation into a cell, a possible entries function is applied to the cell.
You can use the button to the right of the cell to display a list of possible values.
The default key combination for this function is S T R G + h . If required, you can set a different key
combination.
• Only read the values manually
Choose this setting if you want to prevent data from being automatically read from the SAP system.
Changed matrix data is normally automatically read again from the SAP system. You can prevent this using
SAP Interactive Excel, for example, if you want to create varied valuations on the basis of data from a key
date.
If you activate this option, only manual update is allowed and every time you log on to SAP Interactive Excel, a
system message prompts you that the automatic update feature is deactivated.

Define Font
If required, you can change the font used for displaying the user interface texts (dialogs) in SAP Interactive Excel.

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You can choose either a fixed-width font or a proportional font, for which there are further options available. You
can also display sample texts.

Global Settings
You can display and change the global parameters that you work with in the SAP system.

Default Settings
You can use the SAP defaults function to restore the standard settings for SAP Interactive Excel.

Activities

You can make your settings by clicking SAP Interactive Excel →Settings.

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3.5 Data Matrix

Definition

User-defined table in SAP Interactive Excel that can function either as a data entry form or as a report.

Use

You can use data matrices for the following purposes:

• Entering financial data in the consolidation backend system
The parent in a consolidation group usually decides whether it will define the data entry matrices for all
subsidiaries using SAP Interactive Excel, or whether it will allow the subsidiaries to define their own matrices.
• Reporting on the basis of current financial data in an SAP system
For more information, see Creation of a Data Matrix.

Structure

A data matrix consists of the following elements:

Header Data
Characteristics are valid for a matrix as a whole and appear outside the row and column layout of the matrix.
Single values (for example, fiscal year or version) or set aggregations (represented as Single Selections in SEM-
BCS) can be used for these characteristics. Each characteristic value that is defined as header data fills exactly
one cell. The values that you select are inserted in the worksheet in a block, but you can subsequently move them
to a different position.

Constants
Characteristics are fixed for a matrix as a whole. You specify these characteristics during matrix definition, after
which they are hidden in the matrix and can no longer be selected during further definition.

Column Layout
Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, which extend across several columns. A column layout in a
matrix can consist of several rows. You do not necessarily have to position these rows directly beneath each
other.
For more information, see Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix Layout.

Row Layout
Multiple values or set aggregations for a characteristic, or one or more hierarchies, which extend across several
rows. A row layout in a matrix can consist of several columns. You do not necessarily have to position these
columns directly beside each other.
For more information, see Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix Layout.

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User-Defined Entries
Empty rows or columns are inserted into a column/row layout, that is, where no characteristics are specified for a
whole column/row. In reporting, you can use these cells for your own functions, for example, you can use an Excel
formula.

Data Area
Area directly adjacent to the row and column layouts, in which financial data is entered or reported data is
displayed.

Caution
SAP Interactive Excel must be able to identify the row and column layout before it can identify a data area.
The program cannot distinguish a layout that only covers one row/column from header data and,
therefore cannot identify it as a row/column layout. If your layout cannot be identified, a message
appears prompting you to explicitly indicate the data area.

A Simple Data Matrix and Its Base Elements

Note
If you have created a complex matrix and want to identify the various elements in the matrix definition,
you can click SAP Interactive Excel →Origin of data →Active matrix →Matrix definition. This function marks
the row and column layout and the header data on a worksheet.

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3.5.1 Creation of a Data Matrix

Purpose

You can create a new data matrix as a data entry form or report by defining the settings that are valid for the
whole matrix. You can create more than one matrix in a single worksheet.
For an example of how to create a data matrix, see Matrix Examples.

Prerequisites

• You have created an SAP Interactive Excel workbook based on the delivered SAPExcelWorkbook.xltm
template.
• If you want to use master data and control parameters from the target or source environment (that is, the
consolidation area in the SEM-BCS system) as proposals for the definition of characteristic values, you must
log on to the appropriate SAP SEM-BCS/EC-CS system.

Note
You can define a matrix without using proposals originating from existing master data and control
parameters. However, you must specify additional definitions; therefore, this manual procedure is more
complex.
• You have selected an aspect for the matrix.
An aspect determines the source or target environment for the matrix data. In the context of SEM-BCS, this
means the consolidation area from which you want to import data into reports (source environment) or the
consolidation area to which you want to store the data entered in the data matrix (target environment), and
whose master data and control parameters you want to use for the matrix definition.
If EC-CS is used as the backend system, the CS aspect is always used.

Note
You cannot change an aspect after it has been selected for a matrix.
Your selected aspect is used as the default for further matrices, which you process with SAP Interactive Excel,
until you change the aspect.

Process Flow

1. You specify the following global settings:

o Matrix name
If you define several matrices for a single worksheet, you can give them different names.

Note
You cannot change the name of a matrix later.

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 o Debit/credit sign logic
For information, see Debit/Credit Sign Logic.
o Scaling
Data can be entered/displayed at a specified scaling factor. Scaling from 1 to 1,000,000 is possible when
you create a matrix. You can later change the scaling factor as required.
o Return units indicator
If you select this indicator, values are displayed with a unit in SAP Interactive Excel reports, for example,
currency or unit of measure.
o Data entry matrix indicator
You need to set this indicator if you want to use a matrix in order to enter data and run a preparation for
data entry.
o Display blank lines indicator
Normally blank lines are also displayed in a data matrix; therefore, the indicator is selected. Deselecting
the indicator suppresses blank lines. You can suppress blank lines to improve clarity.
o Display blank columns indicator
Normally blank columns are also displayed in a data matrix; therefore, the indicator is selected. Deselect
this indicator to suppress blank columns and improve clarity.
o Post 0 for blank cells indicator
Use this indicator if you want to write zero (0) for blank cells. You can use this setting to enter a numerical
value in all items.
o Update mode
The update mode specifies how the system is to process the values of data records that were posted
earlier. You have the following options:
o Delete (all FS items, all subassignments): all existing data for each object is reset to zero
o Delete (entered items, all subassignments): all existing data for each object in posted items is deleted
before writing the entered data.
o Delete (FS items in the matrix, all subassignments): all existing data for each object in the matrix is
deleted with all subassignments, before writing the entered data.

Note
This option is available for an EC-CS backend system only.
o Overwrite (entered items and subassignments): the existing entries are overwritten by the entered
ones (when identical to the item and all subassignments), other entered data is written; otherwise,
existing settings remain unchanged
o Allocate (overwrite, but total per item remains unchanged): the value, which already exists in an item,
is divided onto the uploaded subassignments the total per item remains unchanged. To achieve this,
an automatic offsetting entry is generated on the respective default subassignment.

Note
This option is available for an EC-CS backend system only.
o No Modification: all data in the target system remains unchanged; the new data is posted only if it
does not exist in the target system yet; otherwise, an error message is displayed.

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 Note
This option is available for an SEM-BCS backend system only.

Note
The Divide function is currently restricted to the Partner subassignment.
2. You specify global characteristic values.
o You can specify single values or set aggregations as characteristic values for a matrix header. To do this,
you can use master data and control parameters in the source/target environment (that is, the
consolidation area) as proposals.
o If a characteristic value is valid for an entire matrix, you can mark it as a constant. The value is set in the
background, and the characteristic is no longer available for definition, thereby reducing the number of
characteristics that are listed.
o You can find out which characteristics are set as a constant and undo this setting at any time. For more
information, see Making Global Settings for a New Data Matrix.
o If a particular characteristic is irrelevant for your matrix, you can mark it as a constant without assigning a
value. It will then be inactive and no longer offered for selection.
o If you subsequently change a characteristic value in a report matrix when connected to a database, the
matrix is automatically refreshed with the appropriate database data.

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3.5.1.1 Debit/Credit Sign Logic

The logic that you select determines the debit and credit signing used for entering data or for displaying data that
is imported from the totals InfoCube. The following table describes the sign logic that is supported.

Debit/credit sign logic Represents

Database values In data entry, the system stores the values to the database with the
same sign that you specify when entering the data on the user
interface.
In reporting, the system displays the values on the user interface
with the same sign that is stored on the database.

Example
Assets items as positive (without a sign) and
liabilities/stockholders' equity items as negative (with a
minus sign).

Values as per item sign In data entry, the system takes into account both the sign that you
specify on the user interface and the debit/credit sign set in the
master data of the item/subitem concerned. When storing the
value to the database, the system stores the product of the user-
specified sign and the signs in the master data of the item/subitem
concerned.
In reporting, the system takes into account both the sign that is
stored on the database and the debit/credit sign set in the master
data of the item/subitem concerned. When displaying the value on
the user interface, the system displays the product of the sign on
the database and the signs in the master data of the item/subitem
concerned.

Example
The balance of a liabilities/stockholders’ equity item is
usually a credit. The subitem for acquisition is a debit.
Therefore, when you maintain acquisition data on a
liabilities/stockholders’ equity item, you do not explicitly
specify a sign on user interface. Nevertheless, the system
stores the value with a negative sign to the database.

Inverse database values In data entry, the system stores the values to the database with the
opposite sign as compared to the sign that you specify when
entering the data on the user interface.
In reporting, the system displays the values on the user interface
with the opposite sign as compared to the sign that is stored on the
database.

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 Debit/credit sign logic Represents

Example
You can use this logic for an income statement item, if you
want to show expenses as negative (with a minus sign) and
revenue as positive (without a sign). This relationship
between positive and negative values enables you to
calculate financial results using standard Excel formulas.

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3.5.2 Making Global Settings for a New Data Matrix

Prerequisites

You have opened a workbook that was created using the SAP Interactive Excel template.

Procedure

1. Place the cursor on a cell that you want to form the upper left corner of the matrix header data.
2. Click Data Matrix → New.
The settings of existing matrices are copied into your matrix as default values.
A dialog box appears that displays the Preset Characteristics (that is, the global parameters).
You can predefine the global parameters by clicking SAP Interactive Excel → Settings → Global Parameters.
You can deactivate certain parameters.
3. On the Settings tab, enter a name for your matrix and specify the following parameters:
o A debit/credit sign logic
o A scaling factor for data
o Whether you want to enter values with units or display units for imported data
o Whether blank lines should be displayed
o Whether empty columns should be displayed
o Whether the matrix is a data entry matrix
For information about the parameters, see Making Global Settings for a New Data Matrix.
4. On the Characteristics tab, specify values for characteristics that are valid for the whole matrix as follows:
1. Select a characteristic in the dialog box.
2. Determine the characteristic type for the value.
You can define the value as either a single value or a set aggregation.
3. Use the arrow button next to the Value ID field to display a list of possible values and select one of these
values.
4. Select Fix if a characteristic is valid for the whole matrix and you do not want it to appear on the
worksheet.

Note
o If you want to change the value selected for a characteristic, position the cursor on the characteristic
and select a new value from the list of possible values using the arrow button; then select the correct
value.
o If you want to remove the value selected for a characteristic, position the cursor on the characteristic,
and select the empty entry at the top of the list of possible values.
5. Repeat step 4 until you have specified all the characteristic values that you require and then click OK.

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Result

• The relevant characteristic values are inserted as a block at the cursor position, unless you specified them as
constants, in which case they are invisible. General information, for example, user, scaling factor, and aspect
is also inserted.
• Header data can be formatted, moved, or deleted after it is inserted into a worksheet. You can change all
global settings except for the matrix name and aspect after insertion.
• You can check your settings and make changes at any time by clicking Data Matrix → Change → Settings.

Note
In this way, you can find out which characteristic values are defined as constants on the Constant tab and
therefore do not appear on the worksheet. You can also remove the Constant indicator for a
characteristic value.
• For more information about changing values, see Changing Characteristic Values.
• You can predefine the settings for new data matrices. To do this, click SAP Interactive Excel → Settings →
Global Parameters.
Global parameters are saved for every single aspect. In exactly the same way, you can copy the settings of
already existing matrices as default values.

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3.5.3 Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix Layout

Purpose

You can define the row and column layout of a data entry form or report matrix by arranging characteristics and
characteristic values on a worksheet.

Prerequisites

You have created a matrix and defined the basic settings for your matrix. For more information, see Creation of a
Data Matrix.

Process Flow

1. You define characteristic values and insert them into the worksheet as a row and column layout.
You can specify characteristics and their values in the following ways:
o By manually inserting them in the matrix
o By selecting them from proposal lists that are generated from master data and control parameters in the
database

Note
The advantage of selecting values from lists of proposals is that SAP Interactive Excel recognizes the
reference of the cell in which a characteristic value is located and you do not need specify it explicitly. For
more information, see Determination of Values for Characteristics.
If you use proposals, you can display the key and/or the short or long text in the matrix. If, in addition to the
key, you use the long text, the long text automatically changes if you select a different characteristic value by
entering a new key.
You can use the following types of characteristics to define the matrix layout:
o Single values
You can arrange these in sequence, either horizontally or vertically.
o Set list
A series of single values arranged in sequence, either horizontally or vertically. Single selections are
restricted by a named single selection, which is defined in backend system.
o Set aggregation
A single entry in the matrix definition summarizes data for all entries of named single selection.
o Hierarchy
A series of single values arranged vertically with a structure of up to eight (8) levels. This feature is
determined by the native grouping options of Microsoft Excel.

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 You can insert an unlimited number of single values, sets, and hierarchies into your data matrix, and
subsequently delete, move, format, or change them.

Caution
A large number of different characteristics can have a negative impact on the performance of the created
report.

Recommendation
If you use more hierarchies for columns/rows, the display can combine both together. We recommend
that you use one hierarchy for one direction (column/rows).
When you insert a single value or set aggregation into a cell on the worksheet, a help function for values is
automatically set for this cell. You can display a list of possible values for the characteristic by positioning the
cursor on the cell and using the function button that appears. This function enables you to change a
characteristic value quickly and easily.

Caution
If you subsequently change a characteristic value in a report matrix when connected to a database, the
matrix is automatically refreshed with the appropriate database data. You can suppress automatic
update by deselecting Refresh values automatically on the Data Matrix tab.

Caution
When you define characteristics, take this into account that certain characteristics are dependent on
others. The value you set for one characteristic could determine the values that SAP Interactive Excel
proposes for a second characteristic.
When you use the Data Matrix tab in SAP Interactive Excel to specify values for characteristics that you want
to insert into a matrix, you need to define any delimiting characteristics before a proposal list can be
generated.
Before you prepare a matrix for data entry, you need to define all required characteristics. Required
characteristics are defined roles of a consolidation model, which are required for valid data selection.
The following table shows the characteristic roles that are supported by SAP Interactive Excel. Their
dependencies are defined by the roles of the consolidation data model.

Role Characteristic required In SAP dependent on...

Fixed in consolidation No
area

FS item Yes Cons chart of accounts

Version Yes

Restatement Characteristic required, if

restatement is part of data model

Fiscal year Yes

Period Yes

Consolidation group Characteristic required, if:

Single value - reporting mode is different from Dimension

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 Role Characteristic required In SAP dependent on...
Attributes “None”
or: Dimension
Hierarchy - no consolidation unit is specified Version
or: Fiscal year
- consolidated data (posting level
30)
Dimension
Version
Fiscal year
Period

Consolidation unit Characteristic required, if no

consolidation group is specified Dimension
Single value
Dimension
Attributes Fiscal year

Dimension
Set Fiscal year
Period
Version

Dimension
Hierarchy Fiscal year
Period
Version

Partner unit No
Single value/Set Dimension

Attributes Dimension
Fiscal year

Key figure Yes

Subassignment No

Unit of measure No

Year of acquisition No

Period of acquisition No

Custom characteristic No

Transaction currency No

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 Role Characteristic required In SAP dependent on...

Document type No Dimension

Reference fiscal year No

Reference period No

Posting level No Key figure

Note
Data is aggregated for characteristics without a defined value. For example, if a receivables item has a
breakdown by trading partner and transaction currency and you do not specify a value for the trading
partner breakdown, the sum of all data records with a trading partner assignment is calculated
(reporting) by the system or must be entered (data entry) by the user, for this item. If a row or a column
contains no specified characteristics, it can be used for a user-defined entry, for example, in an Excel
formula.

Note
The value context help of some characteristics displays a restricted value list only. This feature is
deliberate to improve performance. If you need to specify a value that is not displayed in the list box, first
select any value and then write the required value directly into the respective cell of the worksheet.
For example, it would be extremely time consuming to preselect and display all possible fiscal years from
0000 to 9999. Only twenty years around the current fiscal year are offered in the context value help for
SEM-BCS. The years are displayed in EC-CS are the years for which transactional data has already been
posted to the database.
2. You can display additional information for certain characteristics in any cell in the form of an attribute.

Note
You can display the debit/credit sign of a financial statement item or the currency, text, or language of a
company. This additional information is irrelevant for the import (reporting) and export (entry) of data
because it has no influence on the matrix definition.
3. You make sure that values or value references are set for all the characteristics that you have defined, so that
data can be saved correctly to or imported correctly from the database.
4. You specify any remaining required characteristics and check your global settings.
5. To check the data structure of the data matrix, on the Data Matrix tab, click or Check.

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3.5.4 Specifying Single Values

You can use a list of proposed values to define a characteristic as a single value and insert it into the matrix.

Procedure

1. Place the cursor on the cell in which you want to insert a characteristic value.
2. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Data Matrix → Single values and then select a characteristic.
A dialog box appears with a list of
values for the characteristic.
Depending on the characteristic that
you are defining, values for other
characteristics that you have already
specified, and on which the values in
the proposal list are dependent, may
appear in the fields at the top of the
box.

Note
You may want to specify a value
for a characteristic that is
dependent on the values of
characteristics that you have not
yet specified. To generate a list of
valid proposals, you need to specify these delimiting characteristic values. An example of a delimiting
characteristic value is the consolidation chart of accounts, which represents a compound of the
characteristic FS item. A value list for FS items is displayed only after you have specified the chart of
accounts.

Note
If a list is very long, first, a condensed form of the list is
displayed, which you can selectively expand as required.
3. Select one or more values.
You can use Windows selection functions to select multiple
values ( C T R L + click) or blocks of values ( S H I F T + click). You
can also use the search function by ID values or long texts to
go to its position in the list. In addition, you can position on a
value using .
4. If you want to insert more than one single value, specify how
you want the values to be arranged on the worksheet:
o Vertically: multiple values in a single column. This option is
useful when you are defining rows of a matrix.

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 o Horizontally: multiple values in a single row. This option is useful when you are defining columns of a
matrix.
5. Click OK.

Result

The values are inserted at the

cursor position, either vertically
or horizontally (depending on the
arrangement selected).
If you select multiple values,
these values are inserted in the
sequence in which they are listed
in the database.
You can format, move, delete or
change single values after
insertion into a worksheet.

Note
You can define multiple single values in a single step.

3.5.5 Specifying Sets

You can use a list of proposed values to define a characteristic as a set and insert it into the matrix. Sets are
defined as named single selections in the consolidation workbench. A set consists of characteristics such as
consolidation unit and FS item.

Procedure

1. Place the cursor on the cell in which you want to insert the first entry in the set.
2. On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Data Matrix → Sets and then select the characteristic you require.
A dialog box appears with a list of values for the characteristic. Depending on the characteristic that you are
defining, values for other characteristics that you have already specified, and on which the values in the
proposal list are dependent, may appear in the fields at the top of the box.

Note
You may want to specify a value for a characteristic that is dependent on the values of characteristics that
you have not yet specified. In order to generate a list of valid proposals, you need to specify these
delimiting characteristic values. A value list displayed only after you have made this specification.

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 Note
If a list is very long, first, a condensed form of the list is displayed, which you can selectively expand as
required.
3. Select one or more sets.
You can use Windows selection functions to select multiple values ( C T R L + click) or blocks of values ( S H I F T
+ click). You can enter a value ID (in the form of the field name) to go to its position in the list. You can also use
the search function by ID values or long texts to go to their position in the list. In addition, you can position on
a value using .
4. Determine the following:
o How the set entries should be arranged on the worksheet (in the case of a set list or multiple set
aggregations)
o Whether the ID and/or short text and/or long text of the characteristic should be displayed
o Whether the set is a list set or a set aggregation
5. Click OK.

Result

Set list
The relevant set entries are inserted at the cursor position, either vertically or horizontally (depending on the
arrangement selected).
Set entries are inserted in the sequence in which they are entered in the set.

Set aggregation
Only one entry is inserted into the worksheet. This entry represents the sum of all entries in the set.
Sets can be formatted, moved, deleted or changed after insertion into a worksheet.

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3.5.6 Specifying Hierarchies

You can use a list of proposed values to define a characteristic as a hierarchy and insert it into the matrix. You can
specify hierarchies for the following characteristics:
• Consolidation group
• Consolidation unit
• Partner unit
• FS item
• Other characteristic, if the corresponding InfoObject has a hierarchy and the hierarchy is not disabled by role
definition

Procedure

1. Place the cursor on the cell in which you want to insert the first entry in the hierarchy.

Note
If a list is very long, first, a condensed form of the list is displayed, which you can selectively expand as
required.
2. Click Data Matrix → Hierarchies and the characteristic you require.
A dialog box appears with a list of values for the characteristic. For example, you can select a consolidation
unit.

Note
If a list is very long, first, a condensed form of the list is displayed, which you can selectively expand as
required.
3. Select one or more hierarchies.
You can use the standard Windows commands to select multiple values ( C T R L + click) or blocks of values
( S H I F T + click). You can enter a value ID to go to its position in the list.
4. Click Settings and determine
o Whether you want hierarchy levels to be indented when inserted into the worksheet (Format checkbox)
o How many hierarchy levels (up to 8) should be expanded when the hierarchy is inserted into the
worksheet
o Whether a color should be applied to the hierarchy
o Whether the ID and/or short text and/or long text of the characteristic should be displayed, check box ID
and combobox for text types
5. Click OK.

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Result

The relevant hierarchy is inserted at the cursor position, with the specified formatting. All hierarchy entries are
inserted, regardless of the number of levels that are expanded.
You can change the color format and indent of the individual levels by clicking SAP Interactive Excel → Settings.
Your settings are saved locally on your computer.

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3.5.7 Specifying Attributes

Prerequisites

You have specified header data for your matrix. You may have also defined the matrix layout. You now want to
insert an attribute into the matrix to provide additional information about a single value, set entry or hierarchy
entry. An attribute is not part of the information required for communication between SAP Interactive Excel and
the database. SAP provides possible attributes as well as further custom characteristics.
The information that can be provided by an attribute depends on the characteristic, for example, a debit/credit
sign or short text can be inserted for a financial statement item.

Note
You cannot insert attributes for a set aggregation because this characteristic has multiple values.

Procedure

1. Place the cursor on the cell in which you want to insert an attribute.
2. Click Data Matrix → Attribute and then the relevant characteristic.
A modeless dialog box appears in which you specify the relevant characteristic value.
3. Place the cursor on the cell in which the ID or long text for the value is located.
The cell reference is displayed in the field. Click OK.
By entering an area, you can also display the attributes for all of the fields within the area.
In the next dialog box, select an attribute and click OK.

Note
You may want to specify an attribute for a characteristic that is dependent on the values of
characteristics that you have not yet specified. In order to generate a list of valid attributes, you need to
specify these delimiting characteristic values. A list of attributes displayed only after you have made this
specification.

Result

The attribute is inserted at the cursor position, and can be subsequently formatted, moved, deleted, or changed.
You can use the procedure described above to change an attribute that you have already defined. When you
change an attribute, you need to confirm that you want to overwrite it with new data.

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3.5.8 Changing Characteristic Values

You can change some or all of the values that you have already specified for characteristics in a matrix. To do this
by:
• Changing values manually in a matrix
• Change the existing values by typing over them in the worksheet directly
• Changing values by means of proposal lists

Procedure

You can change values by means of proposal lists by doing one of the following:

By a selection list:
1. Place the cursor on the cell you want to change.
2. For sets and/or single values, select a value from the dropdown listbox.
You cannot change hierarchies by using the listbox because there is no dropdown for cells with hierarchies.
3. When the value listbox appears, click the required value, for example, the name of a specific consolidation
unit, and then click OK.

Using SAP Interactive Excel, from where you go to the application menu for Consolidation:
1. Place the cursor on the cell in which the characteristic you want to change is located.
2. Click Data Matrix and then select the relevant characteristic type and the characteristic.
3. When prompted, confirm that you want to overwrite the existing value.
A dialog box appears with a list of values for the characteristic.
Select a value, check that the display format is correct, and then click OK.

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3.5.9 Determination of Values for Characteristics

Use

The link between the database characteristics (that is, the fields in the totals InfoCube for SEM-BCS of fields of
totals database table of EC-CS) and the characteristics available in SAP Interactive Excel is preprogrammed. Your
assignment of characteristic values in a matrix to the preset SAP Interactive Excel characteristics enables data to
be transferred between the correct database fields and matrix fields.
You can identify a characteristic value by entering one of the following:
• A cell reference
• A single value
If you use master data and control parameters from a database as proposals when defining characteristics, the
value reference of characteristic is automatically set. This reference is automatically adjusted when a
characteristic is moved to a different location on a worksheet.
However, you need to specify the value or value reference for characteristics that you have defined as follows:
• By manual insertion in a matrix, outside a list of set entries or a hierarchy
• By copying and pasting from another matrix
It is helpful to specify missing values or missing value references after you have completed the definition of a
matrix. To do this, on the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Data Matrix → Change and then specify the missing
values.

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3.5.9.1 Specifying a Value/Value Reference for Characteristics

Prerequisites

You have not yet specified a characteristic value or the cell reference of a characteristic value, for example, if you
manually inserted a characteristic into your matrix.

Procedure when Using Detailed Menu

1. Click Data Matrix → Change.

2. On the tab strip in the following dialog box, click Optional characteristics and then select the appropriate
characteristic.
3. Enter one of the following into the Value/Value reference field.
o A single value
If the ID of the single value is identical to a possible cell coordinate, for example a transaction type with
the ID B10, you need to enter the value preceded by an apostrophe, for example, ‘B10.
o A cell reference, for example, B3
o A cell reference, by clicking on the button to the right of the entry field
A dialog box appears. When you drag the cursor over the appropriate matrix area on the worksheet, its
coordinates appear in the dialog box field. Use the function button next to the co-ordinate field to confirm
your entry.
4. Click Confirm to complete your selection.
5. Once you have specified all values and value references click OK.
If you have not yet defined a required characteristic, a warning message appears. In this case, click Data
Matrix →Change and define the appropriate characteristics on the Req. char. tab. Then click OK.

Procedure when Using Context Menu

1. Select one or more fields by marking it/them, for example, the FS item, and then right-click.
2. Click SAP Interactive Excel →Allocate/Allocate globally and select the item or a characteristic that you have
chosen instead.

Result

Cell Reference
An assignment is created between a characteristic on the worksheet and a characteristic preset in
SAP Interactive Excel. The cell reference of a characteristic is automatically adjusted if you move the
characteristic to a different location on the worksheet.

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Single Value
The characteristic is invisible on the worksheet, as is the case for all constants.

3.5.9.2 Identifying the Area for Data Input/Output

Use

Before SAP Interactive Excel can import data into or export data from a matrix, SAP Interactive Excel must be
able to identify the data area in the matrix. The data area in a matrix is adjacent to the column and row layout, and
consists of cells relating to these layouts. For a simple graphic showing the different elements of a matrix
definition, see Data Matrix.
If you define a matrix in which the row and column layouts and their respective cells are unique,
SAP Interactive Excel automatically recognizes the data area.
If a layout only occupies a single row or column, it can be confused with the header data and therefore
SAP Interactive Excel cannot identify the layout as a row or column layout. In this case, you are prompted to
explicitly specify the data area at the following events:
• After you have saved a matrix definition that you have changed by clicking Data Matrix → Change.
• Click Data Matrix → Import data to fill a matrix with data.

Example
You have inserted a hierarchy of consolidation items in the row layout of a matrix and a version in the
column layout. SAP Interactive Excel cannot identify the data area because it does not recognize a layout
that only contains one characteristic value.

Activities

1. Select the data area by dragging the cursor over the worksheet.
2. Select Choose to the right of the coordinate field to confirm your entry.
3. Click Confirm.

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3.5.9.3 Entry of Specific Data Categories

Use

You can enter cumulative financial data for a combination of the following parameters by specifying an
appropriate key figure:
• Valuation
• Local requirements (reported financial data)
• Currency or quantity
• Local currency
• Transaction currency
• Quantity

Example
You select the key figure LV LC CD (reported financial data, local currency, cumulative).

Activities

When you define a data matrix, you specify the data category for your financial data by setting the appropriate key
figure as a global characteristic value. For more information about the definition of global characteristic values,
see Making Global Settings for a New Data Matrix

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3.5.10 Creation of Further Matrices

Use

When you create an additional matrix, global characteristic values set for the initial matrix are automatically
proposed for the header data.

Features

When you create an additional matrix, global characteristic values set for the initial matrix are automatically
proposed for the header data of the new matrix. This minimizes the effort required for defining two or more
matrices with similar or identical header data.

Activities

You create an additional matrix in the same way as the initial matrix, by clicking Data Matrix → New, see Creation
of a Data Matrix.
You select the values that you want to copy. A value is selected when the field to its left is selected. After you
confirm your selections, a dialog box appears where you define other global settings.

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3.5.11 Preparation for Data Entry

Use

This function enables you to prepare a data matrix for the entry of financial data. During preparation,
SAP Interactive Excel blocks certain cells in the matrix and makes other automatic settings, as described below. It
then imports existing financial data from the database as a reference for data entry.
Preparation for data entry ensures that data is entered correctly. It can be carried out by a parent before
distribution of matrices to subsidiaries, or it can be performed by the subsidiaries themselves.

Prerequisites

• You have defined a matrix locally or received a predefined matrix from a parent, for which the Data entry
matrix indicator is set. For more information, see Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix.
• You have access to the backend system in which you want to save the data.

Features

Blocking of Cells against Data Entry

SAP Interactive Excel checks all cells in the data area to determine whether they are valid for data entry. Cells that
are not valid for data entry (for example those in which totals items or invalid characteristics are located) are
locked and their content cannot be saved to the database.

Caution
o If you enter data in invalid cells and try to export it to the database, a warning message is issued and
you can then correct the error. Once you have corrected an error, data can be exported to the
database. You do not need to rerun the preparation.
o If you do not correct a recognized error and you try to export data to the database again, data is
transferred; however, the data with errors is not saved in the database, and an entry is made in the
error log. This procedure enables you to save correct data to the database without having to first
correct any data with errors.
You can use the Information about the Origin of Data function to display cells that are blocked for data entry.

Insertion of Totals Formulas for Hierarchy Nodes

Values for hierarchy nodes are replaced by totals formulas, which automatically calculate the sum of data entered
for all items below the nodes.

Caution
Due to the insertion of totals formulas, preparation for data entry is not suitable in the following cases:
• If you use hierarchies of companies/consolidation units in the matrix:

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 Only summarization within a hierarchy of consolidation items can produce a value that is valid for
consolidation purposes.
• If you have specified that you want to use the Values as per item sign debit/credit sign logic:
Since the majority of values are entered/displayed as positive using this logic, the total calculated at the
hierarchy nodes will be incorrect.

Note
A cell comment contains information from the SAP system about the reason why the update cannot take
place. Some reasons might be:
o Subassignments were not transferred from the SAP system.
o A wrong, non-existing company was addressed.
o The item is a totals item.
o A matrix was deactivated.
After a matrix has been prepared for data entry, it is deactivated. The connection to the database is not
terminated, but if you subsequently change the definition of the matrix, data is not automatically refreshed.
However, you can manually trigger a refresh of data.

Example
You prepare a matrix with actual data for 1997. You then redefine the matrix for the entry of 1998 plan
data and use the actual data for 1997 as a reference for data entry. When you change the year to 1998,
the data is not refreshed.

Data Import
Any data that exists in the database for the combination of characteristic values in your matrix definition is
inserted into the matrix and serves as a reference that can simply be typed over.

Activities

You can run the preparation function as follows:

• When you save a matrix definition, click Data matrix → Change → Import data.
• Click Data Matrix → Import data and then the relevant work area.

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3.5.12 Entry of Data in a Matrix

Purpose

You can enter financial data in a data matrix and save it to a backend system.

Prerequisites

The matrix in which you want to enter data is already defined, and you have access to the system in which the
data is to be saved. You have defined a matrix or a parent company/unit has provided you with a predefined
matrix in which you can enter data. For more information, see Definition of Column and Rows of a Matrix.

Process Flow

1. If required, you run the preparation for data entry function.

During the preparation, the system imports current data from a backend database into the matrix, certain
cells in the matrix and other automatic settings are blocked. For more information, see Preparation for Data
Entry.

Note
A parent can run the preparation for data entry function on a matrix before sending it to a subsidiary. If
this is the case, the subsidiary does not have to run the preparation function when it receives the matrix.
2. You enter your financial data for the period in the data area of the matrix, either in empty fields or by typing
over the reference data from the preparation for data entry.
3. You save the data to the database.
When you save data to the database, characteristic values in your matrix definition are checked for
consistency. You can also trigger a validation of data using predefined rules.

Note
If required, you export data in test mode to find and remove any errors before you update the database.

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3.5.13 Deleting a Matrix

You can completely remove a data matrix definition from a worksheet and reset all settings made for the matrix.

Procedure

4. Click Data Matrix → Delete matrix.

A dialog box opens.
5. Specify the data to be deleted by doing one of the following:
o Enter the name of the matrix to be deleted.
o Select the area to be deleted by dragging the cursor over the appropriate matrix area on the worksheet.
When its coordinates appear in the dialog box field, use the function to the right of the field to confirm the
coordinates of the fields to be deleted.
6. Click OK to delete the selected area.

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3.6 Saving of Financial Data to the Database

Use

You can export financial data entered in a data matrix into a backend system.

Prerequisites

• You have entered financial data in a matrix, possibly after preparing your matrix for data entry.
• The relevant backend system is available.

Features

Checks
When you save data to the database, characteristic values in your matrix definition are checked for consistency.
• A warning message appears if characteristic values in a matrix are inconsistent with those in the database, for
example, if they are invalid or have an incorrect breakdown. You can correct any errors and restart the
database update.
• Data in rows or columns without a definition is not saved to the database.
• The value 0 (zero) is saved for empty cells.

Error Log
Errors that are detected during the export are written in an error log in a text editor window. You can delete errors
in the text editor once you have corrected them in the matrix, and you can copy the log to other applications for
printing or archiving purposes.

Test Run
You can save data in test mode. The system checks characteristics, validates data if specified, and generate a log
of any errors, without updating the database. The test run enables you to remove any errors before saving in
update mode.

Activities

To save data to the backend system, you click Data Matrix → Update Data. You specify whether you want to run
the update in test mode and whether the system should validate the data.
You can save data from all matrices in a worksheet or all matrices in a workbook to the database.

Note
If status management is switched on in the settings of the consolidation area, the status of that data
collection task in the SAP backend system, to which you have assigned a data collection method with
the Active Excel data collection procedure is updated by the exported data.

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3.7 Information about the Origin of Data

Use

You can view important information about the status and the origin of data in a data matrix, a pivot table, or an
individual cell on a worksheet.

Features

Origin of Data in a Matrix

You can display and, if required, insert the following information into the worksheet at the cursor position:
• Characteristics used in the matrix and their values
• Logon user name with which data was imported
• System/Database from which data was imported
• Date on which report data was refreshed most recently
• Scaling factor
• Further technical information such as add-on version on the Version tab
The following functions are also available in the documentation dialog box:
• Locked Cells button: for highlighting of cells blocked for data entry
The blocked cells are marked with a color.
• Matrix Definition button: for demarcation of the data matrix definition
All active cells belonging to the matrix definition are highlighted on the worksheet.
• Insert Data: you can insert this technical information into the active worksheet on position of the cursor.

Caution
Insert technical information into empty range of the worksheet; otherwise, you can overwrite your
processing data.
The relevant cells are marked until you choose another function. However, you can print out a copy of the
worksheet with this information displayed before you continue.

Origin of Data in a Cell

You can display and, if required, print information about the parameters for the data in a cell. You may want to do
this, for example, if you cannot establish the origin of data in a cell from the characteristic values that appear on
the worksheet.
If data has been calculated using an Excel formula, the formula is displayed. Data that has been typed directly into
the worksheet is identified as a constant.

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Activities

To display information about the origin of data, click SAP Interactive Excel → Origin of data → Active Matrix or Cell.
Alternatively, you can get information about the origin of data by using the context menu SAP Interactive Excel →
Origin of data.

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3.8 Creating a Snapshot of a Worksheet or Workbook

As a security measure or for test or presentation purposes, you can create a copy of a worksheet or a workbook.

Note
You cannot refresh the data in a copy of a worksheet or a workbook by importing data from a database.

Procedure

1. Click Data Matrix → Snapshot → Workbook or Worksheet.

A dialog box opens
2. Enter the name of the workbook for which you want to create a snapshot or leave the field empty if you want
to create the snapshot in a new workbook.
3. Click OK.

Result

An identical copy of the workbook or worksheet is created in the specified workbook.

Note
This copy cannot be connected to a database.

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4 Reporting with SAP Interactive Excel

Purpose

You can use Interactive Excel to evaluate the current data in an SAP system by creating user-defined reports.

Implementation Considerations

You can use SAP Interactive Excel to create and run reports on reported, standardized, and consolidated financial
data in the SEM-BCS or EC-CS consolidation component if you have installed SAP Interactive Excel, version 3.0.
The SAP Interactive Excel component allows you greater flexibility in the definition of reports than the database
analysis lists in an SEM-BCS/EC-CS backend system.

Features

Flexible definition of reports

SAP Interactive Excel enables you to evaluate data in the report types of data matrices.
In a report, you evaluate financial data for various characteristics and combinations of characteristics. To simplify
the definition of a report, you can use lists of proposals for the characteristics predefined in SAP Interactive Excel
by accessing master data and control parameters that exist in an SAP system. However, you can also define your
own report or part of a report and apply any formatting that you require.

Excel formatting
SAP Interactive Excel is an add-in program for the standard Microsoft Excel application in the form of a template.
Therefore, it has the advantage that it is based on a well-known spreadsheet program that offers a wide range of
formatting functions.

Import of report data

You can import current data from the consolidation backend system into a report for the purpose of evaluation.
Data imported from the SAP system originates from the SEM-BCS totals InfoProvider in SAP NetWeaver Business
Warehouse or a database table for totals in an EC-CS system.

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Refreshing of report data
A live link to the relevant database enables report data to be automatically refreshed after any changes in the
report definition such as a change in the fiscal year. You can also trigger a refresh at any time to overwrite data in
a report with the up-to-the-minute data from the database.

See Also

• Opening a New Workbook with SAP Interactive Excel

• Interactive Database Connection
• Data Matrix
• Creation of a Data Matrix
• SAP Interactive Excel Settings
• Information about the Origin of Data
• Creating a Snapshot of a Worksheet or Workbook

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4.1 Creation of Reports on the Basis of Interactive Data Matrices

Use

You can use this function to create a report in the form of a data matrix, into which current data can be imported
from a database at any time.
For an example of how to create a data matrix, Matrix Examples.

Prerequisites

• You have installed Microsoft Excel 2010 or later and SAP Interactive Excel, version 3.0.
• The source database in the backend system for report data is accessed through your local area network.
Therefore, you must have access to the appropriate database tables.
• For more information, about the tasks you must perform to create reports using SAP Interactive Excel, see:
o Opening a New Workbook with SAP Interactive Excel
o Interactive Database Connection
o Data Matrix

See Also

• SAP Interactive Excel Settings

• Information about the Origin of Data
• Creating a Snapshot of a Worksheet or Workbook

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4.2 Reporting for Specific Data Categories

Use

You can import financial data for a combination of the following parameters by specifying an appropriate key
figure:
• Valuation
• Local requirements (reported financial data)
• Standardizing entries
• Group requirements (standardized financial data)
• Consolidated data
• Currency or quantity
• Local currency
• Group currency
• Transaction currency
• Quantity
• Input type
• Periodic
• Cumulative

Example
You select the key figure CV GC CD (consolidated data, group currency, cumulative).

Activities

When you define a data matrix, you specify the data category for your report data by setting the appropriate key
figure as a global characteristic value.

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4.3 Refreshing of Report Data

Use

You can overwrite data in an SAP Interactive Excel matrix report with up-to-the-minute data from a database. You
can import data into one or more reports over an interactive connection to an SAP system.

Prerequisites

• You have opened an SAP Interactive Excel workbook in which a matrix report is defined.
• You have logged on to a SAP SEM-BCS or EC-CS system.

Features

Automatic Refresh
Whenever you change characteristics and their values in your report definition, report data is automatically
refreshed. You can activate and deactivate the automatic update of data by clicking Data Matrix → Refresh values
automatically.

Note
Report data is not automatically refreshed when data in the database is modified. However, each time you
log on to a database, you can specify whether you want to refresh report data.

Manual Refresh
You can import the latest database data into a matrix without changing the matrix definition. In this case, you
need to trigger the refresh manually. This ensures that no undesired changes are made to report data.
You can refresh a single matrix, a pivot table, a worksheet, or an entire workbook.

Activities

After you have changed a matrix definition, data is refreshed automatically when you press E N T E R .
To refresh report data in a data matrix, click Data Matrix → Import Data and select the relevant report area.

Caution
Before you refresh one of several reports on a worksheet, make sure that you select the relevant report.
On the Data Matrix tab, the names of all reports on the worksheet are listed in a combobox. The currently
selected report is displayed when the combobox is collapsed. You can select only one report at a time.

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5 Matrix Examples

5.1 Data Reporting/Data Entry Matrix

Purpose

A matrix definition consists of several layout areas and a header as shown in the following example.

Matrix header
9 characteristics
Column layout
created by New
matrix Partner columns
inserted as Single Column layout
values Attributes (Country,
Language) inserted
from menu

Row layout
5 characteristics in
row definition
inserted as Single
values one by one
Data area

Note
A matrix for data entry differs from a matrix for reporting. To create a matrix for data entry, in the Settings
section, select Data entry matrix.
Data entry is allowed for reported data only; this means that the matrix can only use the key figures
beginning with LV*.

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Process Flow

Step Figure

1. Create a new matrix.

• On the SAP Interactive Excel
tab or on Data matrix tab,
click New.

2. Apply global parameters.

If the global parameters are
maintained or if the
workbook contains further
matrices, the Selected
characteristics dialog box is
displayed.
• Optional: Confirm you want
to select the characteristics
by clicking Continue.

3. Define the matrix header.

• Adjust the characteristic
values you want to be
globally valid for the whole
matrix and then click OK.

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 Step Figure

The matrix header is inserted in

the worksheet.

4. Define rows.
1. Select the top left cell for
the first row.
2. On the Data Matrix tab,
click Single values, Sets,
or Hierarchies, and then
select the characteristic
you want to assign to the
rows.

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 Step Figure

5. Define rows.
1. Select the characteristic
values you want to insert
into the sheet.
2. Select the vertical
output format for rows
(values will be inserted
into and below the active
cell).
3. Select ID and/or a value
description to be
inserted into the sheet
and then click OK.

The characteristic values are

inserted into the active matrix.

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 Step Figure

6. Define rows.
1. Select cells B20-B26 and
allocate these cells (on
the context menu) to
another characteristic to
be used in the rows.
Allocation assigns the
range to a characteristic.
2. Set a value for each cell
from the context menu
or by typing the value
directly into the cell.
3. Select cells C20-C26 and
repeat step 6 for other
required characteristics.

7. Define columns.
1. Select the top left cell for
the first column.
2. On the Data Matrix tab,
click Single
values, Sets, or Hierarchi
es and then select the
characteristic you want
to assign to the columns.

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 Step Figure

8. Define columns.
1. Select the characteristic
values you want to insert
into the sheet.
2. Select the horizontal
output format for
columns (values will be
inserted into and to the
right of the active cell).
3. Select ID and/or a value
description to be
inserted into the sheet
and then click OK.

The characteristic values are

inserted into the active matrix.

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 Step Figure

9. Define columns.
• Select cell E18 and
click Attributes for to select a
characteristic (Partner unit).
The characteristic must be
available on the worksheet.

10. Define columns.

• Select the range of the
characteristic (Partner unit),
you want attributes to refer
to and then click OK.

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 Step Figure

11. Define columns.

• Select the attribute you want
to insert into the columns of
the matrix and then click OK.
The attributes are inserted
into the columns definition.

12. Define columns.

• Insert further attributes by
repeating the steps 9-11.

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 Step Figure

13. Import data.

As soon as the matrix
definition is complete, you
can import data for an active
matrix, a worksheet or a
whole workbook.

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5.2 Building Up a Matrix

Purpose

You can automate the process of matrix creation by using the Build-up feature. It simplifies and accelerates
matrix creation.

Prerequisites

• You define a matrix header with characteristics, which are valid globally.
• You also select all characteristics, which shall be used for rows/columns definition.
• Then you can let the interactive Excel to generate the matrix for you.
• Matrix is generated on the basis of available data in a backend. Data is restricted by pre-selection of
characteristics, which have been assigned to rows/columns.
• The generation of the matrix is controlled only by characteristics, for which a row range is defined, not by
characteristics, for which a column range is defined.

Process Flow

Step Figure

1. Define a matrix header.

See 5.1 Data Reporting/Data
Entry Matrix, steps 1-4.

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 Step Figure

2. Select the first characteristic

you want to use for the row
definition.

3. Select all relevant

characteristic values in the
popup for single values, for
example, FS Items.

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 Step Figure

The characteristic values are

inserted into the sheet.

4. Repeat steps 2-4 for all

relevant characteristics.
The screenshot shows the
result.

Caution
In this status, no data
selection is possible
because the characteristic
vectors have different
lengths. If you try to
import data, an error will
occur.

5. On the Data matrix tab,

select Change.

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 Step Figure

6. In the Change data matrix

window, select the Database
listing tab to display all
characteristics for which you
have defined row ranges in
previous steps.
7. Select the checkbox for the
characteristic you want to be
generated from data lines and
added to rows definition.
8. If you also want to insert
empty lines for the FS items,
for which no data will be found,
select Generated default line
and then click Save.

9. On the Data matrix tab,

click Build Up and then select
the active cell for the data
output area if prompted.

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 Step Figure

Valid combinations of specific

characteristics are generated for
each line.
The worksheet displays only
combinations for which a data line
exists in the backend system.

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5.3 Changing a Matrix

Purpose

You want to improve or adjust the layout of an existing matrix. You do not want to delete the matrix and create a
new one from scratch.

Use

You open the Change data matrix dialog box on the Data matrix tab, by selecting Change.

Name of Tab Description

Required characteristics Lists the characteristics required for the matrix, but to which no values are
assigned.

Optional characteristics Lists all characteristics in the matrix definition.

The left column gives the characteristic name, the right column gives
either the characteristic value or the reference to the sheet where the
char. value is specified.
Each value can be changed by selecting the proper line and modifying the
value in the Value/Value reference field.

Settings Matrix Customizing settings.

For information, see Creation of a Data Matrix.

Constant If a checkbox is selected for a characteristic in this list, the value of this
characteristic is hidden and is no longer displayed in the sheet nor in the
list of optional characteristics.

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 Name of Tab Description

Database listing Used for matrix generation.

See 5.2 Building Up a Matrix._Build-up_a_matrix

Prerequisites

• You have defined a matrix header with characteristics that are valid globally.
• Optional: You have defined characteristics for rows/columns definition.

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Process Flow

Step Figure

1. Move a consolidation unit from

the header to a row definition, see
matrix example above:
• On the SAP Interactive
Excel or Data Matrix tab,
click Change.
The Change data matrix dialog box
opens.

2. In the Change data matrix dialog

box, on the Optional
characteristics tab, select the line
for Cons unit and click Collapse.

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 Step Figure

3. Select the range you want to

assign to the Cons unit and then
click Expand.

The range reference is applied to the

Cons unit line.
4. Save the adjusted area.

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 Step Figure

The active range for the consolidation

unit is moved to the required location.

Note
You can see formatting
changes. The formatting for
the output cells has moved
from the header to the first
column.
5. Set consolidation units for each
line.
You can use the context value help
by pressing the context button,
which is attached to a cell or you
can type the value into the cell
directly (use standard Microsoft
Excel features to copy,
drag & drop, etc.)

6. In the Change matrix dialog box,

on the Database listing tab, check
the characteristics for which you
want to generate data lines and
then save your settings.

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 Step Figure

7. Click Build Up.

New data lines are generated for pre-

selected consolidation units and FS
items.

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6 Working with Structures

Prerequisites

You can insert all characteristics into a matrix using the Single Values, Sets, and Hierarchies menu. Single values
are maintained in flat form, but the other options are organized in superordinate entities, referred to as structures.

Types of structures
• Set
Set of characteristic values that can be processed together. SEM-BCS uses named Single Selections instead
of sets.
• Hierarchy
Set of characteristic values and edges among them.
All characteristic values that are assigned to a structure are processed at the same time to simplify data selection
and accelerate the reporting and data entry.

Procedure

Whenever you insert a hierarchy or a set into a sheet, a structure is created by default.
To maintain structures, on the Data Matrix tab, use the Structures function.

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The following functions are available for maintaining structures:

Function Description

Refresh structure You can update the structure with current data from
the backend system.

Change structure You can change the structure as follows:

• Create entire row/column
When you change a matrix is, it always
deletes/inserts entire rows or entire columns. It
clears current data output area.
• Create a definition area only
You can delete or insert cells that only belong to
the structure definition.
• Create matrix area
You can delete/insert the cells that only belong to
the structure definition or to the output area data
of the matrix.

Delete structure You can delete structures.

Result

By working with structures, you can make the data set clearer and, in particular, easier to evaluate.

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7 Pivot Tables

Use

You can use this function to create a report in the form of a standard Microsoft Excel pivot table, into which you
can import current data from the backend system as required.
The data in a pivot table can also be reorganized interactively by using the standard Microsoft Excel pivot features
in order to present it in different ways.

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Prerequisites

• You have installed Microsoft Excel 2010 or later and the Interactive Excel component provided by SAP.
• A temporary folder with write permission must be available for current user in which an auxiliary database for
the pivot data needs to be created.

Features

Interactive Structuring of Reports

Pivot table reports have a very flexible layout. Characteristics are inserted into the sheet in the form of field
buttons that you can drag between the header, rows, and columns, as required. For information, see the Microsoft
Excel documentation for pivot tables.

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7.1 Definition of a Pivot Table

Use

You can use the Pivot table function to define the basic layout of a pivot table. You define a pivot table by
specifying the characteristic values and the location within the pivot table.
After you have created the pivot table, you can still interactively rearrange data in the table at any time by using
the standard Microsoft Excel pivot table functions.

Prerequisites

You have opened a workbook that uses the Interactive Excel template.

Features

Specification of Characteristic Values

You can enter the following
categories of characteristics in a
pivot table:
• Single value
Selected characteristic values
are used in the pivot table
definition.
• Set list
All characteristic values from the
selected sets are used in the
pivot table definition.
• Hierarchy
All branches from the selected
hierarchies are used in the pivot
table definition.

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Location of a Characteristic in a Table

• Row/column layout
The selected characteristic values are displayed in the row column of the pivot table. You can change their
position as required.
• Header data
The selected characteristics are valid globally for the whole pivot table.
• Constant
Data is used similar to header data, but the value is hidden, that is, it is not display in the sheet.

Specification of Debit/Credit Sign Logic

The logic is the same as the logic for data matrix. For information, see Debit/Credit Sign Logic.

Caution
Use the sign logic of values with caution. Pivot tables can summarize characteristic values on their own
(standard feature of Microsoft Excel). When sign logic is used such as sums can be inevitably incorrect.

Note
You can create a pivot chart in Microsoft Excel 2010 by selecting Pivot chart and then Type of chart.

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7.2 Defining a Pivot Table

Procedure

1. Optional: On the SAP Interactive Excel tab, click Consolidation → Aspects.

In the next dialog box, select the appropriate aspect and choose OK.
2. Place the cursor on a cell that you want to form the uppermost left corner of the table.
3. On the Data Matrix tab, click Pivot table → New.
o If you did not select an aspect, a dialog box for displayed where you can select an aspect.
o If you have defined global parameters (SAP Interactive Excel tab → Settings), a dialog box with
predefinition is displayed and the parameters are applied to the pivot table definition.
4. Specify characteristics and values for selected characteristics as follows:
1. In the upper part of the dialog box, select a characteristic.
2. Determine the characteristic category for the value.
You can define a value as a single value, a set, or a hierarchy.
3. Use the value help in the form of a Value button next to the characteristic field to display a list of
possible values for the selected characteristic and select one or more values.

5.1 5.2 5.4

5.3

Note
If you want to insert all existing values for a characteristic into the table, select the asterisk (*) from the
list.
4. In the pivot layout, determine where you want to insert the characteristic when the table is generated.
You can choose the options Row, Column, Header, or Constant.

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 o If you want to change the value selected for a characteristic, position the cursor on the characteristic,
select a new value from the list of possible values (button ), and then click OK.
o If you want to remove the value selected for a characteristic, position the cursor on the characteristic,
select the empty entry at the top of the list of possible values (button ),, and then click OK.
5. Repeat step 4 until you have specified all characteristic values that you require; then click OK.
6. In the Pivot table dialog box on the Settings tab, specify the settings for debit/credit sign logic for the table.
7. Specify a name for the pivot table.
8. Decide whether you want the output in the form of a pivot diagram.
If you select a pivot chart form, you can also select the type of the chart and whether it should be a 3D chart.

Caution
If you choose Pivot chart, a chart is displayed in a new chart sheet and the original sheet is hidden.

Result

• A pivot table or pivot chart is inserted.

A field button is inserted for each characteristic.
• The values are imported from the backend system.
• You can change the layout by using the standard Microsoft Excel features for pivot tables.

Caution
When at least one pivot table is created on the active matrix, you can also use the function Consolidation
→ Pivot table → Change to change the definition of the pivot table, and you can use the
function Consolidation → Pivot table → Refresh to reread the data from the backend system.

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8 Security

Use

Each workbook can be locked to prevent changes to its layouts. This feature is useful for preparation of reports for
the end users who should not be able to change the definition of the matrices and who should only be able to
read/write data based on the predefined matrix.

Procedure

The layout of a report is designed by a user with the power user role, and then the workbook is locked and
distributed to end users. Data can be read or posted from and to the backend system, but it is not possible to
change the layout of the report.
It is only possible to change the layout of a report by unlocking the workbook. To do this, you must enter a valid
password. After the workbook is unlocked, it is then possible to change the layout.

Caution
For matrices that are enabled for data entry, import the data after the workbook has been locked so that
the data area is identified and unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to type any values into the cells
within the data area.

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Security © 2014 SAP AG. All rights reserved. 93
9 SAP Interactive Excel Converter

Use

Interactive Excel, version 3.0 replaces version 2.1, which was delivered as part of SAP GUI (up to SAP GUI 7.30).
Version 2.1 could be used for reporting/posting ERP data. Versions 2.1 and 3.0 store data in different formats;
therefore, a conversion tool for converting existing files from version 2.1 to version 3.0 is available.
The converter (SAPExcelWorkbookConverter.exe) is located in the installation folder of SAP Interactive Excel 3.0.

Prerequisites

You have used the SAP Interactive Excel version 2.1 and you want to convert existing workbooks to the new
format.

Process Flow

1. Open the converter from the Windows Start menu by selecting All Programs → SAP Front End → SAP
Interactive Excel Converter.
2. Add the source files or a folder you want to convert by selecting:
o Add → File to include single workbook files
o Add → Folder to include all existing files from a selected folder
You can also use drag-and-drop to insert the files you want to convert.

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94 © 2014 SAP AG. All rights reserved. SAP Interactive Excel Converter
3. Select the target folder where you want to save all converted files.
4. Run the conversion process by pressing the Start ( ) button.

Caution
If a source file is locked, an error is displayed and conversion is not possible.
You can define that log files are created in Settings.

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10 Glossary

SAP Interactive Excel (SEM-BCS / EC-CS)

Consolidation (SEM-BCS / EC-CS)
An add-in program for the Microsoft Excel application that enables Microsoft Excel worksheets to be used for data
entry and reporting in SAP SEM-BCS and in SAP EC-CS.
An accountant for a consolidation unit can use SAP Interactive Excel to:
• Enter the reported financial data of the consolidation unit in user-defined matrices and transfer this data from
SAP Interactive Excel to an InfoCube for SEM-BCS in SAP NetWeaver Business Warehouse or to a totals
database table if EC-CS is used.
• For reporting purposes, to display financial data of the consolidation unit in user-defined matrices and further
process those data by using the spreadsheet functions of Microsoft Excel.

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96 © 2014 SAP AG. All rights reserved. Glossary
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