Creating computed fields

You can create, edit, or view an object field whose value is computed from the values of other fields. These computed fields can exist on either the same object or on another, related object.

About this task

Computed fields have the following characteristics:
  • Can be defined in the UI.
  • Are always read-only.
  • Can be used in reports.
  • Can be added to views.
  • Must have unique field names. Adding more than one computed field with the same field name in the same view will result in an error.

If you want to import (load) and export (dump) computed field definitions, you must use the ObjectManager tool. For details, see Importing and exporting computed field definitions in ObjectManager.

Computed fields require an installed and active Cognos® server because the fields use the Cognos Computation Handler. If a computed field is executed in the application and the Cognos server is not available, the following message is displayed to users: Cognos is unavailable. Please contact your System Administrator.

Tip: To validate all of the computed fields that are defined for an object type, click Open Administration menu Administration menu > Solution Configuration > Object Types, click the object type, and then click Validate computed fields.

Procedure

  1. In IBM® Cognos Analytics - Reporting, model the computed field in a calculation object. For details, see Modeling a new computed field in Cognos.
  2. In IBM OpenPages®:
    1. Define the computed field. For details, see Defining a computed field.
    2. Regenerate the reporting framework. For details, see Updating the reporting framework.