Adding Formula Fields Defining calculated columns and modeling assumptions

Omniscope can calculate values based on values in other columns, using a standard menu of functions (same syntax as Excel) plus some additional Visokio DATASET functions. Omniscope formulae are expressed only in terms of columns, not using individual cells as with spreadsheets. You cannot define an Omniscope formula that depends on the value in a cell belonging to another record (row). Instead, you specify additional values called Variables, which are input assumptions, not values in the fileds (columns) of the data set. Variables can be a single value, but usually are expressed as a range of values with a minimum, maximum and default value (see Add/Edit variables below).

You add defined Formula Fields to your data sets using the Formulas drop-down menu available on the Table View Toolbar:

Add formula field-  creates a new field (column) of values calculated as a function of the values found in other columns, together with any Variables whose ranges have been defined  (see Add/Edit Variables below).  You use the Add formula field wizard to define the calculation you want Omniscope to perform when populating the new column.

The Add/Edit formula field wizard displays a blank formula definition workspace (or the current formula definition, if any, for editing). You specify formulae by selecting columns, typing in arithmetic operators, selecting functions from the the functions list library, and Variable you have already defined (see below). If you make a mistake, backspace to remove it and try again. The functions list library contains all the standard spreadsheet functions (same syntax as Excel), plus special Visokio DATASET functions documented in the Knowledge Base Functions Guide. 

Add/Edit variables- Variables are values with ranges you define which are not contained in the data set, but are available to be used in Formula field calculations. Variables can take on a range of values, and if you reveal the corresponding Side Bar device, you and users of your files can 'use Side Bar sliders a check-boxes to 'flex' the model assumptions, performing real-time, multi-variate simulations and sensitivity analysis, with all views and totals updating automatically.

For more detail on using the Add/Edit formula wizard to specify formula fields, and defining Variables for use in sensitivity analyses, see the section on Formulas and Variables under the section on the Table View.

Next: Managing Display Appearance

User Guide Top