Custom calculations extend the analytical capabilities of Essbase by enabling the execution of recurring calculations on aggregate storage databases.
You can write custom calculations for aggregate storage databases that update target level 0 cells. Custom calculation scripts are expressed in MDX.
Using custom calculations, you can do basic math on account balances in a general ledger and write the results to targeted level 0 members of an Essbase aggregate storage database. You can perform calculations on account balances or on fixed amounts and can be scheduled to repeat every accounting period.
Custom calculations on aggregate storage databases can be useful when the database is used for general ledger reporting, where double-entry accounting is in effect. Debit items, such as assets and expenses, must balance with credit items, such as equity and revenue.
Use the following workflow to create and execute custom calculations:
Create a calculation script expressed in MDX.
Select an area of the database where the calculation will be executed. You provide the area at execution time using the target and POV (point of view) parameters.
If you use debit and credit processing, select the debit and credit members in the outline to write the positive and negative values. You provide these parameters at execution time.
See Understanding Credit and Debit Processing for Custom Calculations and Allocations.
If you use offsetting entries, select the area where offsetting entries should be made. You provide this parameter at execution time using an MDX tuple. If an offset is not specified or is empty, the offset calculation is not performed.
Note: | In general ledger bookkeeping, an offsetting entry is a counterbalancing measure on the opposite side of the ledger; for example, a $100 credit in January may have a $100 offset added to the debit side of the ledger, so the ledger can be balanced in preparation for an upcoming expense of that amount. |
See Understanding Offset Handling for Custom Calculations and Allocations.
Execute the custom calculation script using the Essbase API.