Prompting for SAP BW BEx Variables

You can define prompting for a data connection to an SAP BW BEx query. Using prompting, you can let the end user define values for BEx variables, upon opening the connection.

In BEx queries, variables are used to limit the data to be loaded. Prompting can bring greater flexibility to a BEx query connection, as you can use it in place of static values for BEx variables. By defining BEx variables via prompts, one connection can be used to load different data from the source depending on the user input.

Some variables are 'Mandatory' and values must be defined before the query can be opened. By setting up prompting, you can let the end user define the variable value, instead of defining it in the connection configuration.

Note: You can define both a value and prompting for the same BEx variable. The variable value you define in the connection will be the default selection in the prompt dialog for the variable when opening the connection, which can be useful if you save the connection in the library for reuse. However, if you create an analysis where prompts will be shown to the end user, then your selection in the prompts when opening the connection will be stored in the analysis. Your selection in the prompts, rather than the variable values you defined in the connection, will then be the default selection in the prompts to the end user.

Compared to working with relational data sources, BEx queries are more restrictive regarding how you can set up prompting. When a variable is defined in the query, it is designed to only accept certain input; for example single value, multiple value or range. In Spotfire, the accepted input determines what prompt types you can use for a BEx variable.

Note: By default, unless Load values automatically is selected, prompts for BEx variables will give users the option to manually enter values. When typing variable values manually, Spotfire supports entering values as text (captions). Entering values as keys is not supported.