Smart Columns perform a calculation on elements by using a single Fact. The outcome of aggregating queries with a common fact is that it provides a calculated field that can be reused many times. In a Smart Column, each row represents an Element and each cell is a calculated field that can be used in the rest of the repository.

A Smart Column should be used when you want to calculate a single Fact. This can then be displayed or used in an info panel, a graph, or a matrix. The table of results produced is not intended to be added directly to a model. If you wish to display a table, we recommend using an Aggregation Matrix.

How to Open a Smart Column

1. Expand out the Smart Column Library in the Explorer bar.
   
   
   
2. Open the group the Smart Column is in – The General Smart Column group is the default option.
   
   
   
3. Open the Smart Column by:
   • Double clicking on the Smart Column you want to open or,
   • Right clicking on the Smart Column and selecting Open or,
   • Clicking on the Smart Column, then pressing Ctrl + O on your keyboard.

Opening a smart column is demonstrated in the short video clip below:

How to Set Up a Smart Column

1. Expand out the Smart Column Library in the Explorer bar.
   
   
   
2. Open the group the Smart Column will go in – the default is General Smart Columns.
   
   
   
3. Click “New”. This will open the Smart Column interface.
   
   
   
4. Give the Smart Column a name and add a summary.
   
   
   
5. Open the Source Query tab.
   
   
   
6. Use the Query Builder to set up a Query.
   • Refer to Queries and the Query Builder for more information on how to set up a Query.
     
     
7. Open the Designer tab.
   
   
   
8. Click "Add…" to open the Fact Builder.
   
9. Add the required Fact using the Fact Builder.
   • For more information on the Fact Builder refer to A Closer Look at Fact Builder.
     
     
10. Configure how the results of the Facts are displayed by clicking on the blue text. E.g. alignment, wrapping, icons etc.
    
    
    
11. If required, click "add a level" to aggregate the Elements in the Smart Column
    • For more information on aggregation refer to Aggregation Matrix.
      
      
12. If the Elements you want to aggregate with are not visible, click on the eye icon, .
    • Only visible Elements can be used by the Smart Column.
      
      
13. Click "Execute" in the Matrix group on the Ribbon's Home tab; the results will be shown in the test area below.
    

Setting up a Smart Column is demonstrated in the short video clip below: