New in OneStream: Data Entry 123

How to setup Data Entry 123

Data Entry 123 requires the configuration of database settings that are also required for many other MarketPlace solutions.

After downloading the solution as a .zip file from the MarketPlace, you can import it into your application via Application -> Load/Extract. After that, the Data Entry 123 (DFM) will appear under OnePlace -> Dashboards. Here you can create the tables and then launch the solution:

Before using this solution, it needs to be set-up. Under Settings you choose the Cube View Profile (where all the used Cube Views are stored) and the Main Unit (Dashboard unit where al spreadsheet files are stored):

The 3 parts of Data Entry 123

This new MarketPlace solution consists of three parts:

1. Selectors – contains the dropdown menus and other selectors that can be used in the selector bar in a form.
2. Calculations – contains expressions or even business rules that are applied in a calculation list to the form.
3. Forms – Cube Views, Dashboards, Spreadsheets or Data Entry Forms. These are grouped into Form Groups and Form Sets that apply to Workflow Assignments.

Let’s have a look at each of these parts:

1. Selectors
Within the Selectors screen, Selector Bars can be created. These consist of Selectors which are built up from Selector lists. In the Selector list, you can create lists based on members, SQL queries or manually entered values. There is a preview button to validate the outcome of your list directly in the solution:

These lists can be added to a Selector Bar and added to one of the available parameters to be used in your form. Please note that there are 20 places available. To be able to use it in your form, each item must be assigned to a parameter:

You can save multiple Selector bar templates to make it easier for your users.

2. Calculations
Here you can create groups of calculations that can be assigned to your forms.

The calculation can be linked to a business rule. The execution moment is selectable as well:

When Expression list is chosen instead of Business Rule, a set of (simple) calculations can be created for this specific Calculation Group. After saving a button, Expression appears if the expressions can be created:

3. Forms
First, you create a Form Group with Forms. For each form the user can select the earlier created items and add them to this form. Supporting documents, such as instructions, can be added. From this screen, you can directly adjust the Cube View or Spreadsheet using a button. After saving the created form, it can be previewed directly from the solution:

Under Usage, the Form Group can be assigned to Form Sets. These can be assigned to a Workflow for the users:

Final configuration

After configuring the 3 parts, we need to integrate this to our application.

Navigate to Form Templates and create a new form template as a dashboard. Use DE123AsForm_DFM as the dashboard name and WrapperFormSetName_DFM=”<NAME OF YOUR FORM SET>” as the Name Value Pairs in a new Form Template Profile:

Then, navigate to WorkFlow Profiles and select the profile you chose in the Workflow Assignment above. Next, set the Workflow Name to Form Input and select the created profile as Input Forms Profile Name:

After an application refresh, the form is available in your workflow:

Whenever a parameter is changed in the expression bar, a refresh button appears to refresh your form:

Conclusion

Data Entry 123 can be a great addition to your OneStream platform. If you create many forms, for instance in a planning environment, this solution is a must have. It helps you to create consistently looking Data Entry Forms with reusable consistent objects.

Pros of OneStream Data Entry 123:
+ Consistent way of creating forms and objects used in forms
+ Enabling your (power) users to create input forms themselves, thus reducing pressure for system admins

Cons of OneStream Data Entry 123:
– Added value only in specific use cases, mainly if your organization uses many forms

The setup is described in detail in the documentation and the configuration is extensive but easy. Most steps like creating calculations and Cube Views are standard administrator work. Therefore, I classify this solution as Admin Configurable. Please see my earlier post ‘The OneStream MarketPlace in real life’ about classifications.

Let’s discover the OneStream MarketPlace together

Want to know more about the OneStream MarketPlace? In a series of blogs, we’ll delve into the details of the MarketPlace and the solutions available. In the blog ‘The One Stream MarketPlace in real life’ you’ll find more details about the basics of the MarketPlace. And in the blog ‘New in OneStream: Predictive Analytics 123’, we discovered the new Predictive Analytics capabilities of OneStream.

Any questions or suggestions for a MarketPlace solution you would like to read about? Don’t hesitate to contact me!