en_new_gpt Creating and Extending Forms
The structure of a form is defined by configuring its rows and columns. Additionally, in the form header, you can select nodes or "filters" for dimensions not already used in rows or columns.
Structure of Forms
Before creating a new form, you must first determine the data to be displayed in the grid (also known as raster or table). For this, Qvantum offers three different modes used for configuring rows and columns, which are described later in this article.
It is not advisable to include all dimensions of your model in rows and columns, as this could quickly lead to a cluttered form. Dimensions not included in the grid are placed in the form header.
The Form Header
Regardless of the layout of your form, there will likely be dimensions whose selected elements appear only in the form header. The selection here is crucial to understanding what the numbers in the grid represent.
For example, the "Years" dimension may appear in the form header rather than in rows or columns. It is vital to be aware of whether the numbers entered in the grid pertain to 2022 or 2023.
Creating Forms Using the Form Grid
Configuring Rows/Columns
Use the row/column dialog to define the content of your form.
Selecting Modes
First, choose the mode for your rows or columns. The following modes are available:
Automatic by Dimensions Rows are automatically generated based on selected dimensions.
Automatic by Levels Rows are automatically generated based on selected levels (of the chosen dimensions).
Manual Rows are individually created manually by you.
Let's start with the simple dimension-based representation.
Automatic by Dimensions
Once you've selected a dimension, you can choose a node to filter the dimension. Only elements below the selected node will be included.
When adding a second dimension, note the "Display Empty Rows" option. After setting the first dimension, hiding empty rows is optional. However, once you add a second dimension, automatically showing all empty rows is no longer possible.
Automatic by Levels
When configuring the axis in "Automatic by Levels" mode, the dialog differs slightly. Unlike "Automatic by Dimensions" mode, each selected dimension now also includes a level selection.
When setting up the structure in "Automatic by Levels" mode, you first select a dimension and then a level. This allows you to overlay hierarchical levels from different dimensions, creating a fundamentally new structure for your rows or columns.
To filter specific areas within the chosen dimensions and levels, open the category "Define Filters". Here, dimensions just used for selecting levels are listed. You can select a node per dimension, which then outputs only the selected node and its child elements in the form.
Important:
If you cannot select one or more dimensions, it might be because levels have not yet been named. You can add names to your model's levels via the XLS configuration file. More information about naming levels can be found in the article about model configuration.
Manual
Adding Custom Rows and Columns
After defining dimensions for columns, click "Add New Row" or "Add New Column" to specify which row/column you wish to create.
In this dialog for creating a new row/column, you have additional options available. You can prohibit data entry or display a comment row/column.
If data entry is prohibited, planners cannot enter data in this column. With the "Display Comment Row/Column" option, you can choose between comment types "Free Text" or "Free Text + Template".
Templates for the Comment Column
Selecting the comment type "Free Text + Templates" allows you to specify certain text modules planners can select during editing.
Planners can later choose your text templates by double-clicking the cell and selecting the respective module.
Calculation Rows or Columns
Alongside a data column, you can insert a calculation row/column into your form. Provide a "Cell Name"/"Column Name" and the formula for the calculation row/column. More information on mathematical operations and formulas can be found here.
Value Types for Calculation Columns
Value types defined in Qvantum's general settings are also available for calculation columns. This ensures calculated values are displayed appropriately, e.g., as prices or percentages. Value types also determine the number of decimal places. When configuring a calculation column, simply assign the desired value type.
Note that depending on the configuration, calculated rows and columns might intersect. If a cell is assigned a value type through both column and row configurations, the column configuration always takes precedence.
Option "Highlight Negative Values"
This option highlights all negative values (-1 and lower) in red within the respective row or column.