Using base formulas in metrics

A base formula allows you to reuse the formula in other metric definitions, instead of retyping or rebuilding it. A base formula used in a metric is linked to that metric as a shortcut. Any changes made to the base formula also appear in the metric.

Prerequisite

You must have created the base formula that you want to use. For instructions, see Creating and saving base formulas.

To use a base formula in a metric

1. Open the Metric Editor. (How?)

2. If the Object Browser (the list of folders and objects) is not displayed, select Object Browser from the View menu.

3. Use the Object Browser to locate the base formula. Double-click it. The Metric component pane (located at the top right) displays default values for each of the other metric components (Level, Condition, and Transformation).

   A base formula cannot contain level, condition, or transformation information.

4. You can change the default level or condition, or add transformations:

   • Change the metric level

   • Change the metric condition

   • Add a transformation

5. When you have completed the metric definition, select it under "Metric New Metric is defined as", then click Validate. The Metric Editor displays a status message at the bottom of the Definition pane, showing whether the new metric definition is correct (Valid expression).

6. Save the metric. (How?)