Did you know that there are three different ways to define the false section of an IF statement? The approach you choose will impact how the cell calculates a result. In this blog post, we discuss these options and when to use each one.
TM1 uses a standard approach to the concept of an IF statement:
IF (Argument, True Result, False Result)
This approach is great when you have specific values for both the true result and the false result, but what happens in situations where we only care about the true result? The required parameters do not allow us to ignore the false result, so what do we do?
TM1 Rules allow for three different options in the False Result section:
CONTINUE: This is designed to tell TM1 to continue reading the rule until the next applicable calculation should be used.
STET: This is designed to tell the rule to stop and leave the cell empty.
A specific value (example: the number 0): This is designed to tell the rule to stop and put a specific value into the cell.
So when should you use each option?
CONTINUE – use this statement when there is another rule that may apply to the cell. For example, you may have a generic rule that looks at all forecast values but also have a more detailed rule that looks at a specific account within the forecast. The use of CONTINUE will allow TM1 to check the forecast rule while still giving the option of calculating the specific account.
STET – use this statement when you want the rule to “end” while giving users the ability to enter a value. For example, you may want to have a cell calculated for ACT months while keeping it write-able for planning months.
A specific value – use this when you want the rule to “end” without giving users the ability to enter a value. For example, you may want to have a bonus calculated for managers while ensuring that no bonus amounts can be entered for non-managers.
As you can see, each of these options perform a specific function… so be sure to think about which approach is best for your rule.
IBM Planning Analytics is full of new features and functionality. Not sure where to start? Our team here at Revelwood can help. Contact us for more information at info@revelwood.com. And stay tuned for more Planning Analytics Tips & Tricks weekly in our Knowledge Center and in upcoming newsletters!
