Helical Insight provides a user the flexibility to apply database functions on different data formats like Text, numeric, date, time, date-time, etc. Following are the steps to apply database functions. In the below blog we have shown the steps to apply a single function. But you can also apply multiple nested functions also like outside convert to uppercase, within that another which is extract month name, etc. So multiple nested functions of different types can also be applied one within another.

Step 1: After getting the columns in the selection area, click on the column and then click on “Function

Database Functions

Step 2: Then a window will open. You can either directly start typing the kind of function you want to use and with autosuggest select the function.

Database Functions

Or from the bottom portion you can search the various functions for various datatypes and double click on it and that will get added into the list. As mentioned earlier also first click on “Data Type” and then select any of the “Functions

Database Functions

Step 3: Once the function to be applied is selected, then on which column we want to apply and if any other parameter is to be passed that can be specified

Database Functions

You can either directly start typing the name of column you want to use and with autosuggest select the column.

Or from the bottom portion “Fields” section you can search the column name and double click on it and that will get added into the list.

Database Functions

Note: The functions in the list vary for different databases.

Clicking on the function name also provides a description on how to use it.

Database Functions

Step 4: Click on generate the report.

In a similar way you can apply nested functions within each other for more complex data manipulation.

Note: Being a very developer friendly open source BI product, Helical Insight always allows you to add your own custom function in this list. Refer to this blog to learn more : https://www.helicalinsight.com/adding-a-database-function/ The process is the same for older as well as newer version.

Please note that based on DB functions being applied, datatype of a column can change from numeric to text, or text to numeric etc based on the data being sent back from the DB and accordingly that will affect how Helical Insight application which will change it how application uses it.

For example,

Column ‘mode_of_payment’ is a text field and is used as dimension as shown by blue color.

Database Functions

Now, instead of grouping them up we add an aggregation of ‘count’, it will change it to a numeric information which is considered as measure by the application shown by green color.

Database Functions

TIP: You can see that all dimensions are shown as blue fields and all measure as green fields. This makes it clear as what is the current state that application is taking them.

If you want to use count of ‘mode_of_payment’ as dimension then in the dropdown of this field choose ‘Discrete’. This will again change it back to dimension. Refer this link to learn more of how to use measure as a dimension.

Database Functions

Database Functions

Read more about dimension and measure and interchanging it.

How to delete an applied database function in helical insight?

Once you have created a report using the applied database function there might be a need to delete the applied DB function or change those values. In this blog, we will learn how we can go about doing the same.

Below is the snapshot of the report which is created by applying the Database function on one of the columns. From the date column, we have extracted the Year and done an analysis of the Year-wise cost of travel.

Database Functions

Now let us say we want to remove or make modifications in this, again click on that column and go to “Function”.

Database Functions

Click on “Function” and the below screen will appear which will show the details of the function which has been applied on the current screen. You can make certain kinds of changes directly here as well.

Select and delete the function which has been applied. You can then apply any other function etc. Once done click on “Save”.

Database Functions

Thank You,
Helical Insight

Helical Insight’s self-service capabilities is one to reckon with. It allows you to simply drag and drop columns, add filters, apply aggregate functions if required, and create reports and dashboards on the fly. For advanced users, the self-service component has ability to add javascript, HTML, HTML5, CSS, CSS3 and AJAX. These customizations allow you to create dynamic reports and dashboards. You can also add new charts inside the self-service component, add new kind of aggregate functions and customize it using our APIs.
Helical Insight’s self-service capabilities is one to reckon with. It allows you to simply drag and drop columns, add filters, apply aggregate functions if required, and create reports and dashboards on the fly. For advanced users, the self-service component has ability to add javascript, HTML, HTML5, CSS, CSS3 and AJAX. These customizations allow you to create dynamic reports and dashboards. You can also add new charts inside the self-service component, add new kind of aggregate functions and customize it using our APIs.
Helical Insight, via simple browser based interface of Canned Reporting module, also allows to create pixel perfect printer friendly document kind of reports also like Invoice, P&L Statement, Balance sheet etc.
Helical Insight, via simple browser based interface of Canned Reporting module, also allows to create pixel perfect printer friendly document kind of reports also like Invoice, P&L Statement, Balance sheet etc.
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Being a 100% browser-based BI tool, you can connect with your database and analyse across any location and device. There is no need to download or install heavy memory-consuming developer tools – All you need is a Browser application! We are battle-tested on most of the commonly used browsers.
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We have organization level security where the Superadmin can create, delete and modify roles. Dashboards and reports can be added to that organization. This ensures multitenancy.
We have organization level security where the Superadmin can create, delete and modify roles. Dashboards and reports can be added to that organization. This ensures multitenancy.
We have organization level security where the Superadmin can create, delete and modify roles. Dashboards and reports can be added to that organization. This ensures multitenancy.
A first-of-its-kind Open-Source BI framework, Helical Insight is completely API-driven. This allows you to add functionalities, including but not limited to adding a new exporting type, new datasource type, core functionality expansion, new charting in adhoc etc., at any place whenever you wish, using your own in-house developers.
A first-of-its-kind Open-Source BI framework, Helical Insight is completely API-driven. This allows you to add functionalities, including but not limited to adding a new exporting type, new datasource type, core functionality expansion, new charting in adhoc etc., at any place whenever you wish, using your own in-house developers.
It handles huge volumes of data effectively. Caching, Pagination, Load-Balancing and In-Memory not only provides you with amazing experience, but also and does not burden the database server more than required. Further effective use of computing power gives best performance and complex calculations even on the big data even with smaller machines for your personal use. Filtering, Sorting, Cube Analysis, Inter Panel Communication on the dashboards all at lightning speed. Thereby, making best open-source Business Intelligence solution in the market.
It handles huge volumes of data effectively. Caching, Pagination, Load-Balancing and In-Memory not only provides you with amazing experience, but also and does not burden the database server more than required. Further effective use of computing power gives best performance and complex calculations even on the big data even with smaller machines for your personal use. Filtering, Sorting, Cube Analysis, Inter Panel Communication on the dashboards all at lightning speed. Thereby, making best open-source Business Intelligence solution in the market.
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Our application is compatible with almost all databases, be it RDBMS, or columnar database, or even flat files like spreadsheets or csv files. You can even connect to your own custom database via JDBC connection. Further, our database connection can be switched dynamically based on logged in users or its organization or other parameters. So, all your clients can use the same reports and dashboards without worrying about any data security breech.
Our application is compatible with almost all databases, be it RDBMS, or columnar database, or even flat files like spreadsheets or csv files. You can even connect to your own custom database via JDBC connection. Further, our database connection can be switched dynamically based on logged in users or its organization or other parameters. So, all your clients can use the same reports and dashboards without worrying about any data security breech.
Our application can be installed on an in-house server where you have full control of your data and its security. Or on cloud where it is accessible to larger audience without overheads and maintenance of the servers. One solution that works for all.
Our application can be installed on an in-house server where you have full control of your data and its security. Or on cloud where it is accessible to larger audience without overheads and maintenance of the servers. One solution that works for all.
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