AX2664

Setting the current period

The current period in Axiom Software is used to drive calculated fields for database tables. For example, if the current period is 6, then a year-to-date (YTD) calculation would calculate a total through period 6.

You can set the current period at a system-wide level and at a table level. By default, tables use the system current period, but this can be overridden on a per table basis. If a table has a defined current period, then the calculated fields for that table will use the table current period instead of the system current period.

For example, most of the tables in your system may contain 12 periods, but you have one table that contains 26 periods. In that case the current period must be set at the table level for the 26-period table, otherwise the calculated fields for that table will not calculate as desired.

The current period only applies to data tables. Reference tables and document reference tables do not have a current period.

NOTE: File groups can also have a current period, to be used for planning purposes. This planning current period is typically stored in a driver file for the file group, and does not impact calculated fields in data tables.

Setting the system current period

You can change the system current period at any time. When you change the system current period, all calculated fields that use the current period (such as year-to-date) are updated for the new current period.

Tables that have a current period set at the individual table level are not impacted by changes to the system current period.

NOTE: Alternatively, you can use Save Type 4 to change the system current period from within a spreadsheet. For more information, see Editing system configuration settings using Save Type 4.

To change the system current period:

  1. On the Axiom tab, in the Administration group, click Tables > Table Administration > System Current Period / Year.

    The System Current Period dialog opens. The current value for the current period is displayed in the System Current Period section.

  2. In the System Current Period section, in the New Value box, type the new value for the current period.
  3. Click OK.

The system current period is changed. Queries to calculated fields will reflect the new current period.

Setting the current period for a table

By default, tables use the system current period. If necessary, you can set a different current period for an individual table, and the calculated fields in that table will use that table's current period.

For example, you might have one table that uses 26 periods, while all other tables use 12 periods. In that case, you would need to set the current period for the 26-period table individually.

NOTE: Alternatively, you can use Save Type 4 to change the current period for tables from within a spreadsheet. This may be an easier method if you have many tables to update, or if you need to do it frequently. For more information, see Managing tables using Save Type 4.

To set the current period for a table:

  1. On the Axiom tab, in the Administration group, click Tables > Table Administration > Table Current Periods.

    The Table Current Periods dialog opens. The list of tables is grouped by table type. To view or edit the settings for a table, expand the table type grouping.

    The dialog only lists table types that are configured as data table types. Tables without a table type are also listed.

  2. If the table is not already configured to use a table current period, clear the Uses System check box for the table.

    If this box is checked, the table uses the system current period. If this box is cleared, the table uses the current period specified in this dialog.

  3. To change the current period for a table, place your cursor in the Current Period column, and then type the new period.

    NOTE: Typing a new period into the Current Period column will automatically clear the Uses System check box, if it is not already cleared for that table.

  4. Click Apply to save the change (or OK if you are finished editing the current period).

The table current period is changed. Queries to calculated fields will reflect the new current period.

If you ever want to change the table to use the system current period again, select the Uses System check box for the table.

See also