AX2634

Managing column aliases

Each column in a table (including calculated fields) can be assigned a column alias, which can be used instead of the column name in data queries and save-to-database operations for Axiom files. You can then easily change the query or save-to-database, by editing the alias to point to a different column.

You can create, edit, and delete aliases when creating or editing a table. Column aliases can be used with reference tables and data tables.

NOTE: Alternatively, you can use Save Type 4 to create and delete aliases via a spreadsheet. This may be an easier method if you have many aliases to maintain, especially if you are "rolling over" aliases to point to different columns and tables when starting a new planning cycle.

Adding an alias

Aliases can be added to a table at any time. The ability to add aliases to a table is limited to administrators and to users with the following security permissions: either the global Administer Tables permission, or the Allow changing table structure permission for individual tables.

IMPORTANT: It is not recommended to duplicate alias names and literal column names. For example, if you know you are going to create alias names NYB1-NYB12, do not use those names for literal columns in a data table. Instead, name the literal columns something like P1-12 or M1-12 (for periods or months). If aliases and table columns share the same name, and an entry could be resolved as either the alias or the table column, Axiom Software gives preference to the table column.

To add an alias to a table:

  1. From the Aliases tab of the Edit Table dialog, click Add Alias .

    If you are creating a new table, you can manage aliases on the Manage Column Aliases screen of the Create Table wizard.

    The New Alias dialog opens.

  2. In the Alias Name box, type a name for the alias.

    This name is used in Axiom queries and Axiom functions to query data, so it should be descriptive and short. See Table and column naming requirements.

    Each alias name must be unique for the Axiom Software system.

  3. From the Column list, select the column to assign to the alias.

    When this alias name is used in an Axiom function or an Axiom query, it will return the data from the selected column.

  4. If desired, in the Description box, type a description.
  5. Click OK to close the New Alias dialog.
  6. To save the new alias, click Apply (or OK if you are finished editing the table).

Editing an alias

Alias properties can be edited at any time. For example, you may need to edit an alias to point to a different column as part of your planning and reporting cycle, so that reports that use the alias will bring in data from the new column.

NOTE: When editing an alias using the Edit Table dialog, you can only assign it to columns within the same table. If you want to assign the alias to a column in a different table, you can delete the alias and then re-create it in the new table. If you are "rolling over" data for a new planning cycle, and you have many aliases that you need to move to different table columns, it will most likely be easier to use Save Type 4 instead. See Managing column aliases using Save Type 4.

The ability to edit aliases is limited to administrators and to users with the following security permissions: either the global Administer Tables permission, or the Allow changing table structure permission for individual tables.

To edit an alias:

  1. On the Aliases tab of the Edit Table dialog, select the alias that you want to edit.

    If you are creating a new table, you can manage aliases on the Manage Column Aliases screen of the Create Table wizard.

  2. Click Edit Alias.
  3. In the Edit Alias dialog, edit the alias properties as desired, and then click OK.
  4. Click Apply or OK to save your changes.

Deleting an alias

You can delete an alias if it is no longer needed, or if you want to assign the alias name to a column in a different table. The ability to delete an alias is limited to administrators and to users with the following security permissions: either the global Administer Tables permission, or the Allow changing table structure permission for individual tables.

To delete an alias:

  1. On the Aliases tab of the Edit Table dialog, select the alias that you want to delete.

    If you are creating a new table, you can manage aliases on the Manage Column Aliases screen of the Create Table wizard.

  2. Click Delete Alias.

    The alias is removed from the list.

  3. Click Apply or OK to save your changes.
See also