Troubleshoot report filters

Filtering is a powerful tool when creating and running reports. Regardless of the type of report, you can assemble your report, specifying what data is included and what's hidden using filters.

Troubleshoot filters

In some cases, data might be filtered in multiple ways. When multiple filters on data overlap, it can cause unexpected results in report output.

Some filters are applied directly to a report. Other filters might be used on objects that are included in reports, such as account groups and dimensions.

Filters on objects are applied before the data gets to the report. Filters included in the report itself are applied after the data is gathered.

Some filters can be used in combination, while it is recommended that others be used only under certain circumstances.

The following provides information about the most common issues and how to correct them.

The No <dimension> specified option available in account groups Report filters isn’t available for GL reports. When creating an account group, you can select the No <dimension> specified for most dimensions. This includes any transaction in the account group that has no <dimension> attached.

However, this doesn’t translate to GL, which sees it as having a filter and not all transactions without the dimension.

When a GL report runs, it shows the results from the filter as it acts in the account group, and not (as you might expect) those transactions not associated with the <dimension>.

Create a custom report.

To see transactions that don’t have an associated dimension, create a custom report using GL entry detail and filter in that report for transactions without the dimensions.

What to look for: Different permissions, such as permissions for Entities or Departments.

Another thing to look for is that one user has Include subdimensions enabled on a Location filter and the other doesn't.

Verify that both users have the same permissions and report settings.

Not all information that should be included in the report appears in the report or appears in a different location than expected.

What to look for: Conflicting or multiple filters across different filter areas

Filters can be applied on dimensions, account groups, and reports.

Filters included in different areas of the report and account groups can conflict or be applied in ways other than expected. Sometimes the Dimension filters don’t match across the account group hierarchy.

Account groups can be filtered on rows in the report. Open the report, tab to Rows, and use the right-click View to walk the hierarchy.

Walk your way up the list to see any mismatches.

Locate any conflicting filters and adjust, make the filters match, or remove the filters. Check every area that can contain filters and determine any conflicts. Modify the filters so that they all match, remove filters from the dimension, account groups, or remove the filters from the report.

Filters on parent and child dimensions should include all dimensions desired. Reports only show the filtered dimensions that are in both.

If you need the filtering on account groups, create a different, clearly named account group for each filter, or for no filter at all. Use these filtered account groups in the reports as needed. Otherwise, use the filtering in the report and not on the account groups.

There are two likely causes:

  • the report is pulling the data from the line level of transactions but the transactions don't have a dimension associated at a line level.
  • the dimension isn't enabled for an application, so the transaction doesn't require the dimension or have it available at the line level.

Possible solutions:

  • associate the dimension for the transaction at the line level.
  • enable the dimension within the application. For example, enable Supplier in AP to include supplier transactions in the report.

Where to find filters

Where filtering is located depends on the type of report you're using.

Where to find filters
Filter Where to look

Account groups

Account groups are used with financial reports and have filtering of their own. When you create or edit an account group, the default is to have no filter for each of the dimensions. You can select specific dimensions with or without subdimensions: departments, locations, or classes.

You can filter the group for only the dimensions that have no instance of the dimension included in the group information. For example, all accounts that have no department or employee. This is the filter described in No <dimension> specified.

Access report filters for account groups from General Ledger > All > Accounts > Account groups.
Custom reports

The Filter your report step in the Custom Report Writer provides a method for additive filtering on a report.

The exact information in the filters will differ, but you can use combinations of columns, operators, and values. These are explained in detail in Report filters and Refine filters.

Some filters are applied directly to a report, from the report filtering. Other filters can be used on setup components that are included in reports, such as account groups and dimension groups.

Access the Custom reports from Reports > All > Advanced > Custom reports.
Dashboards

You can include filters on a dashboard and its individual components.

Selections for available filters are set at Dashboards > Dashboard properties.
Dimension groups

Dimension group is a name for particular set of members in a dimension, or a set of members that meet certain criteria. For example, you might create customer groups for a particular set of customers, customers located in a particular state, territory, or even customers with the greatest open balance.

In financial reports, dimension groups can be used in several ways:

  • Filtering for multiple dimension members, or for members that meet certain criteria
  • Controlling the order in which the members appear in report columns and rows
  • As the basis for report structures

Separate dimension group list for each type of dimension, also specific dimension groups in the Setup section of their owning applications. For example, to find the Customer Groups list, go to Accounts Receivable or Order Entry > Setup > Customers > Groups.
Dimension structures

You can add any number of structures for the dimensions you track.

Access Dimension structures from General Ledger > Financial report structures > Dimension structures.
Financial Report Writer

The Filters tab of the Financial Report Writer is an efficient place to filter financial reports.

Access the Financial Report Writer from Reports > All > Core > Financial reports.
Permissions Permissions are included across multiple applications.
Prompts This type of prompt appears when you run a report.