Aggregated Variables

When a new Professional Panel is created, a set of default Aggregated Variables will be added automatically to the Aggregated Variables list. You can also specify additional Aggregated Variables. These variables are used in aggregate queries to update the Panelist table based on information in the Survey History table. The Aggregated Variable List lists all the aggregated variables available for this user - .

Figure 1 - Example of the Aggregated Variable List

To open an Aggregated Variable, click on the blue Name link for that variable in the list. If the event the list is extensive, use the search functionality to reduce the list to a manageable size.

Creating a New Aggregated Variable

1. Go to the Panel Management > Aggregated Variable List menu command.

The Aggregated Variables window opens.

2. Click on the New Aggregated Variable button towards the right end of the toolbar.

The New Aggregated Variable dialog opens - .



Figure 2 - The New Aggregated Variable dialog

3. Type a name for the variable into the Name field.
4. Select whether you wish to use Survey History or Credit Transaction History, then click Finish.

The variable is created and added to the Aggregated Variable List, and the variable opens for editing - .

Figure 3 - Example of the editing page for an Aggregated Variable

• Name – the name of the selected virtual variable. You can edit this as required.
• Aggregate Operator – select the type of operator you wish to use. Options are:
• Count – counts the number of rows in the table that satisfy the condition, and outputs the result.
• Avg – totals the values in the table fields that satisfy the condition, and outputs the average value.
• Min – examines the values in the table fields that satisfy the condition, and outputs the minimum value.
• Max – examines the values in the table fields that satisfy the condition, and outputs the maximum value.
• Sum – totals the values in the table fields that satisfy the condition, and outputs the result.
• Panel Field Name – specify the field in the Credit Transaction or Survey History table that the condition is to be run on. Note that the fields available will depend on the Aggregate Operator selected.
• Condition – click Edit to open a condition editor window, then create the required condition (go to Multiple Panelist Editor for more information). On completion, click Save to copy the condition to the Expression field.
• Expression – the expression that will be used for the aggregated variable. This is arrived at by combining the selected Aggregate Operator and Output Field Name, and the Condition.
• Comment – type in a comment or description for the variable.
• Loop Level - indicates the loop used - for information only.
• Date information – for information only.

Once you have created and saved the Aggregated Variable, it will be available for use in the Professional Panel Variables field in the Current Rule > Source tab (go to Panel Database for more information).