Must-Have JDE Multidimensional and
Relational Analysis Functionality

I’ve written this whitepaper to assist the non-technical JD Edwards (JDE) end-user in more effectively executing the Search and Selection process for a Reporting and Analysis solution. I suggest that it would be helpful for you to first read my previous whitepaper, "Helping Non-Technical JDE End-Users Choose the Proper Reporting Tool", to better understand the types of tools available. Hopefully, my candid tone, combined with simple, real world examples and exhibits, will help you through the Search and Selection process.

So, what are those must-have features and functionality for Multidimensional and Relational Analysis software? As a power-user, end-user, and consultant, I know that certain features and functionality tend to present themselves repeatedly as must-have. Unfortunately, since the customer "doesn’t know what he doesn’t know", such must-have requirements are not confirmed up-front during the Search and Selection process.

First, we explore three areas of functionality that, in my opinion, are critical for robust Multidimensional Analysis. Compound Dimensions allow you to alter the combinations of field values that define individual rows and columns. Parent-Child functionality allows you to preserve the integrity of your reported ERP data through flexible formatting and row or column-based usage, as opposed to rigid report-wide usage. Finally, Cell Specifications allow you to modify the content and appearance of individual cells, regardless of the more general calculations and formatting specified by the containing row, column, or overall report.

Finally, at a more general level, we seek to understand navigating within the somewhat complex JDE Reporting and Analysis marketplace. My discussion of niche versus enterprise players helps to flesh out two important aspects of due diligence. First, try to evaluate features and functionality in terms of your current and future requirements. Then, identify those features and functionality that are must-have by virtue of what your organization lacks in terms of JDE expertise.

About the Author

John Lambrianakos ( jlambrianakos@cetova.com ) is the VP of Marketing and Product Development at Cetova Corp. John has been working with JD Edwards since 1991, both as a consultant for GL Associates and IBM Global Services, and, in industry as a Finance Manager at Tiffany & Co. John received his BA in Economics from Vassar College in 1991, and his MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, in 1995.