Sorting a Crosstab by "GL Period Number" but Showing "GL Period Name"

Question

We are trying to create a report that has "GL Period Name" (JAN-09, FEB-09, MAR-09") across the top but the report sorts them by Alpha giving us:
FEB-09, JAN-09, MAR-09
We are even trying to use "GL Period Number" to get the Numeric order but to not want to display it.

Answer 1

Hi Chris
You need to create an alternate sort for the Period Name using the Numeric order as the alternate.
You do this in the Admininstrator tool by creating a list of values for the Period Name, perhaps against a Custom SQL folder, and then assigning the LOV to the GL Period Name by editing the Property called Item Class.
In Custom SQL you can use something like this:
SELECT DISTINCT PERIOD_NAME
FROM
table_with_period
ORDER BY
numeric_value
You create an Item Class (aka list of values) on the PERIOD_NAME in this folder. When creating the item class make sure you uncheck the box which says Sort and remove duplicates. This is already being done by the Custom SQL.
With the Item Class built, go to the GL_PERIOD_NAME, right-click on it and select Properties.
Look for the Item Class property (its about half way down the list) then click in it. From the list of available Item Classes pick the one that was created against the Custom SQL folder.
Hint: a good idea would be to create a new business area called LOOKUPS and place all your custom lists of values in here. Only the administrator would have access to this area. However, any item class built against an object in here will be available for use in your real business areas. In order to make the assignment in Discoverer administrator you will need to have the LOOKUPS business area open as well as any business area you will be attaching the item class to.
Hope this helps
Best wishes
Michael