Review ways to create a business rule

A business rule is a short executable program that performs a business task. In PerformancePoint Planning Business Modeler, you can create those rules by using the method that best fits your requirements. For example, you can use one of the predefined templates, and customize it to your particular scenario. Alternatively, you can write a rule by using one of the following scripting languages:

• The PerformancePoint Expression Language (PEL).

• SQL.

• Multi-dimensional expressions (MDX).

The following list provides more detailed information about the various ways you can create business rules in Planning Business Modeler.

• Create a rule from a predefined template.
  
  You can create rules by using predefined business rule templates in Planning Business Modeler. The templates help create rules that are based on common business tasks, such as seeding or allocation. When you create a rule by using a template, you select the template based on the business task that you want to perform.
  
  After you select a business rule template, Planning Business Modeler displays an outline of the rule text in the Rule expressions pane. The outline contains placeholders for required elements, such as the rule scope and the rule expression logic. You add values unique to your task by typing applicable values in the placeholder locations.

• Import an existing rule or rule set from another model in Planning Business Modeler.
  
  If an existing rule fits all or most of your requirements, you can use menu options in the Model Site workspace to import the rule from another model. Then, you can modify the imported rule text in the Rule expressions pane to fit your particular situation.

• Create a custom rule from a blank template with PerformancePoint Expression Language (PEL).
  
  If you want more flexibility than the predefined rules and templates provide, you can write customized business rules by using PEL. You can also combine PEL rules with the predefined templates, by cutting and pasting the expressions that you want in the Rule expressions pane.

• Create a rule in native SQL or native MDX.
  
  You can code custom rules in SQL, MDX Query, or MDX Script, and then use, respectively, NativeSQL, NativeMDXQuery, or NativeMDXScript implementations.

  Note: A PerformancePoint Planning Server Global Administrator must enable native code implementations in the model. Because of security considerations, rules that use these implementations are usually saved as inactive, and then enabled on a case-by-case basis.