Why use Variables
- Consistency: every initiative pulls from the same source value instead of a manually re-entered number that can drift over time
- Speed: no need to look up or remember a figure each time you build a new benefit or cost
Creating a Variable
1
Go to Settings → Organization Settings → Variables
2
Click + Add variable
3
Give it a name (this is what you'll search for in the formula builder), a value, and the type (numeric, currency, or percentage)
4
Click Save
Using a Variable in the formula builder
When building a benefit or cost object on an initiative:1
Open the Formula builder
2
Click on the "+ Add variable" dropdown
3
Click on "Add global variable" and select a global variable
4
The global variable will be inserted into the formula builder to be called on in the formula field
A note on updating Variables
If a Variable is updated at the org level, initiatives that already reference it will not automatically pick up the new value. The value in use reflects what was true at the time it was applied, and changing it retroactively would compromise the integrity of initiatives that have already been reviewed or approved. To use the updated value, you’ll need to re-select the Variable in the affected formula.
If a Variable is updated at the org level, initiatives that already reference it will not automatically pick up the new value. The value in use reflects what was true at the time it was applied, and changing it retroactively would compromise the integrity of initiatives that have already been reviewed or approved. To use the updated value, you’ll need to re-select the Variable in the affected formula.