How does a Performance Ratio work in iDempiere
In iDempiere, the Performance Ratio screen is used to define a calculation formula that evaluates performance using accounting data. It allows users to build ratios such as percentages, efficiency measures, or comparisons by combining accounts, constants, and other ratios through arithmetic operations. These calculated results are later used mainly in Goals to measure and visualize performance.
What the Performance Ratio actually does
The Performance Ratio acts as a formula engine. It does not post accounting entries or store balances by itself. Instead, it tells iDempiere how to calculate a value by reading accounting facts from a specific Accounting Schema and Posting Type (Actual, Budget, etc.).
The Accounting Schema in the header defines which set of accounting rules and currency the ratio should use. This ensures the calculation reads values from the correct ledger. The Performance Ratio defined here becomes reusable and can be referenced by multiple goals.
How the Element tab works
The Element tab is where the actual formula is built. Each line represents one step or component of the calculation, and the system evaluates these lines in sequence.
Each element defines
- What value to take (account, constant, another ratio, or calculated value)
- How to combine it with the previous value using an operand
- Which posting type to read from (for example, Actual or Budget)
The Operand defines how the current element interacts with the previous result. Available operations are:
- Plus (+) – adds a value
- Minus (−) – subtracts a value
- Divide (÷) – divides the result
- Multiply (×) – multiplies the result
This allows complex formulas to be built step by step.
Understanding Element Type and Account Value
The Element Type determines the source of the value used in the calculation
- Account Value – Reads balances from a selected GL account
- Calculation – Uses a calculated value
- Constant – Uses a fixed numeric value (for example, 100)
- Ratio – Reuses another Performance Ratio inside this formula
The Posting Type defines whether the value comes from Actual, Budget, or another posting type.