Hour() Function

YouTube: How to Use the Hour() Function in Report Custom Columns?

How to Use the Hour() Function in Report Custom Columns?

In this tutorial, we will learn how to design an expression using the Hour function in the reporting grid. The Hour function is used to extract the hour component from a time or datetime field like bill time.

Accessing the Expression Designer:

• Navigate to the Reporting section.

• Open the Sales Register - Cross Tab Report.

• Go to Setup Column Attributes.

• Here, you'll see a list of available columns that can be used to build expressions.

• Click on "Add/Edit Expression Columns" where you can write your expression using predefined functions.

• Before adding the expression to the report, go to Other Settings.

• Ensure the Script Editor is set to VBScript.

• Click Save.

  • Note: VBScript is the default for new configurations but always verify this setting.

Writing Your First Expression

• Every expression must start with the script header: '#@LSCRIPT

• Click the (+) Plus icon to create a new expression.

• Fill in the required fields:

  • Expression Name – A unique name for your expression.

  • Expression Type – Choose either Text or Numeric depending on the expected output.

Creating a Simple Hour() Expression

• Double-click your newly created expression to insert it into the script editor.

• Define the expression using the syntax:

  • Expression Name = HOUR(CDATE(BILL_TIME))

  • This expression extracts the hour part from the bill time.

• Save the expression once defined.

• Scroll down and check the box beside the expression name to enable it.

• Save and proceed to check the effect.

• Refresh the report to view the final result.

Result:

The new column will now display the hour extracted from the BILL_TIME field.

Example: If BILL_TIME = 14:32:00, then output = 14.