Coalese field in Intelligence report

[tinaamundson]

I am trying to create a report where a COALESCE function is used.  I was provided this to enter into the report: "COALESCE([Expense].[Entry Information].[Custom 2 - Name],[Expense].[Entry Information].[Org Unit 1 - Name])" . 

The goal is if one field is blank, to pull the data from a different field.  However, I have no idea where to place this formula to get it to work. Where do I enter this expression?  Why would Concur provide me with this data if I want Org unit 1 and Custom 13? Oh well...

I want the report to pull the detail from "Org Unit 1 - Code" (Expense > Entry Information > Org Unit 1 - Code) but if that field is blank, I want the data from the header cost center populated "Custom 13 - Code" (Expense > Report Header Information > Custom 13 - Code).  Can anyone help with how to do this?

[KevinD]

@tinaamundson I'll need to ask my reporting contacts where this expression would go in the report. What is the name of the report you are working on and is there a copy in your My Contents? 

[tinaamundson]

The report is in My Contents titled "Sent for payment date DRAFT".  I appreciate any help you can provide, thanks!

[KevinD]

@tinaamundson alright...I had to get a little help, but I think I will make your day. Are you ready? 

So, open the report in Edit mode. Near the top click the little arrow next to Report. From the drop down, select Query. You will see a list of all the data items. Double-click Allocated Cost Center - Entry Level. The expression editor will open. You will see the expression for the data item. Replace the current expression with: COALESCE([Expense].[Entry Information].[Org Unit 1 - Code],[Expense].[Entry Information].[Custom 13 - Code]). Click OK. 

That should do it. I would recommend making a copy of the report first before making the changes so you have the original. I provided a couple screenshots for you.